# expats.de

> Financial authority portal for expats living in or moving to Germany. Banking, insurance, bureaucracy, taxes, and lifecycle guides since 2014. 200,000+ community members. English-first, content available in 9 languages (en/de/fr/it/es/pl/ro/bg/ru).

Operated by Expat Services UG (Berlin). Founder Oliver Frankfurth holds a Bankfachwirt (IHK) qualification and a §34d insurance brokerage license. Articles are reviewed for compliance with German legal requirements; we do not provide individual financial advice.

## Main Sections
- [Homepage](https://expats.de/en/): Financial authority portal for expats living in Germany since 2014
- [Banking & Finance Hub](https://expats.de/en/banking/): German bank accounts, brokers, mortgages, loans for expats
- [Insurance Guides Hub](https://expats.de/en/insurance/): Public vs private health insurance, liability cover, property insurance
- [Bureaucracy & Services Hub](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/): Anmeldung, visa, taxes, freelancing in Germany
- [Utilities & Internet Hub](https://expats.de/en/utilities/): Internet, electricity, mobile-phone providers
- [Leaving Germany Hub](https://expats.de/en/leaving-germany/): Deregistration, pension refunds, contract cancellation
- [Expat Services Hub](https://expats.de/en/services/): Professional assistance for German bureaucratic procedures
- [Free Tools](https://expats.de/en/tools/): Calculators and PDF generators for common expat tasks
- [Topics Overview](https://expats.de/en/topics/): All content organized by topic
- [Community](https://expats.de/en/community/): 200,000+ member Facebook community for expats in Germany

## Tools
- [Cancellation Letter Generator (Kuendigung)](https://expats.de/en/tools/cancellation-letter/): PDF generator for German contract terminations
- [Social Security Number Request](https://expats.de/en/tools/social-security-number-germany/): Cover-letter PDF to request a German Sozialversicherungsnummer
- [Wohnungsgeberbestaetigung Generator](https://expats.de/en/tools/wohnungsgeberbestaetigung/): Landlord confirmation form required for Anmeldung
- [Brutto-Netto Salary Calculator](https://expats.de/en/tools/brutto-netto-calculator/): Gross-to-net salary calculation for Germany
- [Pension Refund Calculator](https://expats.de/en/tools/pension-refund-calculator/): Estimate refundable German pension contributions when leaving
- [Schufa Self-Disclosure Request](https://expats.de/en/tools/schufa-self-disclosure/): PDF + copy-paste to request your free Schufa report per §34 BDSG

## API for Agents
- [Agent API index](https://expats.de/api/agent): Read-only JSON calculators for AI agents (no auth, 20 req/min). Tax year 2026.
- [OpenAPI spec](https://expats.de/api/agent/openapi.json): OpenAPI 3.1 description of all calculator endpoints.
- [Net salary calculator](https://expats.de/api/agent/net-salary?grossYear=60000&taxClass=1&bundesland=NW): German gross-to-net (Brutto-Netto). Params: grossYear, taxClass (1-6), bundesland, churchTax, children.
- [Pension refund calculator](https://expats.de/api/agent/pension-refund?grossMonth=5000&years=3): Refundable employee pension contributions. Params: grossMonth, years. Add country (+ residesOutsideEu) for a §210 SGB VI eligibility check.

## Banking Guides
- [Best Bank Accounts for Expats in Germany (2026 Guide)](https://expats.de/en/banking/best-bank-accounts-germany/): Compare the best German bank accounts for expats. English apps, free accounts, and no Anmeldung required. Featuring N26, Wise, C24, and Commerzbank.
- [Best Business Bank Accounts in Germany (2026 Guide)](https://expats.de/en/banking/best-business-bank-account-germany/): Compare the best business bank accounts in Germany for freelancers (Einzelunternehmer) and companies (GmbH/UG). Featuring Finom, Qonto, and N26 Business.
- [Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers in Germany (2026 Guide)](https://expats.de/en/banking/best-freelancer-bank-account-germany/): Compare the best bank accounts for freelancers (Freiberufler) in Germany. English apps, low fees, and accounting integrations like DATEV and Finom.
- [Best Joint Bank Accounts in Germany for Expats (2026)](https://expats.de/en/banking/best-joint-bank-account-germany/): Compare the 4 best joint bank accounts (Gemeinschaftskonto) for expats in Germany: DKB, ING, Commerzbank, N26 Shared Spaces. Fees, cards, English support.
- [Best Online Brokers for Expats in Germany (2026)](https://expats.de/en/banking/best-online-brokers-germany/): Compare the best online brokers in Germany for expats. English apps, low fees, and tax automation. Featuring Scalable Capital and Trade Republic.
- [Best Student Bank Accounts in Germany (2026 Guide)](https://expats.de/en/banking/best-student-bank-account-germany/): Compare best bank accounts for international students in Germany. Free accounts, English apps, and how to open a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto).
- [Freelancer Banking & Taxes: The Survival Guide](https://expats.de/en/banking/freelancer-banking-taxes-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)](https://expats.de/en/banking/how-to-open-bank-account-germany/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/banking/how-to-open-blocked-account-germany/): Ultimate 2026 guide to opening a German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto). Step-by-step process, transfer tips, and linking to health insurance.
- [Joint Bank Account in Germany: A Complete Guide for Expats (2026)](https://expats.de/en/banking/joint-bank-account-germany/): How to open a joint bank account (Gemeinschaftskonto) in Germany. Und-Konto vs. Oder-Konto explained, requirements, tax traps, and the best banks for couples.
- [How to Get a Personal Loan in Germany as an Expat 2026](https://expats.de/en/banking/loan-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/banking/mortgages-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/banking/opening-bank-account-for-business/): 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.
- [How to Send Money from Germany (International Transfers 2026)](https://expats.de/en/banking/sending-money-germany/): Don't use your German bank for international transfers! Compare the cheapest and fastest ways to send money from Germany abroad using Wise, Revolut, and more.

