Your first 90 days: checklist

Your checklist for Ulm

1. Have health insurance from day one

   From day one · legal deadline

   Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. Students usually need proof of it to enrol. Employees are insured through their job.

   · Source: Insurance Contract Act (VVG), § 193

2. Get the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

   From day one · recommended

   Your landlord must confirm in writing that you moved in. You need this paper to register. Ask for it when you get the keys.

   Registration form explained · Source: Federal Registration Act (BMG), § 19

3. Register your address (Anmeldung)

   By 19 October 2026 · legal deadline

   Register within 14 days of moving in. Bring your passport and the landlord confirmation. Online registration needs a German ID card or EU eID card, so most non-EU newcomers register in person. Book an appointment early.

   City of Ulm, citizen services (registration office): Walk in Monday to Friday, no appointment needed. Saturday by appointment only.

   City of Ulm, citizen services (registration office) · Registration guide for your city · Source: Federal Registration Act (BMG), § 17

4. Apply for your residence permit before your visa ends

   Book right after registering · apply before your visa ends (enter the date above)

   The deadline is the day your entry visa ends: apply before then at the foreigners’ office responsible for where you live. Appointments can take weeks, so book as soon as you are registered. You need digital biometric photos.

   City of Ulm, foreigners’ office: Walk in on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings. Otherwise by appointment only. Closed on Wednesday.

   City of Ulm, foreigners’ office · Foreigners’ office guide for your city · Source: Residence Act (AufenthG), § 81

5. Complete your university enrolment

   By 19 October 2026 · recommended

   Enrol before the semester starts, by the deadline in your admission letter. You usually need your passport with visa or residence permit, your letter of acceptance and proof of statutory health insurance. Your university tells you exactly what to bring.

   · Source: DAAD: enrolling at a German university

6. Open a bank account

   By 26 October 2026 · recommended

   You have a legal right to a basic current account (Basiskonto). Keep your registration certificate (Meldebestätigung) ready.

   · Source: Payment Accounts Act (ZKG), § 31

7. Start your blocked account payouts

   By 26 October 2026 · recommended

   Follow your blocked account provider’s steps to start the monthly payouts. Check with them which account the money can be paid into.

   Student budget calculator · Source: Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt): blocked account

8. Sort out the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)

   By 4 November 2026 · recommended

   Every household pays one fee. If you share a flat and someone already pays, you don’t pay again. Otherwise register on the official site.

   · Source: ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice

9. Watch your mailbox for your tax ID (Steuer-ID)

   By 16 November 2026 · recommended

   After your first registration the Federal Central Tax Office sends your tax ID by post. Your employer needs it. Put your name on your mailbox.

   · Source: Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt): tax ID

10. Start converting a non-EU driving licence

    By 4 March 2027 · recommended

    A non-EU driving licence is only valid for 6 months after you take up residence. Start the conversion early if you need to drive.

    · Source: Driving Licence Regulation (FeV), § 29

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