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Germany · Checklist

The whole move,
in order.

By Nick · Europe Unlocked · Every figure sourced to an official body and dated.

Every step from "we're serious" to "we live here" — built around the 2026 rules, with the health-insurance question where it belongs: first. Your ticks are saved in this browser. Print it if paper is more your thing.

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Last verified: 8 July 2026
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Phase 1 · 12–18 months out

Decide with real numbers

Phase 2 · 6–12 months out

Build the paper foundation

Phase 3 · 3–6 months out

Apply — and plan the physical move

Phase 4 · Arrival & first 90 days

Become a resident, properly

The rules here moved twice in two years — the citizenship reform (June 2024) and the abolition of the 3-year fast-track (October 2025). The newsletter below is how we tell you when this page changes.
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