Living in Germany for a certain period of time may grant you the opportunity to apply for German citizenship upon fulfilling additional criteria. There are a couple of ways you can acquire your German citizenship. However, we discuss only the options that are relevant to an expat living in Germany on a residence permit for a long period. If you plan to apply for German citizenship, you need to meet and follow a few strict requirements and guidelines. Rights I get through German citizenship German citizenship comes with many rights including but not limited to The right to participate and vote in the national as well as state elections. The ability to enter and leave the country freely. The right to apply for a German passport. The right to be a civil servant. Additionally, you will automatically get European Union citizenship with the right to freedom of movement. German citizenship by naturalisation Although it involves undergoing several processes and longer waiting periods, expats who wish to obtain German citizenship usually choose this option as it is more meaningful and approachable to them. Requirements to obtain German citizenship by naturalisation To be eligible for naturalization, a person has to have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possess the appropriate residence permit. Foreigners who have successfully completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization after seven years. Even if you do not fulfill any of the requirements mentioned below, you may still apply for a Discretionary naturalisation (including renaturalisation of former German citizens). However, the final decision is taken by your local authorities. In general, consider yourself eligible if you satisfy below listed criteria. The local authority will let you know if additional requirements have to be met according to your particular situation. You can or are willing to give away your previous citizenship (s) You should have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possess the appropriate residence permit. You can financially support yourself as well as your dependents without the supporting benefits from the federal government (unemployment benefits, child benefits or Housing benefit, etc) You’ve successfully passed the German naturalisation test. You do not have a criminal record or you are not an extremist. You have sufficient German language skills (B1 level) Even though it is required to complete eight years to apply for the citizenship, it is not required if you have a local like German proficiency with more than six years living in Germany OR if you are married to a German citizen (by birth or by naturalization) for more than two years and you are living in Germany for more than three years, OR if you live in Germany for more than seven years and you’ve done a German integration course in a Volkshochschule. Documents required for German citizenship application While each person’s individual situation demands additional documents to support their German citizenship application, below listed are the generally applicable documents. Current passport Proof of financial stability (your salary slip,investment statement,bank statement,etc) Birth certificate Marriage / partner registration certificate (if applicable) German language proficiency certificate Naturalisation test certificate How to apply for German citizenship? Once you find out that you satisfy all the mandatory criteria and you have all the documents, you need to contact your Ausländerbehörde (Local Foreigners’ Office) or the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt). Which authority in Germany is responsible to process your application depends on which Land (federal state) you reside. Therefore, it is best to ask your municipal or district authorities or foreigners authority to make sure that you are applying to the right body. The citizenship authority responsible for people who do not have their habitual abode in Germany is the Federal Office of Administration, a subordinate agency of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (www.bva.bund.de). If this applies to you, please seek initial advice from the German Embassy or Consulate-General responsible for your place of residence. Numerous German missions abroad have information about citizenship issues on their websites. The citizenship authority which is responsible for you will then invite you for an initial sitting and provide you with all the necessary information and forms. Then you can follow the guidelines, fill the forms and finally submit your application. You can request for your children under the age of 18 years to be naturalised along with you to get German nationality for them too. German citizenship application cost The fee for regular or discretionary naturalization is €255. A reduced fee of €51 applies for each dependent minor child naturalized along with a parent. Fees may be reduced or waived completely in certain cases depending on each individual’s situation. How long does it take to process the German citizenship application? Depending on the federal state where you’ve applied, your application can take from a couple of weeks to months to get a decision on your application. Decision on