Information Guide › Arrival
Your first 30 days in Germany: registration, bank, insurance
The right order of appointments — and the legal deadlines you cannot miss.
Reviewed by: Hazem Ibrahim (M. Sc.) · 2026-08-03 Reviewed
Each step unlocks the next: registration enables the bank account, the account enables insurance, and together they enable your residence permit.
Registration duty
- Deadline after moving intwo weeks (§ 17 Federal Registration Act)
- Fine for late registrationup to EUR 1,000
Book early
In large cities appointments can be weeks away. The deadline starts when you move in, not when your appointment is — keep proof of booking.
Checklist
- Get the landlord confirmation
- Register within two weeks
- Open a current account
- Complete health insurance
Official sources
- Bundesmeldegesetz (§ 17) — Federal Registration ActFederal legislation · 2026-08-03
- Make it in Germany — First stepsGerman Federal Government · 2026-08-03
- BAMF — Federal Office for Migration and RefugeesFederal Office for Migration and Refugees · 2026-08-03
General organisational information — not legal advice and not representation before authorities.