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New to Germany in Hannover

Your complete starter guide for beginning in Germany

Progress0 of 7 steps completed
7 Schritte · ca. 5 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 5 Minuten fertig

Step 1

Register your address

🚨
Frist: 14 days after moving in · You may face a fine and many contracts and official processes become more difficult without registration.

First things first: You must register at the citizens' office within 14 days. Almost nothing in Germany works without registration!

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Kundenzentrum Hannover city center: Laurenzplatz 1-3, 50667 Hannover
  • No appointment: Mon 7:30am-3pm, Wed 7:30am-12pm | With appointment: Tue 9:30am-6pm, Thu 7:30am-4pm, Fri 7:30am-12pm
  • Tel. 0221/221-0 or online: termine.stadt-hannover.de
  • Get landlord confirmation from landlord BEFORE appointment
  • Order multiple registration certificates (for bank, employer, etc.)
Appointment at Hannover citizens' office↗
Step 2

Open a bank account

🚨
Frist: As early as possible · Without IBAN your employer can't pay you and rent payments become complicated.

You need a German bank account for salary, rent and all contracts. Online banks are often easier for newcomers.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • N26 or Vivid: completely online, also in English
  • Sparkasse/Volksbank: 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 · Health insurance is mandatory. Without it you have to pay doctor visits yourself.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany! If you are employed, it runs automatically through your employer.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Employees: employer pays half
  • Public (TK, AOK, etc.) or private – check what fits
  • Without work: approx. €200/month voluntarily
  • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) temporary for EU citizens
Compare health insurances↗
Step 4

Get tax ID

The tax ID (11 digits) comes automatically by mail after registration. Your employer needs it for your salary.

⚠️Without tax ID your employer applies the highest tax class first – you get less net salary.
⏰ 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 (submitted later)
  • If lost: request online from Federal Central Tax Office
Request tax ID online↗
Step 5

Get mobile phone contract

With a German number and bank account, you can get a mobile phone contract. Prepaid is fine for the start.

⚠️A German number is practical for 2-factor authentication with bank and authorities.
⏰ After bank account💰 10-50 €/Monat

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Prepaid: no credit check, immediately usable
  • Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect: cheap and uncomplicated
  • Contracts: often 24 months minimum term
  • German number important for verification (bank, etc.)
Compare mobile plans↗
Step 6

Take integration course

The integration course helps with German and explains how Germany works. Often free or very cheap!

⚠️Integration course is important for your integration and helps with learning German. Good for later citizenship!
⏰ Recommended within first year💰 0 € - 2,29 €/Stunde

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • 600 hours German + 100 hours orientation course
  • BAMF often covers the costs
  • DTZ exam at end = language proof for citizenship
Find integration course in Hannover↗
Step 7If you need a residence permit

Visit immigration office

🚨
Frist: Before visa expires · Appointments ONLY with invitation letter! Request via email or contact form.

The Hannover immigration office handles visas, residence permits and extensions. Appointments only by invitation!

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Immigration office Hannover: Dillenburger Straße 56-66, 51105 Hannover
  • Tel. 0221/221-25601 | Cashier: Mon 7:30-12, Tue 9:30-18, Wed 7:30-12, Thu 7:30-16, Fri 7:30-12
  • 💡 TIP: Fill out application online – you will receive an appointment invitation by mail!
  • 9 district immigration offices in Hannover – responsibility by residence
  • Visits ONLY with invitation letter
Immigration office Hannover↗Fill online application ↗

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
14 Tage nach Einzug
What does it cost?
0 €, 0 € (Basiskonto), Ca. 15% vom Bruttolohn (Arbeitnehmer), 0 €, 10-50 €/Monat, 0 € - 2,29 €/Stunde, 60-100 € je nach Titel
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Es kann ein Bußgeld geben und viele Verträge sowie Behördengänge werden ohne Anmeldung schwieriger.

🔗 Related Topics

Visa & residenceHannoverNaturalizationHannoverMovingHannover