German citizenship application If your citizenship application is successful, you will get a notification by post with in few weeks of your application. You must follow a guideline and finally attend a citizenship awarding ceremony to complete the process. Your letter will contain instructions on how to complete this process. You swear an oath of faithfulness to Germany’s custom and laws in the event. What to do if my German citizenship application is rejected? If your application was unsuccessful, you will receive notification by post detailing the reasons behind the rejection. You can speak to your citizenship authority or local foreigner’s office to see if you can go for an appeal. In that case, you may have to contact a lawyer to help you file the appeal. Please check the benefits of having legal insurance in Germany. Retention of your old citizenship Upon receiving German citizenship, you may have to surrender your passport and citizenship from your home country. However, you can still keep your previous citizenship if You are a European Union or Swiss national. If you get the permission from the German officials to keep your previous citizenship under special cases.. Your country doesn’t allow you to surrender your citizenship due to a special reason. There could be other reasons that can prevent you from surrendering your previous citizenship. Please check with your foreign ministry office if you can still keep your citizenship. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

Moving to a new country can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when you're separated from your loved ones. Fortunately, with a German reunification visa, you can bring your family to join you in Germany. Whether you're relocating for work or to start a new life, this visa allows you to reunite with your spouse and children in one of the most beautiful and prosperous countries in Europe. The process for bringing your spouse or partner or children to Germany depends on whether they are European Union citizens or not. EU Citizens If the person you want to bring to Germany is a European Union citizen, they do not need a visa or a residence permit. EU citizens are allowed to live and work in Germany or any EU member states without a visa or residence permit using their Freedom of Movement rights. Other Nationals Bringing other nationals requires a little bit of effort and sometimes it's a lengthy process. To start with the process, you need to make sure that you have the necessary rights to bring your family members to Germany. You need to have either a permanent residency, a permanent settlement permit, or an EU blue Card. Where should I apply for a German visa for my spouse or partner In general your spouse or partner can apply for a family reunification visa in any German mission where they reside. However, the German mission in some countries have outsourced the visa processing to third party visa centers. Check if your spouse's country have a German mission As per the visa policy of Germany you should not apply for a visa six months prior to your planned trip. The latest time you can apply is two weeks ahead of your trip. The recommended time to file your visa application would be four to six weeks before your planned date of travel. Documents required to apply for a family reunification visa for Germany Fully filled and duly signed Visa Application Form. Valid Passport. Biometric passport photo. Travel health insurance Proof of German knowledge (optional) Flight tickets Documents to prove your financial stability (salary slips, employment contract and bank statements) Proof of accommodation in Germany (rental agreement, hotel booking, etc.). Copy of your passport. Copy of your residence permit (if applicable) Proof of relationship Marriage certificate. Registered partnership certificate Processing time of a German family reunification visa The visa processing time varies depending on the location you apply for the visa, your personal situation or even where the visa is processed. For example, the places where the visa processing is outsourced may send the application to the nearest German mission to process it. In general, it could take from days to a couple of weeks. Bringing your children to Germany You can bring your children who are under the age of 18 years to Germany on a family reunification visa provided you have the custody of the child. If your partner is not moving to Germany and you both have joint custody of the child, the partner who’s not moving must give their consent before applying for the visa. You can also bring your matured children to Germany if they are differently abled and need support. However, you may need to undergo a different process and might need to submit additional supporting documents. Additional documents required for children : School certificates mentioning parentage and date of birth Proof of marriage of parents Birth certificate (optional) Bringing your family to Germany offers many benefits. Not only the financial benefits offered by the federal government, but from small towns to big cities, Germany is a very safe country to raise a family and a great place to live. Some FAQ about How can I bring my family to Germany?

