You got a job offer in Germany: the checklist for your first steps as an expat
Congratulations – the contract is signed! Now the organisation starts: housing, address registration, tax ID, health insurance and a bank account. This checklist shows a sensible order so that your first salary arrives on time and correctly.
Many international professionals face a second, unexpected hurdle after the offer: German bureaucracy. Forms, appointments and documents depend on each other. Without a registered address there is no tax ID, without a tax ID your salary is initially taxed under an unfavourable tax class, and without a bank account your employer cannot pay you at all.
The good news: with the right order it is very manageable. This article is a practical overview, not legal or tax advice. Rules and procedures can vary by federal state, city and residence status. Always check details with the responsible authority or official sources such as 'Make it in Germany'.
The key steps at a glance
| Step | When? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Review the employment contract | Before signing | Salary, probation, notice period, leave |
| Visa / residence permit | Before entry (if required) | Legal requirement to work |
| Find housing | As early as possible | Basis for address registration |
| Register your address | Within 14 days of moving in | Registration certificate, tax ID |
| Health insurance | Before your start date | Mandatory; employer needs proof |
| Open a bank account | Before your first salary | Salary, rent, contracts |
| Documents for your employer | Before your first day | Correct payroll |
Steps can overlap. Start your housing search and health insurance in parallel.
1. Review your employment contract carefully
Read the contract calmly before signing – with a translation if needed. Pay particular attention to gross salary, working hours, probation, notice periods, annual leave, overtime rules and the start date. If you are moving from abroad, also ask about relocation support such as moving costs or temporary accommodation.
Keep in mind: salaries in Germany are usually stated as gross annual pay. After income tax and social contributions, the net amount is considerably lower. A gross-to-net calculator helps with realistic planning.
2. Sort out your visa and residence permit
Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland do not need a visa to work in Germany. Professionals from other countries usually need a visa or residence permit, for example the EU Blue Card or a visa for skilled workers with vocational training or a degree.
After entering with a national visa, you usually have to apply for your residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). Appointments are often scarce in larger cities, so book as early as possible. For regulated professions such as nursing, medicine or teaching, recognition of your qualification is also essential.
3. Find housing – the basis for everything
In cities such as Munich, Berlin, Hamburg or Frankfurt the housing market is tight. Expect competition and prepare a folder: a copy of your ID, your employment contract or salary evidence, possibly a confirmation that you have no rent arrears, and a SCHUFA credit report once you have one.
At the beginning, a furnished temporary flat or a room in a shared flat can make sense. Important: check in advance whether you are allowed to register at the address. Otherwise you block the next steps.
- Be careful with advance payments before a viewing – rental scams do happen
- By law the deposit is at most three months' basic rent
- Ask your landlord for the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
4. Register your address (Anmeldung)
Anyone moving into a flat in Germany must register at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt) within two weeks. You usually need your passport or ID card, the registration form and the landlord confirmation. Some cities now also offer online registration.
After registering you receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). It is important for your bank account, residence permit and many contracts – keep it safe.
5. Tax ID and tax class
After your first registration, the tax identification number (Steuer-ID) is usually sent automatically by post by the Federal Central Tax Office to your registered address. This normally takes a few weeks. Your employer needs it for payroll.
If the tax ID is missing for your first salary, payroll may temporarily use the unfavourable tax class VI. Overpaid tax is corrected later, but it strains your budget in the short term. Your tax class depends on factors such as marital status; married couples can choose and change it if needed.
6. Get health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Most employees are insured with a statutory health insurance fund; contributions are shared between employer and employee and deducted directly from your salary. Above a certain income, private insurance is also an option.
Choose your insurer before your start date if possible and give your employer the membership certificate. Many statutory insurers offer service in English. You often receive your social security number through your insurer if you do not yet have one.
7. Open a bank account
For salary, rent and contracts you need a current account with an IBAN. Many branch and online banks allow you to open an account with your ID and registered address. Some online banks also accept applications shortly after arrival, but check the conditions and fees.
A German or European SEPA account makes direct debits for rent, electricity, internet and mobile much easier.
8. Documents for your employer
HR often sends a personnel questionnaire. Fill it in completely and openly mention any missing numbers – this is completely normal for newcomers.
- Tax ID (or a note that it has been requested)
- Social security number
- Health insurance membership certificate
- IBAN of your salary account
- Residence permit or work permit, if required
- Copies of certificates and recognition decisions, if applicable
9. Other things to handle after moving
- Broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): one fee per household; registration often happens automatically
- Personal liability insurance: not mandatory but very common and inexpensive in Germany
- Mobile and internet contracts: watch minimum terms and notice periods
- Driving licence: depending on your country, it may need to be converted after a certain period
- German course: an integration or language course makes daily life and work easier
Common mistake: the wrong order
Unhelpful
Start date on the 1st of the month, address registration three weeks later, no health insurer chosen yet.
No tax ID for the first salary, delayed payroll or tax class VI, unnecessary stress during probation.
Better
Secure a flat where you can register, register right after moving in, choose a health insurer before your start date, open an account and pass all numbers to HR.
Your first salary arrives on time and you can fully focus on the job.
Your first day at work
Be punctual, bring your ID and any missing documents, and ask about contact persons, the onboarding plan and goals for your probation period. The first weeks are a good opportunity to learn your team's work culture: how people communicate, when they switch to 'du' and how meetings run.
Document your first results early. They help in your probation review and later when you update your CV.
Still looking for a job?
If you do not have an offer yet, it is worth looking at the right job portals and an application that fits the German market. A clear, ATS-friendly CV is often the most important first step.
Further reading for applying from abroad
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FAQ after receiving a job offer
How quickly do I need to register my address in Germany?
Usually within two weeks of moving into your flat, at the responsible citizens' office.
What happens if I do not have a tax ID for my first salary?
Your employer may temporarily apply tax class VI. Overpaid income tax is corrected later or refunded through your tax return.
Do I need statutory or private health insurance?
Most employees are in statutory insurance. Private insurance is only possible above a certain income and should be considered carefully.
Do I need a visa as an EU citizen?
No. Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland can work in Germany without a visa, but still have to register their address.
Can I open a bank account without a registered address?
Some online banks allow it under certain conditions. Many banks, however, require a registered address.
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