Lower Saxony · Newcomer guide
Settling in Hannover
Hannover is the capital of Lower Saxony; services are well-organised and the city is used to a steady flow of new arrivals. Work through the steps below — each guide lists the exact documents to bring.
Typical monthly cost in Hannover: ~€1.680 (rent + essentials). See the full city guide →
When you arrive
Register your address (Anmeldung) in Hannover
Anmeldung
Read the guide→Get your tax ID & tax class in Hannover
Steuer-ID / Finanzamt
Read the guide→Open a bank account in Hannover
Girokonto
Read the guide→Sign up for health insurance in Hannover
Krankenversicherung
Read the guide→Apply for a residence permit in Hannover
Aufenthaltstitel
Read the guide→Find a place to live in Hannover
Wohnungssuche
Read the guide→Get a SIM or phone contract in Hannover
Handyvertrag
Read the guide→Extend your residence permit in Hannover
Aufenthaltstitel verlängern
Read the guide→As you settle in
Exchange your driving licence in Hannover
Führerschein umschreiben
Read the guide→Claim child benefit (Kindergeld) in Hannover
Kindergeld
Read the guide→Get a public transport ticket in Hannover
Deutschlandticket
Read the guide→Register as a freelancer in Hannover
Freiberufler anmelden
Read the guide→File an income-tax return in Hannover
Einkommensteuererklärung
Read the guide→Register a car (Kfz-Zulassung) in Hannover
Kfz-Zulassung
Read the guide→Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Hannover
Elterngeld
Read the guide→Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Hannover
Wohngeld
Read the guide→Find a daycare place (Kita) in Hannover
Kita-Platz
Read the guide→Enrol your child in school in Hannover
Schulanmeldung
Read the guide→Apply for German citizenship in Hannover
Einbürgerung
Read the guide→Apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Hannover
Niederlassungserlaubnis
Read the guide→Get a German driving licence (driving school) in Hannover
Führerschein / Fahrschule
Read the guide→Meet Amtly
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