Things that arrive by post (watch your letterbox)
- Steuer-ID (tax ID) from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern — usually 2–4 weeks after registration. Give it to your employer immediately so that tax class VI is replaced by your correct class.
- Social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, once your employer registers you.
- Health insurance card (eGK) — the Krankenkasse sends a request for a photo first.
- Rundfunkbeitrag letter — register and pay; it is mandatory per household. If a flatmate already pays, register with their contribution number so the household isn't charged twice.
Household setup in month one
- Electricity: if you don't sign a contract, you are automatically supplied at the local "Grundversorgung" tariff, which is often expensive. Compare tariffs on Verivox/Check24 and switch. Note the meter reading on your move-in day.
- Internet: order early — installation can take 2–6 weeks. Mobile hotspot plans bridge the gap.
- Privathaftpflicht (personal liability insurance): around €50–100/year. Get it before you damage something — Chapter 23.
- Family doctor (Hausarzt): find one now, while you are healthy. Use your Krankenkasse's search or Doctolib/Jameda.
Families
- Register children for Kita immediately — waiting lists of 6–12 months are normal in cities (Chapter 29).
- Apply for Kindergeld (€259 per child per month) once you have tax IDs for yourself and your child. It is paid retroactively for only 6 months.
- School-age children: contact the local Schulamt — school attendance is compulsory.
First payslip check
Compare it to Chapter 17: tax class correct? Church tax as expected? Health insurer correct? Errors are easy to fix in the first months.