Welcome to Germany!

From registering your address (Anmeldung) to securing health insurance and extending your residence permit – this section provides clear, step-by-step guidance, essential documents, and tools to help you stay compliant and stress-free.

First Things to Do After Arrival (Airport process, transport from the airport)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

Registering Your Address (Anmeldung) in Germany

Opening a Bank Account (Best banks for students, online banking options)

Health Insurance & Medical Registration in Germany

Residence Permit & Visa Extension — Full Guide for Students

First Things to Do After Arrival (Airport process, transport from the airport)

The first few hours after landing in Germany are crucial. From clearing immigration to arranging transportation, having a clear plan helps make the transition smoother and less stressful.

1. At the Airport: Immigration & Customs

Documents you’ll need ready for Immigration:

Passport with Visa
University Admission Letter (Zulassungsbescheid)
Proof of Finances (Blocked Account Confirmation, Scholarship letter, or Sponsor letter)
Health Insurance Proof
Rental Contract (if already arranged)

Customs Rules:

Declare cash if carrying over €10,000.
No prohibited items (certain foods, medicines without prescription, etc.).
Red Channel if declaring, Green Channel if not.

2. Transport from the Airport: Options & Tips

Airport Train Stations:

Major airports like Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin have train stations attached directly to terminals.
Tickets: Buy at DB ticket machines, DB counters, or via the DB Navigator App.
Regional trains (S-Bahn): Ideal for city center connections.

Airport Bus Services:

- Flixbus and regional buses operate from airport terminals to other cities.
- Check: Flixbus Germany

Taxis and Ridesharing:

Official taxis are available outside terminals.
Uber operates in major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt (prices can be higher than taxis for short distances).

Public Transport Apps:

- DB Navigator (for intercity trains)
- City-specific apps like BVG (Berlin), MVV (Munich), VVS (Stuttgart)

Confused About German Paperwork?

From Anmeldung to visa extension – We’ll walk you through every form and appointment.

3. General Arrival Tips:

SIM Cards:

Buy a prepaid SIM card at airport kiosks (Vodafone, O2, Telekom).
Compare prepaid deals: Prepaid-Wiki Germany

Currency Exchange:

Better to withdraw euros from ATMs inside the airport than exchanging at currency booths (better rates).

First Night Stay:

If you don’t have permanent accommodation yet, book a hostel/hotel in advance.
Affordable sites: Booking.com, Hostelworld

Registering Your Address (Anmeldung) in Germany

Welcome to your new home in Germany!
Registering your address (called Anmeldung) is the first official step you must complete after moving. It’s a legal requirement and important for getting your residence permit, bank account, health insurance, and more.

What is Anmeldung?

Anmeldung = Address Registration at your local Bürgeramt (Citizen’s Office).
Mandatory by law within 14 days of moving into a permanent residence.
You’ll get a document called “Meldebescheinigung” — proof of your registered address.

Documents Required

🔹 Passport or national ID
🔹 Valid visa (if applicable)
🔹 Rental contract (Mietvertrag)
🔹 Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Landlord confirmation form) ➔ very important!
🔹 Completed Anmeldung form (can be filled online or printed)

How to Book an Appointment

In most cities, you must book an appointment (Termin) at your local Bürgeramt.
Appointments fill up fast, so book early!

Process at the Bürgeramt

Arrive 15 minutes early.
Bring all documents organized in a file.
No German skills? No problem! Staff are used to English-speaking students.
You’ll fill a short form if you haven’t already and hand over your documents.
Get your Meldebescheinigung (address certificate) immediately after successful registration.

🧠 Extra Tips

✅ Start looking for appointments immediately after signing your rental contract.
✅ No permanent address yet? You cannot register with Airbnb or hostel addresses.
✅ Some cities allow walk-ins early in the morning (ask around!).
✅ If you move later, you need to re-register your new address (Ummeldung).

Why Anmeldung is Important?

Needed to open a bank account.
Needed to get health insurance.
Required for getting your residence permit.
Necessary for mobile phone contracts, gym memberships, etc.

