You Got the Apartment in Germany — Now What? The Complete First-Steps Guide

Expat Life · Germany

You Got the Apartment in Germany — Now What?

The honest, practical guide to your first days and weeks as a new tenant in Germany — from electricity and Anmeldung to internet contracts and insurance.

You found the apartment. You signed the contract. You got the keys. You walk in and… four bare walls, cables dangling from the ceiling, and a long to-do list you didn’t know existed. Welcome to renting in Germany. This guide covers everything you need to do after getting your German apartment — step by step, in the right order, so nothing slips through the cracks.

1. The German Apartment is (Probably) Completely Empty — and That’s Normal

One of the biggest culture shocks for expats moving into a German rental is discovering that apartments are often rented completely bare. No kitchen fittings. No light fixtures. In many cases, just cables sticking out of walls. This is entirely standard — not the landlord cutting corners.

What you’ll typically need to source yourself:

Ceiling lights & lamps — You’ll need to buy and install your own. Basic ceiling fixtures are straightforward to mount; just make sure you have the tools ready before your first night in the dark.

Kitchen units — Many expats buy a used fitted kitchen from the outgoing tenant. Ask your landlord or check local Facebook groups before buying new — it’s often much cheaper and available immediately.

Furniture — IKEA is the default, but second-hand via eBay classifieds is faster, cheaper, and often better quality. Many expats leaving Germany sell full sets of furniture at low prices.

Washing machine connection — Some flats have a shared laundry room in the basement. Others require you to plumb in your own machine. Check which applies before move-in day.

Insider tip: Before you move in, take a timestamped video walkthrough of every room, noting any existing damage. This protects your deposit when you eventually move out.

2. Electricity: Set It Up Immediately

Unlike many countries, electricity in Germany is not automatically transferred to your name when you move in. You need to actively set up a contract — ideally within your first few days.

How it works:

1

Find your electricity meterUsually in the basement or utility room. Note the meter number and current reading on day one.

2

Register as the new tenantContact the local utility provider or choose your own supplier. You have a legal right to switch at any point.

3

Compare and switch for a better rateThe default basic supplier tariff is nearly always the most expensive option. Switching takes minutes and can save €200–€600 per year.

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Don’t ignore this: If you don’t register an electricity supplier, you’ll be billed at the basic supplier emergency rate — often 2x the market price. Sort this in your first week.

3. Internet: Order Earlier Than You Think

Germany’s internet installation waiting times are notoriously long. In many cities, you’ll wait 2–6 weeks from signing a contract to your technician appointment. Order as soon as you have your new address — ideally before you move in.

Your step-by-step:

1

Check what’s available at your addressFibre broadband is the gold standard but only available in some buildings and streets. DSL and cable are the usual fallback options.

2

Compare providersDeutsche Telekom, Vodafone, 1&1, and O2 are the big names. Prices and speeds vary significantly by postcode.

3

Read the contract carefullyMost broadband contracts run for 24 months. Early termination fees apply. Some providers offer 1-month flexible contracts — worth considering if you’re not sure how long you’ll stay.

4

Bridge the gap with a SIM cardBuy a prepaid SIM with a large data plan to use as a hotspot while you wait for installation. Aldi Talk, Congstar, and Lebara are solid budget options.

 Find the Fastest Internet Available at Your Address

Tarifcheck compares all major German broadband providers by your exact postcode — including fibre, cable, and DSL options. Free to use, no sign-up required.

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4. Anmeldung: Register Your Address Within 14 Days

The Anmeldung (official address registration) is one of the most important bureaucratic steps in Germany — and one that has real consequences if you skip it. You are legally required to register at your new address within 14 days of moving in.

Why it matters:

You need it to open a German bank account.

You need it for your residence permit if applicable.

Your employer needs it for payroll and tax purposes.

You need it to register a car, get a tax ID, and much more.

How to do your Anmeldung:

1

Book an appointment at your local citizens’ officeSearch “[your city] Bürgeramt Termin online”. In Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg — book weeks in advance, demand is high.

