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