First 30 Days in Germany on a Job Seeker Visa: Complete Checklist for Indians

The first 30 days in Germany on a Job Seeker Visa are critical for setting up your life and starting your job search properly. You must register your address within 14 days after you complete these tasks, which include opening a bank account, obtaining health insurance and starting your job search through employer networking. Most Indians make mistakes in the first month, which leads to job search delays of multiple weeks because they fail to register on time and select inappropriate insurance, or they lack understanding of German job application procedures. This complete checklist for Indians covers everything you need to do in your first month on a Germany Job Seeker Visa to make your 18-month job search period successful.

Week 1: Mandatory Registrations and Legal Requirements

The first week of your work requires you to finish all legal obligations. The deadline will be missed, resulting in severe consequences. Your first week requirements include the following tasks, which you must complete:

Address Registration Comes First: You need to book Bürgeramt appointment online immediately because cities like Berlin have 3 weeks of wait. Your landlord provides Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form. So, without Anmeldung, you cannot open bank accounts or get residence permits.

Health Insurance is Mandatory: The Job Seeker Visa needs coverage for a period of 18 months. The cost of private travel insurance ranges from EUR 50 to 80 per month. Companies like Care Concept or Mawista work well. Keep all payment receipts for residence permit applications.

Check Out: Top Germany Jobs for Indians Without German Language

Week 2: Financial Setup and Getting Connected

Your second week focuses on banking and communication setup. These two systems serve as essential components for both daily activities and employment procedures. The financial tasks you need to complete are listed below: 

Open a Bank Account With Your Anmeldung: N26 operates as a complete digital system which provides immediate account creation. Deutsche Bank and other traditional banks require customers to schedule appointments but offer superior services for rental application processes. The required documents include a passport, visa and an Anmeldung confirmation document.

Get a German Phone Number Immediately: Employers rarely call international numbers. You should purchase a prepaid SIM card from O2, Vodafone, or Telekom. The Deutschland Ticket provides unlimited local transportation throughout Germany for a monthly fee of EUR 49. You can purchase the item through the DB Navigator application.

Week 3-4: Job Search and Understanding German Job Application Process

The third and fourth weeks of your program will teach you how to create professional connections and how German companies conduct their hiring processes. Your actual job search will begin at this point. The following tasks need to be finished before the first month ends:

XING is More Important than LinkedIn in Germany: Most German recruiters use XING primarily. Create a complete profile with your German address and start connecting with people in your target companies.

German CV Format is Completely Different: You must include a professional photo, detailed work descriptions with exact dates and certificates. Applications without photos get rejected. Use German resume format for jobs in Germany and keep it maximum of 2 pages. Cover letters (Anschreiben) are mandatory for every application and you need to customize each one. Check below the cultural differences that matter most:

Must Read: Work Visa for Germany in 2026

Common Mistakes Indians Make in First 30 Days

Avoiding these mistakes saves time and stress during your critical first month. Read below what not to do: 

• Not Booking Bürgeramt Appointment Early: Some cities have 3-4 week waiting times. The moment you arrive at the location, you must start booking your appointment online. The 14-day period ends on a specific date, which results in fines that reach up to EUR 1000.

• Choosing Wrong Health Insurance: You should check your policy to see if it provides at least EUR 30,000 coverage for medical expenses, which lasts for 18 months. You must keep all your payment receipts as proof of your expenditures.

• Using Indian-Style Resume: German CVs require professional photos and specific formatting which Indian-style resumes do not provide. Most companies will reject applicants who do not provide a photo.

• Not Networking Enough: German companies prefer to meet candidates at events before they conduct interviews. You should join Meetup groups and attend Stammtisch events that relate to your field of work.

Complete Your First Month Successfully in Germany on a JSV

Your first 30 days in Germany on a Job Seeker Visa set the foundation for your entire 18-month job search period. Complete all mandatory registrations within deadlines to avoid legal issues and fines. Most successful job seekers spend 60% of their first month on networking and understanding German application processes rather than just sending applications online.

Ready to make your Germany Job Seeker Visa journey successful from day one? GetGIS provides complete support, including pre-departure briefing, first-month setup assistance in Germany, German CV preparation, and job search coaching - our consultants help you avoid common mistakes and connect with the right opportunities faster.

Book Your Free Consultation

Also Read:

• Benefits of Studying in Germany for Indian Students in 2026
• How to Study in Germany for Free as an International Student
• Benefits of Learning German Language in 2026
• German Resume vs Indian Resume
• German Resume Format for Jobs in Germany