Roadmap: Your start in Germany step-by-step

By: Simon Heinrich – Last updated: 04/2026

This roadmap shows you what to do and when – from preparation to settling in after a few months. Work through the phases like a checklist and use the linked pages to dive deeper into specific topics.

Tip: You can also receive this roadmap as a personalised email series – tailored to your situation and arrival date.
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Phase One: Visa and Basic Requirements

Before you can come to Germany

No visa, no entry. This phase is about gathering all the documents you need for your visa application. Requirements vary depending on your purpose of stay – but proof of finances and health insurance are almost always mandatory.

Prepare Your Documents

☐ Check your passport (must be valid for at least six months upon entry)

☐ Secure your admission letter, job contract, or training contract

☐ Scan important documents and store them digitally

☐ Get certified translations if required

Proof of Finances

☐ Clarify what proof your visa requires (salary, scholarship, blocked account, sponsorship)

☐ Students: Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) → More about blocked accounts

☐ Professionals: Keep your employment contract with salary details ready

☐ Families: Secure the financial proof of the main applicant

Health Insurance for the Visa

☐ Take out incoming insurance (travel health insurance for entry and the initial period) → More about incoming insurance

☐ Print the insurance certificate for your visa application

☐ Find out more about the different ways to get health insurance coverage in Germany → More about health insurance

Submit Your Visa Application

☐ Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate

☐ Compile all required documents

☐ Pay the visa fee

☐ Wait for approval (can take several weeks)

Plan Housing and Communication

☐ Organise temporary accommodation for the first days (hotel, hostel, Airbnb)

☐ Start looking for permanent housing (begin early in competitive cities) → More about Housing

☐ Prepare documents for landlords (proof of income, guarantor letter)

☐ Research how to get a German SIM card as quickly as possible (eSIM beforehand or purchase at the airport) → More about SIM cards

Phase Two: The First 7–10 Days

You’re in Germany. Every hour counts. Your first action: activate a German phone number. Without it, you can barely book appointments, verify yourself with banks, or respond to housing listings.

Activate Your German SIM Card and get connected

☐ Activate your SIM card (buy at the airport or activate your pre-ordered eSIM) → More about SIM cards

☐ Test your German number (call, SMS, mobile data)

☐ Note down your number and keep it ready for all further steps

☐ Set up WiFi in your accommodation or use a mobile hotspot

Register Your Address

☐ Book an appointment at the Citizens’ Office (Bürgeramt) – often available online

☐ Prepare documents: passport, rental contract, landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

☐ Keep your registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) safe

Contact the Foreigners’ Office

☐ Book an appointment at the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde), long waiting times in many cities, so book immediately!

☐ Check which documents you need (registration certificate, passport photos, health insurance proof, proof of finances, employment/training contract or enrolment certificate)

☐ Get biometric passport photos taken (if you don’t have them)

Open a Bank Account

☐ Open a current account with a bank that reports to SCHUFA → More about current accounts

☐ Complete identity verification (VideoIdent or PostIdent)

☐ Wait for access details and cards (approx. 1-2 weeks)

☐ Inform your employer, landlord, or insurance company of your new IBAN

Finalise Health Insurance

☐ Get your insurance status confirmed

☐ Request your insurance card or send proof to your university/employer

Phase Three: The First 4–6 Weeks

Getting settled

Secure Your Residence Permit

☐ Attend your appointment at the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde)

☐ Apply for your electronic residence permit (elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel, eAT)

☐ Collect your eAT (usually takes 4–6 weeks after application)

☐ Remember or safely store the PIN for your eAT’s online functions

Housing

☐ Find permanent accommodation (if still in temporary housing) → More about finding a flat

☐ Review your rental contract carefully (utilities, notice period, deposit)

☐ If you move: register your new address again

Authorities

☐ Apply for or extend your residence permit at the Foreigners’ Office (if required)

☐ Wait for your tax ID (Steuer-ID) – it arrives by post automatically – and give it to your employer

☐ Families: Apply for child benefit (Kindergeld)

Insurance

☐ Take out personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht) → More about insurance (coming soon)

☐ Consider household contents insurance (Hausratversicherung) if you have your own flat

Internet & Mobile

☐ Set up a permanent internet connection (DSL, cable, fibre) → More about broadband

☐ Review your mobile tariff: keep prepaid or switch to a contract?

Everyday Setup

☐ Set up standing orders (rent, insurance)

☐ Activate direct debits for electricity, internet, mobile

☐ Students: Pay your semester fee (Semesterbeitrag)

Phase Four: After 3–6 Months

Optimisation and planning ahead

Structure Your Finances

☐ Set and stick to a monthly budget

☐ Build up savings (savings account) → More about savings accounts (Coming soon)

☐ Open a second account and credit card (backup strategy) → Why this makes sense

Long-Term Security

☐ Review your insurance: does it still fit your situation?

☐ Professionals: Look into company pension schemes

☐ Learn about long-term wealth building (ETF savings plans) → More about investing Coming soon)

Integration

☐ Improve your German (language courses, tandem partners, apps)

☐ Build your network (meetups, clubs, professional events)

☐ Explore local services (transport, culture, advisory centres)

Roadmap for Your Situation

This overview applies to all newcomers. For group-specific advice:

Students – Blocked account, student health insurance, semester fee
Apprentices – Training contract, vocational school, salary
Professionals – EU Blue Card, proof of salary, tax class
Families – Child benefit, family insurance, daycare/school

Roadmap by email

If you’d like guidance step by step, you can also receive our roadmap by email. At regular intervals, you’ll get reminders for typical next to-dos, additional checklists, and notes on important deadlines—aligned with the phases of your stay in Germany.