Exchange in Germany: complete checklist for your arrival
You are about to embark for Germany, but after so much focus on documentation and pre-trip preparations, that question arises: and now, how does everything work when I arrive there? Germany may be more bureaucratic than other exchange destinations, but this organization has its advantages. Knowing exactly what to do in the early days can transform what could be a stressful process into an efficient and smooth adjustment to your new temporary home.
Why Germany requires specific preparation upon arrival
Unlike countries like Ireland or Australia, where you can solve a lot of things as needed, in Germany the bureaucracy has strict deadlines and specific sequences. Some documents depend on others, and leaving it for later can greatly complicate your life in the country.
Our program Study and Work in Germany It prepares you for this reality from Brazil, but having a clear itinerary for the first 30 days makes all the difference between a smooth adaptation and weeks of unnecessary hustle and bustle between public agencies.
Anmeldung: your first absolute priority
O Anmeldung (residence registration) must be done within 14 days of your arrival. This document is the basis for everything in Germany - without it, you cannot open a bank account, permanently enroll in university, or even sign contracts.
How to do Anmeldung
Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Rental agreement or landlord letter (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- Completed form (available online or on the Bürgeramt)
- Fee: generally free, but can vary between €8-15
Process:
- Schedule an appointment at your city's Bürgeramt
- Show up on time with all documents
- Receive residence registration certificate
- Save this document like gold - you will need it constantly
Crucial tip: Some German cities have Bürgeramt with a busy schedule for weeks. Search and schedule as soon as you have confirmation of housing.
German banking system: more conservative but reliable
Traditional German banks
German banks require complete documentation and an in-person process:
- Mandatory anmeldung
- Prior scheduling required
- Approval time: 7-14 days
- Monthly fees: €5-12 for student accounts
More practical digital alternatives
German digital banks make the process much easier:
- 100% online opening
- Immediate German IBAN
- Physical card delivered in 3-5 days
- Lots of free options for students
Strategic advantage: Having a German IBAN is essential to receive part-time work salaries during your studies.
International transfers
To move money between Brazil and Germany, Wise offers:
- Much lower fees than traditional banks
- Real exchange rate without additional margin
- Transfers within 1-2 business days
- International card with German IBAN
Health insurance: mandatory and non-negotiable
In Germany, having health insurance is not optional - it is mandatory by law. Students must choose between public or private insurance.
German public insurance (Barmer)
For students up to 30 years old:
- Cost: approximately €120 per month
- Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
- Access to an extensive network of doctors and hospitals
- Dedicated service in Portuguese
- Exclusive application for insurance management
Advantages of the Be Easy partnership with Barmer:
- Streamlined membership process
- Personalized support throughout the exchange
- 24-hour telemedicine system
- Rewards program up to €150 per year
German private insurance (Educare)
For students over 30 years old or for specific cases:
- Cost: starting at €34.50 per month
- 100% online hiring
- Coverage without deductible
- 24-hour assistance in Portuguese
- Flexibility to extend as needed
Ideal for:
- Pre-university periods
- Language courses
- Students who need greater flexibility
Blocked Account: freeing up your money
If you came with a Blocked Account, you need to activate it and configure the monthly releases:
Activation process
- Go to the bank in person with identification documents
- Set up monthly release from €934 (value 2024)
- Request a debit card For movement
- Confirm bank details for future work
Public transport: Europe's most efficient system
Understanding the German system
German public transport operates by tariff zones:
- Zone A: downtown
- Zone B: nearby suburbs
- Zone C: Metropolitan region
Student tickets and passes
Semester ticket:
- Included in the university fee (€150-300 per semester)
- Valid for the entire metropolitan region
- It works as a free pass for students
Single tickets:
- Single trip: €2.90-3.40
- Day pass: €7.00-8.80
- Monthly pass: €80-100
Essential apps for transportation
- DB Navigator: for national and regional trains
- MVG/VG/VRR: city-specific apps
- Citymapper: Smart urban navigation
Student housing: solutions for different profiles
Studentenwohnheim (student residence)
Advantages:
- Cost: €250-450 per month
- Bills included (water, electricity, internet)
- International environment
- Application process by the Studentenwerk
Process:
- Sign up as soon as you arrive
- Waiting list can take months
- Priority for international students in some cities
WG (Wohngemeinschaft) - shared apartment
Features:
- Cost: €350-650 per month + bills
- More flexible process
- Living with Germans or internationals
- Sites: WG-Gesucht.de, Studenten-wg.de
Tips for finding housing
Documents always ready:
- Passport copy
- Proof of income/blocked account
- Letter of recommendation from the university
- Schufa (German credit inquiry) - apply as soon as possible
Cultural aspects: integrating into German society
German punctuality - not a myth
- Arrive 5 minutes early At any appointment
- Scheduling is cultural: Germans plan meetings in advance
- Sundays are sacred: closed stores, quieter environment
Recycling: an essential part of German life
Mandatory separation system:
- Gelber Sack: plastic and metal packaging
- Biotone: organic remains
- Papiertonne: paper and cardboard
- Restmull: Common garbage
- Pfand: bottle return system (€0.08-0.25 per bottle)
Rules for living together in apartments
- Ruhezeiten (hours of silence): 22:00 and Sundays
- Do not use the washing machine after 22h
- Greet neighbors Is it basic education
Preparing for the German labor market
Required professional documents
To work legally:
- Lohnsteuerkarte (income tax card)
- Sozialversicherungsausweis (social security card)
- Arbeitserlaubnis (already included in the student visa)
Sectors with opportunities for exchange students
Popular jobs for students:
- Gastronomy: restaurants, cafes, delivery
- Retail: stores, supermarkets, shopping malls
- Services: cleaning, child care, private lessons
- Tech: startups are looking for multilingual talent
- University: research assistant (HiWi)
Minimum wage: €12.41 per hour (2024)
Limit for students: 20 hours a week during term
Average total: €634-1,170 per month
Strategies for saving
- Cooking at home: Are German supermarkets cheap
- Take advantage of student discounts: museums, cinemas, theaters
- Use public libraries: free internet access and books
- Pfand: bottle return system generates extra income
- Second-hand markets: cheap clothes and furniture
Timeline for the first 30 days
First week
- Day 1-3: Fazer Anmeldung
- Day 4-7: Open bank account and activate blocked account
Second week
- Day 8-10: Finalize university registration
- Day 11-14: Set up definitive health insurance
Third week
- Day 15-18: Explore public transportation and get passes
- Day 19-21: Search for permanent housing (if temporary)
Fourth week
- Day 22-25: Networking and social integration
- Day 26-30: Preparing for the start of classes and/or looking for a part-time job
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we know that Germany may seem intimidating at first, but it is precisely this organization that makes the experience so enriching and efficient. Our specialized team offers complete support throughout the adaptation process, with specific guidance on German bureaucracy and practical tips that only those who have experienced this experience can offer. Contact us and transform your arrival in Germany into an organized and smooth process, ensuring that you take advantage of every opportunity that this incredible country has to offer from day one!