As soon as you get your German citizenship, you can apply for a German passport (deutscher Reisepass). You’d require a passport to travel outside of the EU Being one of the strongest passports in the world, you’d be able to travel up to 170 countries without having a visa prior to your travel if you have a German passport. How do I apply for a German passport You need to make an appointment at the Bürgeramt (Local citizen’s office) where you are registered. Please note that you have to be present at the appointment in person and nobody else can apply on your behalf. You may also apply at the local citizens’ offices in other municipalities. However, additional fees may be charged. Documents required for a German passport application When you make the appointment, you need to bring the below mentioned supporting documents along with you. Documents to prove your German nationality as well as your identity. (it could be your old passport or any type of photo ID card) Two identical biometric recent passport photos with respect to the guidelines issued by the Federal government. Your German naturalisation certificate, (optional). Completed application form Other supporting documents if required Biometric details such as the fingerprints of your left index fingers will be collected at the time of your appointment. German passport application cost The cost depends on the location you apply for, urgency, your age, pages required, etc. Information as per the German mission in the USA The German passport of an adult is valid for up to 10 years. The passports of people under 24 years old are valid for six years. The child passport (Kinderpass) is also valid for six years or until the child reaches 12 years of age. Processing time for a German passport application In general a German passport application could take from three to six weeks. Once ready, you’ll get a notification and then you can pick it up from your local citizens' office. You may also authorize someone else to collect it on behalf of you. However, you need to provide a signed authorization letter to the person representing you. You can also speed up the process if you need the passport quicker. Upon paying additional fees, you might be able to pick up your passport within three working days. However, this depends on the rush in the office. How to renew a German passport? The renewal procedure is the same as applying for a new passport. However, you need to surrender your expired passport along with the other documents required for a new passport. However, you may be allowed to keep your old passport (only if it is still valid) if you have to travel while your renewal application is being processed. How do I apply for a German passport from abroad A German citizen living abroad may renew / apply for a new German passport at the German mission in the country of residence. You have to visit the German mission abroad in person after making an appointment in advance. You have to bring a completed and duly signed passport application form as well as other supporting documents. It may take around four to six weeks to process your application abroad. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

When you complete a certain amount of time living in Germany on a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), you’d become eligible for a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) which gets you the right to remain in Germany permanently. Permanent residence permit and Permanent settlement permit Germany offers two types of residence permits; permanent residence permit and permanent settlement permit The Permanent settlement permit lets you reside in Germany for an indefinite amount of time. You’ll also be removed from any obligations to be bound to a specific job. While the permanent settlement permit is available to the ones who have been living in Germany for five years on a temporary residence permit and also comply with other requirements, people who fall into certain categories may obtain a permanent settlement permit earlier. The requirements for a Permanent residence permit are similar to the requirement for a permanent settlement permit. However, the holders of a permanent residence permit get the freedom of movement and the right to temporarily reside within any European Union member states. Requirements for a permanent residence permit In order for you to apply for a permanent residency in Germany, you need to qualify the below conditions. You have been living in Germany for five years with a residence permit You have a valid residence permit that has not been issued for a temporary purpose (such as study or training). You have a secured livelihood. You have sufficient health insurance. You have a sufficient pension (at least 60 months of compulsory contributions or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance or comparable benefits). You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family members. You have sufficient knowledge of German language and basic knowledge of the legal and social order in Germany. You have no criminal record. You have a chance to get the permanent settlement permit earlier if you fall into any of the below categories If you hold an EU Blue Card If you have a Blue Card issued by an EU member state and you comply with all the points in the Requirements section above, you can apply for a permanent settlement permit after 33 months residing in Germany. Provided, you should have been employed and contributed to the statutory pension scheme for the duration. You can apply of the permanent settlement permit in 21 months if you have a B1 certification If you are a highly skilled professional If you are a scientist or a professor in a notable position, or if you are a researcher with special expertises you are considered as a highly skilled professional and you may get a permanent settlement permit immediately if you fulfil the points in the Requirements section above. Although, you may require an approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). If you are self employed If you