17.06.2026 / Arrival in Gemany /Rozanne Boosfeld
The First 7 Things You Must Do After Arriving in Germany
There’s a very specific feeling when you land in Germany for the first time. You’re excited, a bit overwhelmed, and probably running on adrenaline and jet lag. Everything looks organised, slightly too quiet, and you’re suddenly very aware that “settling in” is not just about unpacking your suitcase.
At RelocateWise, we see this all the time - people think the hard part is getting the visa. In reality, the first few days after arrival are where things either start smoothly or become unnecessarily stressful.
So here are the 7 things I always tell people to do right after landing.
1. Register your address (Anmeldung) as soon as possible
This is not optional in Germany - it’s the foundation for almost everything else. You can’t properly open a bank account, get a tax ID, or even sign certain contracts without it. The tricky part is that you usually need an appointment at your local Bürgeramt, and slots can disappear quickly. If you’ve just arrived, make this your first “real” task. Not grocery shopping. Not exploring. This.
2. Get a German SIM card immediately
It sounds small, but it changes everything. Most official processes in Germany rely on SMS verification or phone calls. Without a local number, you’ll constantly hit small but annoying roadblocks. You don’t need anything fancy at first - just something that works reliably so you can start handling appointments, registrations, and job-related calls without stress.
3. Open a local bank account early
Even if you think you can survive with your home country card for a while, don’t delay this. Rent payments, salaries, insurance - everything flows through a German account. Some landlords won’t even take you seriously without it. It can take a few days depending on the bank, so the earlier you start, the better.
4. Sort out health insurance (don’t leave it hanging)
Germany takes health insurance seriously. And by seriously, I mean you literally cannot function long-term without it. If you’re employed, your employer usually helps. If you’re self-employed or job-seeking, you’ll need to choose between public and private options. This is one area where guessing is a bad idea. Get guidance early, or you’ll end up paying for it later - literally.
5. Learn how public transport actually works
Germany’s transport system is excellent… but not always intuitive at first. Tickets, zones, validators, regional vs. city trains - it can feel like a puzzle for the first week. Take one evening to just figure it out properly. Download the right apps, understand your local network, and you’ll save yourself a lot of awkward “I think I’m on the wrong train” moments.
6. Find your nearest essentials (supermarkets, pharmacies, post office)
Don’t underestimate how grounding this is. When everything feels unfamiliar, knowing exactly where to get groceries, medicine, or send a parcel makes life feel suddenly manageable again. Walk around your neighbourhood intentionally. Don’t just pass through it - map it in your head. It helps more than people expect.
7. Get your paperwork folder in order (and keep it that way)
Germany runs on documents. And not digital chaos - actual physical papers.
You’ll accumulate:
- registration confirmation
- rental contract
- insurance documents
- visa/residence paperwork
- tax ID letters
Keep them together from day one. Future-you will be extremely grateful when someone asks for “just one document” and you don’t spend three hours searching for it.
A final honest note
The first week in Germany is less about “exploring your new life” and more about setting up the structure that makes life possible here. Once these seven things are in place, everything else starts to feel lighter. You stop reacting and start actually living.
And if you’re doing this for the first time, that’s exactly where RelocateWise comes in - helping people not just move to Germany, but actually settle in without the usual confusion, delays, and avoidable mistakes.