After arrival: first steps

Registration, health insurance, residence permit.

1. Register your address at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days of moving in.
2. Health insurance is compulsory and needed for your residence permit.
3. Residence permit: apply at the foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde) before your visa expires; you receive an electronic residence card.

State rules can differ. Official guide: BAMF: first steps. City-specific guides for Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg: Immigration4Germany (German).