After arrival in Berlin

Address registration, tax ID, bank account, health insurance, residence permit – in that order.

Do these in order. Each step needs the one before it.

1. Register your address (Anmeldung)

Within 2 weeks of moving in (§ 17 Federal Registration Act), at a Bürgeramt with your passport and the landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Free. Book via service.berlin.de. No official source says a late registration because of missing appointments is excused; keep proof that you tried.

2. Tax ID

Sent to you by post a few weeks after registration. Your employer needs it.

3. Bank account and 4. health insurance

Most banks want your registration certificate and passport. Health insurance is compulsory; choose a statutory fund (Krankenkasse) yourself; see Social security and health.

5. Residence permit at the LEA

Your visa is only the entry document. Before it expires, apply for the residence permit at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA). Electronic residence card €100, extension over 3 months €93, up to 3 months €96 (§ 45 Residence Ordinance). An application made in time keeps your stay lawful while it is processed (§ 81 (4) Residence Act).

6. Free help

• Berlin Welcome Centre (Willkommenszentrum): free orientation in several languages.
• MBE (Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zuwanderer): free advice for adults.