What to do after arriving in Germany

What to Do After Arriving in Germany

A Step-by-Step Guide:

To seek employment, education, or vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany is a major achievement as well as a privilege. The first few days can be tough, with many difficulties that come with having to adjust to a new setting; however, accepting this new change as part of growth can be more seamless than you imagine. In order to assist you in becoming more comfortable and productive in this new stage of your life, please find below some general rules with which you should start. 

1. Secure Accommodation

Choosing a proper home is one of the biggest challenges during the first days of staying in Germany. A comfortable place of accommodation means that you can dedicate time to other important activities. There are many factors to consider when choosing your accommodation, but as a trainee in Ausbildung in Germany, if your employer has not sorted any accommodation for you, then this should be your first consideration. Below are detailed options and tips to help you navigate this process:

 

Accommodation Options

• Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaften or WG): Currently, the German rental market is primarily characterized by the great popularity of communal living among young people, particularly students and other individuals with informal employment. An individual who resides in a WG pays rent for a room within a multi-occupied residential building, which may have other tenants. This is cheap and provides a good opportunity to find friends and adapt to the new environment in the near future. Some of the necessities, such as water, electricity, and the internet, are perhaps paid for by the landlord and may be included in the rental price, but you should ask the landlord or the occupants of the house.

• Student Dormitories (Studentenwohnheime): If you are a trainee of Ausbildung in Germany or a student, you will find dormitories to be the most appropriate option since they are cheap and easily accessible. Being run by student unions or universities, they are usually furnished with very simple facilities and equipment. However, demand for these positions is high; therefore, early application should be made. Some universities provide these services; consult your student services or look at sites such as the Deutsche Studentenwerk.

• Private Apartments: Renting a private apartment is ideal if you value privacy and independence. However, it is more expensive, and landlords may require a security deposit (Kaution) equivalent to two or three months’ rent. Apartments are typically unfurnished, so factor in the cost of furniture and appliances when budgeting. Look for apartments in areas well connected to public transport for convenience. 

Temporary Accommodation Options

If you’re unable to secure long-term accommodation before arriving, consider temporary solutions:

• Hotels, hostels, or guesthouses.

• Short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb.

• Budget-friendly options such as youth hostels (Jugendherbergen). 

 

Tips for Securing Accommodation

• Start Early: It is advisable to start the search a few weeks or months before the desired time of starting the Ausbildung course in Germany. This way, you have enough time to go through the different offers, comparing them and not having to rush at the last moment. 

• Use Trusted Platforms: Explore reliable websites and platforms to find housing, such as:

• WG-Gesucht: Perfect for shared apartments.

• Immobilienscout24: Widely used for all types of rentals.

• Housing Anywhere: Useful for finding furnished apartments or rooms. 

• Join Local Groups: As a rule, check Facebook groups or community forums to find people who post housing offers. A lot of expats and locals also advertise available rental properties in the said areas. 

• Leverage Personal Connections: Make a survey among friends, relatives, or those persons you know in Germany in order to get some recommendations or help. They might be aware of what is out there or can guide you through some procedures in your area.

• Prepare Necessary Documents: Landlords often require the following:

• Proof of income (e.g., employment contract or pay slips).

• A copy of your ID or passport.

• Schufa credit report (a credit check, primarily for private apartments).

• Previous rental references (if applicable).   

• Beware of Scams:

• Refuse the opportunities that appear too brilliant to be true.

• It is advisable never to pay upfront without physically setting foot on the property or signing what you consider a legal lease.

But it would be best for you if you arranged accommodation through a friend or relative before arriving in Germany, because if you do not have accommodation arrangements in advance, you may have to stay in a hotel, etc. for three to four days, which can prove to be very expensive.(alert-success)

Additional Considerations

• Budget: Your rent should not be more than one-third of your monthly income. Explain other expenses such as electricity and other expenses like the internet.

• Location: Selecting an area that is near your workplace, university, or any means of transport will save you time as well as money.

• Rental Contract: Always ensure you go through the rental agreement before you sign it to ensure you understand all the terms and conditions. Read all the provisions concerning notice period, deposit, and maintenance.

In this case, you are able to get a suitable accommodation that you prefer and can afford by planning and searching for the available accommodation resources to offer you the best start you need in Germany.

 

2. Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

Before the end of two weeks after arriving in the city, one is required to go through the registration process at the Bürgeramt in the area where you live. This step is mandatory for all Ausbildung students in Germany. Here's what you need to do: 

• You should bring your passport, rental agreement, and a completed registration form.

• This is needed when opening a bank account, applying for health insurance, and other purposes; it is called Anmeldebestätigung.

 

 3. Get a Local SIM Card

Having a local phone number is essential for:

• The way you communicate with your employer and other colleagues.

• Using banking apps and public transport apps.

• Verifying official documents.

SIM cards can be bought as prepaid or postpaid from Telekom, Vodafone, or any other standard telephone company. Some of the plans may be slightly different depending on the company, and comparing the plans can help you find the right one for you. 

 

4. Open a German Bank Account

A local bank account is necessary to keep and operate the finances, receive the stipend as an Ausbildung trainee in Germany, and pay for bills. To open an account, visit a bank with the following documents:

• Passport.

• Address registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung).

• An employment letter or an enrollment letter (where applicable).

Some of the existing and well-known banks are Germany’s Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, Germany’s N26, and Sparkasse. Other online banks such as N26 and Wise provide something more convenient for users with no command of the German language.

 

5. Apply for Health Insurance

It is mandatory that everyone in Germany has health insurance. You must either:

Join Public Health Insurance (GesetzlicheKrankenversicherung): Usually, your employer handles this; your wages fund the premiums.

