First month guide in Stuttgart

1. 1

   Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

   essential

   Legally required within two weeks of arrival. Book an appointment online at your local Bürgerbüro (e.g., Bürgerbüro Mitte at Eberhardstraße 35) with your passport and rental contract.

2. 2

   Open a German Bank Account

   essential

   Essential for rent, salary, and daily expenses. Consider Sparkasse Stuttgart, Commerzbank, or N26 (online-only) for ease. You'll need your Anmeldung certificate.

3. 3

   Get a German SIM Card

   essential

   Stay connected with a local number. Providers like Vodafone, Telekom, or O2 offer various prepaid or contract options. Aldi Talk is a popular budget choice.

4. 4

   Arrange Health Insurance

   essential

   Mandatory in Germany. If you're employed, your employer will assist. Students must choose public (e.g., AOK, TK) or private insurance. Proof is often needed for Anmeldung.

5. 5

   Understand the GEZ (TV/Radio Fee)

   essential

   Every household in Germany must pay a monthly fee for public broadcasting. You'll receive a letter from ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice.

6. 6

   Translate Important Documents

   recommended

   Have certified translations of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or university diplomas ready. This can expedite various official processes.

7. 7

   Get Your Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

   essential

   Automatically sent by post a few weeks after Anmeldung. You'll need this for employment and tax purposes. Keep it safe.

8. 8

   Register for Electricity/Gas (If Applicable)

   recommended

   If your WG contract doesn't include utilities, you'll need to register with providers like EnBW or Stadtwerke Stuttgart. Clarify with your flatmates first.

9. 9

   Familiarize with Emergency Numbers

   essential

   Know 112 for ambulance/fire and 110 for police. Save these immediately. It's crucial for any unexpected situation in a new country.

10. 10

    Secure Your Mailbox

    essential

    Ensure your name is clearly on your WG's mailbox to receive official letters, especially your Steuer-ID and GEZ notices.

1. 1

   Understand Your WG Contract

   essential

   Clarify if it's an 'Untermietvertrag' (sublet), 'Hauptmietvertrag' (main tenant), or 'Zeitmietvertrag' (fixed-term). Know your rights and responsibilities clearly.

2. 2

   Meet Your Flatmates & Establish Rules

   essential

   Have an open discussion about shared responsibilities, cleaning schedules, noise levels, and guest policies to ensure harmonious living.

3. 3

   Explore Your Immediate Neighborhood

   recommended

   Locate the nearest grocery stores (Lidl, Rewe, Edeka), pharmacies (Apotheke), and local bakeries (Bäckerei) around your Stuttgart WG.

4. 4

   Master Stuttgart's Public Transport (VVS)

   essential

   Download the VVS (Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart) app or the SSB Move app for real-time schedules and ticket purchases. Learn about S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and buses.

5. 5

   Consider a Monthly VVS Ticket

   recommended

   If you commute daily, a monthly or yearly ticket (e.g., PolygoCard) is more economical than single fares. Check student discounts if applicable.

6. 6

   Get a Bicycle

   nice-to-have

   Stuttgart has hills but cycling is popular. Check out second-hand options on eBay Kleinanzeigen or local bike shops. VVS also allows bikes during off-peak hours.

7. 7

   Learn Basic German Phrases

   recommended

   Even a few phrases for shopping or asking directions can make a huge difference in daily interactions and show respect for the local culture.

8. 8

   Set Up Internet Access

   essential

   If not included in your WG rent, research providers like Vodafone, Telekom, or 1&1. Installation can take a few weeks, so start early.

9. 9

   Understand Waste Separation

   essential

   Germany has strict rules for waste. Learn which bins are for paper (blau), organic (braun), plastic/packaging (gelb/Wertstoff), and residual waste (schwarz/grau).

10. 10

    Find Local Ärzte (Doctors)

    recommended

    Register with a general practitioner (Hausarzt) early. Websites like Doctolib can help you find English-speaking doctors in Stuttgart.

1. 1

   Join Expat & Meetup Groups

   recommended

   Connect with fellow internationals through groups like Internations Stuttgart or various Meetup.com groups focusing on hobbies or languages. Great for meeting people.

2. 2

   Explore Stuttgart's Green Spaces

   nice-to-have

   Visit Schlossplatz, Killesberg Park, or take a walk through the vineyards surrounding the city. Enjoy the unique 'Stäffele' (staircases) for stunning views.

3. 3

   Visit the Markthalle

   nice-to-have

   Discover fresh produce, international delicacies, and a vibrant atmosphere at Stuttgart's historic Markthalle. A true culinary experience.

4. 4

   Be Aware of Rental Scams

   essential

   Never pay a deposit or rent before seeing the WG room in person and signing a contract. Be wary of requests for Western Union payments.

5. 5

   Understand 'Kaution' (Security Deposit)

   essential

   The deposit, typically 2-3 months' cold rent, must be held in a separate, interest-bearing account (Mietkautionskonto). Keep records of its payment.

6. 6

   Document Your WG Condition

   essential

   Take photos or videos of your room and shared spaces upon moving in. This protects your 'Kaution' against unfair damage claims later.

7. 7

   Attend Local Events & Festivals

   nice-to-have

   Check out the Stuttgarter Weindorf (Wine Village) in autumn or the Frühlingsfest and Volksfest at Cannstatter Wasen for a true local experience.

8. 8

   Utilize University International Offices

   recommended

   If you're a student at the University of Stuttgart or Hochschule der Medien, their international offices offer invaluable support for new arrivals.

9. 9

   Find Language Exchange Partners

   nice-to-have

   Practice your German with native speakers while helping them with English. Apps like Tandem or local university boards can connect you.

10. 10

    Get a Library Card

    nice-to-have

    The Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (City Library) is a modern architectural marvel. A membership allows access to books, media, and digital resources.

• When WG hunting, always have copies of your Anmeldung, Schufa (credit check), and a brief self-introduction ready. German landlords value preparedness.
• Don't underestimate the power of 'small talk' in German, even basic phrases. It opens doors with flatmates and locals, making integration smoother.
• Utilize specific platforms like WG-Gesucht.de and eBay Kleinanzeigen for shared housing. Be quick to respond; good rooms in Stuttgart go fast.
• Befriend a local to help decode official letters. German bureaucracy can be complex, and a native speaker's insight is invaluable for forms and regulations.
• Stuttgart is hilly! Invest in good walking shoes or a sturdy bike. The 'Kessel' topography means lots of inclines, but also amazing views.
• Attend a 'Stammtisch' (regular's table) at a local pub. It's a fantastic, informal way to meet Germans and practice your language skills in a relaxed setting.

This guide is tailored to Stuttgart's unique characteristics, from its 'Kessel' geography influencing transport and views, to its strong automotive and tech industries attracting a specific international demographic. The emphasis on 'Anmeldung' and shared housing challenges directly addresses the high demand and bureaucratic hurdles faced by new residents in this competitive German market.

• Best neighborhoods
• Cost of living
• Moving checklist
• Student discounts
• Public transport
• Pet-Friendly living
• Neighbourhoods

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