Phase 2 · 7 steps
After You Arrive in Germany
This phase guides you through the most important registrations and practical setup steps after arriving in Germany. Some are legally required, while others depend on your personal situation.
Some links may lead to partner services. All recommendations are optional, transparent and based on usefulness.
Why this step matters
The moment you land you need internet — to call a taxi or use public-transport apps, contact your landlord, use Google Maps, receive bank or verification codes, book your city-registration appointment, and communicate with your university or employer. Without mobile data, even simple tasks become difficult.
Questions and answers
No. You can buy and activate the eSIM before or after landing — no German address needed.
No. Airalo works as an eSIM that you install digitally; your physical SIM can stay in the phone.
Usually no. Airalo provides mobile data only. You can use WhatsApp, email, maps, online banking, and ride and delivery apps. If you need a German number, you can get a local SIM later.
You can install it in advance and activate it after you arrive; many students activate it right after landing at the airport.
Most modern smartphones support eSIM. Check Settings → Mobile Network → Add eSIM; if unsure, check your phone model online before purchasing.
Each plan has a fixed validity (for example 7, 15 or 30 days). Choose the plan that matches your arrival and setup period.
Airalo — Instant eSIM for Germany
Mobile internet right after arrival — without a store visit or SIM delivery. Instant activation, no physical SIM, no German address, and no long-term contract; it works immediately after landing. With our partner link and the code STEPHA8239 you may receive a discount on your first purchase (depending on current Airalo conditions).
Partner code
STEPHA8239exact benefits depend on current partner terms
Affiliate link. We may receive a small commission if you use this link. You pay no extra cost.
Why this step matters
Before you can register your address (Anmeldung), you must receive this document from your landlord. Without it, the city office will not complete your registration — and without registration you cannot receive your tax ID, or apply for or extend your residence permit (non-EU students). Many banks may also ask for proof of your German address or registration. If this step is delayed or incorrect, everything else is delayed too.
Questions and answers
A written confirmation from your landlord (or the main tenant in a shared flat) that you moved into the apartment. It confirms your full name, the exact address, your move-in date, and the name and signature of the landlord.
If you rent directly: your landlord. In a WG: the main tenant can issue it. In student housing: the housing administration.
You can book the appointment without it, but you must bring it to the appointment; without it, the registration is usually rejected.
The landlord is legally required to provide it. Remind them politely if they delay; registration without it is generally not possible.
Common mistakes
- Wrong move-in date.
- Misspelled name.
- Missing signature.
- Using the rental contract instead of the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — this is not enough.
Template for the landlord confirmation
Provided for convenience. Always verify your city's requirements if unsure before you bring the document to your appointment.
Official template provided by a German university — verify your city's requirements too.
Why this step matters
After moving in, you must officially register your address at the local city office (Bürgerbüro or Einwohnermeldeamt). This is a legal requirement in Germany, and you must register within 14 days of moving in. Registration determines your official residence status, when you receive your tax ID, whether you can open a bank account, and whether you can apply for or extend your residence permit (non-EU). Without it, many processes cannot continue.
Questions and answers
Your valid passport, your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, and the completed registration form if your city requires it. Some cities also ask for your residence permit if already issued, or a marriage certificate when registering as a family. Always check your city website before the appointment.
Yes — in most cities you must book online. In smaller cities, walk-in registration may still be possible. Slots can be limited, so book early.
A registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung), important for opening a bank account, signing contracts, applying for a residence permit, and official correspondence. Keep it safe.
After your Anmeldung, your tax identification number (Steuer-ID) is usually sent automatically by post to your registered address, which can take several weeks.
Can I get it faster? Yes — if you urgently need it (for example for a job), you can visit your local Finanzamt in person with your passport and your Meldebescheinigung; in many cases they can provide the number or an official confirmation letter.
Important: the Steuer-ID is different from a Steuernummer. The Steuer-ID is assigned automatically after registration; a Steuernummer must be requested and is usually only needed for freelance work or a business.
Registration is mandatory. Failing to register on time may lead to fines and delays in other administrative processes.
Why this step matters
A regular current account is very useful for daily life in Germany and is normally needed for salary payments, rent, direct debits and blocked-account payouts. If you opened a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for your visa, your monthly living allowance is transferred to your German bank account, so you use it to pay rent, groceries, transport, health insurance and other contracts. Blocked-account providers normally require a regular current account for monthly payouts. Depending on the provider, this may be a German account or another eligible SEPA account. Check your provider's requirements.
Questions and answers
Yes. The blocked account only proves your financial stability for the visa; the monthly amount released from it is transferred to a regular current account (Girokonto). You cannot use the blocked account for daily payments. Blocked-account providers normally require a regular current account for monthly payouts; depending on the provider, this may be a German account or another eligible SEPA account.
Yes. In most cases you can open an account with your passport, your registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung) and a German address; the tax ID is usually not required.
Yes, in many cases. Most banks allow it with passport and registration confirmation; if more documents are needed, the bank will tell you during the process.
Yes. Digital banks like N26 provide a German IBAN and work like traditional banks: you can receive salary, pay rent, set up direct debits and transfer money. Some older businesses may still prefer cash, but bank transfers are standard.
You can choose a local bank with branches, but the process may take longer and needs more paperwork; digital banks are usually faster and easier for international students.
N26 — German bank account for students
A licensed German digital bank and a popular option for international students. It provides a German IBAN and lets you manage your finances online: fast online setup, English app and support, a free standard account option, full access via smartphone, and suitable for receiving blocked account payouts.
Affiliate link. We may receive a small commission if you use this link. You pay no extra cost.
