The expats.de Knowledge Base.
Explore over 40 comprehensive guides on everything related to living and working in Germany. Verified by industry experts.
Freelancer Banking & Taxes: The Survival Guide
Essential guide for freelancers in Germany. Learn about tax separation, VAT, business bank accounts, and how to automate your bookkeeping.
How to Open a Bank Account in Germany (2026 Guide)
Learn how to open a German bank account as an expat in 2026. Requirements, how to skip the Anmeldung wait, and why you need a local IBAN.
How to Open a Blocked Account in Germany (Sperrkonto)
Ultimate 2026 guide to opening a German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto). Step-by-step process, transfer tips, and linking to health insurance.
How to Get a Personal Loan in Germany as an Expat 2026
Can foreigners get a loan in Germany? Learn how German banks assess creditworthiness, the role of the Schufa score, types of loans, and finding the best rates.
Mortgages in Germany for Expats: 2026 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.
Opening a Bank Account for a GmbH or UG: The Guide
Starting a company in Germany? Learn how to open a business bank account for your GmbH or UG in formation (i.G.). Fast onboarding & digital solutions.
Afternoon Activities & Childcare for Children in Germany (Hort & Sports)
Understand Germany's after-school care (Hort), all-day schools, and sports clubs (Vereine). An expert guide for expat parents to fill the afternoon childcare...
The Anmeldung in Germany: Ultimate Registration Guide (2026)
Master the German Anmeldung process. From the 14-day rule and Wohnungsgeberbestätigung to online registration. Expert tips to avoid fines and church tax.
How to become an Au Pair in Germany
Complete guide to becoming an Au Pair in Germany. Learn the strict rules on working hours, visa steps, mandatory pocket money, and insurance requirements.
Working in the Berlin Startup Scene: The Unfiltered Reality
What is it really like to work for a Berlin startup? We break down the truth about flat hierarchies, startup salaries, stock options, and coworking spaces.
The EU Blue Card in Germany: Requirements, Process & 2026 Updates
Complete 2026 guide to the EU Blue Card in Germany. New salary thresholds, shortage occupations, IT specialists without degrees, and application process.
Buying a Car in Germany: Used Cars, Dealerships & Online Registration
Ultimate 2026 guide to buying a car in Germany. Learn about Mobile.de, TÜV checks, eVB numbers, and the new i-Kfz online registration system.
How to Cancel Contracts in Germany (2026 Bureaucracy Guide)
Learn how to legally break your internet, gym, and apartment contracts in Germany. Plus: How to write a legally binding resignation letter.
Certified Translations in Germany: Everything Expats Need to Know
Need a certified translation for a German visa, Blue Card, or university? Learn when you need a sworn translator and how to easily order it online.
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 true costs of flights, shipping, apartment deposits, and first-month expenses.
Family Life in Germany: Childcare, Schools & Maternity Leave
Complete guide to family life in Germany. Understand Mutterschutz, Elterngeld, Kita waiting lists, the school system, Kindergeld, and family costs.
How to Find a Job in Germany (2026 Expat Guide)
Learn how to find an English-speaking job in Germany. We explain the formal German CV format (Lebenslauf), Cover Letters, the hiring process, and where to look.
How to get a Freelance Visa in Germany: 2026 Guide
Step-by-step 2026 guide to getting the German Freelance Visa (Freiberufler). Understand the difference to Gewerbe, business plans, and document requirements.
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.
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Landlord Confirmation) 2026
You need a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord to register your address in Germany. Use our free English tool to generate the official German PDF.
How to get your Tax ID in Germany (Steuer-ID) 2026
Ultimate guide to getting your German Tax ID (Steuer-ID). Learn the process, the difference to Steuernummer, and how to find a lost ID.
Getting Around Germany: Public Transport, Trains & Car Sharing
Travel through Germany like a local. Learn how the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and Deutsche Bahn work. Compare the 49-Euro Ticket, car-sharing apps, and e-scooters.
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.
Income Tax in Germany: Tax Brackets and Rates Explained
How much income tax do you pay in Germany? Understand the 6 tax brackets (Steuerklasse), progressive rates, and the 2026 reform of classes 3 and 5.
