Moving to Germany 101

As my EVS project terminated, I decided to move to Berlin. I was lucky enough to quickly find a job and a room in a shared apartment. After that, which is the most difficult part, I had to deal with some bureaucracy, but nothing to worry about. The main challenge, especially in Berlin, is to find a room or apartment due to the high request and high rent prices. My suggestion for this is to contact any person you know in the city and ask for support. An alternative tool is the WOLOHO newsletter for either apartment or job looking.

There are three main things to do as you move to a new city in Germany. All three are very important to reside legally and simplify the process for getting a job and a home.

1. Anmeldung
As you have been living in Germany for your EVS, you are already registered to the local Citizen's Office, called the Bürgeramt. Anmeldung in German means "registration". It simply consists of registering your residence in Germany. This process is required with each change of address so, as you move to a new city in Germany, you should book an appointment as soon as possible. You will receive a confirmation of registration, called an Anmeldebestätigung, required for opening a Current Account or enrolling in Health Insurance. As you were already in the German territory you will only need to update your address. 

2. German bank account
A bank account with German IBAN is necessary to receive your salary. As you find regular employment, your stipend can only be transferred to a German bank account. Nowadays opening a bank account is pretty simple and fast. A few banks allow you to open an account for free. 

3. Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany. With the end of your project, the CIGNA health insurance expires, and you need to get a new one. Public health insurance is the most common, and the three prevalent companies generally offer similar services and fees (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK e Barmer GEK). You will receive a card to show each time you go to the doctor, pharmacy and hospital. 
As soon as you will get regular employment, you will have to choose a health insurance company, and your employer will take care of the rest. The cost of the insurance is shared with the company, and it will be automatically deducted from your wage. 

Moving to a new city can be difficult and disorienting, but with some patience and help, you will take care of these bureaucratic aspects. 
I'll suggest you the following website for further info and help:

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/

SOURCE:
https://www.mygermanexpert.com/it/services/anmeldung/

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/