Congratulations! You are moving to Germany! It’s an exciting time, but I bet you have lots of questions: How do I get a German visa? How do I find an apartment? What about the language? Trust me, I’ve been there.  So, as an expat in Germany myself, I have prepared a quick list with 9 useful Germany relocation tips to help you figure out the next steps:

1. Figure out the paperwork – aka get a German Visa

Whether you are coming to Germany to study or to work, you will most likely need a Visa (unless you are an EU citizen) and, as organised as Germany is, bureaucracy is something to be expected, so here is my first suggestion: check your closest German Embassy for all the details of the visa requirements that apply to you, You will need multiple documents so its better to give yourself plenty of time to gather everything necessary and make appointment as soon as you can to avoid last-minute chaos!

Pro tip: The embassy usually provides useful recommendations and checklists, so take advantage of them.  

Useful links: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/215870-215870  

2. German Health insurance is a must.

When I arrived in Germany in 2019, I decided to use my private health insurance from back home. This decision was one I quickly regretted.  There are many health insurances in Germany that are accepted everywhere like TK, Barmer, and AOK (always consult the list the embassy has!) If you are European make sure your EHIC card is still valid and inform yourself about the procedure to register this correctly to make sure your home health insurance is valid here.   

Pro tip: If you are required to get a blocked bank account, some of those companies offer package deals with health insurance.    

3. How to find an apartment in Germany?

I won’t sugarcoat coat this- finding an apartment is one of the toughest parts of the process.  For students interested in campus apartments you can expect a long wait list and it’s first-come, first-served, so just like your visa, early applications are key. For professionals, this part of the relocation can be trickier, particularly if you don’t have some extra on-site support or if you are looking for short term apartments for rent, not to mention dealing with multiple contracts for wifi -which in my case took more than a month to be installed, electricity and gas…real head-ache. So what I recommend here is coliving spaces- this is how I found an apartment in Berlin in 1 week!  I have lived in student dorms, a regular rental and coliving and when it came to moving cities, coliving was by far the most stress-free process I’ve experienced.  It really makes moving into a new city feel like coming home, not just a  living house. They are fully furnished, all-inclusive (yes, with all utilities!) and you get events and a community to join instantly.   

Pro tip: : If you are planning to move to Aachen or Münster, POHA House is there for you, just check the available flats, select your favourite option and make a reservation right away.  

4. Do I need an ‘Anmeldung’?

Anmeldung is the city registration that everyone- no exceptions- has to do when moving to Germany and within Germany.  This is only possible with a document called ‘Wohnungsgeberbestäatigung’ – I know, quite the tongue twister! This is basically a confirmation from your landlord that allows you to register that place as your residence- you will receive important mail to that place.  So you found an apartment without ‘Anmeldung’? It might not be the ideal solution.   

Pro Tip: Some cities now offer online ‘Anmeldung’ so check if you qualify for this service or if you have to go in person. Useful link: https:  Electronic Anmeldung Deutschland  

5. Opening a bank account.

You will likely be required to open a German bank account for you to receive the monthly blocked bank account payments, pay rent (SEPA Mandates are used for everything!), your phone bill, etc. so make sure to compare different options and select the one that fits your needs best. You will have options that offer services in your native language, some that offer free accounts for students or some that offer some benefits if you open an account with them. 

Pro Tip: Check out Bunq, an online bank that has all the important features you need in a bank. If you are a POHA House resident don’t miss the special deal you get with Bunq!    

6. Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

Okay, so, you can definitely get by with English in the bigger German cities. But here’s the thing: learning a bit of German It’s a BIG game-changer. Especially if you’re planning on staying here long-term (Believe me, even a little bit opens many doors for you!).  It will help you have a deeper understanding of the culture plus, why not? It’s a fun challenge! And trust me, Germans really appreciate it when you at least give their language a shot. Go for it!  

Pro Tip: there are free online resources such as the free German online courses from the Deutsche Welle.    

7. Do I need to get a SIM Card before I go there?

We get it- it’s 2025! We need to be able to communicate with family, and friends, post an occasional insta story here, a scroll through tiktok there- You need mobile data. There are many options you can choose from and you don’t really have to worry about this before moving to Germany:  Are you coming for a short time? How about a SIM Card and prepaid packages from your favourite supermarket?- yeah you heard me right!- the supermarket across the street will probably offer everything you need, just ask for a ‘StarterPaket’ to receive your SIM Card and follow the instructions.  Staying longer? You can also use the supermarket SIM cards or check out the big network providers with which you can sign a contract for a monthly phone plan.  

8. Gear yourself up with the right apps.

There are a few apps that will be life-savers when moving to Germany: 

• DB App -The Deutsche Bahn App is your best friend to buy train-or any public transportation- tickets. 
• Google Maps– This one needs no introduction! But always helpful when you are exploring a new city
• DeepL or Google Translate– When your German is not ‘the yellow of the egg’, having a translation app will be your saviour! Trust me.
• Kleinanzeigen– If you are looking to buy something second-hand or sell things, this one is your best friend. 
• POHA App– Are you moving to one of our houses in Aachen or Münster? Here you will find from a Bluetooth key, all the discounts from our partners, contact forms, and more! Simplified life management, in your pocket. 😉 

9. Enjoy the ride!

Moving away from home is a hard decision, however, it’s also an amazing opportunity to meet new people, expand your horizons and become part of a new community. Take it in, enjoy the experiences moving to Germany brings and make the most of it. You won’t regret it. 

Pro Tip: If you join one of our POHA House Communities, make the most of your new home by joining all the events, use the community spaces and meet the amazing POHA Community!      

I hope this blog has been helpful and wish you the best of luck!   

And remember: if you are looking for a place to live in Aachen or Munster, get in touch with POHA House and find your next home!

You can email us at hey@pohahouse.com, or let’s have a chat on WhatsApp

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