Week 1: Immediate Priorities

1. Landlord Confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

What is it? This is an official document from your landlord confirming that you live at your registered address. It's the single most important document you'll need for almost everything else.

How to get it:

•       Request the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form from your landlord or download it from Berlin's official website

•       Your landlord (or main tenant with permission) must fill out and sign this form

•       Keep the original – you'll need it for your Anmeldung appointment

Pro Tip: If you're staying with our accommodation partners (Spotahome Berlin, The Social Hub, or Uniplaces), they can provide this documentation quickly. Check your pre-arrival document for their special discount codes!

2. Book Your Anmeldung Appointment

What is it? The Anmeldung (address registration) is your official registration with Berlin authorities. Without it, you can't open a bank account, get your tax ID, or access many essential services.

Legal requirement: You must register within 14 days of moving to Germany.

How to book:

•       Visit the Berlin Service Portal (service.berlin.de)

•       Search for 'Anmeldung einer Wohnung' (registration of residence)

•       Click 'Termin berlinweit suchen' to search across all Berlin offices

•       Check early morning (7-9 AM) when new slots are released

•       Be flexible with location – you can register at any Bürgeramt in Berlin

What to bring to your appointment:

•       Valid passport

•       Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation)

•       Completed Anmeldeformular (registration form – available online in English translation)

•       Birth certificate (and marriage certificate if applicable)

Timeline: Appointments are typically available 3-6 weeks out. Book as early as possible! The appointment itself takes only 10-15 minutes.

After your appointment: You'll receive your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) immediately. Within 2-4 weeks, your tax ID and TV license fee letter will arrive by mail.

Week 2-3: Financial Setup

3. Open a German Bank Account

Why you need it: Most German landlords, employers, and universities require a German bank account (IBAN) for rent, salary, and refunds. Many services won't accept foreign accounts.

What you need:

•       Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate from your Anmeldung)

•       Valid passport

•       Student enrollment certificate (for student accounts)

Recommended options:

•       Expatrio: As our partner, Expatrio offers a blocked account combined with German banking services specifically designed for international students. They provide English support and can help with visa requirements. Perfect for students who need both a blocked account and daily banking.

•       N26 or Deutsche Bank: Popular digital banks with English interfaces and no monthly fees for students

•       Sparkasse: Traditional bank with branches throughout Berlin, though service is primarily in German

Processing time: Digital banks typically activate within 1-2 weeks. Traditional banks may take 2-4 weeks.

4. Activate Your Blocked Account

What is it? If you used a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for your visa application, you need to activate it after arriving in Germany. This allows you to access your monthly allowance.

How to activate:

•       Contact your blocked account provider (e.g., Expatrio, Fintiba, Deutsche Bank)

•       Submit your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate)

•       Complete identity verification (often done via video call)

•       Receive your German IBAN and start accessing monthly withdrawals

Important: Monthly amounts from blocked accounts are typically released on the 1st of each month. Plan your budget accordingly!

Haven't opened your blocked account yet? Click below, and begin your process today!

5. Get Your Deutschland Ticket

What is it? The Deutschland Ticket (also called D-Ticket or 49-Euro-Ticket) gives you unlimited travel on all regional trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, and buses throughout Germany for €49/month.

How to get it:

•       Download the BVG app or Deutsche Bahn (DB) Navigator app

•       Create an account and link your German bank account

•       Subscribe to the Deutschland Ticket (monthly subscription, can cancel anytime)

•       Receive your digital ticket immediately on your phone

Week 3-4: Health & Communication

6. Activate Your Health Insurance

What is it? Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You likely obtained coverage before arriving, but you need to officially activate it and receive your insurance card.

How to activate:

•       Contact your insurance provider (TK, AOK, Expatrio, etc.)

•       Submit your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate)

•       Provide your German bank details for monthly payments

•       Wait 1-2 weeks to receive your insurance card (Versichertenkarte) by mail

Pro Tip: If you used Expatrio for your blocked account, your health insurance might already be integrated. They offer comprehensive student health insurance that meets all visa requirements.

Important: Keep your insurance confirmation letter – you'll need to submit it to your university during enrollment.

7. Get a German SIM Card

Why you need it: A German phone number is essential for appointments, deliveries, two-factor authentication, and everyday communication.

Options:

•       Prepaid SIM (recommended to start): No contract required. Available at supermarkets, electronics stores, or online. Options include Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, Lebara. Cost: €10-20 for SIM + initial credit.

•       Contract SIM (after 2-3 months): Better rates for heavy users. Requires German bank account and Meldebescheinigung. Options include O2, Vodafone, Telekom. Many prepaid users can later convert to a contract with the same provider.

What you need: Passport and Meldebescheinigung (for contract plans). Just passport for prepaid.

Strategy: Start with a prepaid SIM in your first week (you can buy these at the airport if needed!), then switch to a contract plan after 2-3 months once you have your German bank account and know your data needs.

Other Important Tasks in Your First 90 Days

Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)

Good news: This arrives automatically 2-4 weeks after your Anmeldung! You'll receive it by mail at your registered address. Keep this number safe – you'll need it for employment, tax returns, and official documents.

90-Day Quick Reference Checklist

Week 1:

•       ☐ Get Landlord Confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

•       ☐ Book Anmeldung appointment

•       ☐ Get prepaid SIM card

Week 2-3:

•       ☐ Attend Anmeldung appointment → receive Meldebescheinigung

•       ☐ Open German bank account

•       ☐ Activate blocked account

•       ☐ Get Deutschland Ticket

Week 3-4:

•       ☐ Activate health insurance

•       ☐ Complete university enrollment

•       ☐ Consider switching to contract SIM card

By Week 12:

•       ☐ Receive Tax ID by mail

•       ☐ Apply for residence permit extension (if needed)

•       ☐ Set up recurring payments for rent, insurance, phone

Helpful Resources & Partners

Accommodation Partners: Check your pre-arrival document for exclusive discount codes for:

•       Spotahome Berlin – verified apartments with virtual tours

•       The Social Hub – student housing with community events

•       Uniplaces – student-friendly rentals across Berlin

Financial Partner: Expatrio – blocked account, German bank account, and health insurance in one package specifically designed for international students.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Berlin is an exciting adventure! While the administrative tasks might seem overwhelming at first, remember that every international student goes through this process. Take it step by step, ask for help when needed, and don't hesitate to reach out to your university's international office.

Once you've completed these essential steps, you'll be fully set up to focus on what really matters: your studies, exploring Berlin, and making unforgettable memories. Welcome to Berlin – your new home!