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New to Germany in Berlin

Your complete starter guide for beginning in Germany

Progress0 of 7 steps completed
7 Schritte · ca. 5 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 5 Minuten fertig

Step 1

Register your address

🚨
Frist: 14 days after moving in · You may face a fine and many contracts and official processes become more difficult without registration.

First things first: You must register at the citizens' office within 14 days. Since October 2024, you can also register completely online in Berlin!

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • NEW since Oct 2024: Online registration via service.berlin.de possible!
  • Over 60 citizens' offices in all districts
  • Book appointment online: service.berlin.de/terminvereinbarung/
  • Tel. 115 for all official questions
  • Order multiple registration certificates (for bank, employer, etc.)
Online registration Berlin↗
Step 2

Open a bank account

🚨
Frist: As early as possible · Without IBAN your employer can't pay you and rent payments become complicated.

You need a German bank account for salary, rent and all contracts. Online banks are often easier for newcomers.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • N26 (Berlin!) or Vivid: completely online, also in English
  • Berliner Sparkasse/Berliner Volksbank: in person, but with more services
  • Basic account: Right for everyone, even without fixed address
  • IBAN needed for salary and contracts
Open bank account↗
Step 3

Get health insurance

🚨
Frist: Before starting work · Health insurance is mandatory. Without it you have to pay doctor visits yourself.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany! If you are employed, it runs automatically through your employer.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Employees: employer pays half
  • Public (TK, AOK Nordost, etc.) or private – check what fits
  • Without work: approx. €200/month voluntarily
  • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) temporary for EU citizens
Compare health insurances↗
Step 4

Get tax ID

The tax ID (11 digits) comes automatically by mail after registration. Your employer needs it for your salary.

⚠️Without tax ID your employer applies the highest tax class first – you get less net salary.
⏰ 2-4 weeks after registration💰 0 €
💡 Tips
  • Comes automatically – you don't need to apply
  • Often takes 2-4 weeks
  • Employer can start without it (submitted later)
  • If lost: request online from Federal Central Tax Office
Request tax ID online↗
Step 5

Get mobile phone contract

With a German number and bank account, you can get a mobile phone contract. Prepaid is fine for the start.

⚠️A German number is practical for 2-factor authentication with bank and authorities.
⏰ After bank account💰 10-50 €/Monat

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Prepaid: no credit check, immediately usable
  • Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect: cheap and uncomplicated
  • Contracts: often 24 months minimum term
  • German number important for verification (bank, etc.)
Compare mobile plans↗
Step 6

Take integration course

The integration course helps with German and explains how Germany works. Often free or very cheap!

⚠️Integration course is important for your integration and helps with learning German. Good for later citizenship!
⏰ Recommended within first year💰 0 € - 2,29 €/Stunde

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • 600 hours German + 100 hours orientation course
  • BAMF often covers the costs
  • Berlin has many providers: VHS, Hartnackschule, etc.
  • DTZ exam at end = language proof for citizenship
Find integration course in Berlin↗
Step 7If you need a residence permit

Apply for residence permit at LEA

🚨
Frist: Before visa expires · No open appointment booking! First submit online application, then invitation comes by mail.

The State Office for Immigration (LEA) in Berlin handles all visas and residence permits. Appointments only via online application or contact form!

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • LEA Berlin: Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24, 13353 Berlin
  • Tel. 030 90269-4000 | Use online contact form!
  • First submit online application → wait for invitation by mail
  • Current wait times very long (several months)
  • Fictitious certificate possible for delays
LEA Berlin Online Application↗

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
14 Tage nach Einzug
What does it cost?
0 €, 0 € (Basiskonto), Ca. 15% vom Bruttolohn (Arbeitnehmer), 0 €, 10-50 €/Monat, 0 € - 2,29 €/Stunde, 60-100 € je nach Titel
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Es kann ein Bußgeld geben und viele Verträge sowie Behördengänge werden ohne Anmeldung schwieriger.

🔗 Related Topics

Visa & residenceBerlinNaturalizationBerlinMovingBerlin