Procedure guides

Step-by-step walkthroughs that remember where you left off.

Register your address in Berlin (Anmeldung)

Almost everyone living in Germany must register their home address with the local authority. In Berlin this is the Anmeldung, done at a Bürgeramt. Registration is generally required within 14 days of moving in (§17 Bundesmeldegesetz). You'll need the Anmeldebestätigung (confirmation) it produces for almost everything that follows — opening a bank account, signing a work contract, getting your tax ID, and health insurance.

4 steps

Verified as of 2026-06-12 · Official source

Arrivaldüsseldorf, duesseldorf, dusseldorf

Register your address in Düsseldorf (Anmeldung)

Almost everyone living in Germany must register their home address with the local authority. In Düsseldorf this is the Anmeldung, done at one of the city's Bürgerbüros. Registration is generally required within 14 days of moving in (§17 Bundesmeldegesetz). You'll need the Meldebestätigung (confirmation) it produces for almost everything that follows — opening a bank account, signing a work contract, getting your tax ID, and health insurance.

4 steps

Verified as of 2026-06-28 · Official source

ResidencyNationwide

Renew your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)

A residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) has an expiry date, and renewals are handled by the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde / Landesamt für Einwanderung). Appointments are scarce, so the single most useful thing you can do is start early — well before the permit expires. This guide covers booking, documents, and what happens if your appointment falls after the expiry date. It is general information, not advice on your individual immigration case.

4 steps

Verified as of 2026-06-12 · Official source

FinanceNationwide

Open a German bank account and understand Schufa

A German bank account (Girokonto) is needed for rent, salary, and most direct debits. Everyone legally resident in the EU has the right to a basic payment account (Basiskonto), even without a perfect credit record. This guide explains opening an account and what the Schufa credit record is. It's general information, not financial advice.

3 steps

Verified as of 2026-06-13 · Official source

LegalNationwide

You missed a deadline — what you can still do

A deadline (Frist) in a German official letter has passed — and that is stressful, especially if you were away, ill, or simply didn't see the letter in time. Take a breath: a missed deadline is often not the end of the road. German law has a remedy called "Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand" (reinstatement to the previous state) for people who missed a deadline through no fault of their own, and many letters also leave other options open.

10 steps

Verified as of 2026-06-20 · Official source

FamilyNationwide

Claim child benefit (Kindergeld)

Kindergeld is a monthly payment for families raising children, paid by the Familienkasse. Most families resident in Germany are eligible, and it can usually be claimed for a limited period retroactively, so it's worth applying as soon as you can. This guide covers the documents and the application. It explains the process; it does not assess your individual entitlement.

3 steps

Verified as of 2026-06-12 · Official source

HealthNationwide

Sign up for health insurance (Krankenkasse)

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Most residents are in the statutory system (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) through a Krankenkasse; some can choose private insurance. Which steps apply to you depend on whether you're employed or self-employed — this guide branches accordingly. It explains general routes, not which fund or plan is right for you.

4 steps

Verified as of 2026-06-12 · Official source

HouseholdNationwide

Register for the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)

The Rundfunkbeitrag is a fee that funds public broadcasting. It is charged per household, not per person or per device — one flat fee covers everyone living at the address. After you register your home, you'll usually receive a letter asking you to register for the fee. This guide explains registering, paying, and checking whether you can be exempted or pay a reduced rate.

3 steps

Verified as of 2026-06-12 · Official source

TaxNationwide

Get your tax ID (steuerliche Identifikationsnummer)

The tax ID (steuerliche Identifikationsnummer, "Steuer-ID") is an 11-digit number that stays with you for life. Your employer needs it to tax your salary correctly, and the Finanzamt uses it on everything. It is issued automatically after your first Anmeldung — this guide is mainly for understanding it and for getting a replacement if the letter never arrives.

3 steps

Verified as of 2026-06-13 · Official source

Information, not legal or tax advice. Always check the official source for your case.