What you need to know if you plan to move to Germany in 11 Steps (Part 1)

I´ve been living in Germany since 2010 and Emma since 2008. It has been a while, but I still remember well how the first days in Germany were (I wished I had stayed home!). As you see, we have survived, but some help would have been useful, because I'm sure this stressy experience costed me a couple of years of my life...

In Bremen, next to the Stadt Musikanter

If you really plan to move to Germany, you must have already read thousands of posts and articles about the topic. I won't say they are wrong, because they aren't! But every experience is different and can contribute somehow to make you things easier.

In Berlin at the Branderburger Tor

These are the steps you will have to follow if you don't want to get mad because of the paper work. Follow these steps in this order, don't try to rearrange this list! Some tried it before and are still regretting it:

1. Find a job ;) (now It's 99% sure you are moving to Germany and staying)

2. Get a map of the city

3. Look for an apartment

4. Go to the "Statsamt" and do the "Anmeldung" or registration in the city you'll be living and never loose the paper they will give to you!

5. Open a bank account

6. In the bank you will be told to get two insurances, a personal one and one in case your washing machine breaks down and your neighbour's flat becomes a swimming pool. Get both!!!

7. Buy a mobile phone, I guess you will start with a prepaid card

8. Get information about the public transport rates and buy a month-ticket if you don't want to run out of money after a week (Emma would tell you : buy a bike at the flee market!)

9. Go to the "Finanzamt" and ask for a Steuernummer (To pay taxes)

10. Ask your colleagues at work what medical insurance they have, and contract the same one

11. Look for a good German course!!!

Now you are a legal citicien in the German city and you can start with the funny tasks of working, furnishing your apartment, contracting internet at home and getting information about the garbage disposal! I wish you the best!



I am sure you think "Easy to say! But how do I really manage this?" You will see, it is totally worth it!

In Munich at the Beer Festival

On the following weeks we will post about the topics on the list and prepare a complete SOS- Germany guide with useful links. For the moment, we recommend a link for french-speaking readers:

http://www.femmexpat.com/destination/europe/allemagne/etudier-a-breme-allemagne/