Coming to Germany
Info hub
Getting set up in Germany — Anmeldung, visa, health insurance, banking and the essentials. Searchable and to the point.
Heads up: this is general orientation, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and amounts vary by city and Bundesland and change over time — always confirm with the official source before acting.
15 results
Anmeldung: registering your address
Almost everything in Germany starts with the Anmeldung. Register your home address at the Bürgeramt to unlock your tax ID, bank account and more.
Read→Contracts: minimum terms and cancellation
Mobile, internet, gym and insurance contracts often auto-renew. Know the rules so you don't get locked in for another year.
Read→Finding an apartment
The rental market in big cities is competitive. Understand cold vs warm rent, the deposit, and the documents landlords expect.
Read→Getting a Kita place: how German daycare really works
Vouchers, waitlists and city portals: how daycare places are allocated in Germany, when to apply, and the links to your city's own registration portal.
Read→Haftpflichtversicherung in English: personal liability insurance
Haftpflichtversicherung means liability insurance. The private kind isn't legally required, but it's one of the cheapest and most recommended policies in Germany.
Read→Health insurance: public vs private
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Understand the difference between gesetzlich (public) and privat (private), and how to enrol.
Read→Opening a bank account (Girokonto)
A current account (Girokonto) is needed for salary, rent and direct debits. Compare traditional banks and app-based banks, and learn about SCHUFA.
Read→Private & international schools: how to apply
The types of private school in Germany, what they cost in principle, and the application timeline — waitlists, open days, trial days and documents.
Read→Public transport and the Deutschland-Ticket
Germany has excellent public transport. Learn how zones and tickets work, and why the Deutschland-Ticket is often the simplest choice.
Read→Quiet hours (Ruhezeit) and Sunday rest
Germany protects rest times by law and custom. Loud activities at night or on Sundays can lead to complaints — or fines.
Read→Recycling and the Pfand deposit system
Germany takes recycling seriously. Learn the bin colours and how to get your bottle deposit (Pfand) back.
Read→Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) basics
Non-EU nationals usually need a residence permit. Learn who needs one, where to apply, and how the Ausländerbehörde appointment works.
Read→Schools in Germany: how your address decides the school (Schulbezirk)
For primary school, your registered address usually determines which public school your child attends. What the Schulbezirk is, how enrollment works, and what to check before you rent.
Read→Tax ID (Steuer-ID) and tax classes
Your Steuer-ID follows you for life and your employer needs it to pay you correctly. Understand tax classes and why they matter for your net salary.
Read→The broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag / GEZ)
Almost every household must pay the public broadcasting fee — even if you never watch TV. Here's how it works and how not to pay twice.
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