Why this step matters
Once you move into a flat or room where utilities or home internet are not included in the rent (e.g. cold rent or private WG), you need to contract a DSL/Fiber provider and choose a competitive electricity tariff. Setting up your own internet connection and comparing electricity plans prevents expensive default rates.
Home DSL / Fiber internet vs mobile data: While an eSIM or mobile card gets you data instantly on arrival, home Wi-Fi requires a fixed broadband connection. Standard installation can take 1 to 3 weeks, so start your comparison right after address registration.
Electricity & Gas tariffs in Germany: If electricity is not included in your warm rent, your local municipal provider automatically enrolls you in a basic default tariff (Grundversorgung), which is typically much more expensive. Switching to an eco or budget plan via a comparison portal saves up to hundreds of euros per year.
Questions and answers
In most student dormitories and WGs, Wi-Fi or LAN is already included in your rent. Check your contract first before booking a separate DSL connection.
Your German address, German bank IBAN (from Step 4), and for electricity the meter number (Stromzählernummer) found on your electric meter in the basement or hallway.
Yes. Basic default supply can be canceled on short 2-week notice; switching is free, online, and handles the cancellation with your old provider automatically.
Common mistakes
- Staying in the default local electricity tariff without comparing prices.
- Ordering home DSL without checking if the contract has a 24-month minimum duration.
- Forgetting to ask your landlord or WG flatmates for the electricity meter number.
CHECK24 — DSL internet & electricity comparison portal
Germany's largest comparison platform for DSL broadband internet, electricity, and gas tariffs. Easily filter for short-term contracts, cash-back rewards, student deals, and compare all regional network providers in one place.
Affiliate link. We may receive a small commission if you use this link. You pay no extra cost.
Why this step matters
Every household in Germany must pay a monthly broadcasting contribution. It is mandatory by law and finances public TV and radio — even if you do not watch TV.
How it works: the fee is charged per apartment, not per person; the amount is shared among everyone in the same flat. Only one person per apartment needs to register and pay; in a WG you usually share the cost.
Questions and answers
It is charged per apartment, not per person; the amount is the same whether one or four people live there. In a WG you usually divide it among flatmates.
Yes, but only once per apartment. If a flatmate already pays and has a contribution number (Beitragsnummer), you can register as an additional resident under that number; you do not pay twice.
In most cases yes, if you have your own room with a separate rental contract that counts as an independent living unit; check with your dorm administration if unsure.
Ignoring them does not cancel the obligation; you may later receive payment requests including back payments. Clarify early.
Exemptions are possible in specific situations, for example receiving certain social benefits or severe financial hardship; students with a regular blocked account are usually not exempt.
Deregister your old address and update your registration; if you were the person paying for the apartment, inform the broadcasting service when moving out.
Rundfunkbeitrag — official service
After your city registration you may receive a letter about the Rundfunkbeitrag. On the official site you can register your apartment, add yourself to an existing WG contribution number, and update your address if you move. If you live in a WG, ask your flatmates first whether a contribution number already exists.
Why this step matters
In Germany you are financially responsible for damage you cause to other people or their property, and even small accidents can become expensive — for example losing a shared apartment key, damaging someone's laptop, causing water damage in a bathroom, or accidentally damaging a kitchen surface in your apartment. Without liability insurance you pay these costs yourself.
Questions and answers
For students it is usually very affordable, often only a few euros per month depending on coverage and provider; small compared to potential damage costs.
No. Health insurance covers medical treatment; personal liability insurance covers damage you accidentally cause to others — two completely different types.
Yes, especially in a WG; if you accidentally damage shared property such as kitchen, bathroom or furniture, you may be personally responsible.
No. For your own belongings (theft, fire) you would need household contents insurance (Hausratversicherung).
Many policies include lost keys, especially for shared buildings or central locking systems; always check the policy conditions.
Versicherungskammer Bayern (VKB) — Personal liability insurance for students
Why we recommend the Optimal tariff: basic tariffs offer general coverage, but the Optimal tariff adds extended protection that matters for students — coverage for lost apartment keys, damage to borrowed items, internet and electronic data damage, accidental personal and property damage, and rental property damage (Mietsachschäden). The price difference to the basic tariff is small while the protection level is significantly higher; check the current policy conditions before you sign.
Affiliate link. We may receive a small commission if you use this link. You pay no extra cost.
Phase 2 complete?
You are registered and settled in. Now continue with Phase 3 — student life in Germany.
FAQ
Phase 2 — frequently asked questions
1) mobile internet, 2) contact your landlord, 3) prepare for your registration appointment, 4) set up your bank account — these unlock everything else.
Not all on the same day, but within your first weeks. Some steps such as city registration are legally required within a short period after moving in; others such as liability insurance are strongly recommended.
It is mandatory; delays can complicate bank account setup, delay your tax ID, cause issues with your residence permit and in some cities lead to fines. Book your appointment early.
In some cases, yes. Requirements differ between banks and may depend on your nationality, residence status and identification method. Many traditional banks ask for a German address or Meldebescheinigung, while some digital banks may allow account opening earlier.
You need mobile internet immediately; a German number is recommended for job applications and daily communication, but you can start with a data eSIM and get a local number later.
After registration it is usually sent by post to your registered address; if you urgently need it for a job you can visit your local Finanzamt with your passport and registration confirmation.
No, but it is highly recommended; without it you are personally responsible for damage you accidentally cause, which can be expensive.
Many responsibilities apply per apartment: the broadcasting fee is paid once per flat, liability insurance is personal, registration is individual. Coordinate with your flatmates.
Some steps are legally required (registration, broadcasting fee clarification), others are strongly recommended (bank account, liability insurance); skipping important steps can create delays or financial risks.