Moving to Germany and Registration: Step by Step

Moving to another country brings many new tasks at once. It is easier if you know the order. Here, EU citizens who come to Germany to work can find step-by-step instructions. For Ukrainians, almost the same steps apply, plus a visit to the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) – more under Applicants from Ukraine. If you have a different passport, first read who can work in Germany.

Step 1: Prepare your documents

Before you travel, check that you have the following:

• a valid passport or ID card of an EU country – the most important document for work and registration;
• marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates, if you are coming with your family or want to apply for benefits;
• driving licence, if you have one;
• forklift licence, if you have one – a big advantage for warehouse work;
• proof of training and work experience – not required, but helpful;
• bank card for your first expenses.

Documents in foreign languages sometimes have to be translated. Which translations are needed depends on the individual case – we will advise you.

Step 2: Contract before the move

We recommend moving only when everything is clear: the job, the work location and the start date. You receive your employment contract before you start work. You can find the whole process under How it works.

Step 3: Travel

EU citizens enter Germany without a visa – by bus, plane, train or car. Romania and Bulgaria have been full members of the Schengen area since 1 January 2025; there are usually no passport checks at the internal borders.

Tips for the journey:

• put your documents in your hand luggage, not in your suitcase;
• save copies of your documents on your phone;
• tell us your arrival date and time in good time.

Step 4: Arrival and accommodation

After arrival, you move into your accommodation. Accommodation near your workplace can be provided on request – more about this under Accommodation. If you are looking for a place yourself, check beforehand whether you will get a landlord’s confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).

Step 5: Registering your address

Registration (Anmeldung) is compulsory. It must be done within two weeks of moving in. Without registration, it is difficult to open a bank account or get a tax ID.

Where?

At the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) of your city (depending on the city, also called Bürgerbüro or Einwohnermeldeamt).

Appointment

In many cities you need an appointment – online on the city’s website or by phone. Free appointments are not always available right away, so book as early as possible.

What to bring?

• passport or ID card;
• landlord’s confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) – it is issued by the person or company that provides your housing;
• completed registration form, if the city asks for it in advance.

After the appointment, you receive the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). Keep it safe – the bank and authorities will ask for it.

We help with registration: we explain how to get an appointment, which documents are needed and how to fill out the form.

For Ukrainians

After registration, go to the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) and apply for the residence permit under § 24 AufenthG (temporary protection). While the application is being processed, the office can issue a provisional certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung). You may work if the document says “Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt” (employment permitted).

Step 6: Tax ID

After registration, you automatically receive your tax identification number (Steuer-ID). The letter arrives by post at your address, usually within a few weeks. Your employer needs the number for correct payroll. Make sure your name is on the letterbox.

Step 7: Bank account

Your wages are transferred to a bank account. You can open a euro account with an IBAN at a high-street bank or an online bank. You usually need your passport or ID card and the registration certificate. If you already have an account with an IBAN in another EU country, ask us whether it can be used.

Step 8: Health insurance

Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. As an employee, you are covered by statutory health insurance. You choose your health insurance fund yourself – there are many, and they differ mainly in their additional benefits. You tell your employer the name of the fund. Your insurance card arrives by post.

With your employment contract, you are insured in all branches of social insurance: health, pension, unemployment and long-term care insurance.

Step 9: Social security number

You need the social security number for pension insurance. It is usually issued automatically after your employer or health insurance fund has registered you. This letter also arrives by post. If you already had a number in Germany before, it stays the same.

Step 10: Mobile phone and SIM card

A German SIM card makes it easier to stay in contact with your employer, bank and authorities. There are two options:

• Prepaid – no contract, you top up credit. Practical for the first weeks. You must show ID to activate it.
• Contract – usually with a longer term; a bank account and registration are often required.

Within the EU, roaming at domestic prices usually applies, so at first you can use your existing SIM card.

Step 11: Child benefit (Kindergeld)

EU citizens who live or work in Germany can receive child benefit under certain conditions – in some cases even if the children live in another EU country. The application goes to the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse), which decides on the claim. Among other things, you need your tax ID and your children’s birth certificates.

How we help

• we tell you which documents you should bring;
• accommodation near your workplace can be provided on request;
• we help with the appointment and preparation for registration;
• we explain how to open an account and choose a health insurance fund;
• we prepare you for your first working day and the safety briefing.

As an applicant, you do not pay a fee for the placement.

In short: the first two weeks

1. Arrival and moving in.
2. Appointment at the citizens’ office and registration – within 2 weeks.
3. Choose a health insurance fund.
4. Open a bank account.
5. Get a SIM card.
6. Wait for the letters with your tax ID and social security number.

Would you like to start? Fill out the questionnaire – it takes about one minute.