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Everything you need for your first weeks in Germany, from registering your address to understanding German bureaucracy.
Last updated · 10 guides in this hub
In this hub
Moving to Germany is one of the most exciting decisions you'll ever make, but the first few weeks can feel overwhelming. Between registering your address, opening a bank account, and figuring out which insurance you need, there's a lot on your plate.
That's exactly why we created this section. Think of it as your personal checklist for settling into German life. We've been through every step ourselves and we'll walk you through it in plain English, no bureaucratic jargon required.
Our Getting Started guides cover the essential first steps every new arrival needs to complete. From the all-important Anmeldung (city registration) to understanding your visa options and navigating the Auslanderbehoerde (foreigners' office), we break down each process into simple, actionable steps.
If you've just landed in Germany, start with our First 30 Days guide. It gives you a day-by-day roadmap of what to do and when. Already past your first month? Browse our bureaucracy guides for deeper dives into specific processes like getting your tax ID, setting up health insurance, or understanding your residence permit options.
Guides
Family Life Navigate pregnancy, birth registration, and parental benefits in Germany as an expat. Complete guide to healthcare, maternity leave, Kindergeld, and childcare applications for 2026...
Banking Opening a bank account is one of the first things you need to do after moving to Germany. Here's how to do it, which bank to choose, and mistakes to avoid...
Health Insurance Every resident in Germany must have health insurance. Here's an honest breakdown of public vs private, what they cost, and which one is right for you...
Bureaucracy Anmeldung is Germany's mandatory city registration and the first bureaucratic step every expat must complete. Here's exactly how to do it...
First Steps There's a specific order you need to do things when moving to Germany. Follow this day-by-day checklist to get the essentials sorted in your first month...
Accommodation Finding an apartment in German cities is genuinely hard. Here's a realistic guide covering where to search, the Bewerbungsmappe, and how to stand out...
Visa & Immigration Germany has a visa for almost every situation. This guide breaks down the Blue Card, work visa, freelance visa, and others in plain English...
SIM Cards & Internet Getting connected in Germany starts with choosing the right SIM card or mobile plan. From prepaid options for immediate connectivity to contract plans with better long-term value, this guide covers network coverage, costs, and expat-specific requirements...
Shopping & Daily Life Moving to Germany means navigating a grocery shopping culture with its own rules, from deposit coins for shopping carts to lightning-speed checkout etiquette. Learn essential vocabulary, payment methods, and cultural expectations that make daily life smoother for expats...
Job Search Landing a job in Germany as an expat requires navigating bureaucratic precision, cultural expectations, and competitive markets. From visa requirements to interview techniques, this complete guide covers...