Newcomer checklist
The four things to sort out in your first weeks. Tick them off as you go — your progress is saved on this device.
Last updated 2 June 2026
Progress—
Register at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in. You get a Meldebescheinigung — needed for almost everything else.
Health insurance is mandatory. Most employees join a public insurer (GKV); some choose private (PKV).
You need a German/SEPA account for salary, rent and direct debits (Lastschrift).
A German number helps with deliveries, two-factor codes and contracts.
Progress is saved on this device only.