Medical Emergency in Germany: 112 vs 116117 Explained
Don’t panic in a medical emergency. Learn the difference between 112 and 116117 in Germany, hospital triage, and how insurance handles the bill.
The Mini-Job in Germany: 2026 Rules, Limits & Benefits
Ultimate 2026 guide to German Mini-Jobs. Learn about the new €556 monthly limit, tax exemptions, your rights to vacation and sick pay, and finding work.
Bringing your Dog or Cat to Germany (2026 Expat Guide)
Ultimate 2026 guide for expats bringing dogs or cats to Germany. Learn about EU import rules, rabies tests, dog taxes, liability insurance & apartments.
Moving to Germany with your Family (2026 Reunification Guide)
Moving your family to Germany? 2026 guide to the Family Reunification Visa (Familiennachzug), A1 language rules, Kindergeld benefits, and free healthcare.
Moving to Germany: The Ultimate Expat Guide (2026)
Planning your move to Germany? Our 2026 guide covers everything from visas and finding a job, to shipping your furniture and securing an apartment.
Public Holidays in Germany: Bridge Days & Sundays
Master German public holidays, Brückentage (bridge days), and vacation laws. Learn how to double your time off and navigate strict Sunday shopping bans.
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, Schufa, required documents, and deposit rules.
How to See a Doctor in Germany: English-Speaking Guide
Process German healthcare like a local. Learn how to find English-speaking doctors, decode prescriptions, use telemedicine, and get your sick note (eAU).
Sick Leave in Germany: Rules, Pay, and the 'Krankschreibung'
Complete guide on how sick leave works in Germany. We explain the eAU (electronic doctor's note), your right to 6 weeks of full pay, and Krankengeld.
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 2026 Expat Guide
Ultimate 2026 guide to studying in Germany. Learn about free public universities, English Master programs, the EUR 11,904 Blocked Account, and application tips.
German Tax Returns (Steuererklärung): The 2026 Expat Guide
Do you have to file a tax return in Germany? Learn the 2026 deadlines, expat-specific deductions (relocation, home office), and how to get your refund.
The Ummeldung: Moving Within Germany Checklist (2026)
Moving to a new apartment within Germany? Learn how to do your Ummeldung, set up mail forwarding (Nachsendeauftrag), and who you must notify.
German Visa Types Explained: Which one do you need?
Ultimate 2026 guide to German visas for expats. Understand EU rules, Blue Card, Freelance Visa, Chancenkarte, and requirements based on your home country.
Car Insurance in Germany: Rates and Rules (2026 Guide)
Buying a car in Germany? Understand mandatory Haftpflicht, Teilkasko, and Vollkasko. Learn how to get your eVB number and save on premiums.
Household Contents Insurance in Germany (Hausratversicherung)
Protect your belongings in Germany. Learn about Hausratversicherung, bicycle theft coverage, and the best digital providers like GetSafe.
Personal Liability Insurance in Germany (Haftpflichtversicherung)
Why is Privathaftpflicht the most important insurance in Germany? Learn about coverage, family plans, and the best digital providers like GetSafe.
Public vs. Private Health Insurance in Germany (GKV vs PKV)
Confused by GKV vs PKV? Read our 2026 guide by a former top German broker. Learn income thresholds, pros/cons, and how to choose the right health insurance.
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.
Canceling Contracts When Leaving Germany (The Expat Loophole)
Leaving Germany? Learn how to legally break your internet, gym, and phone contracts early using the Special Cancellation Right (Sonderkündigungsrecht).
Leaving Germany: The Ultimate Checklist & Legal Guide (2026)
Moving away from Germany? Follow our step-by-step checklist to deregister (Abmeldung), cancel contracts, and claim your EUR 5,000+ German pension refund.
The Ultimate Guide to the German Pension Refund (2026)
Leaving Germany? Learn the 60-month rule, the 24-month wait, and the exact step-by-step process to claim your massive German pension refund.
Mobile Phone Providers & SIM Cards in Germany (2026)
Compare the best mobile phone providers in Germany. Learn about prepaid SIMs, contracts, 5G networks, and EU roaming rules in our expert guide.