Arriving in Germany — what to do after your work permit

Obtain the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord

Before your appointment, your landlord must provide a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord's confirmation of your move-in). This is a legal obligation for landlords under §19 Bundesmeldegesetz. Landlords who refuse can be fined. Keep the signed original as you must present it at registration.

Book an appointment at your local Bürgeramt

Most cities require an online appointment (Termin) booked through the local Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt website. In Berlin, use service.berlin.de; in Munich, muenchen.de/termin. In smaller towns appointments may be available immediately or on a walk-in basis. Book as early as possible since appointment slots in large cities can be 2–4 weeks out.

Attend with passport, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, and completed Anmeldeformular

Bring your valid passport or national ID card, the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord, and a completed Anmeldeformular (registration form). Download and complete the Anmeldeformular in advance from your local Bürgeramt website. If you are registering multiple household members, bring all passports and one joint form is usually accepted.

Complete your Anmeldung (address registration)

The Steuer-ID process is entirely automatic after address registration. No separate application is needed. Once you are registered at an address in Germany, the BZSt is notified by the registration office and initiates issuance of your Steuer-ID.

Wait for the Steuer-ID letter from the BZSt

The BZSt sends your Steuer-ID by post (regular mail, not registered) to your registered address. This typically arrives within 2–4 weeks of your Anmeldung appointment. You cannot receive the letter at a PO box or forwarding address — it must be sent to your registered German residential address.

Provide the Steuer-ID to your employer

Give your 11-digit Steuer-ID to your employer's HR or payroll department. Your employer uses it to report wages to the tax authority and for payroll tax deductions. Provide it as soon as you receive it — withholding it causes your employer to apply the least favorable tax class (Steuerklasse VI) by default.

Determine whether GKV or PKV applies based on your salary

Compare your gross annual salary to the current Versicherungspflichtgrenze (approximately €73,800/year in 2024, updated annually). If below the threshold, GKV is mandatory. If above, you may choose PKV — but this choice is effectively permanent while you remain employed above the threshold. EU Blue Card holders above the salary threshold face this real choice and should consider it carefully.

Choose a GKV provider and submit an enrollment form

All GKV insurers (Krankenkassen) are required to accept new members. Major nationwide providers include Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), AOK, Barmer, DAK, and IKK. Contribution rates vary slightly between providers (typically 14.6% base rate plus a provider-specific Zusatzbeitrag). Submit the enrollment form online or in person together with a copy of your employment contract. Most providers have English-language enrollment portals.

Receive the Mitgliedsbescheinigung from your insurer

After processing your enrollment, the GKV insurer issues a Mitgliedsbescheinigung (membership confirmation certificate). For online enrollment this is typically available as a PDF within 1–3 business days. This document must be submitted to your employer before or on your first day of work for them to set up the correct payroll deductions.

Have your Anmeldebestätigung ready

Your Anmeldebestätigung is the primary address proof accepted by German banks. Without it, most banks cannot process your account application. Complete your Anmeldung before attempting to open a bank account. Some banks also accept a utility bill in your name, but the Anmeldebestätigung is universally accepted.

Choose between a traditional bank and a neobank

Traditional banks (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Postbank, Sparkasse) offer full banking services, in-branch support, and established relationships — but require an in-person appointment and may request a Schufa credit check. Neobanks (N26, Bunq, Trade Republic) open accounts entirely online via video identification, have no Schufa requirement, and provide an IBAN immediately — making them the easiest option for new arrivals without a German credit history.

Apply online or in-branch with required documents

For a traditional bank: book an appointment and attend in person with your passport, Anmeldebestätigung, and employment contract. For a neobank: complete the online application form and verify your identity via the in-app video identification (VideoIdent) process using your passport. The VideoIdent process typically takes 5–15 minutes. You will receive your IBAN immediately after successful verification.