The expats.de Knowledge Base.
Explore over 40 comprehensive guides on everything related to living and working in Germany. Verified by industry experts.
How to Open a Bank Account in Germany (2026 Guide)
Learn how to open a German bank account as an expat. Requirements, how to skip the Anmeldung wait, and why you need a local IBAN to survive in Germany.
How to Deregister Your Address in Germany (Abmeldung)
Learn how to deregister your address (Abmeldung) when leaving Germany. Deadlines, forms, and why you need the confirmation certificate.
Afternoon Activities for Children in Germany (Hort & Sports)
What happens after school in Germany? Learn about the 'Hort' (after-school care), youth centers, and how to enroll your child in sports and music clubs.
How to become an Au Pair in Germany
Everything you need to know about becoming an Au Pair in Germany. Learn about age limits, visa requirements, pocket money, and language school expectations.
How to become a Freelancer in Germany (2026 Guide)
Learn how to become a freelancer (Freiberufler) in Germany. Understand the difference to Gewerbe, how to register, and what health insurance you need.
4 Things you MUST do in Berlin in Spring
Discover the best things to do in Berlin during Spring. From open-air techno at Sage Beach to the beautiful Volkspark Rehberge and urban gardening.
Working in the Berlin Startup Scene: The Reality
What is it really like to work for a Berlin startup? We break down the truth about flat hierarchies, the culture, salaries, and the best coworking spaces.
The EU Blue Card in Germany: Requirements and Process
Everything you need to know about the EU Blue Card in Germany. Updated salary thresholds for 2026, shortage occupations, and the fast track to permanent residency.
Buying a Car in Germany: Used Cars, Dealerships & Registration
Learn how to buy a car in Germany. We explain the process of buying from a dealership vs. private seller, the test drive, the contract, and vehicle registration.
Car Sharing & E-Scooters in Germany: The Best Apps
Don't buy a car in Germany! Compare the best car sharing apps like ShareNow, Miles, and Sixt Share. Plus, rules for renting E-Scooters (Tier, Lime).
Childcare in Germany: Kitas, Crèches, and Tagesmütter
Struggling to find childcare in Germany? Learn the difference between a Kita, Krippe, Kindergarten, and Tagesmutter, and how to secure a spot for your child.
How much does it cost to move to Germany? (2026 Budget)
Exactly how much money do you need to move to Germany? We break down the costs of flights, visas, apartment deposits, and your first month's living expenses.
Dating in Germany: Apps, Culture & Unwritten Rules
Navigate the German dating scene. Learn which dating apps are popular (Tinder, Bumble, Parship), cultural norms around splitting the bill, and workplace romance rules.
The Education System in Germany Explained
Understand the German school system. We explain Grundschule, Gymnasium, Realschule, and Hauptschule, plus the difference between public and private schools.
How to Find a Job in Germany (2026 Expat Guide)
Learn how to find an English-speaking job in Germany. We explain the German CV format (Lebenslauf), Cover Letters, the hiring process, and where to look.
How to get a Freelance Visa in Germany (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting the German Freelance Visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer freiberuflichen Tätigkeit). Documents, business plan, and tips.
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Landlord Confirmation)
You need a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord to register your address in Germany. Use our free English tool to generate the official German PDF.
Mobile Phone Providers & SIM Cards in Germany (2026)
Compare the best mobile phone providers in Germany. Learn about prepaid SIM cards, contracts (Laufzeitvertrag), 5G networks, and EU roaming rules.
How to get your Tax ID in Germany (Steuer-ID)
Learn how to get your German Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer). Find out the difference between Steuernummer and Steuer-ID, and what to do if you lost it.
The Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ): Germany's TV and Radio Tax
What is the GEZ fee in Germany? Learn who has to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag, how to share it with flatmates, who is exempt, and how to cancel it when leaving.
Income Tax in Germany: Tax Brackets and Rates Explained
How much income tax do you pay in Germany? Understand the 6 tax brackets (Steuerklasse), income splitting for married couples, and how to change your class.
How to Leave Berlin: Abmeldung & Local Guide
A complete city-specific guide for leaving Berlin. How to get a deregistration appointment at the Bürgeramt, local notice periods, and Berlin-specific tips.
Leaving Germany: The Ultimate Checklist & Guide
Moving away from Germany? Follow our step-by-step checklist for Abmeldung, contract terminations, GEZ, and pension refunds. Don't leave money on the table.
How to Get a Personal Loan in Germany as an Expat
Can foreigners get a loan in Germany? Learn how German banks assess your creditworthiness, the role of the Schufa score, and how to find the best interest rates.
Maternity Leave in Germany (Mutterschutz & Elternzeit)
Understand your rights as an expecting mother in Germany. Learn about Mutterschutz (maternity protection), Elterngeld, and protection against dismissal.
Medical Emergency in Germany: What to do and who to call
Don't panic! Here are the exact numbers to call for medical emergencies, police, and out-of-hours doctors in Germany. Learn how to navigate the hospital system.
The Mini-Job in Germany: Rules, Limits & Student Benefits
What is a Mini-Job in Germany? Learn about the new €538 monthly limit, tax exemptions, benefits for students, and the difference to a Werkstudent job.
Mortgages in Germany for Expats: A Complete Guide
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Germany? Learn about Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits, fixed interest rates, required documents, and buying a house as an expat.
Moving to Germany with Pets (Dogs & Cats)
Bringing your pet to Germany? Learn about microchips, the EU Pet Passport, rabies vaccinations, and the strict rules for 'dangerous' dog breeds.
Moving to Germany with your Family (Reunification Guide)
Moving your family to Germany? Learn about the Family Reunification Visa (Familiennachzug), Kindergeld (Child Benefits), and the German school system.
Moving to Germany: The Ultimate Expat Guide (2026)
Planning to move to Germany? Our comprehensive guide covers everything from getting the right visa and finding a job to securing an apartment and health insurance.
Public Holidays in Germany: Bridge Days & Sundays
How many public holidays are there in Germany? Learn about regional differences, 'Brückentage' (bridge days), and how many paid vacation days you are entitled to.
Public Transportation in Germany: The Complete Guide
Navigate Germany like a local. Learn how the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and Deutsche Bahn work. We explain the 49-Euro Deutschlandticket and how to save money on trains.
How to Rent an Apartment in Germany: The Ultimate Guide
A complete guide to finding and renting an apartment in Germany. Understand Kaltmiete vs Warmmiete, required documents like Schufa, and the deposit rules.
How to See a Doctor in Germany (English Speaking)
Sick in Germany? Learn how to find an English-speaking doctor, how the referral system works, and how to get your Krankschreibung (sick note) for your employer.
Sick Leave in Germany: Rules, Pay, and the 'Krankschreibung'
Learn how sick leave works in Germany. We explain the eAU (electronic doctor's note), your right to 6 weeks of full pay, and what happens if you get sick on vacation.
The Ultimate Guide to Social Security in Germany
Understand the 5 pillars of the German social security system (Sozialversicherung). Learn about health, pension, unemployment insurance and how to get your ID.
Studying in Germany: The Complete Expat Guide
Want to study in Germany? Learn about free public universities, English degree programs, the Blocked Account requirement, and how to apply via Uni-Assist.
Tax Returns in Germany: Do you need to file?
Do you have to file a tax return (Steuererklärung) in Germany? Learn the deadlines, what you can deduct, and the best English tax software to get your refund.
German Visa Types Explained: Which one do you need?
An overview of the most common German visas for expats. Understand the differences between the EU Blue Card, Freelance Visa, Job Seeker Visa, and Student Visas.