Saxony · Newcomer guide
Settling in Dresden
Dresden, like the rest of Saxony, is affordable and appointments are generally easier to get than in the largest western cities. Work through the steps below — each guide lists the exact documents to bring.
Typical monthly cost in Dresden: ~€1.580 (rent + essentials). See the full city guide →
When you arrive
Register your address (Anmeldung) in Dresden
Anmeldung
Read the guide→Get your tax ID & tax class in Dresden
Steuer-ID / Finanzamt
Read the guide→Open a bank account in Dresden
Girokonto
Read the guide→Sign up for health insurance in Dresden
Krankenversicherung
Read the guide→Apply for a residence permit in Dresden
Aufenthaltstitel
Read the guide→Find a place to live in Dresden
Wohnungssuche
Read the guide→Get a SIM or phone contract in Dresden
Handyvertrag
Read the guide→Extend your residence permit in Dresden
Aufenthaltstitel verlängern
Read the guide→As you settle in
Exchange your driving licence in Dresden
Führerschein umschreiben
Read the guide→Claim child benefit (Kindergeld) in Dresden
Kindergeld
Read the guide→Get a public transport ticket in Dresden
Deutschlandticket
Read the guide→Register as a freelancer in Dresden
Freiberufler anmelden
Read the guide→File an income-tax return in Dresden
Einkommensteuererklärung
Read the guide→Register a car (Kfz-Zulassung) in Dresden
Kfz-Zulassung
Read the guide→Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Dresden
Elterngeld
Read the guide→Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Dresden
Wohngeld
Read the guide→Find a daycare place (Kita) in Dresden
Kita-Platz
Read the guide→Enrol your child in school in Dresden
Schulanmeldung
Read the guide→Apply for German citizenship in Dresden
Einbürgerung
Read the guide→Apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Dresden
Niederlassungserlaubnis
Read the guide→Get a German driving licence (driving school) in Dresden
Führerschein / Fahrschule
Read the guide→Meet Amtly
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