Thuringia · Newcomer guide
Settling in Erfurt
Erfurt is the capital of Thuringia, so the state authorities and the city's own offices are in the same city. Work through the steps below — each guide lists the exact documents to bring.
When you arrive
Register your address (Anmeldung) in Erfurt
Anmeldung
Read the guide→Get your tax ID & tax class in Erfurt
Steuer-ID / Finanzamt
Read the guide→Open a bank account in Erfurt
Girokonto
Read the guide→Sign up for health insurance in Erfurt
Krankenversicherung
Read the guide→Apply for a residence permit in Erfurt
Aufenthaltstitel
Read the guide→Find a place to live in Erfurt
Wohnungssuche
Read the guide→Get a SIM or phone contract in Erfurt
Handyvertrag
Read the guide→Extend your residence permit in Erfurt
Aufenthaltstitel verlängern
Read the guide→As you settle in
Exchange your driving licence in Erfurt
Führerschein umschreiben
Read the guide→Claim child benefit (Kindergeld) in Erfurt
Kindergeld
Read the guide→Get a public transport ticket in Erfurt
Deutschlandticket
Read the guide→Register as a freelancer in Erfurt
Freiberufler anmelden
Read the guide→File an income-tax return in Erfurt
Einkommensteuererklärung
Read the guide→Register a car (Kfz-Zulassung) in Erfurt
Kfz-Zulassung
Read the guide→Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Erfurt
Elterngeld
Read the guide→Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Erfurt
Wohngeld
Read the guide→Find a daycare place (Kita) in Erfurt
Kita-Platz
Read the guide→Enrol your child in school in Erfurt
Schulanmeldung
Read the guide→Apply for German citizenship in Erfurt
Einbürgerung
Read the guide→Apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Erfurt
Niederlassungserlaubnis
Read the guide→Get a German driving licence (driving school) in Erfurt
Führerschein / Fahrschule
Read the guide→TiG Desk · free iPhone app
The letters that come with your move to Erfurt, read for you
Scan an official letter, keep the document on your phone and set deadline reminders. Scanning and on-device recognition work without an account. Full AI explanations need a free account and send the text to our server with your consent.
Filling the form on a computer? TiG Pilot helps explain German fields on supported forms in your browser.
- 📷Scan letters and review the sender, dates and requested actions
- 🗂️Every document in one place, kept on your phone
- ⏰Set reminders for deadlines and appointments
- 🇩🇪Keep German terms alongside the explanation for comparison