Moving to Dresden: a small checklist for new Gujarati families

Dresden is a small, calm city compared to Berlin or Munich — and that can be a gift or a shock depending on the week you arrive. If you’re a student, a scientist at one of the institutes, or a family joining a spouse who started a PhD, here’s the short list we wished we had on day one.

The first week

1. Anmeldung. Register your address at the Bürgerbüro within two weeks. You need the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord — ask for it on the day you sign the contract.
2. Open a bank account. N26 or DKB online, or Sparkasse if you prefer a branch. You’ll need this for rent, salary, and almost everything else.
3. Health insurance. TK and Barmer are popular with internationals. If you’re on a PhD contract, HR usually helps.
4. Residence permit. Book an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde early — slots fill up months ahead.

Groceries & food

• Vegetarian cooking is easy. Konsum, Rewe, and Kaufland have good lentils, rice, and vegetables. For paneer, ghee, masalas, and the occasional Parle-G, the Indian/Asian shops near Hauptbahnhof and in Neustadt stock everything.
• Jain-friendly tip: onion-garlic-free cooking needs no special ingredients, just the small Indian grocers for hing.
• Eating out: a handful of Indian restaurants in Dresden will serve you a reasonable thali. Nothing will taste like home — cook with the community at potlucks instead.

Community

• Follow us on Instagram — that’s where we post Navaratri, Diwali, and potluck dates first.
• Reach out if you need help with translations, finding a flat, or just a familiar face.
• Newcomers are always welcome at events. Bring a dish if you can, but showing up is enough.

A quiet note

The first winter is the hardest. It’s dark, it’s cold, and samosas taste different when masi didn’t make them. That’s okay. Come to a gathering. We’ve all been there, and we’re happy you’re here.