Last checked: 6 October 2026

First 90 days in Germany: the checklist for international students

Before you fly (3–6 months ahead)

1. Proof of financial resources. Most students use a blocked account (Sperrkonto). For 2026 the standard amount for students is €11,904 for 12 months, paid out at €992 a month after you arrive. Applicants for the Opportunity Card and some other visa types need more (Fintiba states €1,091 a month for the Opportunity Card). Alternatives such as a scholarship or a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) may also be accepted; ask your German mission. Compare providers in our blocked account comparison and work out the exact amount with the calculator.
2. Open the blocked account early. Fintiba recommends opening it 3–4 weeks before your visa appointment; international bank transfers can take up to two weeks.
3. Travel/incoming health insurance for the visa and the period before university enrolment. Several blocked-account providers bundle it.
4. Visa appointment at the German embassy or consulate, with your admission letter, blocked-account confirmation and insurance certificate. Book as early as possible; waiting times vary a lot by country.
5. Accommodation with a landlord confirmation. You will need a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (a form your landlord signs) to register your address. Ask for it before you sign anything. Never pay a deposit for a flat you have not seen through a channel you can verify.
6. Money for the first month. Blocked-account payouts usually start only after you activate the account in Germany, so carry enough for rent, deposit and food for several weeks.

Week 1–2: register your address (Anmeldung)

German law requires you to register your address at the local citizens' office (Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro) within two weeks of moving in. Bring:

• Passport with visa
• Landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
• Completed registration form (most cities publish it online)

You receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). Keep several copies: banks, the university, the immigration office and employers ask for it. Appointments are scarce in many cities; check the booking system early in the morning and look for cancellations.

Weeks 2–4: money, insurance, university

1. German bank account (Girokonto). Needed for rent, salary and blocked-account payouts. Some providers (for example Expatrio) include a bank account with the blocked account.
2. Activate blocked-account payouts. Usually requires your passport, visa and registered address in the provider's app.
3. Health insurance for enrolment. Universities need proof of statutory health insurance, or proof of exemption if you choose private cover. The exemption decision binds you for your whole degree, so read public vs private health insurance before choosing.
4. University enrolment (Immatrikulation) and paying the semester contribution; your student ID often includes a public-transport ticket.
5. Mobile number. Prepaid SIM cards need ID verification; a German number makes banking and appointments easier.

Months 2–3: residence permit and the rest

1. Residence permit. Your entry visa is temporary. Request an appointment at the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) well before it expires. Typical documents: passport, biometric photo, registration certificate, enrolment certificate, proof of health insurance and proof of money. If no appointment is available before your visa expires, ask in writing for a provisional certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung).
2. Tax ID (Steuer-ID). Sent automatically by post after you register your address. You need it before you start any job. Tax ID guide.
3. Broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag). One fee per household, not per person. In a shared flat, one person registers and the others can link to that registration. How it works.
4. Personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). Not mandatory, but cheap and common in Germany; it covers damage you cause to other people's property, including a rented room.
5. Working. Non-EU students on a study permit can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year (rule under § 16b of the Residence Act; check your permit's conditions).

Why the order matters

Printable checklist

Sources

• Expatrio: blocked amount 2026 and fees
• Fintiba: required amount, Opportunity Card amount, timing
• Make it in Germany (federal government portal)
• Federal Foreign Office: visa service