are an entrepreneur or self employed in Germany, you are eligible to apply for a permanent settlement permit after 36 months. If you have a valid residence permit for self employment and successfully set up your business; and if you can prove that you have the necessary financial stability to support yourself, you may approach your local citizen’s office to process your application. If you are a graduates of a German university If you graduated from a German university and your job is related to your graduation stream, you may apply for a permanent settlement permit after 24 months. You also need to prove that you’ve contributed to a statutory pension scheme continuously for 24 months in addition to the qualifications in the Requirements section above. If you hold a residence permit for studying, you are not eligible to apply for a permanent settlement permit until you complete your studies. You may apply for a work permit before you can apply for the permanent residency. Documents required to apply for a German permanent residency Apart from the documents mentioned below, your situation at the time of the application determines the additional documents required to support your application. Generally, you’d require Fully completed application for a settlement permit Valid passport or passport replacement Current biometric passport photo (photo booths can be found in the Foreigners' Registration Office) Proof of health insurance Proof of secure livelihood and housing: In the case of a family partnership in a marriage or registered civil partnership, proof of subsistence and retirement provision can also be provided by the spouse or life partner. Proof of benefits such as parental allowance, child benefit, child supplement, childcare allowance and maintenance can also be attached. Proof of sufficient pension provision: Waiting time information from the German Pension Insurance (Information on waiting time can be obtained from the municipal Insurance office in the district administration department). If the Proof of sufficient pension provision is not available, the proof of entitlement to comparable benefits from an insurance or pension institution or an insurance undertaking is enough. Proof of sufficient living space: Registration document (Meldebescheinigung) For rental apartments: Rental agreement with indication of the apartment size in square meters and bank statements showcasing the transfer of the rent Proof of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) In the case of condominiums: Purchase contract with indication of the apartment size in square meters and, if necessary, proof of the installment payments for loans and the monthly housing benefit / house money. Proof of sufficient German knowledge and basic awareness of the legal and social order in Germany (either of the below): Proof of successful participation in an integration course Certificate of a German school, training or university degree Certificate of German language skills of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for languages at least at level B1 Or other proof of language proficiency Additional documents : Employees Pay slips (certificates of earnings of the last three months) Confirmation of the employment relationship For self employed / freelancers Proof of profit after tax (last income tax assessment, current profit and loss account of the tax consultant) Business registration (if required by trade law) Certificate from the tax office (information in tax matters) In individual cases, additional documents may be requested by the authority How to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany You need an appointment at your local foreigners’ office to submit your application for permanent settlement permit. It may not be possible to schedule an appointment at some offices in advance. Therefore, please check with your ausländerbehörde in advance. During the appointment, an official will verify your application form and supporting documents. As long as you meet the requirements, your application is usually successful and you get your new permanent residence card by post. Your settlement permit is still valid even if your previous passport has expired and you have already received a new passport. In case your application is not successful, you will get a notification by post and you’d be given a chance to lodge an appeal. Please note that your permanent settlement permit may expire If you leave Germany for a consecutive period of more than six months. If you have an EU permanent residence permit, it may expire after 1 year of stay outside the EU. How much does it cost to apply for a permanent residence in Germany? The cost depends on different aspects such as location, your professional and personal circumstances, etc. However, it generally costs around 113€. For Turkish nationals it may cost around 37 € (from 24 years) or 22.80 euros (up to 24 years) On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

If you are a new parent or need support for preparing to give birth, you can attend a birth preparation course (Geburtsvorbereitungskurs) before your due date. In Germany, There are many types of birth preparation courses. Either you attend the courses conducted by the hospital, or there are many private courses both online and classroom sessions out there you can opt for. Preparing for the delivery Be prepared, get away from the fear and have your best birth possible by attending a birth preparation course. Generally the courses are available in different languages while both English and German are on the popular side. The courses are not just talking about physical activities or exercises, they also cover emotional & mental well being of you and your partner. The programs are designed in a way that it helps both you and your partner to work as a team and your journey through the labor with the basic awareness. It will help you and your partner prepare, approach the labour with confidence for the birth. How to find a birth preparation course in Germany? Our first suggestion would be to contact