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Registration & first steps
Address registration, health insurance, bank, tax ID, Schufa
Address registration (Anmeldung) is the first step after arriving in Germany — mandatory within 14 days. Here you'll find a complete guide to registration, health insurance, opening a bank account, getting your tax ID and building your Schufa score.
What we cover
1What is Anmeldung and where to do it
2Required documents for registration
3Health insurance (Krankenkasse)
4Bank account, tax ID, Schufa
7 min readUpdated:
What is Anmeldung?
Anmeldung (address registration) is a legal obligation for everyone who moves into an apartment in Germany. You must register within 14 days of moving in — not from the date of entry, but from the moment you have an address.
Registration takes place at the Bürgeramt (citizens' office) of your municipality. Larger cities allow online appointment booking, while smaller cities often accept walk-ins.
The 14-day deadline is legally binding
Under the Bundesmeldegesetz (§ 17 BMG), late registration can result in a fine of up to EUR 1,000. In practice fines are rarely charged, but registration is a prerequisite for everything else — health insurance, bank account, tax ID.
What do you receive after Anmeldung?
Meldebescheinigung
Registration certificate — your most important document in the first months. Keep the original and make multiple copies.
Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
Automatically generated and arrives by post in 2-4 weeks. Required for work, banking, Kindergeld and much more.
Required documents for Anmeldung
Each municipality may have slightly different requirements, but these are the standard documents you need:
Required
Passport (valid original)
Bring your original passport and one copy. National ID cards are not sufficient for Serbian citizens.
Required
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
Landlord's confirmation of move-in — mandatory since 2015. The landlord fills out the form. Available on the municipality website.
Required
Anmeldeformular (completed)
Registration form — download from your Bürgeramt's website or fill it out on-site.
Optional
Lease agreement (Mietvertrag)
Not strictly required, but many Bürgeramt offices ask for it as additional proof. Bring a copy.
Family
Civil registry extracts (for families)
If registering a partner/children: marriage and birth certificates — with Apostille and certified German translation.
Check the list for your city
The exact document list may vary. Use our interactive guide to get a personalized checklist for your case.
Health insurance (Krankenkasse)
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You must have it before starting work. There are two types:
Most-recommended public health funds
RecommendedIf you choose GKV (statutory insurance), these funds offer English/Serbian support and simple online enrollment.
Recommended
Statutory insurance (GKV)
- ✓Contribution: ~14.6% general rate + ~2.9% average supplementary contribution (2026 average) = ~17.5% of gross salary (split half you, half employer)
- ✓Free family insurance for partner and children
- ✓All essential services covered — doctors, hospital, medication
- ✓Sufficient for 99% of newcomers
Pending professional legal review
For specific cases
Private insurance (PKV)
- •For self-employed or salaries above the threshold (~EUR 73,800/year)
- •Premiums depend on age and health, not income
- •Better coverage, but expensive to switch back to GKV
- •Family not covered for free
Recommended providers for newcomers
For most workers from Serbia, statutory insurance is the right choice. Most popular providers: Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) (opens in a new tab) — excellent online service, AOK (opens in a new tab) — largest provider, available everywhere, Barmer (opens in a new tab) — modern digital provider. All three offer similar services, the difference is in the supplementary contribution (2026 average: 2.9%, individual funds typically 1.8-3.9%).
Before your first workday
Your employer cannot hire you without proof of health insurance. Sign up with a provider as soon as you arrive — you receive the membership certificate (Mitgliedsbescheinigung) immediately digitally.
Bank account in Germany
You need a German bank account (IBAN) for salary, rent, bills and contracts. Here are the best options:
Digital banksFast
N26 (opens in a new tab)
100% online account opening. No Anmeldung needed — just a passport. Free basic account. IBAN immediately.
Wise (ranije TransferWise) (opens in a new tab)
Multi-currency account. Excellent for transfers to Serbia — much cheaper than traditional banks. EUR IBAN available.
Traditional banksAfter Anmeldung
DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank) (opens in a new tab)
Fully online, free current account with free Visa card. Anmeldung required.
Sparkasse
Largest branch network in Germany. In-person visit with passport and Meldebescheinigung.
Recommended strategy
Open N26 or Wise immediately upon arrival (no Anmeldung needed), then after registration open a DKB or Sparkasse account for long-term use. Two accounts give you flexibility.
Accounts for new arrivals
While you wait for your Anmeldung, these two providers let you open an account with just your passport — see them in the banking section.
Some links are affiliate links — it doesn't cost you more, and it helps support this project.
Tax ID and Rundfunkbeitrag
Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
The Steuer-ID is an 11-digit number automatically assigned after Anmeldung. It is valid for life and unique.
- • Automatic — you don't need to apply
- • Arrives by post in 2-4 weeks after registration
- • Required for work, banking, Kindergeld, tax returns
- • Not the same as Steuernummer (tax number for businesses)
Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ)
TV and radio fee — EUR 18.36 per month per household (as of April 2026). Mandatory for everyone, even if you don't watch TV.
- • EUR 18.36 per month (quarterly EUR 55.08)
- • One payment per household — roommates share costs
- • Exemption possible for social welfare recipients
- • Payment: direct debit (Lastschrift) is easiest — no missed payments
- • Registration is mandatory — fines for non-payment
Don't ignore GEZ!
Many newcomers ignore GEZ letters thinking it's optional. Debts accumulate and can lead to enforcement. Register immediately at rundfunkbeitrag.de.
If you urgently need your Tax ID
Visit your local Finanzamt with passport and Meldebescheinigung — they can issue the number on the spot. Or call BZSt: 0228 406-1240 (Monday-Friday 8am-4pm).
