Berlin · Newcomer guide
Settling in Berlin
Berlin's Bürgeramt appointments are the scarcest in Germany — book the moment you have an address. Work through the steps below — each guide lists the exact documents to bring.
Typical monthly cost in Berlin: ~€2.030 (rent + essentials). See the full city guide →
When you arrive
Register your address (Anmeldung) in Berlin
Anmeldung
Read the guide→Get your tax ID & tax class in Berlin
Steuer-ID / Finanzamt
Read the guide→Open a bank account in Berlin
Girokonto
Read the guide→Sign up for health insurance in Berlin
Krankenversicherung
Read the guide→Apply for a residence permit in Berlin
Aufenthaltstitel
Read the guide→Find a place to live in Berlin
Wohnungssuche
Read the guide→Get a SIM or phone contract in Berlin
Handyvertrag
Read the guide→Extend your residence permit in Berlin
Aufenthaltstitel verlängern
Read the guide→As you settle in
Exchange your driving licence in Berlin
Führerschein umschreiben
Read the guide→Claim child benefit (Kindergeld) in Berlin
Kindergeld
Read the guide→Get a public transport ticket in Berlin
Deutschlandticket
Read the guide→Register as a freelancer in Berlin
Freiberufler anmelden
Read the guide→File an income-tax return in Berlin
Einkommensteuererklärung
Read the guide→Register a car (Kfz-Zulassung) in Berlin
Kfz-Zulassung
Read the guide→Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Berlin
Elterngeld
Read the guide→Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Berlin
Wohngeld
Read the guide→Find a daycare place (Kita) in Berlin
Kita-Platz
Read the guide→Enrol your child in school in Berlin
Schulanmeldung
Read the guide→Apply for German citizenship in Berlin
Einbürgerung
Read the guide→Apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Berlin
Niederlassungserlaubnis
Read the guide→Get a German driving licence (driving school) in Berlin
Führerschein / Fahrschule
Read the guide→Meet Amtly
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