## Insurance Guides
- [Best Private Health Insurance in Germany (2026 Guide)](https://expats.de/en/insurance/best-private-health-insurance-germany/): Compare the best private health insurance (PKV) for expats in Germany. Find digital providers like Ottonova & Feather. Salary limits and perks explained.
- [The Best Public Health Insurance for Expats in Germany (2026)](https://expats.de/en/insurance/best-public-health-insurance/): Compare the best public health insurance (Krankenkasse) in Germany for English speakers. Featuring TK, Barmer, and AOK. Which one is right for you?
- [Car Insurance in Germany: Rates and Rules (2026 Guide)](https://expats.de/en/insurance/car-insurance-germany/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/insurance/household-insurance-germany/): Protect your belongings in Germany. Learn about Hausratversicherung, bicycle theft coverage, and the best digital providers like GetSafe.
- [Personal Liability Insurance in Germany (Haftpflichtversicherung)](https://expats.de/en/insurance/private-liability-insurance-germany/): Why is Privathaftpflicht the most important insurance in Germany? Learn about coverage, family plans, and the best digital providers like GetSafe.
- [Property & Casualty Insurance in Germany: Must-Haves](https://expats.de/en/insurance/property-casualty-insurance-germany/): Do you need liability, household, or car insurance in Germany? Understand the most important property and casualty insurances for expats in 2026.
- [Public vs. Private Health Insurance in Germany (GKV vs PKV)](https://expats.de/en/insurance/public-vs-private/): 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.
- [Visa Travel Insurance for Germany: Incoming Insurance](https://expats.de/en/insurance/visa-travel-insurance-germany/): Do you need health insurance for your German visa appointment? Compare the best incoming travel insurance from Care Concept and Feather. Instant PDF.

## Bureaucracy Guides
- [Afternoon Activities & Childcare for Children in Germany (Hort & Sports)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/activities-children-germany/): Germany's after-school care (Hort), all-day schools, and sports clubs (Vereine) explained. An expert guide for expat parents to cover the afternoon gap.
- [The Anmeldung in Germany: Ultimate Registration Guide (2026)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/anmeldung-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/aupair-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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/berlins-start-up-scene/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/blue-card-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/buying-car-germany/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/cancelling-contracts-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/certified-translations-germany/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/cost-to-move-to-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/family-life-germany/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/find-job-germany/): 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 Request Your Free Schufa Self-Disclosure in Germany (2026)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/free-schufa-report-germany/): Claim your free Schufa data copy under Art. 15 GDPR. Expat guide to the Datenkopie: letter template, online form, what it shows, common pitfalls.
- [How to get a Freelance Visa in Germany: 2026 Guide](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/freelance-visa-germany/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/freelancer-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/german-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.
- [How to get your Tax ID in Germany (Steuer-ID) 2026](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/get-tax-id-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/getting-around-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/gez-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/income-tax-germany/): 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.
- [The Best Apps and Methods to Learn German Online](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/learn-german-online/): Compare the best language apps for German: Babbel vs Duolingo vs Lingoda. Learn about BAMF Integration Courses, CEFR levels, and how to reach B1 fast.
- [Medical Emergency in Germany: 112 vs 116117 Explained](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/medical-emergency-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/mini-job-germany/): Ultimate 2026 guide to German Mini-Jobs. Learn about the new €603 monthly limit, tax exemptions, your rights to vacation and sick pay, and finding work.
- [Bringing your Dog or Cat to Germany (2026 Expat Guide)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/moving-germany-dog-cat/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/moving-germany-family/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/moving-to-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/public-holidays-germany/): Master German public holidays, Brückentage (bridge days), and vacation laws. Learn how to double your time off and handle strict Sunday shopping bans.
- [How to Rent an Apartment in Germany: The Ultimate Guide](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/rent-apartment-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/see-doctor-germany/): 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'](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/sick-leave-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/social-security-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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/study-germany/): 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](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/tax-return-germany/): 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.
- [Best German Tax Software for Expats (2026 Comparison)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/tax-return-software/): Compare the best English tax apps for Germany. We review Wundertax vs Taxfix vs WISO Steuer. Find the easiest way to get your EUR 1,000 refund.
- [The Ummeldung: Moving Within Germany Checklist (2026)](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/ummeldung-germany/): 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?](https://expats.de/en/bureaucracy/visa-types-germany/): Ultimate 2026 guide to German visas for expats. Understand EU rules, Blue Card, Freelance Visa, Chancenkarte, and requirements based on your home country.