Schufa — credit rating in Germany
Schufa is the German credit rating system. It is used to assess your financial reliability — from renting an apartment to buying a phone on contract.
What is the Schufa score?
The Schufa score is a number from 0 to 100 that indicates your financial reliability. Above 95 is excellent, below 90 can cause problems. As a newcomer to Germany, you have no Schufa history — which can make it harder to rent an apartment, get a phone contract, or obtain a loan.
Why is Schufa important?
●
Renting an apartment
Landlords require a Schufa report as proof of timely payments. Without one, many won't even consider your application.
●
Phone contract
Without a Schufa profile, you can only get prepaid cards — monthly contracts require a credit check
●
Loans and installments
Banks check Schufa before approving loans, leasing contracts, or installment purchases
●
Online shopping
Pay-on-invoice (Rechnung) requires a positive Schufa — otherwise prepayment only
How to build a Schufa profile as a newcomer?
1
Open a German bank account
This automatically creates your Schufa profile. Recommendation: N26 or Commerzbank — online opening, no appointment needed.
2
Pay all bills on time
GEZ, phone, internet, electricity — any late payment negatively affects your score. Use Dauerauftrag (standing order) or SEPA Lastschrift (direct debit) to never miss a deadline.
3
Use a credit card responsibly
Regular use and timely payment improve your score. Even small amounts help — what matters is consistent repayment.
4
Order a Schufa report
Free once a year at meineschufa.de → Datenkopie (nach Art. 15 DS-GVO)
Free check: Bonify app
Install the Bonify app (iOS/Android) for a free real-time check of your Schufa score. The app shows your current rating and gives tips on how to improve it. Alternative: Check24 Bonitätscheck.
Free annual copy (GDPR right)
Under Art. 15 GDPR (DSGVO), you have the right to a free copy of all data Schufa holds about you — once a year. Go to meineschufa.de, select "Datenkopie (nach Art. 15 DS-GVO)" and fill out the form. The copy arrives by mail in 1-4 weeks. This is completely free — don't confuse it with the paid "BonitätsAuskunft" report.
For landlords: Schufa-BonitätsAuskunft
When apartment hunting, landlords often request a Schufa-BonitätsAuskunft. You can order it at meineschufa.de for about EUR 30. Alternative: free Datenkopie, but less accepted by landlords as it doesn't contain the official creditworthiness rating.
Detailed sub-guides
First 14 days — step by step
Interactive timeline for the most important administrative steps in the first two weeks after arrival.
Anmeldung without a permanent apartment
How to register if you don't have your own apartment — at a friend's, temporary housing, hotel.
Bürgeramt by city
Directory of registration offices in 12 German cities — official appointment links and estimated wait times.
Austria — Meldezettel
Address registration in Austria: 3 working days, Magistratisches Bezirksamt, ÖGK e-card.
Ummeldung — moving within Germany
Address change within Germany: 14-day deadline, Bürgeramt, eUmmeldung, and everything to update after the move.
Abmeldung — leaving Germany
Deregistration on permanent departure or absence over six months — deadlines, consequences, returning to Serbia.
Residence permit guide
After Anmeldung, the next step is to arrange your residence permit. See our residence permit guide. Residence permit guide.
All about Kindergeld
With Anmeldung and Steuer-ID you can apply for Kindergeld (child benefit). Learn more. All about Kindergeld.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Anmeldung cost?
Anmeldung is free. There is no fee for address registration. The only costs may be for document copies or translation.
Can I register without a lease agreement?
Yes. The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is the only mandatory document from the landlord. A lease is helpful but not strictly required.
What if I miss the 14-day deadline?
The law provides for a fine of up to EUR 1,000, but it is rarely enforced in practice. However, without Anmeldung you cannot open a bank account, sign up for insurance or receive your tax ID.
Can I book an appointment online?
In most large cities yes — Berlin (service.berlin.de), Munich (muenchen.de/terminvereinbarung), Frankfurt, Hamburg. Smaller cities often accept walk-ins or phone bookings.
Can I do Anmeldung online?
In most cities, no. Anmeldung is done in person at the Buergeramt. However, in some cities (e.g., Berlin) you can book an appointment online, and in rare cases (e.g., Bremen) online registration is possible. Check your city's website.
Do I need to bring my spouse for joint registration?
Yes, if you're registering at the same address. Both need to appear in person with passports and Wohnungsgeberbestaetigung. Alternatively, one partner can register both with a power of attorney (Vollmacht) — but this isn't accepted in all cities.
What happens if I miss the 14-day deadline?
The law allows fines up to 1,000 EUR for late registration. In practice, if you register within a month, you'll rarely be fined. However, without Anmeldung you cannot open a bank account, get a Steuer-ID, register for health insurance, or apply for Kindergeld.
Do I need a residence permit for Anmeldung?
No. Anmeldung is mandatory for ALL residents of Germany, regardless of citizenship or visa status. You can register with your passport — a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) is not required for registration itself. On the contrary, you need the Anmeldung to apply for a residence permit.
Related guides
First 14 days in Germany
Timeline for your first days — from arrival to your first paycheck, step by step.
Read moreAnmeldung without your own apartment
How to register at a friend's, in temporary accommodation, or a hotel when you have no lease.
Read moreBürgeramt appointment
How to book an appointment, what to bring, and what to expect at the counter.
Read moreLast updated: March 2026. Information is regularly reviewed against current regulations.
Pending professional legal review
This content is pending legal review and may change.