0 €, 0 € (Basiskonto), Ca. 15% vom Bruttolohn, 0 €, 0 € - 2,29 €/Stunde, 60-100 € je nach Titel

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Ohne Anmeldung geht in Deutschland fast nichts! Es kann ein Bußgeld geben.

New to Germany in Dortmund – Fristen & Checkliste

Step 1

Register your address

🚨

Frist: 14 days after moving in · Almost nothing in Germany works without registration! You may face a fine.

First things first: You must register at Dortmund citizens' services within 14 days.

📄 Required Documents

Passport with visa(Required)

Valid visa for Germany

Landlord confirmation(Required)

Signed by landlord

Rental contract(Optional)

Bring just in case

💡 Tips

Citizens' services Dortmund: Online appointment via dortmund.termine-reservieren.de
Locations: City hall, district offices in all districts
Get landlord confirmation from landlord BEFORE appointment
Order multiple registration certificates (for bank, employer etc.)

Appointment at Dortmund citizens' services↗

Step 2

Open a bank account

🚨

Frist: As early as possible · Without IBAN your employer can't pay you!

You need a German bank account for salary, rent and all contracts.

📄 Required Documents

Passport(Required)

Valid

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Residence permit(Required)

Current permit

💡 Tips

N26 or Vivid: completely online, also in English
Sparkasse Dortmund: in person, but with more services
Basic account: Right for everyone, even without fixed address
IBAN needed for salary and contracts

✓ Open bank account↗

Step 3

Get health insurance

🚨

Frist: Before starting work · Without health insurance you have to pay doctor visits yourself.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany! As an employee, it runs automatically through your employer.

📄 Required Documents

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Employment contract(Optional)

If already available

💡 Tips

Employees: employer pays half
Public (TK, AOK, Barmer) or private
Without work: approx. €200/month voluntarily
EHIC temporarily usable for EU citizens

✓ Compare health insurances↗

Step 4

Get tax ID

The tax ID (11 digits) comes automatically by mail after registration.

⚠️Without tax ID your employer applies the highest tax class.

⏰ 2-4 weeks after registration💰 0 €

💡 Tips

Comes automatically – you don't need to apply
Often takes 2-4 weeks
Employer can start without it
If lost: request online from Federal Central Tax Office

Request tax ID online↗

Step 5

Take integration course

The integration course helps with German and explains how Germany works.

⚠️Important for your integration and later for citizenship!

⏰ Recommended within first year💰 0 € - 2,29 €/Stunde

📄 Required Documents

Residence permit(Required)

Current permit

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

💡 Tips

600 hours German + 100 hours orientation course
BAMF often covers the costs
DTZ exam at end = language proof for citizenship
VHS Dortmund offers courses

Find integration course in Dortmund↗

Step 6If you need a residence permit

Visit immigration office

🚨

Frist: Before visa expires · Book appointment early – waiting times are long!

The Dortmund immigration office handles visas, residence permits and extensions.

📄 Required Documents

Passport(Required)

Valid

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Biometric photo(Required)

35x45mm, recent

Employment contract or enrollment certificate(Required)

Depending on purpose of stay

💡 Tips

Immigration office Dortmund: Märkische Str. 122, 44141 Dortmund
Online appointment booking via dortmund.de available
Bring all documents as original AND copy
With questions: use migration counseling (free)

Immigration office Dortmund↗

New to Germany in Dortmund

Register your address

📄 Required Documents

Open a bank account

📄 Required Documents

Get health insurance

📄 Required Documents

Get tax ID

Take integration course

📄 Required Documents

Visit immigration office

📄 Required Documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔗 Related Topics