Hello there leafloff,
I understand you're looking for assistance with setting up your iPad as you're required to enter your verification code for your Apple ID. Let's see how we can help with that.
With signing into your Apple ID with the verification code, are you being prompted to enter this after the password or are you placing the verification code at the end of your password? If you're entering it after being prompted, what appears on your iPad screen? If there is a spinning circle, you'll need to allow this to process as the estimated time could vary depending on your network connection.
To confirm that the same steps are being taken when setting up your iPad, check out the following resource:
Set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
If the same steps are being taken to set up your iPad, provide more details on what is shown after signing into your Apple ID with the verification code so we have a better understanding. This will allow the community to provide a more helpful response.
Have a great day!