What happens after German visa approval is a question many new arrivals ask as soon as that long-awaited embassy email comes in. The excitement is real, and the first days in Germany feel much easier when you know what to expect. From preparing for your trip to registering your address, finding a place to live and activating your blocked account, a few important steps help you settle in with clarity and confidence.
After weeks of waiting, seeing that approval feels like real relief. You finally have the permission to begin a new chapter. It can be the start of an international career and your first step into the strongest economy in Europe. It is a moment you will remember, and it opens the door to your future in Germany.
So before you get carried away by the excitement, take a moment to breathe. Every great journey begins with a clear plan. So, what comes next? For many, the real journey starts after the visa is approved. Whether you are moving to study, begin a career, or search for new opportunities, understanding what happens after arrival helps you settle faster and with confidence. So, as someone who went through the same process as an immigrant, here is an arrival guide to help you settle in and understand each step.
Prepare for Your Trip
Before boarding your flight, take a moment to get everything organized. Double-check that the information on your passport and visa matches exactly and that your visa is valid for your planned travel dates. Some visas allow entry into Germany only within a certain period, so plan your trip carefully to avoid issues at the border.
It is also a good idea to create a small travel folder with all your important documents. Do include your passport with visa, admission letter or work contract, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and blocked account confirmation if you have one. Keep both printed and digital copies. Being well prepared will make your first few days much easier and save you from unnecessary stress.
Also note that even with a valid visa, final entry into Germany is always decided by the German immigration police after their checks at the border.
And finally, pack a few of your favourite snacks or ingredients from home if allowed. A familiar taste can make your first weeks in a new country a little warmer and more comforting.
Finding Accommodation After German Visa Approval
Once your visa is ready, it is essential to book accommodation before arrival. That is, if you are not being hosted by a kind friend, family member, or family friend. Housing becomes the next big step.
Germany’s housing market can be super competitive, especially in large, densely populated cities like Berlin and Munich. Therefore, if your university or employer provides accommodation assistance, confirm this early. Otherwise, look for short-term options such as student hostels, shared apartments known as “Wohngemeinschaft” aka WGs (pronounced Vey-Gey), or furnished studios. Here are a few popular WG websites:
Be aware of the “Kaution” culture (rental security deposit pronounced kaw-si-on) in Germany. This means you often pay a security deposit equal to one or up to three months of cold rent (rent without utility cost or extra cost). The deposit is refunded when you move out if everything is in good condition.
NB: In most cases, renting an apartment in Germany requires a Schufa score (German Credit Score System), and most new arrivals do not have one. That’s why we recommend WGs for starters.
Speak now with a talent mobility expert if you need guidance and assistance with your accommodation search
German Address Registration
After you move in, you must register your address at the local “Bürgeramt” (citizens’ office in English and pronounced Bew-ga-amt). This process is called “Anmeldung” (city registration) and it must be completed within two weeks of moving into any apartment. Bring your passport, rental contract, and a confirmation form from your landlord called “Wohnungs.geber.bestätigung” (Landlord’s confirmation of residence and pronounced Woh-nungs-geba-bae-sterti-gung).
This registration is essential. It allows you to open a bank account, receive a tax ID, and apply for your residence permit. Without it, you cannot complete many other steps.
Get a German SIM Card
Staying connected is important. Buying a German SIM card makes communication easier and helps you access services that require local verification. You can find prepaid SIM cards from providers like Telekom, Vodafone, O2, or Aldi Talk. Make sure your phone is unlocked so you can use the card immediately.
Most German supermarkets sell SIM cards so it’s easier to walk to a supermarket nearby to get one. Do not forget to carry your passport with a Visa or resident permit along. E.g. Aldi Talk, Edeka smart, Ja Mobil, Lidl Connect and NettoKom.
Open a German Current Account
A bank account is required for everyday life in Germany. Salaries, scholarships, and even rent payments are usually processed through a Girokonto. You can open one at banks such as Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, or Commerzbank, or choose digital options like N26 or Revolut.
To open your account, take your passport, registration certificate, and proof of income or university enrollment along with you to a physical bank, or get ready for your online verification with an online banking provider. For many students, this step is important to ensure timely payouts from your blocked account.
Activate Your Blocked Account
If you came to Germany as a student or job seeker, the next step is to activate your blocked account to ensure timely payouts and payments of your bills. Once you arrive and register your address, contact your provider, such as Fintiba or Expatrio to unlock your monthly allowance.
