Do EU citizens need a visa to move to Germany?

No. EU citizens can move to Germany freely under Directive 2004/38/EC and do not need a residence permit.

What is the Anmeldung and when must I do it?

The Anmeldung is the mandatory address registration at your local Bürgeramt. It must be done within 14 days of moving into your accommodation.

How do I get a Steuer-ID?

The Steuer-ID is sent by post to your registered address a few weeks after your Anmeldung. It is issued by the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern.

How does statutory health insurance work?

Employees earning under the threshold must join a statutory health insurer (GKV). You choose the fund (TK, AOK, Barmer, etc.) and your employer registers you.

Do I need to exchange my EU driving licence?

No. EU/EEA driving licences are valid in Germany until their expiry date.

Can I open a German bank account before the Anmeldung?

Traditional banks usually require the Anmeldung certificate. Digital banks like N26 accept an EU ID without German proof of address.

Moving to Germany 2026

All countries

Germany

German

Capital: Berlin

Currency: EUR

Residence procedure: Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt

Official government website

Your 7-step relocation checklist

Step 1
EU Free Movement confirmed
As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Germany with no visa. Bring a valid passport or national ID card.
Step 2
Find accommodation
A local address is required for most other steps (registration, bank, tax number). Check housing costs before you move.
Cost of living in Germany
Step 3
Register your residence — Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt
Deadline: Within 14 days of moving in. This is the local residence registration procedure required under EU Directive 2004/38/EC after your first 3 months.
Official government portal
Step 4
Get your Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID)
You need a Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID) to work, get paid, or open a bank account in Germany.
Apply for Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID)
Step 5
Register with Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) – e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer
Once resident and working, register with Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) – e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer. In the meantime your EHIC covers necessary care.
Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) – e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer portal
Step 6
Open a local bank account
Most Germany employers pay salary into a local EUR account. Bring your ID, proof of address and Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID).
Step 7
Calculate your expected net salary
See what you'll actually take home in Germany after tax and social security.
Open net salary calculator

FAQ — Moving to Germany

Information verified for 2026 from official Germany government sources. This guide applies to EU citizens under EU Directive 2004/38/EC.

Your 7-step relocation checklist

Step 1

EU Free Movement confirmed

As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Germany with no visa. Bring a valid passport or national ID card.

Step 2

Find accommodation

A local address is required for most other steps (registration, bank, tax number). Check housing costs before you move.

Cost of living in Germany

Step 3

Register your residence — Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt

Deadline: Within 14 days of moving in. This is the local residence registration procedure required under EU Directive 2004/38/EC after your first 3 months.

Official government portal

Step 4

Get your Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID)

You need a Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID) to work, get paid, or open a bank account in Germany.

Apply for Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID)

Step 5

Register with Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) – e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer

Once resident and working, register with Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) – e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer. In the meantime your EHIC covers necessary care.

Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) – e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer portal

Step 6

Open a local bank account

Most Germany employers pay salary into a local EUR account. Bring your ID, proof of address and Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID).

Step 7

Calculate your expected net salary

See what you'll actually take home in Germany after tax and social security.

Open net salary calculator

FAQ — Moving to Germany

Information verified for 2026 from official Germany government sources. This guide applies to EU citizens under EU Directive 2004/38/EC.