Tax Number, Insurance, Account – what do you need before you start working in Germany?

You begin working in Germany and don’t know what to bring, obtain, and register? Don’t worry – many people have the same problem, especially if it’s their first job in Germany. In this guide, we have collected all the important formalities, documents, and bureaucratic steps you need to go through to start working legally and stress-free. Everything is clear, understandable, and step by step.

Which documents do you need to have to work legally in Germany?

Let’s start with the basics. Whether you’re going for seasonal work or a permanent job there are certain documents you need to work in Germany, which you must have with you on the day of departure. These are mainly:

• valid ID card or passport (EU citizens do not require a work permit),
• rental contract for the apartment (if you already have it beforehand),
• proof of health insurance and tax number, if you have worked in Germany before.

Another separate point – which documents do you need for the first job in Germany? Besides the ID, a registration certificate, social security number and written confirmation of the employment contract are helpful. Without these things, you won’t get far with the formalities – so it’s better to prepare them in advance.

First job in Germany and registration – why is this the first and crucial step after arrival?

Registration is a formality you must complete within 14 days after moving to Germany . And although this sounds like a bureaucratic hurdle, it is actually one of the most important organizational steps – without registration, you cannot open a bank account, get a tax number, or obtain insurance. What do you need for work in Germany during registration? At the registration office, you need: rental contract, completed registration form, and ID. You’ll need the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) for almost every further formality. It’s good to know that failing to register can even lead to a fine, and above all, it makes starting work more difficult.

Legal work in Germany vs. tax number, social and health insurance – how do you tackle this?

After registration, a avalanche of bureaucratic procedures follows, but relax – most of them are done automatically or with the help of the employer.

• The tax number (Tax ID) you will receive by post within 2-3 weeks after registration. If you lose it – you can recover it through the Federal Central Tax Office’s website.
• The social security number is assigned to you after the first job registration – usually done by the employer.
• You have to choose the health insurance yourself – statutory (GKV) or private (PKV), depending on income. Which documents do you need for work in Germany regarding insurance? Employment contract, registration certificate, and ID are the foundation. Without them, nothing works.

It’s good to know that what you need for work in Germany is not only papers – but also the awareness of what needs to be done and when.

Bank account in Germany – do you really need one and how do you open it?

Although many Poles initially try to use their account from Poland, it quickly becomes apparent that a German bank account is necessary. Employers rarely transfer salaries to foreign accounts, and many things – like apartment rent or phone contracts – require a local account. Documents for work in Germany therefore also include opening an account. To open one, you need: Tax ID, registration, and ID. Most banks also offer a so-called basic account – a free basic account for EU residents.

What about qualification recognition and language certificates? When are they mandatory?

For many, it is the first job in Germany, so they don’t know that some professions require a so-called recognition of the diploma . If you want to work as a nurse, doctor, teacher, or electrician , you must go through an official recognition procedure. In other professions (e.g. gastronomy, logistics, construction), a translation of the certificate or diploma is often sufficient. The first job in Germany can also require the submission of a language certificate – for example, B1 in healthcare or C1 in education. It’s worth checking the requirements of the specific employer or profession. Missing appropriate documents does not always rule out the chances, but can delay the hiring process. And remember – better to be over-prepared than underprepared.

Minijob, seasonal work, posting – different rules, different formalities, different documents for work in Germany

Not every form of employment requires the same documents.

• If you go for a minijob (up to 538 euros monthly) , the formalities are fewer – but you still need registration, health insurance, and tax number.
• Seasonal work (for example, in harvesting) requires temporary permit and registration with the employment office.
• And for employment through a Polish employer (posting), completely different rules apply – for example, Form A1 and European Health Insurance Card.

Therefore, which documents you need for work in Germany also depends on how you are employed. It’s good to check this before you sign the contract – because later it might be too late for quick corrections.

Do you want to be sure that your taxes in Germany are calculated correctly and stress-free? Do it quickly, in Polish, and online – with the Taxando tax app.