Rhineland-Palatinate · Newcomer guide
Settling in Mainz
Mainz is the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, just across the river from Frankfurt; it runs services on its own state portals, separate from Hesse. Work through the steps below — each guide lists the exact documents to bring.
When you arrive
Register your address (Anmeldung) in Mainz
Anmeldung
Read the guide→Get your tax ID & tax class in Mainz
Steuer-ID / Finanzamt
Read the guide→Open a bank account in Mainz
Girokonto
Read the guide→Sign up for health insurance in Mainz
Krankenversicherung
Read the guide→Apply for a residence permit in Mainz
Aufenthaltstitel
Read the guide→Find a place to live in Mainz
Wohnungssuche
Read the guide→Get a SIM or phone contract in Mainz
Handyvertrag
Read the guide→As you settle in
Exchange your driving licence in Mainz
Führerschein umschreiben
Read the guide→Claim child benefit (Kindergeld) in Mainz
Kindergeld
Read the guide→Get a public transport ticket in Mainz
Deutschlandticket
Read the guide→Register as a freelancer in Mainz
Freiberufler anmelden
Read the guide→File an income-tax return in Mainz
Einkommensteuererklärung
Read the guide→Register a car (Kfz-Zulassung) in Mainz
Kfz-Zulassung
Read the guide→Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Mainz
Elterngeld
Read the guide→Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Mainz
Wohngeld
Read the guide→Meet Amtly
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