Polski
Українська
Türkçe
العربية
English
Deutsch
Русский
Română
Italiano
Español
Hrvatski
Srpski
فارسی
Tiếng Việt
ΕλληνικάAnmeldung — Registration in Germany Step by Step
How to register your residence in Germany within 2 weeks of arrival. Documents, deadlines, and office addresses.
Knowledge
Everything you need to know about life in Germany — step by step, in your language
Categories
All
50 articles
Arriving in Germany
1 articles
Embassies & Consulates
127 missions
Housing
7 articles
Work
9 articles
Family
0 articles
Finance & Taxes
11 articles
Health
7 articles
Children & Family
5 articles
Law & Residency
6 articles
Offices
0 articles
Driving license
4 articles
German language
0 articles
Return & Departure
0 articles
Articles
Found: 50 articles
Real Estate Agent Fees — Broker Commissions
In Germany, the 'Bestellerprinzip' (ordering principle) applies since 2015: whoever hires the broker pays the commission. Rental fees are capped at 2 months' rent plus VAT, while purchase commissions range from 3-7% depending on region.
Apartment Hunting — How to Find Housing in Germany
A comprehensive guide to finding an apartment in Germany, covering the best online platforms, required documents, tips to increase your chances, and common scams to avoid.
Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) — Social Housing
WBS (Wohnberechtigungsschein) is a certificate entitling low-income individuals to rent social housing (Sozialwohnung) at reduced rates.
Security Deposit — Kaution for Rental Housing in Germany
A security deposit in Germany can be up to 3 months of net rent and can be paid as a lump sum, in installments, or through a bank guarantee. Landlords must hold deposits in a separate account, and tenants have rights to recover their full amount within 3-6 months.
Security Deposit Refund (Mietkaution) — How to Recover Your Money
A security deposit (Mietkaution) is money you're entitled to recover after your lease ends. Landlords can only withhold it for justified reasons like unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Nebenkosten — Additional Housing Costs in Germany
Nebenkosten are operating costs for apartments in Germany, including heating, water, and waste disposal, typically costing €2.50-3.50 per m² monthly and settled annually.
Mietvertrag — Rental Agreement in Germany
How to read a German rental agreement. What it must contain, what to watch out for, and how to protect yourself.
Holiday Entitlement — Right to Vacation in Germany
In Germany, employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days annually (5-day week). Unused vacation (Resturlaub) must be taken by March 31st, and sick days during vacation can be reclaimed.
Kündigungsschutz — Termination Protection in Germany
Kündigungsschutz is German employment law protecting workers from unfair dismissal after 6 months with companies having over 10 employees. Employees have 3 weeks to file a legal claim.
Krankschreibung — Medical Leave in Germany
Medical leave in Germany is mandatory from day 4 of illness and sent electronically to your doctor. Your employer pays 100% of salary for 6 weeks, then health insurance covers approximately 70% of gross income.
Betriebsrat — Works Council in the Company
A Betriebsrat is an employee-elected works council that represents workers' interests and has co-determination rights on workplace matters. It can be established in companies with at least 5 employees through democratic elections.
Arbeitszeugnis — Work Certificate in Germany
An Arbeitszeugnis is a mandatory work certificate in Germany issued when you leave employment. It uses coded language where seemingly positive statements may actually indicate poor performance.
Probationary Period (Probezeit) — Trial Employment
Probezeit is an initial employment period (max. 6 months) where both parties can terminate the contract more easily. Employees have full rights, but employers can dismiss without cause, except for pregnant women and those on sick leave.
Lohnabrechnung — Payslip in Germany
A German payslip (Lohnabrechnung) shows your personal data, gross income including salary and bonuses, and deductions for taxes and social insurance. The net amount is what you actually receive in your bank account.
Minijob — Work up to €520 in Germany
A Minijob is employment in Germany earning up to €520 monthly without income tax or social contributions. Workers have vacation and minimum wage rights, but no health insurance coverage.
Employment Contract in Germany — What You Need to Know
How to read a German employment contract. What it must contain, your rights, probation period, and termination rules.
Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ) — Public Broadcasting Fee in Germany
Rundfunkbeitrag is a mandatory fee in Germany (€18.36/month) for public radio and TV services, charged per household regardless of the number of residents.
Bürgergeld — Social Welfare in Germany (formerly Hartz IV)
Bürgergeld is Germany's basic social security benefit for unemployed people or those with very low incomes. In 2025, it provides €563 monthly for single adults, plus housing costs, requiring active job search.
Riester-Rente — Supplementary Pension with Government Subsidies
Riester-Rente is a German private pension plan supported by state subsidies (Zulagen) and tax deductions, offering families with children up to €950 annually in government contributions.
Wohngeld — Housing Allowance in Germany
Wohngeld is a state subsidy for housing costs available to low-income residents in Germany. The amount depends on income, household size, and rent level.
Steuernummer vs Steuer-ID — Tax Numbers in Germany
Germany has two different tax numbers: Steuer-ID (11 digits, lifetime) and Steuernummer (13 digits, changes with relocation). Steuer-ID is issued automatically after registration, while Steuernummer is assigned during your first tax filing.
