After Your Arrival

Within 14 days of your arrival in Germany, you are required to register with the Resident's Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt). Registration is free of charge and also mandatory for EU citizens. Every change of residence (even within Heidelberg) must be reported. (Please also inform the MPIK of your new address.) 

You can obtain the registration form on site at the residents' registration office or online via the city's website. If you come to Germany with your family, all family members must be registered. After completing the application, you will receive your registration certificate. Keep the certificate in a safe place, it is an important document!

Without this official registration in Heidelberg you cannot open a bank account.

Important: You can only apply for a residence permit at the relevant immigration office once you have registered your residence. If you have not yet found permanent accommodation at the time of applying for a residence permit, simply enter the address of your current accommodation (f.ex. guest house).

You must register your place of residence at the Residents' Registration Office (Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt) that is responsible for your place of residence. If you live in the city of Heidelberg, you can make an appointment to register your place of residence at the Citizens' Advice Bureaus or at the Aliens Department, Bergheimer Straße 147. 

After registering with the city, your will automatically receive your German tax identification number („Steuer-ID“).

If you are staying in Germany for a longer period of time, receive a regular salary and have to pay rent, it is advisable to open a bank account as soon as possible.

In order to open an account, you must be registered with the resident's registration office and be able to present a registration certificate. After opening the account, you will receive an electronic card (EC card) and - in a separate letter - a PIN for use. You can use the card to withdraw bank statements and money and sometimes also make transfers. Withdrawing money from ATMs is free of charge at branches belonging to your bank or the banking cooperation. 

However, withdrawing money from ATMs of other banks is subject to additional charges. Transfers abroad can also be expensive. It is best to ask the bank in your home country which bank it co-operates with in Germany.

In addition to the standard EC card, there is also a credit card for cashless payment. You can also use your credit card to withdraw cash, but this involves a fairly high additional fee. The most common cards in Germany are the Eurocard/Mastercard and the Visacard. However, cashless payment in German shops is usually made via EC cards. 

Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday (8:30am - 4pm), cash machines are accessible aroung the clock.

For foreigners who had to enter the country with a visa, a stay beyond the period of validity of the visa must be authorised. For this purpose, a residence permit must be applied for at the foreigners' registration office. This also applies for foreigners who were allowed to enter the country for a stay of up to three months without a visa. EU citizens do not need a residence permit.