14 days
to register your address after moving in (Anmeldung)
Day 1
health insurance must cover you from arrival
6 months
to exchange a non-EU driving licence
B1
German level for permanent residence
Guide by
Abdullah
Creator of Ankommo · Based in Germany
I moved to Germany and built Ankommo to help others navigate the same process I went through. We offer 1-on-1 video consultations on visas, Ausbildung applications, citizenship requirements and settling in.
Book a 1-on-1 consultationMoving to Germany checklist
Tick each task as you go; your progress is saved in this browser.
✈️Before you arrive
0/5📋First week
0/4🏦First month
0/5🏡First three months
0/4Keep this plan. A free Ankommo account saves your progress and shows all your Germany deadlines in one place, plus the A1–B2 German course, free to start.
Create free accountAnmeldung: your most important first step
Required within 14 days of moving into a permanent address
Anmeldung (address registration) unlocks everything else in Germany. Without it you cannot open a bank account, get a tax ID, or access most public services.
You need: a confirmed permanent address, your passport, and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation form). Book an appointment at your local Bürgeramt; waiting times can be 2–6 weeks in large cities.
The registration is free and takes about 15 minutes. You leave with a Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate). Keep multiple copies.
German makes everything easier
Even A1 German helps at the Bürgeramt, supermarket, and in your building. A2 covers appointments, forms, and housing. B1 is required for permanent residence and citizenship.
Deep-dive guides for each step
Useful tools for life in Germany
Visa Checker
Which German visa or permit actually applies to you: nationality, purpose, and the gaps to close.
First-Month Budget
Deposit, Anmeldung, insurance, Rundfunkbeitrag: what landing in Germany really costs.
Führerschein Planner
Exchange your foreign driving licence or get one from scratch, step by step.
Citizenship & PR Timeline
Exactly when you can apply for permanent residence and citizenship.
Salary Calculator
Calculate your net salary after German taxes and deductions.
Gross vs Net Salary
Understand the difference between gross and net pay in Germany.
German Tax Classes
Which Steuerklasse applies to you and what it means for your pay.
German Level Test
Find your exact CEFR level (A1 to B2) in under 3 minutes.
How this checklist was built
18 Tasks in Four Phases, Every One Tied to a Deadline
None of the 18 tasks is here because it sounded sensible: each maps to something with a date attached, from the 14-day Anmeldung deadline in §17 BMG to the six-month window for exchanging a non-EU driving licence. The four phases run from before you fly to your third month, in the order the paperwork actually forces. One limit worth knowing now rather than in March: your ticks live in this browser and nowhere else, so clearing your history clears the checklist.
- 18
- tasks across four phases, from before you fly to month three
- §17 BMG
- the 14-day registration deadline, linked in full
Checked against the statutes and Make it in Germany in July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Anmeldung and why is it important?
- Anmeldung is the official registration of your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). It is legally required within 14 days of moving into a permanent address. Without Anmeldung you cannot open a German bank account, get a tax ID, register for health insurance, or apply for most official documents.
- How do I open a bank account in Germany as a foreigner?
- Most traditional banks require Anmeldung before opening an account. However, online banks like N26, Bunq, and Revolut allow you to open a German account with just your passport before Anmeldung. Once you have your Anmeldung, you can open an account at Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkasse, or DKB.
- Is health insurance mandatory in Germany?
- Yes. Health insurance is legally mandatory in Germany. Employed people are automatically enrolled in public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). Students and self-employed people must arrange their own: either public (TK, AOK, Barmer) or private. The subsidised student rate is around €130–€160/month (2026).
- How do I find housing in Germany?
- The German rental market is competitive, especially in Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. Use ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht (for flat-shares), and eBay Kleinanzeigen. A WG (Wohngemeinschaft / shared flat) is the most affordable option for newcomers. Most landlords require a Schufa credit report and the last three payslips.
- What German level do I need for daily life in Germany?
- A1 covers very basic survival communication. A2 helps with appointments, shopping, and simple forms. B1 is the level where most people feel comfortable in everyday situations and is required for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis). B2 and above is expected for most professional roles.
Learn German before you move
Start with A1 and work toward B1; it will make every part of your first year in Germany easier.
Start FreeFirst 5 chapters free · Cancel anytime