Your Path to FRM: Arrival and First Steps
Would you like to live and work in the FRM region? There are a few things you need to bear in mind before and after entering Germany.
Before entering Germany
Prepare for your entry into the country in good time. Check whether you need a visa to enter Germany – and if so, which one. Also, check which requirements you must meet in order to obtain a visa. You can find an overview of the visa requirements here. If you would like to work in Germany as a skilled worker, you should also arrange for your degrees and qualifications to be recognised. You should do this well in advance of applying for your visa. You can find information on recognition here.
Start learning German before you enter the country. If you speak German well, you will have better chances of finding a job. It will also be easier for you to communicate with other people in everyday life and with the authorities. Knowledge of German is often a prerequisite, for certain visas, for naturalisation, for certain courses of study, or for starting vocational training. German courses are helpful for learning.
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. You need valid health insurance from your first day in Germany. You will need proof of health insurance at the latest by the time you collect your visa from the German embassy. You should therefore arrange health insurance in good time. Information on health insurance and other important types of insurance in Germany can be found here.
It is easier to look for accommodation once you are already in the region. However, in order to register in Germany, you will need at least temporary accommodation shortly after entering the country. It is therefore best to start your search before you arrive. There are many options for temporary accommodation, such as a shared flat or a furnished flat rented out for a short period. Further information on housing and finding accommodation can be found here.
Wichtiger Hinweis
Make sure that your accommodation is suitable for registering in Germany. If you are staying in a holiday apartment, hotel or youth hostel, you will usually not be able to register your place of residence.
When entering the country, make sure you bring your important personal documents. These include a valid passport, your birth certificate, your marriage certificate (if you are married) and proof of your qualifications (degree certificates, employment references). If you are entering the country with your children, you should also bring their personal documents and school reports.
After entering Germany
When you move into an apartment in Germany, you must register your place of residence within two weeks of moving in (registration requirement). If you come to Germany with your children, you must also register them. Registration must be done in person at the relevant residents' registration office (also known as Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro).
The registration form is usually available on the website of the city where you live (or the relevant district). You can usually make a registration appointment online. You will need a valid passport to register. If you are moving into a rented flat, you must also submit a confirmation from your landlord. If you have a visa, please bring it with you to the appointment.
The visa entitles you to enter the country and is valid for a limited period – usually 90 days. If you wish to stay in Germany longer, you must apply for a residence permit after entering the country. This can be done at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence. Make sure you do this in good time while your visa is still valid. Further information on this topic can be found here.
Once you have registered your place of residence, you can open a German bank account. A bank account is essential in Germany. Further information can be found here. Once you have a bank account, you can register for utilities such as electricity and internet. Every household must also pay a broadcasting licence fee.
To drive a car in Germany, you need a valid driving licence. If you have your own car, you must also register it if you are staying in Germany for more than six months.
Wichtiger Hinweis
If you wish to enter Germany, you must take important formal steps and visit certain authorities. Always go to the authority responsible for the district or city in which you live.
If you do not know which authority is responsible, call the authority number 115. Here you can find out who is responsible for what. There are also advice centres that support new immigrants. You can find an advice centre near you using the search function on the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees' website, or on our map. You can also contact the Working and Living in Germany hotline.
You can also find an overview of the first formal steps to take when entering the country in our Guide for Newcomers and in our Roadmap in the download area.