## Utilities Guides
- [Electricity Providers in Germany: How to Switch and Save](https://expats.de/en/utilities/electricity-providers-germany/): Don't overpay for electricity in Germany. Learn how to switch providers, avoid the Grundversorgung, and automate savings with our expert guide.
- [Gas Providers in Germany: How to Switch and Save (2026 Guide)](https://expats.de/en/utilities/gas-providers-germany/): Expert guide on German gas providers. Compare MAINGAU and Verivox, understand the CO2 tax, avoid the Grundversorgung trap, and save EUR 300+ on heating.
- [Internet Providers in Germany: Home Wi-Fi Guide](https://expats.de/en/utilities/internet-providers-germany/): Compare the best home internet providers in Germany (Telekom, Vodafone, O2). Learn about installation times, router options, and cancellation rules.
- [Mobile Phone Providers & SIM Cards in Germany (2026)](https://expats.de/en/utilities/mobile-phone-contracts-germany/): Compare the best mobile phone providers in Germany. Learn about prepaid SIMs, contracts, 5G networks, and EU roaming rules in our expert guide.

## Leaving Germany Guides
- [How to Deregister Your Address in Germany (Abmeldung)](https://expats.de/en/leaving-germany/abmeldung-germany/): Learn how to deregister your address (Abmeldung) when leaving Germany. Deadlines, forms, and why you need the confirmation certificate.
- [Best German Pension Refund Services Compared (2026)](https://expats.de/en/leaving-germany/best-pension-refund-services/): Leaving Germany? Compare the best agencies to claim your German pension refund. We review Fundsback, Pension-Refund, and GermanyPensionRefund for 2026.
- [Canceling Contracts When Leaving Germany (The Expat Loophole)](https://expats.de/en/leaving-germany/cancel-contracts-moving-abroad/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/leaving-germany/leaving-germany-guide/): 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)](https://expats.de/en/leaving-germany/pension-refund-germany-guide/): 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.

## Services Guides
- [Expert Expat Insurance Consultation](https://expats.de/en/services/insurance-consultation-germany/): Confused by German insurance? Get independent advice from a licensed §34d broker. We compare 100+ providers to find the best fit for your visa and budget.
- [Claim Your German Pension Contribution Refund](https://expats.de/en/services/pension-refund-germany/): Leaving Germany? Non-EU citizens can claim back their employee pension contributions (9.3%). Average refund: EUR 5,017. Success-based fee, 100% online.
- [German Residence Deregistration (Abmeldung) Service](https://expats.de/en/services/residence-deregistration-germany/): Leaving Germany? Use our 100% English service to deregister your residence. We handle the paperwork, GEZ cancellation, and provide official confirmation.

## Legal
- [Imprint](https://expats.de/en/legal/imprint/): Operator: Expat Services UG (haftungsbeschraenkt), Berlin
- [Privacy Policy](https://expats.de/en/legal/privacy/): GDPR-compliant data processing
- [Terms of Service](https://expats.de/en/legal/terms/): User agreement
- [Broker Information (§15 VersVermV)](https://expats.de/en/legal/broker-information/): Statutory disclosures for the §34d insurance brokerage

## Optional
- [About expats.de](https://expats.de/en/about/): Mission, team, 11-year history
- [About Oliver Frankfurth](https://expats.de/en/about/oliver-frankfurth/): Founder, Bankfachwirt IHK, §34d licensed insurance broker
- [Expat Services Overview](https://expats.de/en/about/expat-services/): List of bookable expat assistance services
- [Glossary](https://expats.de/en/glossary/): German bureaucracy and finance terms explained
- [All Guides](https://expats.de/en/guides/): Complete list of expat guides
- [Lifecycle Phases](https://expats.de/en/phase/): Content grouped by expat journey stage (arrival, settling, leaving)
- [Expat Deals](https://expats.de/en/deals/): Curated discount and partner offers for expats
- [Site Search](https://expats.de/en/find-content/): Search across all expats.de content
- [Contact](https://expats.de/en/contact/): How to reach the expats.de team