your hospital and ask them if they provide a course. Generally, the hospitals will provide you with a brochure of the facilities you can opt in. Otherwise, there are many private practices providing birth preparation and after care (Rückbildung) courses. Just google “birth preparation courses near me” and you should be able to find many courses near your area. How much does the birth preparation course cost? While some hospitals provide the courses free of cost, other hospitals as well as the private courses both online and classroom training costs between 80€ and 200€ depending on what is covered, how long the course is and the city where it takes place. The cost is mostly covered by your health insurance. Sometimes, you have to pay up front and submit the invoice to the insurance company and they will reimburse. However, its worth checking with your insurance provider in advance if they can cover the course you selected. What does the birth preparation course cover? This class usually covers information about pregnancy, labor and birth. You learn the ways to manage labor pain, fear, and muscle tension. It also covers breathing methods and birth positions for the different phases of labor with your partner and some massaging techniques for easing delivery. The course discusses addressing the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of pain relief and other questions brought up by the participants. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the birth preparation courses in Germany

From finding the right living space, signing the contract, to keeping yourself away from scammers, there are several essential factors to take into consideration when searching for a rental property in Germany. Finding a place Real estate portals (Immobilien portals) The best and most popular way to find a place to live in Germany is to make use of the many real estate portals listing apartments, rooms and single houses. All of them operate in a freemium way by providing the best service with a free account and exclusive services like early notification of a new listing and direct contact to the landlord, etc on a paid account. To start with, you can depend on the free account. See if the listing satisfies your requirements and you are getting feedback from the advertisers. You can think about upgrading to a paid version if necessary at a later point in time. On some websites, the paid version offers additional services like free Schufa or priority contact to the advertiser or landlord. Wunderflats Wunderflats is an online booking platform that offers a comprehensive range of fully furnished apartments and flats for rent. The platform specialises in long-term stays of 30 days or more, providing an excellent option for professionals, students, and expats looking for flexible and convenient housing solutions. Wunderflats provides high-quality images and detailed descriptions of each property, giving renters an accurate representation of what to expect before they book. Additionally, the platform offers personalised assistance to help renters find a home that meets their specific needs and requirements, making the renting process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Immobilienscout24 Being one of the largest real estate platforms in Germany, Immobilienscout24 has a variety of listings from single room apartments to big houses. Their program offers you both free as well as paid accounts with different services. Immobilienscout24 also lists properties to sell. If you are looking to buy an apartment or house, you can use the platform to find the right one for you. Mrlodge Mr. Lodge is a German real estate agency that specializes in furnished rentals, including apartments, houses, and rooms. They offer a wide range of properties in cities such as Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. Mr. Lodge provides comprehensive service, including property viewings, contract negotiations, and move-in assistance, making the rental process as stress-free as possible. While portals like Immobilienscout24 lists both furnished and unfurnished properties, Mrlodge offers furnished apartments. If your stay in Germany is not for a longer period, Mrlodge would be your best choice to find quality furnished properties at a reasonable cost. Relocation agencies When real estate portals come handy and flexible, you can still consider the old fashioned way. There are several relocation agencies in Germany that will help you not only to find a property, but they also offer other services like help you get your residence permit, driving license, find a school for your German training, etc. Unlike real estate portals, their service comes with a fee. However, you’ll get service from trained professionals. TM-Relocation In the last 25 years TM Relocation Services GmbH has successfully established itself in the world of relocation. The company was founded in 1996 and initially concentrated its efforts on and around Munich. More and more locations were added eventually. TM Relocation is currently present in the following cities and their surrounding areas: Munich, Berlin, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Mannheim and Stuttgart. If you are moving to Munich or Bavaria, check out this list of relocation services published by muenchen.de; the official citizen’s portal in Munich. https://www.tm-relocation.de/en 🔗 Documents required to rent an apartment in Germany Once you found your dream property and made an appointment with the advertiser, generally you don't have to bring any documents while visiting the apartment. However, we prefer you to keep the below documents with you just in case the landlord / agent asks you for. Copy of the passport (you + the persons moving in) Salary slip for last three months (if available) Bank statement for last three months (if available) Schufa (if available) Most of the time, the person inviting you to view the apartment would have a form which you need to fill in. They may have invited other parties like you for a viewing. They’ll collect the documents and select