2

Get a landlord confirmation formThis is a signed document confirming you live at the property. Most landlords know exactly what it is — just ask. Without it, you cannot register.

3

Bring your passport/ID and the landlord confirmationThe registration itself takes about 10 minutes. You’ll receive a registration certificate on the spot — keep several copies, you’ll need them often.

Tip: Can’t get an appointment in time? Some citizens’ offices accept walk-ins early in the morning. Arrive 30 minutes before opening and queue outside.

5. Home Insurance: Protect Yourself from Day One

Two types of insurance are particularly important for renters in Germany:

Personal Liability Insurance

Considered almost essential in Germany, this covers accidental damage you cause to third parties or their property. Scenarios like accidentally flooding your neighbour’s flat below, or breaking something at a friend’s house, can generate claims of tens of thousands of euros. A personal liability policy typically costs €40–€80 per year.

Contents Insurance

This covers your belongings inside your flat — furniture, electronics, clothes — against theft, fire, and water damage. If you have a laptop, bike, or anything of value, it’s worth considering.

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Use Check24 to compare personal liability and contents insurance policies from all major German insurers. Get an instant online quote in minutes.

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6. Parking, Storage & Building Rules

Your rental contract will often reference the building’s internal rules. Read this carefully. It typically covers:

Quiet hours — usually 10pm–7am and all day Sunday. Playing music loudly outside these hours is taken very seriously in Germany.

Rubbish bins — which bins to use, and where. German recycling is taken seriously (and is genuinely confusing at first).

Laundry room schedule — if shared, there is often a booking sheet on the wall. Check it before assuming a machine is free.

Cellar allocation — your flat may have a numbered storage cage in the basement. Ask your landlord.

Parking — on-street parking permits are available from your city’s road traffic office. Apply after your address registration.

7. The Broadcasting Fee You Can’t Opt Out Of

Every household in Germany is required to pay the public broadcasting fee — currently €18.36 per month per household. It doesn’t matter whether you own a TV or watch German TV. As soon as you register your address, you’re liable.

You’ll receive a letter from the broadcasting contribution service within a few weeks of registering. Register online at rundfunkbeitrag.de to set up a direct debit and avoid reminder letters.

Note: Students and people receiving certain social benefits can apply for an exemption. Check the rundfunkbeitrag.de website for eligibility criteria.

8. Your First-Month Checklist at a Glance

Task	Deadline	Priority
Video walkthrough of flat (record existing damage)	Move-in day	 Critical
Set up electricity contract	Within 3 days	 Critical
Order internet connection	Within 3 days	 Critical
Address registration (Anmeldung)	Within 14 days	 Critical
Get landlord confirmation form	Week 1	 Critical
Register for broadcasting fee	Within 2 weeks	 Important
Set up personal liability insurance	Month 1	 Important
Apply for parking permit (if needed)	After registration	 When ready
Buy lights, assemble furniture	First week	 When ready

Final Thoughts: Germany Rewards the Prepared

Moving into a German apartment involves more admin than many expats expect — but once you understand the system, it genuinely becomes manageable. The key is sequencing: do your electricity first, book your address registration early, and don’t leave internet ordering for later than day three.

The bureaucracy is real, but so is the reward: once you’re settled, Germany offers an exceptional quality of life — good infrastructure, a strong tenant protection system, and some of the best public transport in the world.

You’ve got this. Good luck with the move — and if this guide helped, share it with a fellow expat who’s about to go through the same thing.

Keep Reading — Related Guides for Expats in Germany

Finding Housing in Germany as an Expat: The Complete Honest Guide

Everything you need to know to search for, apply for, and secure a flat in Germany — from required documents to rental scams to avoid.

Opening a Bank Account in Germany as an Expat

Which banks accept new arrivals, what documents you need, and how to get started with your German finances from day one.

Understanding the German Healthcare System as an Expat

Public vs. private insurance, how to register, and what’s covered — a practical introduction to German health cover.

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