Choose Private Health Insurance: 

This choice is available for people who meet specific criteria, such as those who make a particular amount of money or are self-employed..

For government insurance, one might request TK, AOK, or Barmer, or use brokers' services to select a private plan.

 

6. Apply for a Residence Permit

Foreigners from the EU have 90 days to secure a residence visa. Go to the local Foreigners Office (Ausländerbehörde) and present the below documents to apply for a residence permit.

• Passport and visa.

• Proof of health insurance.

• Address registration certificate.

• Employment or study contract.

This permit is crucial for being legally resident and working in Germany. 

 

7. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (Steuer-ID) as Ausbildung Trainee

Every Ausbildung trainee living in Germany is required to have a tax identification number (Steuer-ID) if they earn money. In order to get your wages, pay taxes, and finish a wide range of other free work, this figure is mandatory. This is a thorough step-by-step on the obtaining of your Steuer-ID and its relevance: 

What is a Steuer-ID?

The Steuer-ID is an 11-digit identification number of a person living in Germany, no matter whether the person is a citizen of Germany or not. It is a lifelong number used by the tax authorities to follow your income and ensure you are taxed accordingly.(alert-passed) 

How to Obtain Your Steuer-ID

Register Your Address (Anmeldung): The first process to take in order to get the Steuer-ID is to go to the registering office of residence (Bürgeramt). Upon registration, the authorities will automatically create your Steuer-ID for you, which is the German tax identification number. 

• Receive Your Steuer-ID by Post: Once all the details on your address registration are filled in, your Steuer-ID will be posted to you in 2-4 weeks. When making the Anmeldung, make sure that the address given is correct to avoid many inconveniences. 

• If You Don’t Receive Your Steuer-ID: If you do not receive your Steuer-ID within a few weeks, then you should get in touch with the local tax office (Finanzamt). Provide the following details when inquiring:

• Your full name.

• Date of birth.

• Registered address.

The Finanzamt can issue a duplicate Steuer-ID upon verification of your details. 

 

Why Do You Need a Steuer-ID?

• Salary Payments: Your Steuer-ID is necessary for employers in order to compute and subtract the income tax on your salary appropriately. 

• Tax Returns: This number is used in the filing of annual tax returns and in claiming tax refunds. 

• Financial Transactions: The Steuer-ID is necessary when opening bank accounts or dealing with any other financial institution. 

• Government Services: It can be necessary to receive some kind of governmental assistance or to use some governmental facilities.

Additional Tips

• Keep It Safe: After getting the Steuer-ID, keep it safe as it will be used at some point in your lifetime of living in Germany.

• Inform Your Employer: For the emergency tax bracket, you have to submit your Steuer-ID to your employer as soon as possible.

• Non-Residents: If you are a non-resident of Germany and you receive income in Germany, you may also need a Steuer-ID. You should seek advice from the local Finanzamt.

• For Children: Children living in Germany also get a Steuer-ID. Some parents may require this for some tax incentives or other government assistance.

Thus, learning about the Steuer-ID and getting your Steuer-ID as soon as possible will help you avoid problems with the financial aspects of adapting to German legislation. 

 

8. Enroll in Language Courses (if Necessary)

Knowledge of the German language is essential for full social and professional reintegration and for performing your work or professional training. Enroll in language courses offered by:

• Volkshochschule (local adult education centers).

• Private language schools.

• Online platforms like Babbel or Duolingo.

Many cities offer subsidized or free courses for immigrants.

 

9. Familiarize Yourself with Public Transportation

Germany’s public transportation system is efficient and reliable. Learn how to use:

• Buses, trams, and subways (U-Bahn).

• Regional trains (S-Bahn).

• Long-distance trains (Deutsche Bahn).

You need to buy a monthly or yearly ticket to make your travel cheaper. There are also general navigation apps like the DB Navigator or transport apps specific to certain cities that will make your life easier.

 

10. Meet Your Employer

If you’re starting an apprenticeship or job, schedule a meeting with your employer to: 

• Know your job description and expectations.

• Find out about policies at the workplace, the training calendar, and standard expectations.

• Seek to understand any doubts you have in your employment contract. 

 

11. Understand Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Take time to understand:

• Your rights in the workplace as an employee or an apprentice, such as your hours of work, your pay and your holidays.

• The conditions of your Ausbildung or employment contract that you have signed between you and your employer/company.

• Labor laws and workplace safety standards. 

  🔗 Understand your Legal Rights and Responsibilities in Detail.

12. Build a Support Network

It will help if you can find people to talk to and share your feelings with when you’re getting used to the situation. Here’s how to build your network:

• Join local social or cultural groups.

• Attend networking events or meetups.

• Participate in language exchange programs.

 

13. Explore the Local Culture

Immerse yourself in German culture to feel more at home: 

• Visit historical places, galleries, and fairs.

• It is recommended to taste German recipes.

• Learn about local customs and etiquette. 

 

14. Plan for Long-Term Goals

Settle into your new life by planning for the future:

• Research opportunities for further education or professional development programmes.

• Try legal means to obtain immigration status for permanent residency, refugee status, or citizenship where available.

• You should also check your budget and other financial-related indicators. 

Conclusion

New life as a trainee of Ausbildung in Germany is good – this is an undisputed fact – the state provides economic, political, and social opportunities for everyone. If these are observed, then you are assured of a transition, and with the right groundwork, you are assured of a good and fruitful experience. Do not avoid asking your employer, local authorities, or other residents you may find in the area for assistance, as you are unfamiliar with the setting.