Kirchensteuer — Church Tax in Germany
Kirchensteuer is a mandatory tax for members of recognized churches in Germany, automatically deducted from salary at 8-9% of income tax depending on the state.
Elterngeld — Parental Allowance in Germany
Elterngeld is a state benefit for German parents caring for children, providing 65-67% of previous net salary (€300-1,800/month) for 12-14 months after birth.
Girokonto — Bank Account in Germany
A Girokonto is an essential bank account in Germany needed for receiving salary, paying rent, and signing contracts. You can open one at traditional banks or free online banks.
Schufa — What It Is and How to Get It
Schufa is a German credit scoring system. You need it to rent an apartment. Learn how to obtain it.
Steuerklassen — Tax Classes in Germany (I-VI)
Which tax class suits you? How to reduce taxes? Simple explanation of Steuerklassen.
Steuererklärung — Tax Return in Germany
Learn how to file your own tax return and get back an average of €1000. Step-by-step guide through Elster.
Dental Prosthetics — Crowns and Dentures (Insurance Coverage)
Zahnersatz refers to dental prosthetics, crowns, bridges, and implants. German health insurance (GKV) covers 60-75% of standard treatment costs, with higher coverage through the Bonusheft loyalty program.
Emergency Care in Germany — Notaufnahme, Emergency Services and ER
A guide to Germany's emergency system: when to call 112 or 116 117, what to expect at Notaufnahme (ER), waiting times by triage color, and costs with insurance.
Vorsorgeuntersuchung — Free Preventive Health Screenings
Vorsorgeuntersuchung are free preventive health screenings funded by statutory health insurance to detect diseases early.
Doctor's Visit — Visiting a Doctor in Germany
A guide to visiting a doctor in Germany: how to find a Hausarzt, book an appointment, and what costs patients with public insurance incur.
Krankengeld — Sick Pay in Germany
Krankengeld is sick pay from German health insurance (Krankenkasse) for illnesses lasting longer than 6 weeks, covering 70% of gross salary (max 90% net) for up to 78 weeks within 3 years.
Prescriptions (Rezepte) in Germany
German prescriptions come in three types (Kassenrezept, Privatrezept, Grünes Rezept) and are primarily electronic since 2024. Patients with public insurance pay 5-10€ per medication, with annual limits and exemptions for certain groups.
Health Insurance in Germany — GKV or PKV?
Everything about health insurance in Germany. How to choose a health fund, costs, and what's covered.
Schule — School System in Germany
Germany's mandatory education system starts at age 6 and lasts 9-10 years, divided into primary school and specialized secondary schools. Public education is free, though parents cover costs for materials and extracurricular activities.
BuT (Education and Participation) — Educational Package in Germany
BuT is a financial support program for children from low-income families in Germany, covering school supplies, meals, field trips, transportation, and extracurricular activities.
Elternzeit — Parental Leave in Germany
Elternzeit is paid parental leave in Germany allowing parents to take up to 3 years off work per child, with flexible sharing options between parents and job protection guaranteed by law.
Kindergeld — Child Allowance in Germany (€255/month)
How to apply for Kindergeld and receive €255 monthly per child in Germany.
Kita — Kindergarten in Germany (How to Secure a Place)
How to enroll your child in kindergarten in Germany. Where to search, costs, and when to register.
Blue Card EU — Visa for Highly Skilled Specialists
The Blue Card EU is a residence permit for highly qualified professionals from outside the EU working in Germany. It offers a fast track to permanent residence and mobility across the EU.
Family Reunification in Germany — Familiennachzug
Family reunification (Familiennachzug) allows residents in Germany to bring family members. Sponsors must have stable residence, sufficient income, and housing; spouses must prove A1 German language skills and meet security requirements.
Duldung — Tolerated Stay in Germany
Duldung is a temporary suspension of deportation from Germany, not a residence permit. Special pathways to legal residence exist through vocational training or employment.
Niederlassungserlaubnis — Permanent Residence Permit in Germany
Niederlassungserlaubnis is an unlimited residence permit in Germany requiring 5 years of residence, employment, and German language skills B1. Faster pathways exist for Blue Card holders and university graduates.
Naturalization — German Citizenship
Guide to German citizenship: requirements include 5 years legal residence, B1 German proficiency, and passing the citizenship test. Double citizenship is now permitted for all nationalities.
Residence Permit — Aufenthaltstitel in Germany
Types of residence permits, how to extend them, and the path to permanent settlement.
Bußgeld — Traffic Fines in Germany
Guide to German traffic fines (Bußgeld), penalties for speeding and violations, Flensburg penalty points system, and driving bans (Fahrverbot).
TÜV/HU — Technical Inspection in Germany
HU (Hauptuntersuchung) is a mandatory technical inspection in Germany conducted every 2-3 years by organizations like TÜV, DEKRA, and GTÜ.
Driving License — Prawo Jazdy in Germany
EU citizens can drive with a Polish driving license indefinitely in Germany, but must exchange it for a German one if lost or expired. Non-EU licenses typically require an exchange exam.
Kfz-Zulassung — Car Registration in Germany
Car registration in Germany must be completed within 14 days of purchase and requires seller documents, insurance code (eVB), and registration at the local Zulassungsstelle. Total costs range from 50-200€.