Everything you need after you land in Germany
From Anmeldung to opening a bank account, sorting health insurance, and planning your Job Seeker Visa — your complete guide to settling in Germany.
What do you need help with?
Pick a category to get started.
PhD & Graduate Programs
Explore tuition-free PhD programs at German universities with DFG/DAAD funding and EU Blue Card pathways.
- No tuition fees
- DAAD & DFG scholarships
- Blue Card eligibility after PhD
- English-taught programs
Housing & WG (Flat-sharing)
Find student housing and WG (Wohngemeinschaft) flat-shares in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and other cities.
- WG-Gesucht & ImmobilienScout
- Deposit (Kaution) rules
- Anmeldung requirement
- Student dorm (Studentenwerk)
Banking & Finance
Open a German bank account. DKB, N26, Deutsche Bank, and Commerzbank compared for international students.
- DKB & N26 (English app)
- Sperrkonto (blocked account)
- Schufa credit score basics
- SEPA transfers
Phone, Insurance & Daily Life
German health insurance (TK/DAK), SIM cards, DB Deutschlandticket, and Anmeldung (city registration).
- TK & DAK health insurance
- Best SIMs (Aldi Talk, congstar)
- Deutschlandticket (€58/mo)
- Anmeldung process
German Employer Directory
Companies offering EU Blue Card sponsorship and Job Seeker Visa-friendly roles in Germany.
- Blue Card eligible roles
- € salary data
- Recognition of foreign degrees
- English-speaking workplaces
Step-by-Step Guides
From Anmeldung to filing your Steuererklaerung — practical guides for life in Germany.
- Anmeldung step-by-step
- Job Seeker Visa application
- Steuererklaerung (tax return)
- Blue Card application
Your settlement timeline
A practical checklist for your first few months in Germany.
Before you arrive
- Set up your Sperrkonto (blocked account) — required for visa
- Arrange German health insurance (TK or DAK recommended)
- Carry EUR 300–500 cash for first days
Week 1
- Do your Anmeldung (city registration) at the Einwohnermeldeamt — required
- Open a DKB or N26 bank account (both work with English apps)
- Get a German SIM card (Aldi Talk or congstar are cheapest)
Month 1
- Enroll in German statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)
- Get your Deutschlandticket (unlimited public transit for ~€58/mo)
- Register at your university's Immatrikulationsamt for semester ticket
Month 3+
- Begin Job Seeker Visa planning (valid for 18 months after graduation)
- Check EU Blue Card salary threshold for your field
- File your Steuererklaerung (tax return) via ELSTER — average student refund is EUR 800–1,500
Also check out our free tools
Processing times, visa calculators, tax guides, credit builder, and more — all built for Germany.