North Rhine-Westphalia · Newcomer guide

Settling in Bielefeld

Bielefeld is an affordable university city in eastern North Rhine-Westphalia; it uses the NRW state portals and appointments are usually far quicker than in the Rhineland metros. Work through the steps below — each guide lists the exact documents to bring.

Typical monthly cost in Bielefeld: ~€1.520 (rent + essentials). See the full city guide →

When you arrive

Register your address (Anmeldung) in Bielefeld

Anmeldung

Settling in Bielefeld

When you arrive

Register your address (Anmeldung) in Bielefeld

Get your tax ID & tax class in Bielefeld

Open a bank account in Bielefeld

Sign up for health insurance in Bielefeld

Apply for a residence permit in Bielefeld

Find a place to live in Bielefeld

Get a SIM or phone contract in Bielefeld

Extend your residence permit in Bielefeld

As you settle in

Exchange your driving licence in Bielefeld

Claim child benefit (Kindergeld) in Bielefeld

Get a public transport ticket in Bielefeld

Register as a freelancer in Bielefeld

File an income-tax return in Bielefeld

Register a car (Kfz-Zulassung) in Bielefeld

Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Bielefeld

Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Bielefeld

Find a daycare place (Kita) in Bielefeld

Enrol your child in school in Bielefeld

Apply for German citizenship in Bielefeld

Apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Bielefeld

Get a German driving licence (driving school) in Bielefeld

Track your move to Bielefeld in your pocket