Welcome to Magdeburg Welcome to Magdeburg

Checklist for Entering and Leaving the Country
There are various regulations that must be heeded depending on
the purpose of your stay and your country of origin. The following
checklist provides all of the important aspects you must consider.
Some things might not pertain to your situation.
Step 1: Before you enter the country
• Check that your passport or ID card is valid and extend it if
necessary
• Have certificates and references translated into German or English
• Obtain a vaccination record if necessary
• Have biometric passport photos taken
• Apply for a visa in your home country at a German embassy or
consulate general. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada,
New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the United States of America
can enter Germany without a visa. A residence permit must
be obtained from the Foreigner’s Office (“Ausländerbehörde”) in
Germany if you plan to stay for more than three months.
• Check your health insurance cover (obligation to prove cover as
per Section 11 Paragraphs 1–3 of the Social Insurance Code “Sozialversicherungsgesetz”)
• Search for accommodation
• Apply for a scholarship
Fees:
Residence permit up to 60 EUR
Scholarship holders of German scholarship organisations do not have
to pay this fee!
If your family is accompanying you to Germany:
• Have your marriage certificate and the birth certificates of your
children translated into German
• Don’t forget to bring health insurance, vaccination records, and
passport photos for family members
• Citizens from Brazil and El Salvador do not need a visa when
entering Germany together. They can apply for family reunification
(“Familienzusammenführung”) in Germany (in Magdeburg)
• Apply for a place in a day care or school
Step 2: After entering Germany/arriving in Magdeburg
• Register at the International Office
• Obtain health insurance (if this wasn’t done before arrival)
• Obtain other insurances such as personal liability insurance
• Apply for an income tax card (“Lohnsteuerkarte”)
• Sign the employment contract or pre-contract
• Register at the Registration Office (“Einwohnermeldeamt or
Bürgerbüro”) in Magdeburg within a week after arrival
Usually you will have to bring the following documents:
• Valid passport
• Valid visa (except for Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New
Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the USA)
• Rental contract
• Proof of German bank account
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