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.

New to Germany in Hamburg – Fristen & Checkliste

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.

You must register your new address at a Hamburg customer center. This must be done within 14 days after moving in. Hamburg has customer centers in every district.

📄 Required Documents

Passport with visa(Required)

Valid visa for Germany

Landlord confirmation(Required)

Signed by landlord

Rental contract(Optional)

Bring just in case

💡 Tips

Book online at hamburg.de/go/17584 or call 115
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm WITH appointment only
Dont forget landlord confirmation!
Registration certificate important for other authorities

Appointment Hamburg Customer Center↗

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

Passport(Required)

Valid

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Residence permit(Required)

Current permit

💡 Tips

N26 or Vivid: completely online, also in English
Sparkasse/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

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Employment contract(Optional)

If already available

💡 Tips

Employees: employer pays half
Public (TK, AOK, 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

ID card or passport(Required)

For identification

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Bank details (IBAN)(Required)

For direct debit

💡 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

Residence permit(Required)

Current permit

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

💡 Tips

Hamburg Adult Education Center offers integration courses
Private language schools also possible
BAMF funding: only 2.29€/hour contribution
Hamburg Welcome Center advises on language courses

VHS Hamburg - German courses↗

Step 7If you need a residence permit

Visit Hamburg Welcome Center

🚨

Frist: Before visa expires · Appointments ONLY with invitation letter! Request via email or contact form.

For questions about residence permits or integration, the Hamburg Welcome Center is your central contact point. Applications are submitted online via the service portal.

📄 Required Documents

Passport(Required)

Valid

Invitation letter(Required)

Comes by mail after appointment request

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Biometric photo(Required)

35x45mm, recent

Employment contract or enrollment certificate(Required)

Depending on purpose of stay

💡 Tips

Hamburg Welcome Center: Hotline 040 428 39-5500
Online application via Hamburg Service Portal
Upload documents digitally in advance
Fiction certificate for long waiting times
Checklists: welcome.hamburg.de

Apply for Hamburg residence permit↗

New to Germany in Hamburg

Register your address

📄 Required Documents

Open a bank account

📄 Required Documents

Get health insurance

📄 Required Documents

Get tax ID

Get mobile phone contract

📄 Required Documents

Take integration course

📄 Required Documents

Visit Hamburg Welcome Center

📄 Required Documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔗 Related Topics