Your First Weeks in Germany
You've arrived. Now there are a few mandatory steps — and the order matters.
These steps are strictly sequential. Each one unlocks the next. A delay early on — especially with City Registration — can hold up your salary, your residence permit, and your access to university services.
City Registration (Anmeldung)
This is the single most important step after arrival. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, receive your salary, apply for a residence permit, or enrol at university. Everything else depends on it.
When
Within 14 days of moving into your accommodation.
Where
Local Residents' Registration Office
Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt
Bring
Passport + Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation). A rental contract alone is usually not enough.
Bank Account
You need a German bank account to receive your salary or stipend and to pay rent and utilities. Open one as soon as you have your registration certificate.
When
Immediately after City Registration.
Bring
Passport + Meldebescheinigung (City Registration Certificate).
What you need
A German IBAN (starting with DE) — required by payroll.
Residence Permit
If you are a non-EU citizen, a residence permit is mandatory for any stay beyond 90 days or the duration of your visa. Book your appointment early — the immigration office is slow.
If you entered with a visa
Apply before your visa expires.
If you entered visa-free
Apply within 90 days of arrival.
Where
Local Immigration Office
Ausländerbehörde
-
PassportValid for the full duration of your intended stay
-
City Registration Certificate (Meldebescheinigung)From Step 1
-
Hosting AgreementFrom your TAM / PI's admin office
-
Proof of health insuranceStatutory or private
Broadcasting Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)
Shortly after registering your address, you'll receive a letter about the Rundfunkbeitrag. This is a mandatory household fee in Germany — roughly €18.36 per month — regardless of whether you own a TV or radio.
→ Information on the German Broadcasting Fee (English)
University Enrollment
Enrollment as a doctoral student is not legally required, but it's well worth doing. It gives you access to training programmes, the library, supervision structures, and — importantly — student travel benefits.
When
In your first months after arrival. No urgent deadline, but sooner is better.
How
Enrol as a doctoral student at your host university. Your TAM onboarding will guide you through the process.
Benefits
Library access, training programmes, supervision, public transport discounts.
The admin is done. Now settle in.
Phase 3 is about finding your footing — in the lab, in the city, and in the TAM community. We'll guide you through what comes next.
Continue to Phase 3 →Got questions at any point? Rebekka Volmer at the TAM TrainingHub is your first call.
rebekka.volmer@uni-giessen.de →