How do I register in Germany? Complete guide for Brazilian exchange students
Have you arrived in Germany and don't know where to start with all the red tape? Official registration in the country is your first fundamental step towards a successful and hassle-free exchange experience.
If you are fulfilling your dream of study and work in Germany, understanding the German registration system is essential to access all the services and opportunities that the country offers. Let's uncomplicate this entire process and show you exactly what you need to do.
Why do I need to register in Germany?
The German registration system is fundamentally different from the Brazilian one and extremely strict. Anyone who stays in the country for more than three months must make their presence official through specific records, which act as a safety net for both the citizen and the State.
This system isn't just unnecessary red tape — it's the foundation that allows access to fundamental rights such as health care, opening bank accounts, employment contracts, and student benefits. Without proper records, you remain in a kind of “legal limbo” that drastically limits your possibilities in the country.
Required registration types in Germany
The key records you need to know:
- Anmeldung - Home address registration (required for everyone)
- University registration - Official enrollment and academic confirmation
- Health insurance registration - Activation of mandatory medical coverage
- Tax registration - For those who want to work in the country
- Bank registration - Opening an account with a German institution
- Visa registration - Validation and possible document extensions
Each of these records is interconnected, and the absence of any one can impact the others, creating unnecessary complications in your German experience.
Anmeldung: your fundamental residence record
O Anmeldung (address registration) is always your first mandatory stop in German red tape. This document officially declares to the local authorities your address of residence in the country, whether temporary or permanent, and must be obtained within 14 days of your arrival.
The process takes place in Bürgeramt (civil registry office) in your city, and while it may seem intimidating at first, it's surprisingly fast and free. You need to bring your passport, visa, rental agreement, or proof of student accommodation, and fill out a specific form. The certificate is issued on the spot and acts as your “German ID” for practically every other bureaucratic process in the country.
University registration: making your studies official
Documents required for full enrollment:
- Brazilian Diploma - Translated, apostilled and recognized by the university
- Academic record - With detailed notes and certified translation
- Certificate of language proficiency - IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF or DSH
- Financial proof - Blocked Account or sponsorship letter
- Valid health insurance - Recognized coverage in Germany
- Photos 3x4 - German biometric standard
University registration goes beyond simple enrollment - it officially establishes your student status, guaranteeing access to discounts, libraries, exchange programs, and the legal possibility of working part-time while studying.
How to do your Anmeldung step by step
Preparing properly for the Anmeldung saves time and avoids unnecessary frustration. The first step is to locate the correct Bürgeramt for your region - each district has its own office, and trying to register at the wrong location will result in a waste of time. Official sites such as service.berlin.de to Berlin or muenchen.de for Munich they offer online booking systems that you must use compulsorily.
On the appointed day, arrive on time (Germans take schedules very seriously) with all documents organized in a transparent folder. The typical process takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case and the employee's efficiency. You will fill out a form called “Anmeldeformular” with your personal details and address, submit the original documents, and immediately receive your Anmeldung certificate - no need to return another day.
Registration in the German healthcare system
Options of Health insurance required:
- Public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) - €110-120 monthly for students
- German private insurance - Variable values, generally more expensive
Registration with the health system must be done immediately after the Anmeldung, as it is a prerequisite for full university enrollment. German coverage is comprehensive, including doctor visits, discounted medications, emergency care, and even some basic dental treatments.
Opening a bank account: your financial record
Having a German bank account isn't just convenient — it's practically mandatory for a normal life in the country. German employers rarely pay salaries in international accounts, rents are generally automatically debited from local accounts, and many services only accept payment via German automatic debit.
The process requires your valid Anmeldung, passport, proof of university enrollment, and in some cases proof of income. Banks such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Sparkasse offer specific student accounts with reduced fees or a monthly fee waiver. With the German minimum wage of €12.82 per hour in 2025, working part-time can generate enough income to cover most of the monthly expenses.
Registration to work legally
Requirements for student work:
- Valid student visa - With specific work permission
- Active university enrollment - Course of at least 20 hours per week
- Updated Anmeldung - Correctly registered address
- Tax identification number - Obtained automatically with other records
- German bank account - For receiving salaries
The German market offers excellent opportunities for students, especially considering that Brazilians are among the nationalities with the highest salaries in Germany, with an average of €4,565 per month for full-time work.
Common mistakes that delay your registration
Many exchange students make simple mistakes that result in weeks of delayed registration processes. The most common is to try to save on the certified translation of documents - uncertified translations are automatically rejected by the German authorities, forcing you to redo the entire process.
Another costly mistake is not checking the validity of the health insurance before the trip. Many international insurances seem adequate but do not meet specific German requirements, a discovery that only happens during the university enrollment process. The lack of financial planning is also problematic - some processes require cash payments, and German ATMs have withdrawal limits that may surprise Brazilians used to higher amounts.
Optimal schedule: when to make each registration
First 7 days in Germany:
- Day 1-2: Find and schedule Anmeldung in the correct Bürgeramt
- Day 3-5: Complete Anmeldung and obtain official certificate
- Day 6-7: Activate health insurance and start banking
Second week:
- Day 8-10: Complete university enrollment with all documents
- Day 11-14: Open bank account and request debit/credit cards
Third week onward:
- After day 15: Search for part-time work opportunities
- Monthly: Keep all records up to date as needed
Keeping your records up to date
The German system requires constant updating of your data, and neglecting this could result in fines or legal complications. Any change of address, even within the same city, must be reported through an “Ummeldung” (change of registration) within 14 days. The process is similar to the initial Anmeldung, but even faster, generally lasting between 10 and 20 minutes.
Changes in the academic situation, such as a change of course or university, must also be reported to the competent authorities. Your student status is directly linked to your work and residence permits in the country, so keeping this information up to date is crucial to avoid future problems with immigration authorities.
Preparing for the return to Brazil
Mandatory procedures before departure:
- Anmeldung - Cancellation of address registration with the Bürgeramt
- Cancellation of contracts - Telephone, internet, gym, insurance
- Closing the bank account - Transfer of remaining funds
- Return of documents - Student ID cards, transportation passes
- Proofs of permanence - Certificates for validation in Brazil
The “Abmeldung” is particularly important because, without it, you remain officially registered as a German resident, which could lead to future tax complications if you decide to return to the country.
Be Easy: your partner on the German journey
Na Be Easy, we know that navigating the German bureaucracy can seem difficult. Our team accompanies you from the preparation of the documentation in Brazil to the first months in Germany, ensuring that all registrations are made correctly and on time. Contact us and transform your dream of studying in Germany into an organized, safe and unforgettable experience!