the most satisfying party for them. Don't worry if you missed the apartment you liked a lot. There are plenty of options out there and a better one will come for you. What to consider before signing a rental agreement in Germany? We hate to read the terms and conditions for any purpose, whether to install a software or to apply for a loan. However, you need to make sure that the below listed points are correctly included in the contract. Correct address including house number and a description about the property The owners name and contact address Tenure of the tenancy Deposit amount, monthly rent and the date of payment How much and on what frequency the rent will increase What are included or excluded from the rent (nebenkosten / additional costs) Notice period when leaving the apartment In case of furnished apartments, what furnitures, appliances, etc are in the property Any damages in the property such as break on the wall, damaged floor or appliances, etc. Information about the garage (if available) House rules such as how many additional people can stay or whether smoking or pets are allowed, etc. Additionally, if you want to add any points in the contract, please make sure that your points are added before you sign the contract. Packing and moving You need to think about packing and moving from the time you look for a place. How far is the new apartment from where you currently live, how do you move your stuff to the new place, how much does the move cost, etc. According to how much stuff you’ve got to move and how far is your new property, you need to decide whether you need to seek help from a relocation agency or you can simply move the stuff by yourselves. If you need help from a moving company, below are some popular ones. Sanelo Sanelo has been helping people relocate locally as well as internationally for more than 130 years. With their experience and expertise they can help your relocation smoothly. They have 69 offices in 38 countries around the world! Movinga Thanks to modern technology combined with experienced moving experts and optimized workflows, Movinga offers great moving experiences. As Europe's leading moving provider, Movinga can take care of the planning while one of their local moving partners will take care of your move. Is house insurance mandatory in Germany? House insurance, also known as homeowners insurance, is not legally required in Germany. However, it is highly recommended to protect your property from damages, such as fire, water, or theft. It is especially important if you have a mortgage on your property, as most lenders require you to have insurance coverage. Even if you own your home outright, unexpected damages or accidents can be costly, and having insurance can provide peace of mind and financial security. It is essential to carefully review insurance policies and understand what is covered before purchasing a plan. In some cases, additional insurance coverage may be necessary, such as flood insurance in areas prone to flooding. Apartment Maintenance Requirements in Germany When you rent a property in Germany, you are not responsible for the maintenance of the property. The maintenance is the headache for the landlord. However, you are responsible for maintaining the property at its original state when you terminate the contract or move out. Even though it is not regulated by law, you are obliged to return the property in its original state when moving out. Most of the contracts would contain a clause stating that you need to clean, repair and repaint the property when terminating the contract if you live there for a certain period of time. The landlord will use a portion of your caution deposit to return the property to its original state otherwise. Beware of Real Estate Scammers in Germany! Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers in this area in Germany. Therefore, if you feel something is not right, you might be right. Scammers usually ask you to transfer a deposit or caution deposit or initial amount to block the apartment or visiting slot for you before you make a visit to the apartment, you should avoid it. Can you Sublet and apartment in Germany? Being expats, many of us would want to visit our home country, parents and friends at least once a year. You may want to sublet your property while you are away and make a bit of a side income. It is also a nice idea to keep the apartment clean. If you plan to sublet your property to a third person, make sure that your clearly state the rules for subletting. While most of the landlords don't let you do it, you can still negotiate a term with your landlord and include a clause in the contract. How to end a rental contract in Germany? When it's time to leave the apartment, make sure to inform the landlord well in advance to avoid any confusions or clashes. Make sure that you clean the apartment, repair any damages and repaint if that's stated in your contract. You can do all these stuff by yourself with the help of your friends or family. Otherwise, hire a cleaning agency who can do it for you. There are many cleaning services out there offering their services at a cheaper cost. Most of them have customised plans for move out cleaning as a package. The whole process may seem tiring and overwhelming. However, we hope our tips help you make it organise in a better way. Good luck with your house hunt! FAQ about how to find an apartment in Germany

The Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung or simply Schufa is a record of your creditworthiness record created and maintained by Germany’s biggest credit agency; Schufa Holding AG. Before you jump in to apply for Schufa, did you know that most furnished apartments in Germany ( listed in Spotahome, Wunderflats) do not ask for a Schufa? If you are looking for your first apartment, this can be an effective method. What is Schufa or a credit score? Schufa or how likely you are to repay a debt, is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a credit card, an auto loan or a mortgage. It accounts for your debt, your credit history and your ability to pay back loans. Generally, the banks will check your Schufa score when you apply for a loan or any kind of credit. In Germany, the landlords will always ask you to provide up to date Schufa information when you approach them to rent an apartment or house to make sure that you have a good reputation repaying the debts. Your Schufa record is automatically created when you register in Germany. Your credit score from the country you previously lived does not influence your Schufa score in Germany. How to apply for Schufa? The easiest way is to order a Schufa Bonitätsauskunft from meineschufa.de; the official portal of Schufa holdings AG. Register on the meineschufa portal and create your account. You’ll then be able to request Schufa from the portal. Additionally, you can also reach out to 0611 – 92780 and request the Schufa Bonitätsauskunft. They may ask you to send your visa or residence permit information to check the personal information and send you a link which you should open to make an online payment. You’ll then receive your Schufa Bonitätsauskunft in post within 2 - 4 business days. When you order Schufa, make sure that your report is up to date and remember to opt in for an online download. Additionally, real estate websites such as Immobilienscout24.de offers Schufa service. You can simply go to the website, fill in an online form and make payment using your credit / debit card and order your Schufa. Schufa information usually costs 29,95€. However, the cost differs if you opt in for additional plans. All your credit information is governed by GDPR (German Data Protection Act). Therefore, you can trust that your information will not be shared or sold to a third party. It is an important task to maintain a good Schufa history when you live in Germany. As already stated, you’d require to present your Schufa information for many purposes

Every parent who is a resident in Germany regardless of German citizen or not is entitled for child benefits (Kindergeld) if they have children which are registered in Germany. Am I eligible for kindergeld? The Child Benefit is provided by the federal government to help the cost of raising children regardless of your income level. The child benefit is up to 250€ (as of 2023) per child which is transferred to your German bank account on a monthly basis. You are entitled to kindergeld by default if you live in Germany with your children. Whether self employed or salaried you get the child benefit as a rule until the children turn 18. You’ll still get paid if your child is still in high school when they are 25 years old or meet certain criterias. Once in sometime, the government increases the amount and from July 2019 it was revised to 204€ per month for the first two children each and 210€ for the third child and €235 for each subsequent child. You’ll still get the child benefit if you adopt a child. The children of your spouse as well as your grandchildren are also qualified for kindergeld if they live in the same house with you. How do I apply for kindergeld in Germany? The kindergeld is provided by the Familienzentrum (Local Family Office) upon submitting an application form. Documents required for kindergeld in Germany Tax ID of the child (steuerliche Identifikationsnummer) Birth certificate Copy of your passports (optional) Proof of residence permit (optional) Processing time for kindergeld application It may take from three to six weeks to get your application checked by the office. However, the time could vary depending on the rush. Once your application has been processed, you will get a notification by post from the Familienkasse.

If you are an Indian citizen and your baby is just born in Germany, here are the things you need to do as soon as the baby has arrived. A newborn always brings joy to the family. The first hours and days are always exciting and overwhelming to the parents. To avoid confusion and organize your post delivery life easier, check out our checklist once you are settled. Citizenship Indian expatriates in Germany often wonder whether their newborn in Germany receives German citizenship or Indian citizenship. A child born in Germany after 1 January 2000 may acquire German citizenship even if neither parent is German. For this however, one parent must have lived legally in Germany for a minimum of eight years and have an unlimited residence right or a residence permit for three years. Between the ages of 18 and 23, children who become German citizens in this way must decide whether to retain the German citizenship or take their parents' citizenship. Your child will automatically become an Indian citizen if you do not fall under any of the categories pointed out above. However, the child will officially become an Indian citizen only after you register him / her in the Indian consulate. Read FAQs on the website of The Federal Foreign Office for more info. How do I get my child's Indian citizenship? Get the birth certificate Within seven days of delivery, you are required to register your baby's birth at the local registry office (Standesamt) where the baby is born. Nowadays, you can do this online through the hospital. It is also possible for the mother to register the birth of the child herself. As an alternative, you can also have the father, the midwife, a relative, or a close friend register the birth on behalf of the parents with an authorisation letter. Documents required to register the birth at Standesamt A copy of both the parents’ birth certificate (A translated version if not in English). Marriage certificate (A translated version if not in English). Copy of the passport of both the parents Application form (you will get the application form either when you register at the hospital for the delivery or when you arrive at the hospital at the time of the delivery) After submitting your application online, you can apply for a birth certificate on your city's citizen portal (muenchen.de for people in Munich or berlin.de for Berliners). It may take a week or two to receive it by post; yes, you can only receive it by