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New to Germany in Essen

Your complete starter guide for beginning in Germany

Progress0 of 6 steps completed
6 Schritte · ca. 4 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 4 Minuten fertig

Step 1

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 Essen citizens' office within 14 days. For non-EU citizens, registration is at the immigration office.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Citizens' office Essen (EU citizens): Hollestr. 3, 45127 Essen | Tel. 0201 88-33222
  • Immigration office (Non-EU): Kruppstraße 16, 45128 Essen | Tel. 0201 88-38883
  • Online booking: termine.essen.de
  • Get landlord confirmation BEFORE appointment
  • Order multiple registration certificates
Book appointment online↗
Step 2

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

💡 Tips
  • N26 or Vivid: completely online, also in English
  • Sparkasse Essen: in person, but with more services
  • Basic account: Right for everyone
  • IBAN needed for salary and contracts
✓ Open bank account↗
Step 3

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

💡 Tips
  • Employees: employer pays half
  • Public (TK, AOK, Barmer) or private
  • Without work: approx. €200/month
  • EHIC temporarily usable for EU citizens
✓ Compare health insurances↗
Step 4

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 €
💡 Tips
  • 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

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

💡 Tips
  • 600 hours German + 100 hours orientation course
  • BAMF often covers the costs
  • DTZ exam at end = language proof for citizenship
  • VHS Essen offers courses
Find integration course in Essen↗
Step 6If you need a residence permit

Visit immigration office

🚨
Frist: Before visa expires · Book appointment early – waiting times are long! eAT takes 4-6 weeks.

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

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Immigration office Essen: Kruppstraße 16, 45128 Essen | Tel. 0201 88-38883
  • Email: abh@essen.de | eAT pickup: 38883@abh.essen.de
  • Appointments ONLY online: termine.essen.de
  • Bring all documents as original AND copy
  • eAT processing: 4-6 weeks (Federal Printing Office)
Appointment immigration office Essen↗

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
14 Tage nach Einzug
What does it cost?
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.

🔗 Related Topics

Visa & residenceEssenNaturalizationEssenMovingEssen