Everything you need to sort before you fly: documents, money, health, tech, and your Day-1 admin sprint. Some items (health insurance enrollment, vaccines) need weeks of lead time; start those first.
Passport
Check your passport expiry against your visa validity, planned residence permit period, and travel plans. Renew early if it will expire during your intended stay.
German student visa (sticker in passport)
Double-check the visa validity dates and entry type (D visa).
University admission letter
Original + at least 2 photocopies.
Blocked account proof (Sperrkonto)
Confirmation letter from Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle.
Print the letter AND save a PDF to cloud. To release your monthly funds, you must first provide your German bank IBAN to your provider, opening a bank account is your Day 1 priority on arrival.
Health insurance certificate
Health insurance certificate, required for university enrollment. Most students use statutory GKV (TK, AOK, Barmer); in some cases private insurance is accepted, confirm with your university.
Compare providersAPS certificate (if applicable)
Required if your qualifying degree was obtained in India, China, or Vietnam, not all students from these countries need it. Check with uni-assist or your university admissions office if unsure.
Check if you need APSSemester fee payment proof
Bank transfer receipt or payment confirmation from the university.
Academic certificates + transcripts
Bring originals AND attested/notarised copies. Plain photocopies are not accepted by German authorities, use university-attested or notary-certified copies. Apostille may be required for some purposes.
Previous visa copies (if any)
Copies of any prior Schengen or other visas, useful at border control and may be requested at the Ausländerbehörde when you apply for your residence permit.
10× passport-size photos
Biometric standard (35×45mm, white background). Needed for Anmeldung, Ausländerbehörde (residence permit), university ID, library card, and other registrations.
Travel insurance for the gap period
Statutory GKV coverage starts on your enrollment date, not on arrival. Cover the gap between landing and enrollment with a short-term travel health policy. The gap may be longer than 14 days depending on when enrollment is processed.
Scan ALL documents to Google Drive / iCloud
Upload before departure so you can access originals digitally if anything is lost.
Enroll in German statutory health insurance before arrival
TK, AOK, and Barmer all allow online pre-enrollment from India. Enroll early so your certificate arrives before departure. You need it for university enrollment on Day 1.
Start this at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for the certificate to arrive.
Review your vaccination record with a clinician
Well before departure, a doctor can advise on any recommended boosters or catch-up doses based on your history.
Some vaccine series (e.g., Hepatitis B) require up to 6 months to complete. Do this well ahead of your departure date, not just in the final fortnight.
Carry an adequate supply of any prescription medication
Getting prescriptions transferred to a German doctor takes time, don't risk a gap. For controlled substances (narcotics, psychotropics), check BfArM import rules and consult your nearest German consulate before travelling.
Get a doctor's summary letter (if you have chronic conditions)
Ask your GP for an English-language letter summarising your diagnosis, current medications, and dosages. This helps German doctors and your new health insurer understand your history before GKV enrollment is processed.
Download your health insurer's app
TK, AOK, or Barmer all have apps for digital insurance certificates and doctor search.
Save your insurer's 24/7 helpline number
You'll want it if you need a doctor in the first days before you've registered.
Dental checkup done before departure
Free as an Indian resident with family insurance; dental treatment in Germany is expensive.
Exchange ₹10,000–15,000 to EUR cash
Use a Niyo Global card or a forex desk for competitive rates. Carry some cash for the first day, card machines are not always available immediately after landing.
Notify your Indian bank of travel dates
Prevents card blocks when you use your debit/credit card abroad.
Enable international transactions on your Indian debit/credit card
Most Indian banks (SBI, PNB, BOB, Bank of India) disable international transactions by default. Enable this via net banking or at a branch. It is a separate step from notifying your bank of travel dates.
Research German bank options before flying
N26 and DKB are fully online (VideoIdent, no branch visit). Both require a European address for card delivery. You cannot set them up before arriving. Commerzbank has in-person branches.
You cannot open an N26 or DKB account from India. These accounts require a European address. Plan to set one up during your first days after arrival.
Download and set up your German bank's app
Enable notifications so you can track transactions from Day 1.
Note your IBAN somewhere offline
Needed immediately for health insurance SEPA direct debit setup.
Know your blocked account provider's app / portal login
You'll need this to notify them of your German address and IBAN to release monthly funds.
Confirm dorm / apartment booking in writing
Email with the full address. You'll need this for Anmeldung.
Know check-in date, time, and key pickup process
Some dorms have unmanned key boxes; others require office hours.
Have landlord / Studentenwerk contact saved in phone
In case you arrive and can't get in, or there's a maintenance emergency.
Book temporary accommodation if dorm is not available from Day 1
A hostel for the first few nights is fine. Note: hotels and hostels do not issue a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (the landlord confirmation form required for Anmeldung), do your Anmeldung registration once you move into your permanent address.
Download Google Maps offline area for your city
Mark the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and public transport stops before you land.
Pack a Type F Schuko adapter
Indian 5A/15A plugs don't fit German sockets, buy before departure, it's cheaper in India.
Unlock your phone for international SIM use
Contact Airtel or Vi at least 1 week before departure to request an unlock. Note: Jio handsets are network-locked and cannot be unlocked, if you have a Jio phone, check whether your device supports eSIM as an alternative.
Activate international roaming on your Indian SIM
Essential for OTPs and family calls in the first 48 hours before you get a German SIM. Jio, Airtel, and Vi all offer international roaming packs, check the validity period and data limits before you fly.
Save your university portal credentials offline
Note your student username, password, and any 2FA backup codes somewhere offline. Abroad, SMS-based OTPs to your Indian number and password expiry can lock you out of enrollment systems on Day 1.
Download Deutsche Bahn (DB Navigator) app
Trains, regional transport, and IC/ICE booking all in one app.
Download your city's local transport app
MVV for Munich, BVG for Berlin, HVV for Hamburg, check your city.
Back up all documents to cloud storage
Google Drive or iCloud, upload scans of every document before you fly.
Keep laptop charger accessible in carry-on
You'll need it immediately at accommodation for enrollment emails and bank setup.
Download WhatsApp and join university arrival groups
Most universities and student bodies coordinate via WhatsApp, find the groups before you arrive.
Book your Bürgeramt slot for Anmeldung NOW
Slots fill weeks ahead, book before you fly. In large cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt) availability is often 6–8 weeks out. Check your specific district (Bezirk) booking system, some districts are online-only, others allow walk-ins on certain days.
Find your city's booking linkUnderstand the Anmeldung timeline
You must register within 14 days of moving into a registrable dwelling, hotel or hostel stays may be exempt. Book your Bürgeramt appointment as early as possible; slots fill weeks ahead.
Plan your Ausländerbehörde appointment for your residence permit
If you arrive on a D-visa, you must apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) before it expires. Book your Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) appointment as soon as you have a registered address, slots can take several weeks, so do not leave this until the last minute.
Request Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord
Your landlord must give you this form (§ 19 BMG), required for Anmeldung. Ask before or immediately on arrival.
Find your university orientation date and add to calendar
Orientation is often mandatory, missing it can delay enrollment.
Note the semester enrollment deadline
Late registration at the Immatrikulationsamt can incur fines or delay your student status.
Check first-day lecture schedule / week plan
Some programs start lectures in Week 1 even before the official orientation.
Note Studentenwerk office address and opening hours
Handles housing, meals, and financial support, important to locate early.