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Getting Started in Germany: Your First Steps

Welcome to Germany! The first few weeks bring plenty of new impressions and a few administrative tasks. Find out here what you need to take care of and how you can organize your new everyday life.

Explained in this Video

Your first 100 days in Germany: how to get off to a good start!

Are you an international skilled worker who recently moved to Germany, wondering how to get off to a smooth start? This explainer video takes you compactly through the key milestones of your first 100 days: finding accommodation, opening a bank account, arranging health insurance, and obtaining your residence title.

Formalities After Entering Germany

Key topics for a smooth arrival in Germany

Accommodation, bank account, insurance and transport: these are the matters you should sort out shortly after arriving in Germany. This will help you quickly establish a stable daily routine.

Find housing

Finding a suitable flat, checking the rental agreement, and registering with the residents' registration office: this is how to successfully move to Germany.

Read about finding housing

Open a bank account

You will need a German bank account for your salary, rent and living expenses. Find out what you need to bear in mind when opening a bank account.

Read about bank accounts

Sort out health insurance

Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. Find out which statutory or private schemes are best suited to your situation.

Read about health insurance

Driving licences and mobility

Is your driving licence valid in Germany, or do you need to have it converted? Here you will find information on driving licences and means of transport.

Read about mobility

Other insurances

Liability, household contents, accident, retirement provision and occupational disability: find out which other types of insurance could be useful for you.

Read about insurances

Leisure and culture

Hiking, clubs and cultural activities: here's how to make the most of your free time and meet new people in Germany.

Read about leisure time

Language and Integration

Learn German to help you get started in Germany

A good command of German makes it easier to advance your career, go about your daily life, get on with neighbours and colleagues, and deal with the authorities. Find out what level of German you need and how to find the right German language or integration course.

Read about learning German and integration

Three smiling colleagues looking at a laptop together in the office — © Julia-stock.adobe.com

Family in Germany

Settling in well in Germany with your family

Childcare, the education system and financial support for families: find out what’s important for getting off to a good start with your family in Germany.

Read about family life in Germany

Happy family with two children playing together on a swing in the park — © iStock.com/Drazen Zigic

Advice and Support

Do you have any questions about visas, jobs or life in Germany? Here you will find the right advice and support services: a hotline, a live chat, an email contact form, webinars and events, as well as in-person advice centres in Germany and abroad.

All services at a glance