Moving to Germany: A Guide for Expats

Key takeaways

• Stays over 90 days usually need a residence visa before travel, then a residence permit after arrival.

• First wins: Registration (Anmeldung) within two weeks, Tax ID (IdNr), health insurance, and a bank account.

• Expect a security deposit (Kaution) up to three months of cold rent and a six-month window before most non-EU licences need exchanging.

Moving to Germany?

Thinking about a new life in Germany? Great choice. The first weeks come with a little paperwork, but it is manageable when you follow a simple order. This guide walks through visas, registration, health cover, banking, housing, and driving.. If you need to move money for a deposit, tuition, or setup costs, you can check the latest EUR rate, compare providers, and start your transfer when you are ready.

1. Visas and residence

If you plan to live, work, or study in Germany for more than 90 days, you generally apply for a national residence visa before you travel, then convert it to a residence permit after arrival.¹

Skilled professionals may qualify for the EU Blue Card with a 2025 general salary threshold of €48,300 and a lower threshold of €43,759.80 for certain bottleneck professions and new entrants.² Always confirm the latest amounts for your role.

Visa routes at a glance

Tip: budgeting in another currency is easier if you set a quick rate alert in the Xe app, then act when the rate suits you.

2. Registration (Anmeldung) and IDs

Registration (Anmeldung). After you move into a home, you must register your address within two weeks. Bring your passport and a landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).³

Tax ID (IdNr). After registration, your 11-digit IdNr arrives by post. Employers use it for payroll and it is permanent.⁴

First-month checklist

3. Health insurance (Krankenversicherung)

Health insurance is compulsory for residents.⁵ Most employees join the statutory system; others may be eligible for private coverage depending on income and situation. If you are arriving on a visa, check which proof of coverage is needed for your residence-permit appointment.

Health insurance options

4. Banking and payments

If you are a legal resident, you have a right to a basic payment account (Basiskonto) that supports deposits, card payments, and transfers.⁶ Your bank will provide an IBAN for euro transfers and a BIC/SWIFT code for international routing.

Common early payments include a rental deposit, first month’s rent, furnishing, and sometimes tuition. Before sending money from abroad, look at speed, fees, and the exchange rate. You can check the latest EUR rate, compare providers, and start your transfer. If a form asks for account details, the IBAN calculator and SWIFT/BIC finder can help you verify information.

5. Housing and deposits (Kaution)

German tenancy law caps the security deposit at three months of cold rent, and tenants have the right to pay it in three equal monthly installments starting at move-in.⁹ Always transfer the deposit, not cash, and keep receipts. A detailed handover report helps both sides at move-out.

Kaution quick facts

6. Work, study, and everyday admin

Starting a job. Bring your IdNr to HR so payroll can start correctly.⁴ Contracts typically list gross salary, probation, vacation, and notice periods. Blue Card holders may qualify for faster settlement routes; check the latest rules.²

Studying. Universities and local immigration offices publish student-permit checklists. Confirm proof of funds, enrollment, and insurance before your appointment.¹

TV/radio licence (Rundfunkbeitrag). Most households pay €18.36 per month per dwelling.⁷ Register promptly and review exemptions that may apply.

7. Costs and everyday life

Budget for rent and deposit, utilities, public transit, mobile and internet, groceries, insurance, residence-permit fees, and one-off items like furniture. Prices vary by city. If you are converting from another currency, check the EUR rate before larger transfers and consider setting a rate alert.

Popular cities snapshot

8. Driving and licences

If your license was issued outside the EU or EEA, it is generally valid for six months after you become resident. After that, exchange it to keep driving. Requirements vary by issuing country, so check with your local licensing office.⁸

FAQ

1. Do I really need to register my address?
   Yes. Registration within two weeks of moving in is required.³

2. When will I receive my Tax ID?
   Your IdNr is mailed after registration. It is an 11-digit number and does not change.⁴

3. Can I open a bank account if I am new to Germany?
   If you are a legal resident, you have the right to a basic payment account (Basiskonto). Banks still complete standard ID and address checks.⁶

4. How much is the TV/radio licence?
   The current fee is €18.36 per month per dwelling.⁷

5. How long can I drive on my non-EU licence?
   Usually up to six months after you become resident, then an exchange is required to continue driving.⁸

Conclusion and how Xe can help

Moving countries often includes time-sensitive payments. With Xe, you can check mid-market rates in real time with the currency converter, compare providers, and send money securely with transparent tracking. When the timing is right for you, start your transfer in the app or on the site.

Citations

¹ Federal Foreign Office — Residence visa for stays over 90 days — (2025)
² Federal Foreign Office — EU Blue Card thresholds (PDF) — (2025)
³ Federal Act on Registration, Section 17 — two-week registration rule — (consolidated)
⁴ Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) — Tax Identification Number (IdNr) — (n.d.)
⁵ Federal Ministry of Health — Statutory health insurance overview; insurance required for residents — (n.d.)
⁶ BaFin — Basic payment account (Basiskonto) consumer guidance — (2025)
⁷ Rundfunkbeitrag (official, English) — Household fee €18.36 per month — (n.d.)
⁸ Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport — Foreign driving licences, six-month validity after residence — (n.d.)
⁹ German Civil Code (BGB) — Section 551, deposit cap and instalment right — (consolidated)
¹⁰ Amt für Statistik Berlin-Brandenburg - Berlin population 3,685,265 (31.12.2024) — (2025)
¹¹ Landeshauptstadt München - Munich population 1,603,776 (31.12.2024) — (2024)
¹² Statistikamt Nord - Hamburg population 1,862,565 (31.12.2024) — (2025)
¹³ Stadt Frankfurt Statistik - Frankfurt am Main population 776,843 (31.12.2024) — (2025)
¹⁴ Stadt Köln Statistik - Cologne population 1,097,519 (31.12.2024) — (2025)
¹⁵ Statistisches Landesamt Baden-Württemberg - Stuttgart population 612,663 (31.12.2024) — (2025)
¹⁶ Bundesagentur für Arbeit - Median monthly gross pay 2024: DE €4,013; Hamburg €4,527; Baden-Württemberg €4,356; Hesse €4,325 — (2025)
¹⁷ Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Donauwörth press release) - Bavaria median monthly gross pay €4,166 (2024) — (2025)
¹⁸ Amt für Statistik Berlin-Brandenburg - Berlin median monthly gross pay €3,955 (analysis based on BA data, 31.12.2023) — (2025)

** Information from these sources was taken on September 2, 2025.

The content within this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute financial, legal, immigration, or tax advice. All figures and data are based on publicly available sources at the time of writing and are subject to change. Actual conditions may vary depending on location, timing, and personal circumstances. We recommend consulting official government resources or a licensed professional for the most up-to-date and personalized guidance.