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New to Germany in Düsseldorf

First steps after arriving in Germany

Progress0 of 6 steps completed
6 Schritte · ca. 4 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 4 Minuten fertig

Step 1

Register residence

🚨
Frist: 2 weeks after moving in · Deadline: 2 weeks after moving in! Penalty for missing it.

You must register at the citizen office within 2 weeks of moving into your apartment. The immigration office is automatically informed.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Book appointment online: termine.duesseldorf.de
  • Citizen offices available in all districts
  • Landlord confirmation: Have form signed by landlord
  • Take registration certificate with you (often needed)
  • If you have an eAT, new address is entered automatically
Book appointment↗
Step 2

Apply for residence permit

🚨
Frist: Before visa expires · Apply before visa expires! Online application is now mandatory.

If you don't have a residence permit yet or your visa expires soon, you must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office. Applications are submitted online.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Immigration office Düsseldorf: Erkrather Straße 377-389, 40231 Düsseldorf
  • Tel. 0211 89-21020 | Email: auslaenderamt@duesseldorf.de
  • Applications ONLY online via service.duesseldorf.de
  • Hotline: Tue/Thu 4-7pm, Fri 1-4pm
  • Personal visit only needed for biometric data
  • Düsselpass holders: Fee exemption possible
Online application↗
Step 3

Open bank account

Open a German bank account. You need it for salary payments, rent and all important payments in Germany.

⚠️Without German account no salary payment or rent transfer possible!
⏰ Shortly after registration💰 0-10 €/Monat (je nach Bank)

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Sparkasse and Volksbank: Local branches, personal advice
  • Online banks (N26, DKB, ING): Fast opening via video identification
  • Basic account: Everyone is entitled to an account (even without residence permit)
  • IBAN starts with DE + 20 digits
  • SCHUFA credit check is often requested
Sparkasse Düsseldorf↗
Step 4

Get health insurance

🚨
Frist: Immediately upon arrival/start of work · Health insurance is mandatory! No residence permit without insurance.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Get statutory or private health insurance.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Statutory health insurance (GKV): AOK, TK, Barmer, DAK, etc.
  • Private health insurance (PKV): Possible from €69,300/year income
  • Employees: Employer registers with GKV
  • Students: Student insurance approx. €120/month
  • EU citizens: Use EHIC card for transition period
Compare health insurances↗
Step 5

Get tax ID

The tax identification number is automatically sent to you by mail after registration. You need it for your employer.

⚠️Without tax ID your employer cannot register you correctly!
⏰ Comes automatically (2-4 weeks)💰 0 €
💡 Tips
  • Tax ID comes automatically 2-4 weeks after registration
  • 11-digit number, remains the same for life
  • If lost: Ask Federal Central Tax Office
  • Employer can also start without tax ID (later registration possible)
  • Don't confuse with tax number (assigned by tax office)
Request tax ID↗
Step 6

Register for integration course

Register for an integration course if you want to learn German or are required to. The course includes language lessons and an orientation course.

⚠️For some residence permits the integration course is mandatory!
⏰ Shortly after receiving residence permit💰 2,29 €/Stunde (Befreiung möglich)

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • 600-900 hours German lessons + 100 hours orientation course
  • Goal: B1 language level
  • VHS Düsseldorf and private providers offer courses
  • If receiving social benefits: Fee exemption possible
  • BAMF funds the course
VHS Düsseldorf↗

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
2 Wochen nach Einzug
What does it cost?
0 €, Ab 100 € (je nach Aufenthaltstitel), 0-10 €/Monat (je nach Bank), Ca. 15% des Bruttogehalts (GKV), 0 €, 2,29 €/Stunde (Befreiung möglich)
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Frist: 2 Wochen nach Einzug! Bei Versäumnis droht Bußgeld.

🔗 Related Topics

Visa & residenceDüsseldorfNaturalizationDüsseldorfMovingDüsseldorf