Documents, Anmeldung within 2 weeks, tax ID, health insurance, paediatrician and Kita: the priority steps on arrival.
Moving with a baby or toddler means many offices in a short time. This order works well, because each step unlocks the next one.
Before you travel
- Visa: non-EU families get the right visa for every family member, including your child (Residence Permit).
- Documents: Bring originals of birth and marriage certificates, with an official translation and, if needed, an apostille.
- Health records: Bring your child’s vaccination record and any medical reports.
- Insurance: Arrange health insurance from day one, especially if you start without a job.
First 2 weeks
Anmeldung → Tax ID by post → Bank account → Kindergeld
- Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt within 2 weeks. Everything else depends on it (details below).
- Residence permit: non-EU families book an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde.
- Bank account: open one; you need it for benefits.
First month
- Health insurance: with statutory insurance, children are usually insured free with a parent.
- Paediatrician: find a Kinderarzt and bring the vaccination record. The U-checks and vaccinations continue on the German schedule (Pediatric Care, Vaccinations).
- Kindergeld: apply once you have your tax IDs (Kindergeld).
- Kita: register right away, as waiting lists are long (Kita Guide).
Anmeldung: registering your address
Whenever you move into a flat, register the address at the Bürgeramt (Einwohnermeldeamt). Tax ID, bank account, Kindergeld, health insurance and a Kita place all depend on it.
Deadline: two weeks
Register within 2 weeks after moving in (§ 17 BMG). Book an appointment early, as offices in large cities are often busy. Many cities let you book online.
What to bring
- IDs: Passport or ID card for each person, children included
- Landlord’s confirmation: the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, which your landlord must give you (§ 19 BMG)
- Form: The registration form of your city (often available online)
- Certificates: For children: birth certificate; for a family: marriage certificate if relevant
You receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) on the spot. Keep it safe; you will need it often.
Newborns
A baby born in Germany is registered automatically after the birth registration at the Standesamt.
Moving again or leaving Germany
Register again within 2 weeks after every move. When you leave Germany, de-register (Abmeldung). In some cities you can do this online.
Tax ID
After your first Anmeldung, the Federal Central Tax Office sends your tax ID by post within a few weeks. You need it for work and for Kindergeld.
Help and language
- Information: the federal portal Make it in Germany explains living and working here in English.
- Counselling: free migration counselling for adults (MBE) and the youth migration services help with offices and forms (BAMF counselling overview).
- German courses: integration courses include German lessons, and some offer childcare.
Sources