First steps + important contact points

• Valid passport
• Visa
• Credit card
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate, if applicable (also required for the spouse's residence permit)
• Proof of financing the stay (e.g. proof of salary, which is necessary for the issue of a visa or residence permit)
• Original proof of qualification/university degree, if applicable proof of German language skills
• Proof of health insurance / health insurance for travelling abroad for the start
• International driving licence

• Residents' Registration Office: Within two weeks of arrival
  (tax ID will be sent to your registration address after registration)
• Immigration office to apply for a residence permit: Appointment shortly after arrival
  (employer can arrange an appointment with your authorisation: Accelerated skilled labour procedure)
• Bank: Open a current account
• Health insurance / social security: Registration by employer:in
  (list of all health insurance companies)
• Mobile phone contract: Valid passport, residence permit, registration certificate
  (Alternatively: Prepaid SIM card for the transition)

The following is a selection of helpful links for immigrants:

• Ankommen App - a guide for the first few weeks in Germany from the Goethe Institute, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees and the Federal Employment Agency.
• Handbook Germany - a project by the community for the community of new German media makers.
• Make it in Germany - a portal of the Federal Government for the employment of skilled workers from abroad.
• Welcome to Germany - an information brochure from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
• mbeon - a chat counselling service for adult immigrants in Germany.
• INTEGREAT - an integration platform with local content for cities and districts.