General Information

Here, you will find useful information on the steps that have to be taken before or upon arriving in Hamburg.

Visa

EU-Citizens
- EU citizens do not require a visa to enter Germany. However, a valid passport is needed.

Non-EU Citizens
- Non-EU citizens will require a visa to enter Germany. The German Federal Foreign Office provides more information.
- Specific guidelines for PhD students to obtain visa
- Useful advice can be given by the Welcome Service of the University or the DESY International Office.
- Non-EU citizens are also required to apply for a residence permit. The Hamburg Welcome Center offers services for residence permit.

Housing

One of the most important things to do before starting your work in Hamburg is finding a place to live. There are many different ways to go about this, and many sources that can help you in your search.

General information regarding housing, provided by the City of Hamburg
Information regarding student housing
Information by the University of Hamburg on finding accomodation
Both the University of Hamburg and DESY offer support through their housing services. Researchers affiliated with the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe may use the DESY Welcome Services.
Note that the university's housing service is only for non-Germans.
It may also be possible to get a room at one of the dormitories through the Studierendenwerk, once you are immatriculated as a student at the University of Hamburg.
For a temporary (shared) apartment, you may have a look at, e.g., WG-gesucht.

Usually, you need the work contract or a statement from the personnel department that shows your income and contract length, letters of reference from past landlords and, if you lived in Germany before, a certificate from the SCHUFA, a private credit bureau.
Getting an apartment is not easy, collect as many of these documents as you can.

Affordable short-term accommodation for the first couple of days after arrival may be available at the DESY hostel.

City Registration (Anmeldung)

It is important to register your residence with the City of Hamburg.

You need a document from the landlord stating that you are living at that residence and you will have to fill out a form which is available online. You will have to book an appointment to register your residence which can be done online (portal only available in German).

A Tax-ID will be issued upon your registration. With this you can open a German bank account.

Banking

An "Anmeldung" (city registration) is needed to open a bank account. However, some online banks have free accounts, free credit cards, and free worldwide withdrawal with no charge for currency exchange without having an "Anmeldung" certificate.

With the "Anmeldung" certificate, accounts can be easily set up in German banks. However, in some cases, an appointment is needed to set up an account.

More information about the banking system can be found on the Federal Government website.

Insurance

Health Insurance
- There are numerous health insurances (list only available in German) that you can choose from in the public health care system in Germany.
Liability Insurance
- It is highly recommended to get liability insurance.

More information on the health insurance and other insurances can be found on the federal government website.

Public Transport

The transport authority in Hamburg is the Hamburger Verkehrsverbund (HVV). There is also an iOS and Android app available. Tickets can be purchased on the website, via the app, or at the ticket machines that are there at most stations.

Enrolled students usually get a semester ticket together with the semester documents that allows them to use HVV public transport.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers the Deutschland Ticket (or the D-Ticket), a monthly ticket that allows access to local public transport across Germany. Long-distance public transport is excluded. The Deutschland Ticket, or the D-Ticket, can also be bought on the HVV website. The mobile apps are also available for both HVV and DB.

Family

Bringing your spouse:

It is possible for your spouse and children to accompany you while you are doing your doctoral studies in Germany. Please contact the Family Office at the University of Hamburg for more information.
Spouses are also allowed to work, provided they have a work permit. A work permit must be applied for at a German consulate or embassy in the home country. Processing time varies from country to country; hence, it is advised to apply well in advance. More information is provided by the Family Office.

Bringing your children:

Information on bringing your children (under 18) to Germany; you may always contact the Family Office if you need further information.
DESY and the University of Hamburg offer day care centers. More information can be found on DESY Welcome Services and the Child Care Services by University of Hamburg webpages.
Information about other day care centers in Hamburg can be found on the Hamburg website. However, the information is available only in German.
General information on the school system and schools in Hamburg can be found on the Hamburg website. (Only in German)

Counselling and Support

The University of Hamburg offers its students counselling support free of charge.

The university also offers support for students with mental health issues.

The University of Hamburg and the Quantum Universe stands for a diverse, nondiscriminatory study and work environment and are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any issue you may have.

Language Courses

As a student or employee at the University of Hamburg, you are entitled to attend the language courses offered by the language center. All levels of courses are available at the language center.

Quantum Universe co-organizes language classes as part of the PIER Education Platform. Participation in these classes is free for all people supported by Quantum Universe

For more information about German as a foreign language, you can visit the university's language center website.

DESY also offers German and English language courses. (Internal use only)