What you need to do when you get there...

We have compiled a mini guide of information that you may find useful when moving over to Germany. This guide is a general guide to getting some of the boring admin done when you arrive. Please remember that Germany is a federal state and there maybe minor changes depending on which ‘LAND’ you are in. Please watch this space as more detailed guides for each city are currently being written and will be ready for before you leave.

Anmeldung

You need to go the Kreisverwaltungsreferat to register (anmelden) in the town where you are going to spend some time. You may be asked for a utility bill/ or copy of your tenancy agreement to prove residency and you will definitely need a passport or other official form of ID. They will give a document, proving that you are officially registered in that city. This registration(Anmeldung) document is very important, since you cannot open a bank account without it.

Bank

Opening a bank account is relatively straight forward and pretty quick if all goes well. You will need your Anmeldung and a formal piece of identity. There are many banks to choose from so have a look round to see what suits you, however we can recommend the DEUTSCHE BANK, who do a particularly good Jugendkonto (basically, an account for young people, either studying or doing an internship). This account is free, you get a bank card, and you can also access online banking for free. Banks close at 3.30pm so it is better to get there earlier on in the day.

Transportcard

Most of the major cities have a total transport card: Ausblidungskarte (for students, trainees, etc...). You will just have to fill in a form with an official stamp from the university and show your student card (Studentausweis). In general the travel cards are around 30€/month which is fairly cheap.

If you have read this guide and feel that we have missed something that could be useful then please let us know and we will add it on!

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