Moving checklist in Cologne

1. 1

   Secure Temporary Accommodation

   essential

   Book a short-term stay like an Airbnb, hostel, or hotel for your first week or two. This gives you a base for housing viewings and initial registrations.

2. 2

   Begin Your Housing Search Early

   essential

   Utilize platforms like WG-Gesucht.de, Immobilienscout24, and Facebook groups like 'Wohnung & WG Zimmer Köln'. Be prepared for virtual viewings and quick responses.

3. 3

   Prepare Essential Documents

   essential

   Gather your passport, visa/residence permit (if non-EU), proof of funds, and any academic or employment certificates. Have digital copies ready.

4. 4

   Understand Visa & Residence Permit Needs

   essential

   If you're from outside the EU/EEA, ensure your visa or residence permit application is in progress or approved before your move to Cologne.

5. 5

   Learn Basic German Phrases

   recommended

   Knowing greetings, basic questions, and housing-related vocabulary will significantly help in initial interactions and viewings in Cologne.

6. 6

   Research Cologne Neighborhoods

   recommended

   Familiarize yourself with areas like Ehrenfeld, Nippes, or Südstadt for WGs, considering proximity to universities, work, and KVB connections.

7. 7

   Arrange Initial Financials

   essential

   Ensure you have access to funds for deposits, first rent, and initial living expenses. A blocked account might be required for visa purposes.

8. 8

   Research KVB Public Transport

   nice-to-have

   Download the KVB-App and understand Cologne's efficient tram, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and bus network to plan your arrival and initial commutes.

9. 9

   Forward Your Mail (if applicable)

   nice-to-have

   If moving from within Germany, set up a mail forwarding service with Deutsche Post to your new Cologne address.

1. 1

   Complete Your Anmeldung

   essential

   Register your address at a local Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in. This is crucial for everything else, including bank accounts and insurance. Book an appointment online.

2. 2

   Get a German SIM Card

   essential

   Purchase a local SIM from providers like Vodafone, Telekom, or O2. This is essential for communication and often required for setting up other services.

3. 3

   Open a German Bank Account

   essential

   Set up an account with a bank like N26 (online), Commerzbank, or Sparkasse KölnBonn. You'll need your Anmeldung confirmation and passport.

4. 4

   Obtain a KVB Public Transport Ticket

   essential

   Purchase a monthly or annual pass (e.g., Deutschlandticket, Azubi-Ticket, Semesterticket) for the KVB network. It's your lifeline in Cologne.

5. 5

   Collect Keys and Move In

   essential

   Finalize your rental contract (Hauptmietvertrag or Untermietvertrag) and collect keys from your landlord or flatmates. Document the move-in condition.

6. 6

   Explore Your Immediate Neighborhood

   recommended

   Locate essential services like grocery stores (REWE, Edeka, Aldi, Lidl), pharmacies, and local KVB stops around your new home.

7. 7

   Connect with Expat Communities

   nice-to-have

   Join local Facebook groups like 'Expats in Cologne' or attend Meetup events to start building your social network.

8. 8

   Familiarize Yourself with Waste Separation

   recommended

   Learn Cologne's Mülltrennung system for different types of waste (Restmüll, Biomüll, Papier, Gelber Sack, Glas). It's a German essential.

9. 9

   Visit the Kölner Dom

   nice-to-have

   Take some time to visit Cologne's iconic cathedral. It's not just a landmark but a central point for understanding the city's heart.

1. 1

   Arrange Health Insurance

   essential

   Choose between public (e.g., TK, AOK) or private health insurance. This is mandatory in Germany and vital for your well-being.

2. 2

   Get Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)

   essential

   A must-have in Germany, this covers damages you might accidentally cause to others' property. It's inexpensive and highly recommended.

3. 3

   Set Up Internet and Utilities

   essential

   Arrange internet services with providers like NetCologne or 1&1. For electricity/gas, contact RheinEnergie or choose a different provider.

4. 4

   Register for GEZ (Rundfunkbeitrag)

   essential

   Register for the mandatory public broadcasting fee. Every household in Germany pays this, regardless of TV ownership.

5. 5

   Consider a German Language Course

   recommended

   Enroll in a course at VHS Köln (Volkshochschule) or a private language school to improve your German and meet new people.

6. 6

   Find a Hausarzt (General Practitioner)

   recommended

   Register with a local doctor. It's good to have one before you actually need medical attention.

7. 7

   Understand Your Contract Types

   essential

   Familiarize yourself with your specific rental agreement, whether it's a Hauptmietvertrag, Untermietvertrag, WG-Vertrag, or Zeitmietvertrag.

8. 8

   Register with the Agentur für Arbeit (if seeking employment)

   recommended

   If you're looking for a job, register as a job seeker to access resources and support from the Federal Employment Agency.

9. 9

   Explore Cologne's Cultural Offerings

   nice-to-have

   Visit museums, art galleries, and experience the local 'Kölsch' culture, perhaps by trying a Kölsch beer in a traditional brewery.

10. 10

    Set Up Your Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

    essential

    Your Steuer-ID will be sent automatically after your Anmeldung. It's needed for employment and financial matters.

• Always have your Anmeldung confirmation ready; it's your golden ticket for everything from bank accounts to internet contracts in Cologne.
• When searching for a WG, prepare a short, friendly introduction in German about yourself to stand out among multiple applicants.
• Consider a Haftpflichtversicherung (liability insurance) immediately; it's cheap and crucial in Germany for unexpected damages.
• Don't underestimate the KVB public transport app; it's your best friend for navigating Cologne efficiently and understanding ticket options.
• Join local Facebook groups like 'Expats in Cologne' or 'WG Zimmer Köln' early for real-time advice and direct housing listings.

This guide is meticulously crafted for Cologne, Germany, addressing its specific housing market nuances, bureaucratic steps like 'Anmeldung' at the Bürgeramt, and the use of local services such as the KVB public transport system. The advice on contract types and organizations like Sparkasse KölnBonn are unique to the German context, ensuring a truly localized relocation experience.

• Best neighborhoods
• Cost of living
• First month guide
• Student discounts
• Public transport
• Pet-Friendly living
• Safety guide
• Coworking spaces
• Remote work cafés
• Neighbourhoods

• Rental contracts
• Tenant rights
• Deposit protection
• Registration guide
• Flatshare etiquette
• Phone & internet