This file will contain the english version of the guide.
- First steps
- Residence Registration 2. What do I need for the registration? 2. Como preencher o formulário de residência? 3. Como fazer o registro? 3. Dicas gerais
Are you coming to (or just arrived in) Berlin? Awesome. In the table below you will find a summary (and recommendation!) of the first tasks that you might need to do in order to have a great start in the city. For more information, please read the rest of this guide.
Task | When | Where | Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Residence Registration | As soon as possible | In one of the city's Bürgeramts | TBD |
Buy a public transport ticket | As soon as possible | U-Bahn, S-Bahn station, BVG store | None. |
Get a prepaid German phone number | It can be done shortly after you arrive | In any store that sells prepaid phone cards (Telekom, O2, Vodafone, etc.) | Your passport |
Opening a bank account | After the residence registration | Bank of your choice | Passport and residence registration |
Choose a health insurance provider | It can be done shortly after you arrive | Usually by email | None. |
Get your social security number | After registering with a health insurance provider | By email | Having a health insurance |
Get your Tax Id number | At least 7 days after the residence registration | Finanzamt of your district | residence registration |
The residence registration (Anmeldung, in German) is one of the most important - and urgent - things that you must do after you arrive in Germany. Any person who moves into long-term accomodation in Berlin (i.e. renting a room or a flat) is required by law to register with the Resident's Registration Office (Bürgeramt) within 2 weeks of the arrival date in Germany. Despite of that, Berlin's registration offices are extremely busy, so it's normally no problem if you register a little late.
The document received immediately after your registration is really important, and without it, you won't be able to receive your salary, open a bank account, sign contracts or even apply for a Blue card/residence permit.
- Passaport (or Passaports, in case more than one person are being registered in the same address)
- Rental agreement (Mietvertrag)
- Registration form filled out (Anmeldungsformular).
- If you are married, bring your marriage certificate (written in English or German)
- If you have children, bring their birth certicates
- Patience