Welcome to Germany! How to Start a New Chapter Without Stress
Moving to a new country is always a big challenge—full of emotions, new hopes, but also lots of paperwork that can be overwhelming.
If you’re Polish and decided to start your life in Germany, that’s great! You’re on the right track, but before you truly feel at home here, there are a few important steps ahead.
Registration – Your First Contact with German Bureaucracy
At the very beginning, you have to do something that sounds very formal but is crucial:
Anmeldung, which means registration. This is nothing more than officially reporting your address at the city office — the Bürgeramt. You have 14 days from the moment you move into your new apartment to do this. Remember to bring your ID card or passport, rental contract, and, if needed, a confirmation from the landlord called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Although it might feel stressful at first, registration opens the door to many other formalities.
Bank Account – Your Financial Hub
The next step is to open a bank account. Without it, you won’t receive your salary or be able to pay bills.
Fortunately, many banks now offer simple and quick online accounts like N26 or DKB. If you prefer a traditional branch, Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank are popular options. Remember, a bank account is not just a place for your money but also a key to many services in Germany.
Health Insurance – Your Peace of Mind
In Germany, everyone must have health insurance — it’s mandatory and unavoidable. Choosing between public and private insurance depends on your situation: whether you are a student, an employee, or a freelancer. Public insurers like AOK, TK, or Barmer are the most popular and often easiest to arrange at the start. Keep in mind that insurance must be arranged before starting work or studies.
Tax ID and Social Security Number – Your Numbers in the German System
After registration, you will receive your Tax-ID, the tax identification number, by mail. Without it, you cannot complete work or tax formalities. Equally important is your social security number (Social Security Number), which helps with pension and health contributions. Usually, your employer handles this registration, but if necessary, you can apply for it yourself.
Car Registration – Take Care of Your Vehicle the German Way
If you come to Germany with your own car, remember that you have to re-register it within 6 months after your residence registration. Visiting the vehicle registration office (registration authority) is mandatory. Prepare documents like your vehicle registration certificate, proof of registration, valid technical inspection (TÜV), and proof of German car insurance (eVB-Nummer). After successful verification, you’ll receive German license plates — and you can legally drive on the roads.
Car Insurance – Safety First
Every registered vehicle must have mandatory liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). This is essential and required for registration. Additionally, you can buy partial coverage (Teilkasko) or full coverage (Vollkasko), which protects against theft or damage — especially recommended if you have a new or valuable car.
Moving is not just about paperwork; it’s a step toward a new life. Think of these formalities as the
foundation on which you will build your daily life in Germany. Have questions? Need help? Don’t hesitate
to contact us — write to start@sparamt.de. We’re here to support you!
