Moving to a new country is like assembling a complex construction set without instructions. Your head starts spinning: what to take, what to leave, and what you should have done yesterday? Stay calm, only calm! We at Nodia have been through this ourselves and have created a detailed checklist for you. It will help turn the chaos of packing into a clear action plan and save your nerves, which you will still need in Germany.
Section 1: Documents – Your Main Currency
Forget about euros for a while. For the first few weeks, your main currency will be a properly assembled folder of documents. Treat it like a quest, the grand prize of which is your peace of mind.
Subsection 1.1: The “Golden List” – What You Can’t Do Without
This is your foundation. Check each item twice.
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International Passport: Your main document. Make sure its expiration date doesn’t fall at the most inconvenient moment.
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Domestic Passport (ID Card): Keep it; it won’t take up much space in your folder.
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Birth Certificate (yours and your children’s): Germany loves this document. It will be needed for the tax office, for child benefits (Kindergeld), and generally to prove that you are you.
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Documents “About Love and More”: Marriage certificates, divorce certificates. If you changed your last name – all supporting documents. Germans are fanatics about logical chains in documents.
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Driver’s License: Good news! Ukrainian driver’s licenses are currently recognized in Germany for the entire duration of your temporary protection. So, take it with you.
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Children’s Package: Children’s international passports and, if a child is traveling with only one parent, notarized consent from the other. This is not a formality but a serious requirement.
Subsection 1.2: Documents for Career and Study
These are your ticket to a professional future.
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Diplomas and Certificates (with transcripts!): Even if you think your diploma is “not needed there” – take it. It might help you qualify.
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Work Record Book and Recommendations: Anything that can confirm your invaluable experience.
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Certificates: Know English at C1 level? Completed SMM courses? Bring everything here; these are your trump cards.
Subsection 1.3: Apostilles and Translations: Bureaucracy You Can Conquer
Sounds scary, but let’s take it step by step.
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Apostille: This is a stamp confirming that your document is not just a piece of paper. Important nuance for Ukrainians entering under §24: at the very first stage, to obtain status, you likely won’t need apostilles. But! If you plan to get married, enroll in university, or get your diploma recognized in the future – they will be needed. It’s better to get them in advance if possible.
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Sworn Translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung): Germany only trusts its own sworn translators. So, don’t waste money on a notarized translation at home – it’s highly likely it won’t be accepted. It’s easier and more reliable to do it on site.
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“Digital Safe” Life Hack: Take a photo of each document on your phone and upload it to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox). Create a separate folder on a USB drive and put it in another bag. If (God forbid) the originals get lost, you’ll at least have a copy.
Subsection 1.4: Medical Package
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Vaccination Record: Especially relevant for children when enrolling in kindergarten or school.
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Medical Records: If you have chronic illnesses, take your medical history with translations of key diagnoses. This will help the local doctor understand the situation faster.
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Prescriptions: For your regular medications. Check online in advance if your medication is not prohibited in Germany (yes, that happens).
Subsection 1.5: For Pet Owners
If a furry family member is traveling with you, they also need a document package:
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International veterinary passport.
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Microchip.
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Valid rabies vaccination.
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Rabies antibody titer test (done in advance!).
Section 2: Finances – Your Safety Net
In the first few weeks, you’ll spend money faster than you can say “Guten Tag.”
Subsection 2.1: Cash
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The €10,000 Rule: This is the amount one person can bring into the EU without extra questions or paperwork.
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How much to take? We would advise having €2,000-€3,000 in cash. Why so much? You’ll have to pay a security deposit for an apartment (Kaution) – and that’s 2-3 months’ rent. Plus, your first groceries, a travel pass, and some small household items.
Subsection 2.2: Banking
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Home Country Cards (Visa/Mastercard): Be sure to call your bank and say: “I’m moving to Germany, please don’t block my card when I buy my first pretzel.”
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German Bank Account (Girokonto): This is a must-have. You can’t get paid, receive benefits, or pay for internet without it. You need to open one immediately after registering your place of residence (Anmeldung).
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What about crypto? Yes, it’s an option for transporting funds. But remember: to legalize this money in Germany (e.g., deposit it into an account), you’ll need to prove its origin. This is a separate and complex issue.
Section 3: Things – Suitcase Mood
The main rule: don’t try to take your entire apartment with you.
Subsection 3.1: “Save and Protect” First-Aid Kit
In German pharmacies, you can only buy vitamin C without a prescription. So, bring with you:
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Pain relievers/fever reducers.
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Something for allergies and poisoning.
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Antiseptics and bandages (you’ll be walking a lot in new shoes, so your feet will get blisters).
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Your personal medications with a 2-3 month supply and a prescription.
Subsection 3.2: Wardrobe “For Every Occasion, Including the Office”
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Key Items: A good waterproof jacket, comfortable sneakers or boots, a warm sweater. Everything else – follow the layering principle.
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Advice from Experienced Movers: Don’t pack three suitcases of summer dresses. It’s better to buy one good winter jacket on sale here. It will be cheaper and more practical.
Subsection 3.3: Gadgets and Communication
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Standard Set: Laptop, phone, power bank.
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Socket Adapters! Buy them in advance so you don’t have to run around the hotel on the first night looking for something to charge your phone.
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SIM Card: Buy one right away in any supermarket (Aldi, Lidl, Penny). Nuance: You’ll need your passport to activate it, and you’ll have to go through video identification. Don’t be alarmed; it’s a standard procedure.
Section 4: First Steps – Putting Documents into Practice
Your document folder comes into play almost immediately:
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Registration (Anmeldung): You’ll need your passport and a paper from the landlord.
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Bank: Passport and registration certificate.
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Office for Foreigners (Ausländerbehörde) or Jobcenter: And this is where you’ll bring almost everything you brought. Including translations.
Conclusion
We hope our checklist has brought some clarity to your pre-travel hustle. The main thing to remember is: perfect preparation doesn’t exist. You will definitely forget something, and that’s okay. You’ll manage!
Moving is not just a change of address; it’s the beginning of a huge adventure. Yes, there will be difficulties, bureaucracy, and incomprehensible letters in German. But there will also be new opportunities, interesting people, and incredible experiences. And the Nodia team is always here to help you on this journey. Good luck!