North Rhine-Westphalia · Newcomer guide
Settling in Cologne
Cologne (Köln) appointments can be slow — check several Bürgerämter across the city for the first free slot. Work through the steps below — each guide lists the exact documents to bring.
Typical monthly cost in Cologne: ~€1.920 (rent + essentials). See the full city guide →
When you arrive
Register your address (Anmeldung) in Cologne
Anmeldung
Read the guide→Get your tax ID & tax class in Cologne
Steuer-ID / Finanzamt
Read the guide→Open a bank account in Cologne
Girokonto
Read the guide→Sign up for health insurance in Cologne
Krankenversicherung
Read the guide→Apply for a residence permit in Cologne
Aufenthaltstitel
Read the guide→Find a place to live in Cologne
Wohnungssuche
Read the guide→Get a SIM or phone contract in Cologne
Handyvertrag
Read the guide→Extend your residence permit in Cologne
Aufenthaltstitel verlängern
Read the guide→As you settle in
Exchange your driving licence in Cologne
Führerschein umschreiben
Read the guide→Claim child benefit (Kindergeld) in Cologne
Kindergeld
Read the guide→Get a public transport ticket in Cologne
Deutschlandticket
Read the guide→Register as a freelancer in Cologne
Freiberufler anmelden
Read the guide→File an income-tax return in Cologne
Einkommensteuererklärung
Read the guide→Register a car (Kfz-Zulassung) in Cologne
Kfz-Zulassung
Read the guide→Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Cologne
Elterngeld
Read the guide→Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Cologne
Wohngeld
Read the guide→Find a daycare place (Kita) in Cologne
Kita-Platz
Read the guide→Enrol your child in school in Cologne
Schulanmeldung
Read the guide→Apply for German citizenship in Cologne
Einbürgerung
Read the guide→Apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Cologne
Niederlassungserlaubnis
Read the guide→Get a German driving licence (driving school) in Cologne
Führerschein / Fahrschule
Read the guide→Meet Amtly
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