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New to Germany in Stuttgart

Your complete starter guide for beginning in Germany

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8 Schritte · ca. 6 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 6 Minuten fertig

Step 15–10 Min

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. Almost nothing in Germany works without registration!

📄 Required Documents

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo
Bürgerbüro Mitte: Eberhardstraße 39, 70173 Stuttgart
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • 22 citizens' offices in Stuttgart – choose one with short waiting time
  • With appointment: Mon-Fri various times depending on office
  • Without appointment: waiting times up to 2 hours possible!
  • Online registration possible at www.wohnsitzanmeldung.de
  • Get landlord confirmation from landlord BEFORE appointment
  • Order multiple registration certificates (for bank, employer, etc.)
Step 25–10 Min

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

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • N26 or Vivid: completely online, also in English
  • Sparkasse/Volksbank: in person, but with more services
  • BW-Bank (Landesbank BW): regional bank for Stuttgart
  • Basic account: Right for everyone, even without fixed address
  • IBAN needed for salary and contracts
Step 35–10 Min

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

💡 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
Step 42–5 Min

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 €
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • 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
Step 55–10 Min

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

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • 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.)
Step 65–10 Min

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

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • 600 hours German + 100 hours orientation course
  • BAMF often covers the costs
  • DTZ exam at end = language proof for citizenship
  • VHS Stuttgart offers many courses
Step 7If you need a residence permit10–15 Min

Visit immigration office

🚨
Frist: Before visa expires · Visits ONLY with appointment confirmation! Service point for simple matters like eAT pickup or transfers.

The Stuttgart immigration office handles visas, residence permits and extensions. Appointments only with invitation or online!

📄 Required Documents

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo
Immigration office Stuttgart: Eberhardstraße 39, 70173 Stuttgart
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Tel. 0711 216 358 90 | Email: auslaenderrecht@stuttgart.de
  • Service point for eAT pickup: book online appointment
  • Emergency appointments only register online (only if visa expires in 7 days)
  • Responsibility by first letter of last name
  • Use digital application portal for residence permits
Step 82–5 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
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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.