Moving from Germany to the United States
A practical starting point for immigration status, documents, banking, credit, healthcare and the first weeks of getting settled.
Updated September 2026
Start with immigration status
Your visa or immigration category determines what you can do after arrival, so deal with it before the logistics. Use official U.S. government information for eligibility and application requirements. If your situation is unusual, involves work sponsorship, investment, family status or prior immigration issues, professional advice is worth considering.
Bring the documents that are hard to recreate
Carry certified or official copies of birth and marriage records, passports, academic records, vaccination history, driving records, employment documentation and important insurance or financial records. German documents may later need certified translations or apostilles depending on the receiving agency.
Social Security and identity
A Social Security number is central to payroll, tax reporting and much of U.S. financial life. Eligibility depends on immigration status. Protect the number carefully; do not carry the card routinely once you are established.
Banking and U.S. credit
German credit history generally does not transfer into the U.S. credit-reporting system. New arrivals often start with secured cards, newcomer programs or products tied to an existing international banking relationship. Pay every account on time and keep card balances modest while your file develops.
Health insurance
Do not assume German statutory or private coverage will function like U.S. health insurance. Understand deductibles, copays, coinsurance, provider networks and out-of-pocket maximums before choosing a plan. Employer coverage, Marketplace plans and public programs have different eligibility rules.
Driver’s license and transportation
Driver licensing is state-specific. Some states recognize foreign licenses temporarily, but requirements and deadlines vary. Check the DMV for the state where you will actually live rather than relying on national summaries.
Housing, deposits and utilities
Landlords may ask for U.S. credit and income history you do not yet have. Prepare proof of employment, funds and references. Utility providers may also require deposits when there is no domestic credit history.
Money transfers and tax residency
Moving money between your own accounts is not itself the same thing as taxable income, but foreign accounts, investments, pensions and the timing of residency can create reporting or tax consequences. Keep records of balances, acquisition costs and transfers from the beginning.
A first-month checklist
- Confirm immigration documents and I-94 information.
- Apply for an SSN if eligible.
- Open U.S. banking and begin building credit.
- Secure health insurance.
- Check state driver-license requirements.
- Update addresses with institutions in both countries.
- Keep a folder of German/U.S. tax documents from day one.
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