North Rhine-Westphalia · Newcomer guide
Settling in Bonn
Bonn's international institutions (the UN campus, DHL and Deutsche Telekom) mean many offices are used to English-speaking newcomers, and appointments are usually easier than in nearby Cologne. Work through the steps below — each guide lists the exact documents to bring.
When you arrive
Register your address (Anmeldung) in Bonn
Anmeldung
Read the guide→Get your tax ID & tax class in Bonn
Steuer-ID / Finanzamt
Read the guide→Open a bank account in Bonn
Girokonto
Read the guide→Sign up for health insurance in Bonn
Krankenversicherung
Read the guide→Apply for a residence permit in Bonn
Aufenthaltstitel
Read the guide→Find a place to live in Bonn
Wohnungssuche
Read the guide→Get a SIM or phone contract in Bonn
Handyvertrag
Read the guide→As you settle in
Exchange your driving licence in Bonn
Führerschein umschreiben
Read the guide→Claim child benefit (Kindergeld) in Bonn
Kindergeld
Read the guide→Get a public transport ticket in Bonn
Deutschlandticket
Read the guide→Register as a freelancer in Bonn
Freiberufler anmelden
Read the guide→File an income-tax return in Bonn
Einkommensteuererklärung
Read the guide→Register a car (Kfz-Zulassung) in Bonn
Kfz-Zulassung
Read the guide→Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Bonn
Elterngeld
Read the guide→Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Bonn
Wohngeld
Read the guide→Meet Amtly
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