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Arrival Local guide Your first 30 days in Munich: a step-by-step planA prioritised plan for your first month in Munich, from a first address where you can register and the Bürgerbüro appointment to tax ID, bank account, health insurance, the residence permit at the SZE, phone and MVV ticket, and why the order matters. Spread over about four weeks; most single steps take one appointment or one online application Arrival Usually a few weeks of preparation for EU citizens; often several months for people who need a national visa Moving Plan several weeks to a few months, because apostilles, legalisation and new civil-status certificates are issued in your home country Moving About one hour at the customs office for the declaration, plus preparation of the inventory and documents Registration Local guide Registering your address in Munich (Anmeldung)How to register your Munich home within 14 days of moving in, which of the six Bürgerbüros to use, what to bring, why newcomers from abroad register in person, and what arrives afterwards, including your tax ID. A short counter visit once you have an appointment, plus time to collect the landlord confirmation and fill in the form Registration A few minutes to fill in the form; a short counter visit or a letter Registration A few minutes for the person signing it; ask for it when you get the keys Residence and visas Local guide Getting or extending a residence permit in Munich (SZE)How Munich's immigration office, the Servicestelle für Zuwanderung und Einbürgerung (SZE), handles residence permits in 2026 - online applications, the invitation to an appointment, fees, processing times, card pickup and what protects your status while you wait. About an hour for the online application once your documents are scanned; a decision can take several months Residence and visas Visa from abroad: several weeks to a few months, depending on the embassy (with the fast-track procedure, an appointment within three weeks and usually a decision within three more). In Berlin: at least 2 to 3 months for an online application, then 4 to 6 weeks for the eAT card. Residence and visas Preparing documents (legalisation, translations, an A1 course and exam) often takes several months. Visa processing varies widely by embassy. In Berlin, allow at least 4 weeks after the joint appointment for the eAT card. Residence and visas For EU/EEA citizens, usually just the address registration appointment. For non-EU family members, one appointment at the immigration office plus about 4 weeks until the residence card is ready. Residence and visas Gathering documents (ZAB statement, language certificate, blocked account) often takes several weeks. Visa processing varies by embassy; some missions state about 6 to 10 weeks, others around two months. Residence and visas About 1-2 hours for the online application if your documents are ready; then weeks to months until the interview, plus at least 4 weeks for the card Residence and visas Several weeks to several months, depending on the route, the German embassy abroad and the local immigration office. In Berlin, expect at least 2 to 3 months for a decision after an online application, plus 4 to 6 weeks for the card. Residence and visas Residence and visas Recognition can take weeks to months (recognition bodies have two months once documents are complete in the fast-track procedure). Visa: varies widely by embassy. In the fast-track procedure, an appointment within three weeks of pre-approval and usually a decision within three more weeks. In Berlin: at least 2 to 3 months for the residence permit, then 4 to 6 weeks for the card. Citizenship A few hours for the online application once you have all certificates; processing in Berlin often takes many months Housing Local guide Finding a flat in MunichWhat Munich's rental market looks like in 2026, where flats are advertised, how the city's own housing company, subsidised housing and the München Modell work, what to check before signing under the rent cap, and how to make sure you can register at your new address. Often several weeks to months; plan an hour or two a day while you search actively Housing Local guide Tenant rights in Munich: rent cap, rent index, increases and free adviceYour main rights as a tenant in Munich in 2026, including the Bavarian rent cap for new leases until the end of 2029, the Munich rent index 2025, the 15% cap on rent increases, protection after conversion into condominiums, defects, notice, and where to get free or low-cost advice. About 20 minutes to read. Advice appointments usually need booking ahead. Housing About 15 minutes to read; keep it open while you compare listings or check a contract Housing Notice at least three months ahead; the handover itself takes about an hour; the deposit can take up to six months or longer for the part held back for service charges Housing One to three hours to collect, redact and combine your documents once; then minutes per application Housing About 10 minutes to read; a few minutes of checks for each promising listing Jobs Several hours to prepare a solid German-style CV and cover letter the first time, then about one to two hours to tailor each application. Jobs Varies widely by field and language level. Plan in weeks or months rather than days: many employers run several interview rounds before making an offer. Employment Trade registration and the tax questionnaire take a few hours. The tax number arrives by post once the tax office has processed your questionnaire. For non-EU nationals, a residence permit for self-employment can take several months. Employment A few hours to research and prepare; usually 3-4 months for the procedure once your application is complete (about 2 months in the employer-led accelerated procedure) Employment About 15 minutes to read. Check the rules before you sign a contract for a side job. Employment About 15 to 30 minutes for each online registration, plus an appointment with the Agentur für Arbeit afterwards. Allow more time to gather documents for the benefit application. Employment About 20 minutes to read; keep it at hand when you sign a contract or if a problem arises.