Arrival - Check list
The Welcome Centre will advise you
It's great that you have come to Stuttgart! The team at the Welcome Centre will be happy to advise and support you personally and professionally in all matters relating to your job, registration, search for accommodation and integration and language courses. You're welcome!
Accommodation for the first few weeks
Check into a hotel, youth hostel or furnished apartment for the first few weeks. Then you will have time to look for a suitable apartment or property in your own time.
Your new accommodation
You have found the right accommodation! Before you move in, you need to sign a rental agreement. Rental agreements in Germany must be made in writing. The basic rent per month is normally specified in a rental agreement. There are also additional charges, such as gas, electricity and water. You need to observe the customs regulations if you are transporting furniture, household goods, etc. from your home country.
Registering
Do not forget to register your place of residence at a Citizens' Service Centre in Stuttgart within the first week.
Applying for a residence permit
Foreign nationals who are not EU citizens must register at the Foreigners' Registration Office and apply for a residence permit and a work permit if applicable.
Opening a current account
It's best to open a current account with a bank as soon as possible after you arrive. You will need your passport, registration certificate confirming your place of residence and sometimes a payslip from your employer.
Jobs
Looking for a job vacancy
State Capital Stuttgart is the fourth largest employer in the Stuttgart region and is looking for skilled workers with a wide selection of qualifications. You can look for job vacancies on online job portals or in daily and weekly newspapers. The Federal Office of Emplyment (opens in a new tab) also list job vacancies. You can of course also send speculative applications to a company of your choice.
You wish to apply
If you have found an interesting job then you need to apply for it. Here you will find information on what you should consider when applying for the job.
www.make-it-in-germany.com (opens in a new tab)
The Welcome Center Stuttgart regulary offers an event/webinar about: Successful Application and Working in the Stuttgart Region. The session will give you a better idea of employment prospects in Germany, and how the application process works.
Please check our event section.
Having your qualification recognised
There are various names for similar professional qualifications all around the world. Presumably not all German companies will be aware of your professional qualification. Therefore, have your qualification recognised.
Preparing for the job interview
Congratulations! You have been invited to an interview - you have taken the next big step. Here you will find tips to help you prepare for the interview.
Do you need a visa?
Here you can check whether you need a visa for your trip to Germany.
Signing an employment contract
It worked: you have got the job! Now you need to sign the employment contract. Read it carefully - it will tell you about your working hours, salary and notice periods, amongst other things.
www.make-it-in-germany.com (opens in a new tab)
Before starting work, please check if you have the required work permit or if you need a professional permit (Berufserlaubnis) recognition of foreign qualifications.
Family
Your familiy wourld also like to live in Stuttgart
Of course you want to have your loved ones around you. We will inform you here about the regulations for EU citizens and citizens from third countries.
Friends for the very young
If your children are younger than the age of six, then register them with a nursery school: this is an excellent opportunity for your kids to make new friends and learn to speak German. There are over 500 nursery schools in Stuttgart, including a few bilingual institutions.
Schools in Stuttgart
In Germany children have to go to school from the age of six. Most schools are run by the state and are therefore free. Here you will find an overview of the schools in Stuttgart.
Settling In
Discovering Stuttgart
It takes time to really "settle in" to a new city and country. Our tip: Wander through the 23 districts of the city and discover how diverse and beautiful Stuttgart really is. Experience the city and its people at the many events, festivals and cultural events that Stuttgart has to offer.
Learning German
Attend an integration course (language course funded by the State) as quickly as possible. The team at the Welcome Centre will help you find a suitable course.
Making friends
If you have friends, you quickly feel at home. For example, you will make friends doing sport, at clubs or at public events. Language and integration courses are also a great way to make friends who like you have just recently arrived in Stuttgart. If you want to meet people from your own country, you can for instance contact one of the many intercultural associations.
The first step is always the hardest - You need help?
You will find lots of things new and strange at the start. Allow us to advise you: the employees at the Migration Advisory Services will help you in your new everyday life.
