Germany rewards paperwork done in the right order. Do it in the wrong order and you'll be stuck in bureaucratic gridlock — bank accounts refused until Anmeldung, Anmeldung refused until you have a rental contract, tax ID delayed for weeks. This checklist keeps the sequence clean.
T-90 to T-60: before you land
- Secure your job offer / freelance clients in writing.
- Start PHI comparison with an English-speaking broker.
- Digitise passport, degree, marriage/birth certificates (apostilled if required).
- Book visa appointment at the German consulate.
T-60 to T-30: visa file complete
- PHI certificate issued and dated from arrival day.
- Proof of accommodation for first weeks (Airbnb / employer flat is fine).
- Language certificate if the visa type requires it.
Day 1–14 in Germany
- Sign a long-term rental contract or Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from a host.
- Do the Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt within 14 days.
- Open a bank account (N26, Commerzbank, DKB — most accept expats).
- Wait for your tax ID by mail (2–4 weeks).
Day 14–90
- Apply for the residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.
- Sign an employment contract effective / register your freelance trade if applicable.
- Set up Krankentagegeld sizing conversation with your broker.
- Register with a family doctor (Hausarzt).
Based on 11 Google reviews
As an international student, navigating the health insurance requirements can be confusing, but their team made the entire process smooth and stress-free. They were always responsive, professional, and willing to answer my questions.
I have been working with Ms. Fröhlich for several years and I am extremely satisfied. As an outstanding insurance broker, she finds excellent tariffs, and communicating with her makes dealing with insurance genuinely pleasant. Her expertise across all insurance topics makes her an incredibly reliable specialist. I consider myself lucky to have such a competent insurance broker by my side and can recommend her to anyone without reservation.
Nobody enjoys dealing with the topic of insurance. With Ms. Fröhlich by my side that has changed: perfect advice tailored individually to me, always reliable — without ever building any pressure. On top of that, Ms. Fröhlich works in an extremely service-oriented way. Compared to online services, she offers real added value. In short: I'm thrilled. Thank you so much!
Some client reviews have been translated from German into English for better readability. The original reviews are available on our Google Business Profile.
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Editorial Review
Reviewed by our advisory team
This article was prepared with editorial support and professionally reviewed for accuracy, relevance and clarity before publication.
Tina Fröhlich
Founder & Managing Director
Independent German Health Insurance Broker (§ 34d GewO)
Tina is the founder of Happy Expats and a licensed independent broker under § 34d GewO. She specialises in independent PKV strategy for internationals and is legally bound to act in the client's interest.
Joachim Wiedmann
International Health Insurance Advisor
Joachim advises expats, freelancers and employees on German private health insurance. He focuses on making the German system understandable in plain English and matching each client with a tariff that fits their life in Germany.
Happy Expats provides independent guidance on private health insurance in Germany for internationals. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated regularly to help ensure that the information remains accurate and relevant.