Opening a Bank Account (Best banks for students, online banking options)

Opening a German bank account is essential for settling in — from paying rent to receiving part-time job salaries. As a student, you have multiple affordable (even free!) banking options. Here’s everything you need to know to open the right account quickly and easily.

Types of Bank Accounts in Germany

Type	Purpose	Best For
Girokonto (Current Account)	Everyday banking (rent, bills, salary)	ALL students
Sperrkonto (Blocked Account)	Proof of funds for visa/residence	Visa applicants (before arrival)
Savings Account (Sparkonto)	Saving money long-term	Optional for later

✅ Most students will need a Girokonto immediately after arrival!

Top Banks for Students (Traditional & Online)

🔹 Deutsche Bank (Traditional)

Famous option for opening Blocked Accounts.
Student accounts: Free up to age 30.

🔹 Commerzbank (Traditional)

Free Girokonto if you deposit minimum €700/month OR if you’re under 27.
Very strong branch network.

🔹 N26 (Online)

100% online bank (great app, English interface).
Free basic account, fast opening process.

🔹 DKB Bank (Online/Traditional Hybrid)

Free account for students.
Includes free VISA debit card.

🔹 Wise (formerly TransferWise) Multi-currency account (Online)

Best if you often transfer money internationally.
Not a full German bank account, but useful.

🔹 Sparkasse (Local Banks)

Each region has its own Sparkasse.
Personal support, strong network.
Fees vary by region (~€5/month unless under 25).

Documents Required to Open a Bank Account

✔️ Passport (or national ID card)
✔️ Proof of German address (Meldebescheinigung)
✔️ University admission letter or student ID
✔️ Residence permit or visa (if already issued)

Some online banks may not require in-person documents and allow video verification.

How to Open a Bank Account (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Choose the bank (traditional or online)
2️⃣ Collect all required documents
3️⃣ Book an appointment or start online application
4️⃣ Verify your identity (either in branch or via video)
5️⃣ Receive your debit card and online banking access by post!

Important Banking Terms to Know

German Word	Meaning
Girokonto	Current Account
Kontoauszug	Bank Statement
Überweisung	Bank Transfer
EC-Karte / Debitkarte	Debit Card
Dauerauftrag	Standing Order (for recurring payments)
Sperrkonto	Blocked Account

🧠 Extra Tips

✅ Pro Tip: Always ask about hidden fees — like ATM usage abroad or overdraft charges!
✅ Extra: If you plan to work part-time, make sure your bank account can easily accept salary transfers.

Health Insurance & Medical Registration in Germany

In Germany, health insurance (Krankenversicherung) is mandatory for everyone — especially students.
Without valid insurance:

You cannot enroll at a university.
You cannot extend your visa/residence permit.
You may have to pay for all medical costs out of pocket (very expensive!).

You must have insurance coverage starting from the day you arrive.

Public vs. Private Health Insurance (Comparison)

Category	Public Insurance (GKV)	Private Insurance (PKV)
Eligibility	All students under 30; most employees	Language course students; students over 30; some freelancers
Cost	€125 – €135/month (fixed for students)	€30 – €100/month (varies by age/coverage)
Coverage	Broad, standardized (doctor visits, hospitalization, preventive care)	Varies widely — can be customized (sometimes gaps)
Acceptance	Accepted everywhere	Some doctors may refuse private plans
Best For	Long-term degree students	Language course takers, prep students, PhDs, older students

Public Health Insurance Providers (Top Choices)

Provider	Features	Link
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)	Best for international students, English website & hotline, easy app	TK Student Insurance
AOK	Strong offline/local support, multilingual staff	AOK Student Info
Barmer	Good for families, mental health coverage focus	Barmer Students
DAK Gesundheit	Strong preventive care programs	DAK Student Info

Private Health Insurance Providers (Top Choices)

Provider	Features	Link
MAWISTA	Flexible plans, short-term coverage, easy cancellation	MAWISTA Students
Care Concept	Affordable for students over 30, basic plans	Care Concept
Feather Insurance	Fully digital, English-speaking, simple signup	Feather Insurance

How to Choose: Public or Private?

🔹Choose Public if:

You plan to study for more than 1 year.
You want to work part-time.
You want hassle-free coverage at every hospital.

