Unemployed in Germany: first steps and useful documents
Source text as of 2 September 2026 · General information
If you know your employment will end, register in time even if you do not yet have all your documents.
Register in time
Do not wait for every document. You usually register as a job seeker at least 3 months before employment ends. If you find out later, the BA specifies 3 days. Register as unemployed no later than your first day without employment.
Documents and information to prepare
- ID or passport; in-person visits using a passport also require a current address certificate
- Employment contracts and termination document: Kündigung or Aufhebungsvertrag
- A payslip from each relevant job for checking and preparation
- Bank details
- Health insurance card or insurance details
- Education and qualification documents where relevant to your professional profile
- Decisions on previous unemployment benefits if any
- Children’s documents and Kindergeld number if requested for your family circumstances
Employer certificate · Arbeitsbescheinigung
Agentur für Arbeit needs an Arbeitsbescheinigung for each relevant employment. The former employee requests it, and the former employer must send it electronically to the agency. Payslips help with checking but do not replace this certificate.
Official sources and forms
Register as a job seekerRegister as unemployedEmployer certificate · ArbeitsbescheinigungThe exact list depends on your circumstances and information already held by Agentur für Arbeit. Additional documents may be requested.