Register your address — Anmeldung
Tell the local registration office where you live. This is often the starting point for letters, your tax ID and other services.
See the Anmeldung checklistFree guide
Germany Starter Guide
Just moved to Germany? Here is a step-by-step plan for Anmeldung, tax ID, banking, health insurance, Kindergeld, residence permits and the documents worth preparing early.
FreePlain languageFor newcomersOfficial form links
Your roadmap
The first 7 steps after moving
The exact order can vary, but this path helps you understand what usually comes first and which documents connect the steps.
Receive or request your Steuer-ID
The permanent tax identification number is usually sent by post after registration. Keep the letter safe.
Understand the tax IDOpen a bank account
A German or SEPA account is commonly needed for salary, rent, family benefits and other payments.
See what banks may requestArrange health insurance
Health insurance is essential for everyday life and is commonly required for work, study and residence matters.
Read the basic overviewCheck your Kindergeld eligibility
Families with children may qualify. Prepare the parent and child tax IDs and the correct application attachments.
Open the Kindergeld sectionPrepare your Aufenthaltstitel
If your status requires a residence permit, collect the documents early because requirements depend on your situation and city.
See common documentsKeep copies of everything
Save digital and paper copies of forms, confirmations, letters and submissions. They make later steps much easier.
Use the visit checklistUsually the first document
Anmeldung: register your address
Anmeldung records your address with the local registration office. It is important because official letters, your tax ID, banking and access to many services depend on a reliable registered address. Registration is usually required within 14 days of moving in, although appointments and local procedures vary.
- Your landlord or housing provider normally gives you a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
- Use the official Anmeldung form required by your local authority.
- Register family members together when the local process allows it and bring their documents.
Build the basics
Tax ID, banking and health insurance
These three pieces connect many parts of everyday life. The right provider or process depends on your employment, study, family and residence situation.
Steuer-ID
Your Steuer-ID is a permanent tax identification number. It is commonly needed for employment, taxes and Kindergeld.
After Anmeldung it is usually sent to your registered address. If the letter does not arrive or you lost it, request a new notification through the official BZSt service.
Open official Steuer-ID serviceBank account
An account is commonly used for salary, rent, Kindergeld and social benefit payments.
Banks may request your passport or ID, address and Anmeldung or another proof of address. Requirements differ, so check directly with the institution you choose.
GermanyFlow does not recommend or rank individual banks.
Health insurance
Health insurance is generally compulsory in Germany and is commonly needed for work, study and residence permit applications.
Depending on your circumstances, statutory or private insurance may apply. Confirm your options with a qualified insurer or the responsible authority.
This guide is general information, not medical, insurance or legal advice.
For families
Kindergeld: prepare the family documents
Kindergeld is a family benefit for children. Eligibility and supporting documents depend on the family residence, work and cross-border situation. The standard paper application uses the KG1 form plus a separate Anlage Kind for each child.
- Have the tax IDs of the applicant, the other parent where relevant, and each child ready.
- Complete one Anlage Kind for every child included in the application.
- Additional evidence may be required for adult children or international family situations.
When a permit is required
Aufenthaltstitel: prepare early
Residence permit requirements depend on your nationality, current status, reason for staying and local immigration authority. Commonly requested items include a passport, biometric photo, health insurance, registered address, financial evidence and an appointment confirmation.
- Check the exact permit category and local authority checklist before applying.
- Use current documents and make copies before your appointment.
- Do not assume one city process is identical everywhere in Germany.
One last check
Check before your visit
A two-minute review can prevent another appointment or a return trip because one document is missing.
Passport or ID
Appointment confirmation
Completed official form
Copies of supporting documents
Photo, if required
Proof of address
Birth or marriage certificates, if relevant
Certified translations, if required
Health insurance evidence for residence matters
Bank details for benefit payments
Small things matter
What people most often forget
No panic and no perfection required. These are simply useful details to check before you leave home.
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung for Anmeldung
The child tax ID for Kindergeld
A required signature on the form
Copies of the original documents
The exact Latin spelling used in the passport
The previous address for Ummeldung
The appointment confirmation
Current health insurance evidence for a residence permit
Continue with GermanyFlow
Free GermanyFlow resources
Use the free official-form library first. Guided document preparation and Berlin appointment monitoring are separate optional services.
Official Forms Library
Download verified official German PDF forms for free.
Browse Official FormsDocuments Assistant
If you do not want to prepare a form alone, GermanyFlow can guide you through supported documents in your language.
Choose DocumentTermin Berlin
For selected Berlin services, optional appointment monitoring can notify you when a supported slot appears.
Find Termin in BerlinYour first practical step
Start with the first document
If you have just moved, Anmeldung is often the first step. Download the official blank form for free or use GermanyFlow to prepare your information in a guided flow.
GermanyFlow is an independent private service, not a German authority. Requirements differ by city and personal situation. Always confirm the current checklist with the responsible authority.