Practical arrival guidance

Moving to Germany

A simple arrival roadmap for Americans who want to get organized without trying to figure out every German system on day one.

Military PCSDoD Civilian (DAC)Government ContractorFamily Relocation

American relocation to Germany illustration with housing, travel, moving, and local support

BEFORE YOU FLY

Build one arrival file.

Keep the documents and contacts you may need during your first weeks in one place: passport, employment or assignment documents, temporary lodging details, sponsor or employer contacts, insurance information, pet or school records where relevant, and copies of important U.S. documents.

Military, DoD civilian, contractor, visa, registration, and SOFA requirements can differ by status. Use your official sponsor, employer, legal office, housing office, or German authority for status-specific requirements.

Before departure

Confirm official travel and status requirements
Arrange temporary lodging
Estimate move-in cash needs
Prepare housing priorities and budget
Plan phone/data access for arrival

First 72 hours

Check in with the organization responsible for your arrival
Confirm local transportation
Get reliable mobile connectivity
Organize appointments and housing tasks
Identify urgent family, school, pet, or medical needs

First two weeks

Start your appropriate housing pathway
Set up practical payment/banking access as needed
Arrange internet and utilities after housing is secured
Build a short list of English-friendly local providers
Track German letters, deadlines, and appointments

Once settled

Keep a local service network
Save recurring contract and renewal dates
Plan move-out requirements early
Use ADYD when you need a provider or local coordination

NEED A HAND?

Tell us what part of the move is slowing you down.

Get relocation help

Important

ADYD Germany is a private commercial service of ADYD Ventures OÜ and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official service of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, U.S. Army, or any German government authority.

ADYD does not provide legal, tax, insurance, financial, or real-estate brokerage advice through this site. Regulated services are handled by appropriately licensed independent professionals or partners.