This is mostly done by showing proof of residency, passport stamps, proof of German address (city registration) and a bank account with a German IBAN. Once approved and accepted by the provider, the funds will then be transferred to your Girokonto each month, allowing you to cover your living costs. Follow instructions on the blocked account app if you use a digital provider, as they simplify the process and partner with some banks to make the procedure easy and smooth.
Get a Public Transport Subscription Ticket
Germany has one of the best public transport systems in the world, with strong connections between cities and regions. Because it is reliable, clean and well organized, people from all income levels use it every day. Taking the bus, U-Bahn, S-Bahn or Tram is completely normal here and not linked to social status like in some other countries. It is simply the most practical way to get around, especially since parking spaces in major cities are hard to find and often expensive.
For this reason, it helps to get a transport ticket as soon as you arrive in Germany. The most popular option is the Deutschland Ticket. It lets you travel across the entire country for a monthly fee of 58 Euro in 2025 and 63 Euro from 2026. Students usually receive a discounted version through their semester contribution, which brings the cost down to about 29 Euro per month, although this amount can change in the near future.
Germany’s public transport system is easy to use once you understand the basics. Cities have buses, underground trains called U-Bahn, suburban trains called S-Bahn and trams. In some regions, you will also find ferries that are part of the regular transport network, for example, in Hamburg or Berlin. All these options are included in the Deutschland Ticket, so you can move around freely while you settle in.
Also, keep in mind that riding without a valid ticket is treated as a serious offense in Germany. You will be fined about 60 Euros for each trip without a ticket, so always make sure you have a valid ticket before boarding.
Apply for Your Residence Permit
Your entry visa is often valid only for the first few months. During that time, you must apply for your residence permit at your local immigration office, the Ausländerbehörde. Many offices now allow online applications, which makes things easier.
You will need your registration document, passport, proof of insurance, blocked account and confirmation of your studies or employment. Once approved, you will receive a residence card that allows you to live, work, or study in Germany for the full duration of your program or contract.
Students: Find a Student Job or Internship
If you are studying in Germany, you are allowed to work 280 days on a part-time (20hours a week) basis or 140 days on a full-time (40hours a week) basis. Universities often post open positions for student assistants or research support roles. You can also look for working student positions in companies related to your field. These jobs not only help you earn extra income but also give you practical experience and improve your German.
Just make sure your visa allows the number of hours you plan to work. Usually, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. Anything beyond that may lead to the denial of visa extension.
Explore Your City and Nightlife
Life in Germany is more than study and work. Every city has its own personality. Berlin feels creative, diverse and young, with a big club culture. Munich is elegant, traditional and very organized. Hamburg mixes business with a relaxed coastal vibe. Take some time to explore museums, parks and cafés. Join carnivals, festivals or concerts. Seeing how locals spend their free time helps you feel at home much faster.
The nightlife in German cities is vibrant and generally safe. Whether you prefer live music, relaxed bars or late-night snacks, you will always find something to enjoy. Be sure to try some local street food and traditional German dishes while you are here. My personal recommendation is the classic Döner Kebab. If you are ever in Berlin, be sure to visit “7 Days” near the Havana nightclub. As someone who has lived in Germany for five years, it is the best Döner I have tried so far.
Learn German and Integrate
Even if your studies or job are in English, learning German will change your experience completely. It helps you understand your surroundings, communicate with locals and feel more confident in daily life. It also makes your transition into the German labor market much easier.
You can join a language school or take part in free or low-cost integration courses offered by community centers. Even basic German is useful. It helps with everyday communication and tasks like grocery shopping, asking for directions or visiting a doctor. The more you try, the faster you feel settled.
Extend Your Stay Before Your Visa Expires
As your stay continues, do not forget to renew your residence permit on time. Apply at least six to eight weeks before it expires as recommended by authorities. Bring updated documents such as your work contract, enrollment confirmation, or proof of funds.
Applying early ensures that your stay in Germany remains smooth and without interruptions.
Conclusion
Getting your visa is only the beginning. What comes next is the real work of building your life in a new country. Each step, from finding a place to live to applying for your residence permit, shapes your experience in Germany.
The process is not always simple, but it is worth it. Every document you prepare, every appointment you attend and every new person you meet brings you a little closer to feeling settled.
At terratalent, we support students and professionals through every stage of this journey. From preparing your papers to arriving in Germany, we make each step clear and manageable. Your future starts here, and we are here to guide you along the way.
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