🇩🇪 What to Do in the First 90 Days After Arriving in Germany (2025 Edition)

Congratulations! You’ve landed in Germany—whether on a Chancenkarte, job seeker visa, or student visa, your first 90 days are critical to setting up your new life.

From legal registrations to opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and finding a job—this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you must do in your first 3 months in Germany.

🎯 Why the First 90 Days Matter

Germany runs on a rules-based system. Missing important steps (like registration or insurance) can lead to fines, visa issues, or blocked access to services.

📅 Week-by-Week Breakdown

✅ Week 1: Immediate Arrival Checklist

1. 🛬 Find Temporary AccommodationPlatforms: Wunderflats, HousingAnywhere, Spacest, Uniplaces🔗 Use Nikshala’s partner links to book & earn discounts.

2. 🛂 Register Your Address (Anmeldung)You must register your residence at the Bürgeramt within 14 days.📄 Documents:

   • Rental contract

   • Landlord confirmation form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

   • Passport

3. 🏦 Open a German Bank AccountOptions: N26, Bunq, Wise, CommerzbankTip: N26 and Bunq offer quick digital onboarding with English support.

4. 📶 Get Internet & SIM Card

   • SIM: O2, Vodafone, Lebara (eSIM available)

   • Internet: Telekom, O2, Jio Fiber (via Indian NRIs)

     
     

✅ Week 2–3: Set Up Essentials

5. 🏥 Get Health InsuranceMandatory for all—choose from:

   • Public: TK, Barmer, DAK (recommended for students & job seekers)

   • Private: Feather, Mawista (if you're over 30 or not eligible for public)🔗 Nikshala offers fast sign-ups with all major providers.

6. 📬 Apply for Tax ID (Steuer-ID)This is automatically sent to your registered address after Anmeldung.You’ll need this to get paid or sign a job contract.

7. 📝 Open a Blocked Account (if applicable)Especially for students or job seekers.Providers: Expatrio, Coracle, Fintiba

   
   

✅ Week 4–6: Career Setup

8. 💼 Build a German-Style CVDownload free templates on Chancenkarte.in.Include:

   • Photo

   • One-page summary

   • Work experience in reverse chronological order

   • No grammatical errors

     
     

9. ✉️ Write a Powerful Cover LetterKeep it role-specific. Avoid generic templates.

   
   

10. 🖥️ Register on German Job Portals

    • LinkedIn Germany

    • StepStone

    • Make It in Germany

    • Indeed.de

    • Jobbörse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit

      
      

11. 🗣️ Start Learning German (If Not Already)Recommended: A2-B1 level for job seekersApps: Duolingo, Babbel, Goethe courses, FrogFluent (Nikshala’s platform)

    
    

✅ Week 7–10: Legal & Career Progression

12. 📅 Attend Job Fairs / Networking EventsCities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have monthly meetups.Websites: Eventbrite, Meetup.com, LinkedIn Events

    
    

13. 💳 Apply for a Residence Permit (If Needed)If you’re on a visa that requires extension or conversion, visit the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office).Documents typically required:

    • Proof of income or job

    • Health insurance

    • Rental contract

    • Passport + biometric photo

      
      

14. 👨‍💼 Get Career Counseling from Nikshala

    Our advisors offer mock interviews, CV reviews, and job application support.

    
    

🧾 Summary Checklist: 90-Day Essentials

Task	Deadline	Notes
Find accommodation	Day 1–7	Use partner platforms
Register address (Anmeldung)	Within 14 days	Mandatory by law
Open bank account	Day 1–10	Needed for transactions
Get SIM & internet	Day 1–10	Needed for job communication
Get health insurance	Week 1–3	Public or private
Receive tax ID	Auto-shipped	Save it safely
Apply for residence permit (if req.)	Week 6–10	Book appointments early
Start job search & networking	Week 2–12	CV, portals, meetups
Learn German	Ongoing	Boosts your hireability

💼 Bonus: Nikshala’s “90 Days in Germany” Starter Kit (Free Download)

Includes:

• Checklist (PDF)

• CV Templates

• Job Board Links

• German Phrases for Beginners

• Health Insurance Comparison Sheet

🎯 Final Words

The first 90 days in Germany can feel overwhelming—but with the right steps, you’ll settle in smoothly and stay compliant. Take it one week at a time. With platforms like Chancenkarte.in and Nikshala, you don’t have to figure it out alone.