Pre-Departure & First-Weeks Checklist
Everything to do before you fly and in your first weeks in Germany — Anmeldung, bank account, residence permit and more, in the right order.
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What's inside
What you get
- A carry-on document table — passport with visa, admission/Ausbildungsvertrag, certificates, blocked-account and insurance proof — so nothing critical ends up in checked baggage.
- A 'before you fly' arrangements list: flights, first accommodation, blocked-account app and offline document copies.
- Your first week in the exact order that matters: Anmeldung, bank account, SIM, residence-permit appointment and transport.
- The Anmeldung explained — register within 14 days; the Meldebescheinigung unlocks your bank account, residence permit and tax ID.
- First-month tasks: enrolment or employer onboarding, activating statutory health insurance, and setting your budget.
- Honest reminders on the deadlines that actually cause problems — the 14-day window and your visa's validity date.
How to use it
Make it yours in four steps
- 1
Pack the carry-on documents
Put every item in the document table into your hand luggage — passport with visa, contract, certificates, blocked-account and insurance proof. Never check them in.
- 2
Register your address first (Anmeldung)
Within 14 days of moving in, register at the Bürgeramt. The Meldebescheinigung you receive is required for almost everything else.
- 3
Open a bank account and book the Ausländerbehörde
With your Anmeldung, open a Girokonto and book your residence-permit appointment early — slots fill up weeks ahead.
- 4
Settle in during month one
Enrol or start onboarding, activate statutory health insurance, get your tax ID and set your monthly budget.
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Questions about this template
Register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in. You receive a Meldebescheinigung, which nearly every other step — opening a bank account, getting your residence permit, and receiving your tax ID and health insurance — depends on. Book the appointment as soon as you have an address.
Your passport with the valid national visa, your admission letter or Ausbildungsvertrag, all certificates with certified translations, blocked-account confirmation, health-insurance proof, accommodation confirmation, biometric passport photos, and some euros in cash. Keep them in your carry-on, never in checked baggage.
Before your entry visa expires, book an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde to apply for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis. Bring your Anmeldung, biometric photos, health-insurance proof, proof of funds, and your enrolment or Ausbildungsvertrag. Book early, because appointment slots are often taken weeks ahead.
Usually no — most German banks ask for your Anmeldebestätigung before opening a Girokonto. Register your address first, then open the account. You need it to receive your stipend or salary and to pay rent, so do both in your first week.
It helps, but many Anmeldung forms and bank services are available in English in larger cities. Bring a German-speaking friend or your TFC contact to the Ausländerbehörde if you can. Basic German makes appointments smoother and is usually required anyway for your studies or Ausbildung.
- Make it in Germany — official government portal — German Federal Government (BMAS / BMWK) (official)
- Visas for Germany — German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) (official)
Figures are checked against these sources and reviewed each application intake. Last verified: 2026-07-20. Always confirm the current rule for your case with the official source before you act.
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