Settling down and things to be done when you first arrive in Germany

Preparation from India

I would like to share my experience regarding the hectic process of settling into a new Country which is a total opposite to our beloved India. Any of your experiences can be different and I would like to hear them as well.

1. I took most of the tips from German mantra :)
2. Get friends in the city you are going to. Take help from mentor on this website (A free service)

Some things that will give you a head start:

1. Learn
• German Language :  At least basic words
• Cooking : will help you a lot if you can not find food (Specially for veg people)
• German proficiency for immigration purpose : learn from Goethe Institute( Owned by German Govt) in your city
  http://www.goethe.de/ins/in/en/lp.html
If you want to use German proficiency for immigration purpose, then only German language certificates issued by Goethe Institute are recognized by German immigration authorities)
Even if you have learned German from any other Institute or University, You can appear for Exams at Goethe Institute
2. Know about Air travel baggage allowance (check in baggage :1 piece of max 20 Kg.+ hand baggage : 6 Kg). Plan accordingly what to carry and what not.
3. Open bank account for your parents, if they don't have.
4. Open NRI account for yourself.
5. Convert your Resident savings Bank account to NRO/NRI account.
6. International Driving License : The Full name in your International Driving license should match Full Name in your passport. If you want to convert your Indian DL to German one please follow this blog

Things that I recommend you to bring:

1. Cooking utensils : Most of the things will be available in Germany with your furnished apartment but there are few Indian thing which may not be available or it make be problematic initially to buy one.
• Pressure cooker :  Don't for forget it's whistle. :) .
• Frying Pan
• Tava
• Chakla
• Belan
• Tweezer (Chimta)
• Tea filter (Chalni)
• Masala (For first few days)
• Ghee (your favorite brand :)). 
2. Clothing: Check the weather. If it is winter, take appropriate clothing with you. Also plan to buy from there since clothing over there would be of better quality. 
3. Medicines : First aid and other few medicines which you think are important
4. Electrical Appliance: Please note that although the electrical voltage is same as India, the electrical plugs are different and you will need adapter to fit your electrical device into German plugs. Universal adapters/plugs are avalable check for them.

Germany is all related to documents and hence keep them handy:

1. Passport with valid Visa
2. Hotel booking and address : Book a service apartment with kitchen if you plan to cook yourself.
3. Air Ticket
4. Health Insurance
5. International Driving License (if applicable)
6. Your client address
7. Forex with Euro coins of 50 Cents and 1 EURO (If you can manage, useful for airport transit to use trolley)
8. Copy of Employment Contract
9. Copy of Educational Degree Certificates 
10. Original Marriage certificate
11. Original Birth certificates of Children

All documents to be translated to English if they are in Vernacular language.
Apostille/Attestation of original Educational( bachelors and master degree & Phd ) documents, personal documents like Marriage certificate can be done by http://mea.gov.in/apostille.htm

Things to do as you enter in Germany

 There are few things which must be done at arrival in Germany (For work):

1. Plan your local conveyance. This is the time when you need to travel more and would like to avoid cost on travel. Check about weekly, monthly ticket.
2. Find apartment
• Inform your gas/electricity agency. Your landlord will help you here.
3. Register residence address (Anmendung)
4. Residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)
5. Health Insurance
6. Open Bank account
7. Permanent work permit (Arbeitsgenehmigung)
8. Tax card
9. Inform your employer about all above, they might request for above anyway
10. Ensure that you get social security card. Check your salary slip.
11. Transfer money to India (See link why you should do from first month itself if you are supporting dependents in India)
12. Learn German (must know at least below)
• Counting
• Days of week
• Months
• How to get help and such other things

Additional things if applicable

1. Apply for KinderGeld (if you have kids)
2. Apply for ElternGeld (if you are eligible)
3. Get telephone/internet connection

Credit: http://www.germanymantra.com/