Arriving in Germany - a clear plan for the paperwork
By: Simon Heinrich – Last updated: 04/2026
New to Germany or preparing for your move? Here you’ll find a clear overview: which topics to tackle in which order, what options you have, and what really matters.
You can also use this website as a reference after you’ve arrived. You’ll find practical guidance for everyday life in Germany.
Choose your situation
Prepare for Germany is for anyone who wants to plan their start in Germany in a structured way, whether you’re coming alone, with a partner, or with your family.
Students
For everyone coming to Germany for a degree programme, language course, Studienkolleg, or PhD.
Apprentices
For everyone in vocational training, dual study programmes, or school-based training.
Professionals
For experienced workers with a job contract, a EU Blue Card, secondment, or self-employment.
Families
For everyone moving to Germany with a partner or children, or joining family already here.
Prepare for Germany is also relevant if you’re coming to Germany as an au pair, or as a holder of an Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). Many topics are similar, e.g. bank accounts, insurance, housing or mobile plans, and the guidance is designed so you can apply it to your situation.
Which areas you can get support with here
Instead of fighting your way through forums and contradictory experiences, you’ll find compact overviews and checklists on the key topics for everyday life in Germany.
Money and Banking
Current account, credit card and blocked account – your financial foundation.
Phone and Internet
SIM card, mobile contract, and broadband – stay connected from day one.
Insurance
Health insurance, liability, and household contents – what you actually need.
Your personal roadmap
Instead of ten open browser tabs, get a clear sequence: what to do before arrival, in your first week, in your first months. Delivered as an email series, tailored to your situation.
Why Prepare for Germany exists
The information you need for your start in Germany exists – but it’s rarely structured or tailored to newcomers. Prepare for Germany brings together official sources, real experiences, and our own research, so you can focus on what matters.
Where it makes sense, we link to specific providers. These links are marked. You can use them, but you don’t have to.