0 €, 0 € (Basiskonto), Ca. 15% vom Bruttolohn, 0 €, 0 € - 2,29 €/Stunde, 60-100 € je nach Titel

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Ohne Anmeldung geht in Deutschland fast nichts! Es kann ein Bußgeld geben.

New to Germany – Dortmund 2026: Registration, bank account & integration

Step 1⏱ 10–15 Min

Register your address

🚨

Frist: 14 days after moving in · Almost nothing in Germany works without registration! You may face a fine.

First things first: You must register at Dortmund citizens' services within 14 days.

📄 Required Documents

Passport with visa(Required)

Valid visa for Germany

Landlord confirmation(Required)

Signed by landlord

Rental contract(Optional)

Bring just in case

💡 Weitere Tipps

Citizens' services Dortmund: Online appointment via dortmund.termine-reservieren.de
Locations: City hall, district offices in all districts
Get landlord confirmation from landlord BEFORE appointment
Order multiple registration certificates (for bank, employer etc.)

Appointment at Dortmund citizens' services↗

Step 2⏱ 5–10 Min

Open a bank account

🚨

Frist: As early as possible · Without IBAN your employer can't pay you!

You need a German bank account for salary, rent and all contracts.

📄 Required Documents

Passport(Required)

Valid

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Residence permit(Required)

Current permit

💡 Weitere Tipps

N26 or Vivid: completely online, also in English
Sparkasse Dortmund: in person, but with more services
Basic account: Right for everyone, even without fixed address
IBAN needed for salary and contracts

👉 Konto jetzt eröffnen *

Step 3⏱ 5–10 Min

Get health insurance

🚨

Frist: Before starting work · Without health insurance you have to pay doctor visits yourself.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany! As an employee, it runs automatically through your employer.

📄 Required Documents

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Employment contract(Optional)

If already available

💡 Weitere Tipps

GKV (statutory): mandatory for employees earning up to EUR 73,800/year (2025)
PKV (private): option for self-employed, civil servants, high earners
EU citizens: bring European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable
Tip: No health insurance = no permanent residence permit!
GKV registration: possible within 90 days of entry

All statutory health insurance funds (GKV)↗🔒 Compare private health insurance (PKV) ↗

Step 4⏱ 2–5 Min

Get tax ID

The tax ID (11 digits) comes automatically by mail after registration.

⚠️Without tax ID your employer applies the highest tax class.

⏰ 2-4 weeks after registration💰 0 €

💡 Weitere Tipps

Comes automatically – you don't need to apply
Often takes 2-4 weeks
Employer can start without it
If lost: request online from Federal Central Tax Office

Request tax ID online↗

Step 5⏱ 5–10 Min

Take integration course

The integration course helps with German and explains how Germany works.

⚠️Important for your integration and later for citizenship!

⏰ Recommended within first year💰 0 € - 2,29 €/Stunde

📄 Required Documents

Residence permit(Required)

Current permit

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

💡 Weitere Tipps

600 hours German + 100 hours orientation course
BAMF often covers the costs
DTZ exam at end = language proof for citizenship
VHS Dortmund offers courses

Find integration course in Dortmund↗

Step 6If you need a residence permit⏱ 5–10 Min

Visit immigration office

🚨

Frist: Before visa expires · Book appointment early – waiting times are long!

The Dortmund immigration office handles visas, residence permits and extensions.

📄 Required Documents

Passport(Required)

Valid

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Biometric photo(Required)

35x45mm, recent

Employment contract or enrollment certificate(Required)

Depending on purpose of stay

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo

•Immigration office Dortmund: Märkische Str. 122, 44141 Dortmund

💡 Weitere Tipps

Online appointment booking via dortmund.de available
Bring all documents as original AND copy
With questions: use migration counseling (free)

Immigration office Dortmund↗🧑‍💼 Find a job in Germany

Step 7⏱ 2–5 Min

💳 Credit card & liability insurance

Two things important in Germany: a credit card (or prepaid card) for online shopping, travel and international payments. And liability insurance – it pays if you accidentally damage something or hurt someone.

⚠️Without liability insurance you are personally liable for every damage – even if it is not your fault. From €2-5/month.

💡 Weitere Tipps

💳 Prepaid credit card: no Schufa needed, ideal for newcomers (e.g. DKB, Revolut)
🌍 Revolut or Wise: free, ideal for international transfers
🛡️ Liability: from €2-5/month – one of the most important insurances in Germany
📱 Everything online: account + credit card + liability in 10 minutes

👉 Compare credit cards free*🛡️ Compare liability insurance ↗

New to Germany in Dortmund

Register your address

📄 Required Documents

Open a bank account

📄 Required Documents

Get health insurance

📄 Required Documents

Get tax ID

Take integration course

📄 Required Documents

Visit immigration office

📄 Required Documents

💳 Credit card & liability insurance

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📋What you should do next: