Relocating to Germany, especially to a city like Düsseldorf, can be a thrilling yet overwhelming experience. To help ease your transition, I’ve compiled the top 5 crucial steps we took right after settling in Düsseldorf. These steps are designed to simplify your move and ensure you get started on the right foot.

1. Registering Your Address (Anmeldung)

One of the first things you must do upon moving to Germany is to register your residence, known as “Anmeldung.” This is a mandatory process that you must complete at the Bürgerbüro (Citizen’s Office) soon after you arrive.

Steps for Anmeldung:

• Obtain a Residence Confirmation Form: Ask your landlord (even if it’s an Airbnb host) to fill out and sign the last page of the form provided in this link.
• Visit Bürgerbüro Early: Head to the Bürgerbüro at Willi-Becker-Allee 7 around 7:00 AM. This will allow you to get in line before they open at 7:30 AM. Ask for help if needed to get a queue number from the machine (it even has a Turkish option). If you don’t want to go early and wait you can book an appointment online from this link.
• Required Documents: You’ll need the filled-out form, your passports, and if married, your marriage certificate (translated into German).

1. identity card and – if available – passport of the person to be registered
2. Registration form from the Residents’ Registration Office
3. child IDs and/or birth certificates of the children accompanying the applicant
4. Rental or purchase agreement
5. Confirmation of move-in by the landlord/main tenant (if you are not named in the rental agreement)
6. Marriage certificate (if available)

Though some friends experienced difficulties due to language barriers, we were fortunate to find English-speaking staff. If your marital status changes while in Germany (like a divorce), you need to report this with the relevant documents to avoid fines.

Welcome Package: Once registered, ask for the welcome package. This contains vouchers for over 500 events and activities, and you can purchase a discount booklet for 5 euros at the Tourist Office in Altstadt.

Important Note: Without completing your Anmeldung, you won’t be able to set up a bank account or get a mobile phone contract, so prioritize this step.

2. Declare Your Address at the Consulate

After your Anmeldung, you must declare your address at the Turkish Consulate if you’re a Turkish citizen. You can make an appointment online via your Consulate’s website and bring the document from the Bürgerbüro along with your passports. Note that each family member needs a separate appointment, but sometimes, as in our case, the system may allow multiple registrations in one go.

Failure to declare your address within two weeks of your move can result in fines.

3. Open a Bank Account

Setting up a bank account is essential for managing your finances in Germany. We opted for Commerzbank, which along with Sparkasse, came highly recommended.

Also, consider creating a Wise account for international money transfers. You can reach our dedicated blog post here.