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.

New to Germany – Wuppertal 2026: Registration, bank account & integration

Step 1⏱ 10–15 Min

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

Valid passport(Required)

Landlord confirmation(Required)

Signed by landlord

Rental contract(Optional)

Bring just in case

💡 Weitere Tipps

Book appointment online: termine.wuppertal.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⏱ 5–10 Min

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

Valid passport(Required)

Biometric passport photo(Required)

35x45mm, recent

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Proof of purpose of stay(Required)

Employment contract, study certificate, etc.

Health insurance proof(Required)

Proof of livelihood(Required)

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo

•Immigration office Wuppertal: Schloßbleiche 1-3, 42103 Wuppertal

•Tel. 0202 563-21020 | Email: auslaenderamt@wuppertal.de

💡 Weitere Tipps

Applications ONLY online via service.wuppertal.de
Hotline: Tue/Thu 4-7pm, Fri 1-4pm
Personal visit only needed for biometric data
Düsselpass holders: Fee exemption possible

👉 Konto jetzt eröffnen *

Step 3⏱ 5–10 Min

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

Valid passport(Required)

Registration certificate(Required)

From citizens' office

Residence permit (if available)(Optional)

💡 Weitere Tipps

GKV (statutory): mandatory for employees earning up to EUR 73,800/year (2025)
PKV (private): option for self-employed, civil servants, high earners
EU citizens: bring European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable
Tip: No health insurance = no permanent residence permit!
GKV registration: possible within 90 days of entry

All statutory health insurance funds (GKV)↗🔒 Compare private health insurance (PKV) ↗

Step 4⏱ 5–10 Min

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

ID card/passport(Required)

Employment contract (if available)(Optional)

💡 Weitere Tipps

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⏱ 2–5 Min

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 €

💡 Weitere Tipps

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⏱ 5–10 Min

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

Authorization certificate(Required)

From immigration office or BAMF

ID card/passport(Required)

💡 Weitere Tipps

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

VHS Wuppertal↗🧑‍💼 Find a job in Germany

Step 7⏱ 2–5 Min

💳 Credit card & liability insurance

Two things important in Germany: a credit card (or prepaid card) for online shopping, travel and international payments. And liability insurance – it pays if you accidentally damage something or hurt someone.

⚠️Without liability insurance you are personally liable for every damage – even if it is not your fault. From €2-5/month.

💡 Weitere Tipps

💳 Prepaid credit card: no Schufa needed, ideal for newcomers (e.g. DKB, Revolut)
🌍 Revolut or Wise: free, ideal for international transfers
🛡️ Liability: from €2-5/month – one of the most important insurances in Germany
📱 Everything online: account + credit card + liability in 10 minutes

👉 Compare credit cards free*🛡️ Compare liability insurance ↗

New to Germany in Wuppertal

Register residence

📄 Required Documents

Apply for residence permit

📄 Required Documents

Open bank account

📄 Required Documents

Get health insurance

📄 Required Documents

Get tax ID

Register for integration course

📄 Required Documents

💳 Credit card & liability insurance

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📋What you should do next: