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 Münster – 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.

First things first: You must register at the Münster citizens' office within 14 days. Almost nothing in Germany works without registration! In Münster this also works online.

📄 Required Documents

Passport with visa(Required)

Valid visa for Germany

Landlord confirmation(Required)

Signed by landlord

Rental contract(Optional)

Bring just in case

💡 Tips

✅ Online registration possible: wohnsitzanmeldung.de (no office visit!)
Citizens' office: Stadthaus 1, Klemensstraße 10, 48143 Münster
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 8am–6pm, Fri 8am–12pm
Book appointment: termine.stadt-muenster.de
Order multiple registration certificates (for bank, employer, immigration office)

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 Münster citizens' office

Residence permit(Required)

Current permit

💡 Tips

N26 or Vivid: completely online, also in English
Sparkasse Münsterland Ost or Volksbank: in person, 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 Münster citizens' office

Employment contract(Optional)

If already available

💡 Tips

Employees: employer pays half
Public (TK, AOK NordWest, Barmer) or private – check what fits
AOK NordWest has offices in Münster – good for personal advice
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 by post – you don't need to apply
Often takes 2-4 weeks after registration
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)
Contracts: often 24 months minimum term
German number important for bank and authority verification
In Münster: MediaMarkt, Saturn or direct provider shops

Compare mobile plans↗

Step 6

Take integration course

The integration course helps with German and explains how Germany works. In Münster, VHS Münster and AWO-Bildungswerk offer courses – often free!

⚠️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

VHS Münster: Aegidiimarkt 3, 48143 Münster | vhs-muenster.de
AWO-Bildungswerk Münster: also BAMF-certified
600 hours German + 100 hours orientation course
BAMF often covers the costs
DTZ exam at end = language proof for citizenship

Find integration course in Münster↗

Step 7If you need a residence permit

Visit immigration office

🚨

Frist: Before visa expires · Appointments ONLY with prior appointment! Request via online form or phone.

The Münster immigration office handles visas, residence permits and extensions. Appointments only after prior request – don't just show up!

📄 Required Documents

Passport(Required)

Valid

Registration certificate(Required)

From Münster citizens' office

Biometric photo(Required)

35x45mm, recent – photo machine in office available (€6)

Employment contract or enrollment certificate(Required)

Depending on purpose of stay

💡 Tips

Immigration office Münster: Hafenstraße 12-14, 48153 Münster
Tel. 0251/492-4201 | auslaenderbehoerde@stadt-muenster.de
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–12pm (by appointment only!)
💡 TIP: Request appointment online via Münster service portal
Photo machine available directly in the office (€6)

Immigration office Münster↗Request appointment online ↗

New to Germany in Münster

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 immigration office

📄 Required Documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔗 Related Topics