How long does it take to move to Germany?

There's no fixed number of days - it depends on appointment availability and how much paperwork you're bringing. The guide breaks the move into 4 stages (Before you leave, First 14 days after you arrive, First three months, Steps for the children) covering 31 individual steps, so you know what's next instead of guessing.

What catches people out when moving to Germany?

In many cities you need an online appointment just to register your address, and almost nothing else can start until that's done - book it the moment you have one.

How much of the Germany guide can I see for free?

The first three steps of your route are free to preview, no account needed. The full route - every step, what to bring, the cost and the official source - unlocks with one payment once you've picked where you're moving from.

Settle Steps / Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany, step by step

31 steps for your move to Germany - which office, what to bring, what it costs and how long it takes - checked against official sources where an official answer exists, and marked clearly where it depends on your situation instead.

See the free preview for Germany

How the move breaks down

1
Before you leave
Done in the country you're leaving. Skipping these is what causes delays later.
10 steps
2
First 14 days after you arrive
Everything else in Germany waits on the address registration.
2 steps
3
First three months
Can only start once you're registered and have an address.
14 steps
4
Steps for the children
These run alongside the others, not after them.
5 steps

24 of the 31 steps are checked against an official source, with the date it was checked. The rest depend on your own circumstances, or are practical guidance no authority publishes - each step says which.

If you get stuck in Germany

112 Emergency services
115 Public administration information line

Things people don't expect about moving to Germany

Anmeldung appointments book out fast
In many cities you need an online appointment just to register your address, and almost nothing else can start until that's done - book it the moment you have one.
Cash still rules in a lot of places
Many everyday shops, markets and even some administrative offices don't take cards. Carry cash for the first few weeks.
English stops working fast outside big cities
Public offices (Bürgeramt and similar) often only operate in German. Bring someone who speaks German, or a translation app, to in-person appointments.

Questions people ask about moving to Germany

How long does it take to move to Germany?
There's no fixed number of days - it depends on appointment availability and how much paperwork you're bringing. The guide breaks the move into 4 stages (Before you leave, First 14 days after you arrive, First three months, Steps for the children) covering 31 individual steps, so you know what's next instead of guessing.
What catches people out when moving to Germany?
In many cities you need an online appointment just to register your address, and almost nothing else can start until that's done - book it the moment you have one.
How much of the Germany guide can I see for free?
The first three steps of your route are free to preview, no account needed. The full route - every step, what to bring, the cost and the official source - unlocks with one payment once you've picked where you're moving from.

Moving to Germany from an EU country, or from outside the EU

The steps differ depending on where you're moving from. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally register locally with no visa required; moving from outside the EU usually means a visa or residence permit arranged before you travel. Pick your own country on the guide and you'll only see the steps that actually apply to you - not a generic list for everyone.

Get the full guide

Pick where you're leaving from on the main guide, and the first three steps are free. The full route for Germany - every step, what to bring, the cost, the timing and the source - unlocks with one payment, on the page itself.

Choose your route to Germany

Moving to Germany, step by step

How the move breaks down

Before you leave

First 14 days after you arrive

First three months

Steps for the children

If you get stuck in Germany

Things people don't expect about moving to Germany

Anmeldung appointments book out fast

Cash still rules in a lot of places

English stops working fast outside big cities