First steps in Saxony
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After your arrival, there are a few important things to take care of: for example, registering with the registration office, making an appointment at the immigration office, opening a bank account or taking out health insurance. If you have come with your family, there will be questions about school and childcare.
To make your arrival in Saxony easier, there are Welcome Centers in most cities and regions in Saxony. The Welcome Centers support you, for example, in dealing with authorities, applications and finding accommodation. Find the Welcome Center in your region here.
Useful tips for your start in Saxony
After moving to Saxony, you must register with the local registration office - also known as the "Einwohnermeldeamt" - within 2 weeks. This registration must be done by everyone who moves. You can find your local registration office at Amt24. There you will also find the opening hours, the form and the documents required for registration.
If you have come to Saxony from a country outside the EU (third country), you should contact your local immigration office as soon as you arrive. Make an appointment to apply for a residence permit in good time before your visa or 90-day stay expires.
The residence permit is issued as a chip card and is called an "electronic residence permit (eAT)". It contains personal data, biometric features and conditions for the residence permit. This allows you to use the electronic residence permit for various online services and functions, e.g. for applications to authorities.
Citizens of EU or EEA states do not need a residence or work permit. They enjoy so-called freedom of movement rights within the European Union.
You can find your local immigration office at Amt24.
You should open a German bank account as soon as you arrive in Saxony. You will need it urgently to receive your salary (wages) and to transfer your rent.
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. You must find your own health insurance. It is best to ask your employer for a recommendation for a health insurance company.
If you want to travel by public transport, you have many options in Saxony. Read more about it here. Employers often offer employees a so-called job ticket for local public transport. The workplace covers part of the costs.
With a national driving license from EU and EEA countries, you are allowed to drive in Germany in the corresponding vehicle category. With a national driving license from countries outside the EU, you may drive in Germany for six months after moving to Germany. After that, you must have your driving license converted to a German one. You can find out more about this in the Driving license and driving license section.
Find a family doctor as soon as possibleand, if you are traveling with children, a paediatrician. If you are ill and cannot work, the doctor will issue you with a certificate of incapacity for work (sick bill) for your employer.
If you are looking for an apartment, you will find many offers and comparatively low rents in Saxony. You can find more information in the Housing section. Please also ask your employer and the Welcome Center for help in finding accommodation!
If you have children and would like to work in Saxony, childcare is important. You can find out what options are available in the child day care section.
School attendance is compulsory in Germany. This means that all children from the age of 6 have to go to school. You must therefore register your children at a school as soon as you arrive in Germany. Read more about this topic here.
