Registration at the city
Registration is compulsory for all German citizens and for all international guests who stay in Germany for more than 90 days. Our office can provide you with all relevant forms. This process is called "Anmeldung" and can be done at any registration office (Bürgerbüro) Dresden. For the registration you need to make an appointment online. Alternatively our office offers passpport service can do this on behalf of you.
Necessary document:
Any change of address and residence within the city or country must also be reported to the Registration Office. Before you leave Germany you have to deregister and will receive a certificate confirming your deregistration (“Abmeldung”). Our office offers can take care of it.
Getting working and residence permit
Before your entry visa expires you need to apply for a residence permit at the Dresden Foreigners’ Authority (Dresden Welcome Center). We will be happy to assist you with contacting the immigration office, arrange the appointment and check which documents you need for your residence permit.
The residence permit is issued for the length of your working contract and will be issued in the form of a credit card-sized card with additional electronic functions. Infants and children also receive their own card.
After applying for your residence permit, it takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for it to be issued.
As a rule, submission of the following documents is required:
Health Insurance
Health insurance coverage is mandatory for everyone living in Germany. You are required to have health insurance coverage for the whole duration of your stay in Germany. For shorter stays in Germany, you can take out travel insurance, but for longer stays you will have to take out insurance through the public health insurance companies or a private health insurance company.
If you get a working contract you are entitled to join the public health insurance from the moment of your contract will start. Public health Insurance can already arranged before the start of the contract but will only cover you from beginning of your working contract. Family
(spouse and/or children) may be covered free of charge, with just one family member paying a contribution (unless their income from employment is subject to contributions itself).
If you hold a contract of employment and exceed a certain income threshold (approx. €65,000) you can choose a private health insurance instead.
For more information please consult our office which can provide you more details about it.
Banking
The moment you arrive, you will need cash, either to store luggage, pay taxis, or buy bus tickets.You can bring any amount of German or foreign currency into Germany - but remember to check on your own country's foreign exchange regulation.
If you plan to live and work in Germany for an extended period of time , will receive a salary or scholarship, or need to pay rent, it makes sense for you to open a German bank account.
There are several different types of bank accounts. We recommend a checking account, which means that you will receive a Euro Cheque-card (EC-Card) to use. With an EC-Card, you can withdraw money from ATMs or and also use it to pay in supermarkets, stores, Deutsche Bahn ticket machines and most restaurants. When you shop at some supermarkets, pay with your girocard and spend at least some amount, you can additionally withdraw cash.
Bank fees differ greatly from one bank to another, so it is worth comparing. Online banks may have no fees. Also check with our office who can tell you more about it.
Documents required to open an account usually include: