Upon Arrival

Information on: Local Registration Office / Residence Permit / Work Contract at HU / HU Library and Canteen / Bank Account / Broadcasting Fees

There are a few things you will need to do during your first few weeks in Berlin – for example, if you are staying for a longer period you must register with the Bürgeramt and apply for a residence permit. You may also need a few things for your work and leisure time such as a library card, a bank account or a SIM card so that you can be contacted on a German telephone number. We generally recommend that before you arrive, you arrange an appointment with us for an initial discussion – ideally to take place during the first few weeks of your stay. During this discussion, we will go over all of the information with you and provide assistance related to the specific challenges you must face after arriving in Berlin. Beforehand, you can use the information compiled here as orientation and to gain an overview of the steps required.

 

Local Registration Office

Local Registration Office

German law requires you to register with the authorities. This means that international researchers at HU must visit a Bürgeramt (citizens’ registration office) to register themselves within 14 days of moving in to accommodation.
More information
Residence Permit

Residence Permit

Since a visa only entitles you to enter the country and remain for short-term stays, you will require a residence permit if you wish to stay for more than 90 days. Citizens of EU/EEA countries are exempted.
More information
HU Library and Canteen

HU Library and Canteen

All members of the Humboldt University are able to make use of the University Library and the Canteen. You will need a form of identification or more specifically a Library Card and a canteen top-up card.
More information
Broadcasting Fees

Broadcasting Fees

Everyone living in Germany and registered in housing is legally required to pay a licence fee to fund public broadcasting. This payment obligation is not dependent upon citizenship, length of stay or any other similar factors.
More information
Checklist of First Steps

Checklist of First Steps

A number of things need to be taken care of in your first few weeks in Germany. We have summarised the most important things here for you and also indicate how we can help you with them.
More information