🔹Choose Private if:

You’re only in Germany for a language course or preparatory studies.
You’re over 30 years old.
You need low-cost temporary coverage.

Documents Needed for Health Insurance Registration

Passport (copy)
University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid)
Proof of German address (Meldebescheinigung)
Bank account (IBAN) for automatic monthly payments

💡Tip: You can apply for a German bank account before arrival (like via N26, Wise).

How to Register for Health Insurance (Step-by-Step)

Choose a provider (TK, AOK, MAWISTA, etc.).
Apply online via their website or visit a local office.
Submit documents (passport, admission letter, address proof).
Receive your insurance certificate (Versicherungsbescheinigung) by email/post.
Present this certificate during university enrollment.

Finding Doctors (Hausarzt, Specialists)

🔹 In Germany, you must usually first visit a General Practitioner (Hausarzt).
🔹 They will refer you to specialists if needed (e.g., dermatologist, ENT).

Finding a Doctor:

TK Find a Doctor
Doctolib (Appointments online; many doctors in big cities)
Jameda (Doctor ratings and reviews)

Emergency Care:

Ambulance/medical emergency: Call 📞 112
On-call doctor (for non-life-threatening issues): 📞 116 117

Costs & Co-payments

GP visits → Free with public insurance.
Hospital stay → Covered, small daily fee (~€10/day).
Specialist visits → Need a referral sometimes (varies by state).
Medication → Small co-pay (€5–€10 per prescription).

🧠 Extra Tips

✅Public insurance automatically covers COVID-19 vaccinations, flu shots, basic dental!

✅Private insurance may need pre-authorization for big treatments.

✅Always ask about mental health support if needed (covered better under public insurance).

Residence Permit & Visa Extension — Full Guide for Students

If you’re a non-EU student, your visa sticker (usually valid for 90 days or 6 months) is only temporary.
You must apply for a Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) within the validity period to legally stay and study in Germany.
Without it → risk fines, forced departure, or blocked enrollment.

What is a Residence Permit?

It’s a plastic ID card with a chip issued by the local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office).
It allows you to live and study legally beyond the initial visa period.
It also defines your working rights (typically 120 full days or 240 half days/year for students).

When to Apply?

✅ Apply immediately after registering your address (Anmeldung)!
✅ Ideally at least 6–8 weeks before your current visa or entry permit expires.

💡Tip: In some cities like Berlin, appointment slots are booked months in advance! 🕰️

Required Documents (Checklist)

Item	Details
Passport	Valid, with visa sticker
Meldebescheinigung (Registration Certificate)	From Bürgeramt
University Enrollment Certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)	Current semester
Proof of Financial Means	Blocked account statement (Sperrkonto), scholarship letter, or job contract
Health Insurance Certificate	From public/private insurer
Biometric Passport Photos	(35mm x 45mm, white background)
Completed Application Form	Varies by city (downloadable)
Previous Residence Permit (if renewing)	Plastic card copy
Rental Contract	Proof of living place
Signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung	(Confirmation from landlord/agency)

How to Book an Appointment?

🔹 Local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde): Each city has its own booking portal.
🔹 Book online or by phone — sometimes in-person during special office hours.

Costs

🔹Standard Residence Permit Fee: ~€100
🔹Extension Fee: ~€93
🔹Changes (e.g., changing university): ~€50

What Happens During the Appointment?

✅ Submit all documents.
✅ Answer a few simple questions (about studies, finances, insurance).
✅ Sometimes give fingerprints.
✅ Receive a temporary document (“Fiktionsbescheinigung”) while your card is being processed.
✅ Wait for 4–10 weeks for plastic card issuance.

Validity Period of Student Residence Permit

🎓 Usually valid for 2 years initially or until the end of your degree program.
📅 You can renew it by showing:

Enrollment
Financial proof
Academic progress

Important Tips

✅ Book appointment early! Even 3–4 months ahead.
✅ Double-check documents! Missing one paper = rejected and rescheduled.
✅ Take German-speaking friend if your German is weak.
✅ Save scanned copies of all documents before your appointment.
✅ Keep Fiktionsbescheinigung carefully — you’ll need it for travel if you haven’t received the new card.