Get a SIM or phone contract in Magdeburg

A German mobile number makes everything in Magdeburg easier — two-factor logins, delivery notices, bank verification. Prepaid SIMs activate the same day with no credit check, while monthly contracts are cheaper long-term but usually run a SCHUFA check and tie you in for 24 months.

Prepaid: ~€10–20/month, no commitment. Contracts: ~€20–40/month, 24-month term.

A German mobile number makes everything easier — 2FA logins, deliveries, bank checks. A prepaid SIM activates the same day with no credit check and needs no address or German bank account, so it's the smart first move; monthly contracts are cheaper long-term but usually run a SCHUFA check and tie you in for 24 months. By law every SIM must be registered to your passport/ID, so buy from a shop or reputable seller.

What you need to bring

Passport or ID (SIM registration is mandatory)Required
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: Issued by your home country. Renew at your country's embassy or consulate in Germany — appointments can take weeks, so check the expiry early.
Address (for contracts)If applicable
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: You receive it at your Anmeldung appointment at the Bürgeramt. Lost it? Request a new copy at the Bürgeramt (small fee, often bookable online).
German IBAN for direct debit (contracts)If applicable
How to get it: Download as PDF from your online banking. Offices usually want the last 3 months.

Can you do it online?

Prepaid SIMs from supermarkets/drugstores activate the same day; contracts compare on Check24.

Good to know

Every SIM must be registered to your passport or ID by law — buy from a shop or a reputable online seller, never an unregistered card.
Prepaid is the smart first move: a German number without needing an address or German bank account yet.
Check coverage by network, not just price — Telekom (D1) has the widest reach, especially on trains and outside cities.
Contracts auto-renew; note the cancellation window (now max 1 month after the first term) so you're not locked in another year.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for Handyvertrag in Magdeburg?

You'll need 1 key document: Passport or ID (SIM registration is mandatory). Magdeburg is the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, which puts the state authorities and the city's own offices in one place; its university has a strong international intake.

Can I do Handyvertrag online in Magdeburg?

Prepaid SIMs from supermarkets/drugstores activate the same day; contracts compare on Check24.

Which office handles Handyvertrag in Magdeburg?

Get a SIM or phone contract in Magdeburg is handled at the local level in Saxony-Anhalt. The exact office and any forms are linked from the official source on this page, and once you're on the portal, the free TiG Pilot extension explains each field in plain English.

Checklist last verified 2026-06-12. Rules vary by office and change over time — always confirm with the official source linked above.