post. Usually, multiple copies of the birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) will be sent to you. You may use them to apply for the child benefit (kindergeld), health insurance, parental allowance (elterngeld), etc. If you need to get any documents translated to German, or from German to English, Beglaubigung24 is a trustworthy translation service you can rely on. You’ll also have the possibility to request for additional copies and international versions of birth certificates (in English) which you may use to apply for the passport and for other purposes. If the online submission is not possible in your city, you or the representative you authorise will be able to do the same at the local citizen's office. How to register my baby as an Indian citizen in Germany? Registering your baby as an Indian citizen in Germany is a four step procedure. An online application form has to be filled on the web portal of Government of India You also need to upload the below documents to complete step Photograph of the child (Indian passport size (35x35 mm / 2 x 2 inch), white background, JPG format, the size should not exceed 20 KB) Signatures of the both the parents (JPG format less than 20 KB in size) Birth Certificate of the child issued by local German Authority (PDF format, less than 1 MB) Copies of passport of both parents (first and last page of the passport) [ PDF format, less than 1 MB] Print out of the form that was submitted online to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Before submitting it, make sure both parents have signed it. You may submit the form in person at the Office of the Consulate General of India in the city you live or send it to the consulate along with the supporting documents as per the checklist mentioned below. If there’s no Indian consulate in the city you live in, you can go to the Indian consulate in a nearby town. Alternatively, you can also post the application to the Indian consulate nearest to you. An application Fee must be paid at the counter if you are visiting the consulate in person. If you send the application by post, you can make a bank transfer. However, the payment may be made in advance (as it may take 2 to 3 working days to get reflected in their bank account). Ensure that the supporting documents include proof of payment. Otherwise, the application will be sent back to you without processing. Documents required to register my child as an Indian citizen in Germany Print-out of the form filled online Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the local German Authority Copies of passports of both parents Copy of Address proof (Meldebescheinigung/ Personalausweis) Self-addressed envelope with stamp of Euro 4.05 (if applicants requests for dispatch of Birth Certificate by Post) Please refer to the respective Indian consulate’s website for the information about the fees and bank account details. Please note that: The child is eligible for registration as Indian Citizenship by “Descent” only if any one of the parent (or both the parents) hold Indian nationality at the time of birth of the child. The Indian Consulate reserves the right to contact you for any additional documents, if necessary. The applicant may be called for a personal-interview or the verification of original documents if necessary. Please also note that the application for Indian citizenship must be made within one year of the child's birth on the prescribed form How to get Indian Passport for my child born in Germany Upon receiving Indian citizenship, you can apply for your child's Indian passport. Checklist of Documents and procedure to apply for Indian passport: Go to ‘Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates’, website, select Germany from the list of countries, and fill out the application form on behalf of your child. Print-out of the field passport application form. Instead of signature, take a thumb impression of your child in the signature box on the first and last pages of the application form (Note that the left thumb impression if the child is a boy and right thumb impression in case of girl) Copy of birth certificate issued by the local German authority Copy of the Indian birth certificate 2 photographs of the child (one pasted on the designated place in the application form and other stapled on the last page of application form) Self-attested copies of parents' passports and residence permits / visas Copy of Meldebescheinigung (Proof of residency/address) A Consent Letter from parents (please refer to your respective consulates website for the form) Annexe G – applicable if either one of the parent has not given consent (please refer to your respective consulates website for the form) As mentioned above, you may submit the form in person at the Office of the Consulate General of India in the city you live or send it to the consulate along with the supporting documents as per the checklist mentioned below. If there’s no Indian consulate in the city you live in, you can go to the Indian consulate in a nearby town. Alternatively, you can also post the application to the Indian consulate nearest to you along with the supporting documents. A processing fee must be paid at the consulate if submitting the form in person or transfer the corresponding amount to the consulate’s bank account if you are sending the application via post. You may check the consulate’s website for the fee info. For sending the new passport by Post, please also send a medium sized self addressed and stamped (EUR 4.05) envelope along with your application Please note that the child’s presence may not be necessary at the consulate. Processing Time of the application for Indian passport in Germany Depending on the rush at the consulate, it may take around 6-8 weeks for issuing the new passport. You can also apply for both Indian citizenship as well as Indian passport in one go. However, make sure you include both applications as well as separate copies of supporting documents in the envelope. The Indian consulate will send back the applications if separate copies of supporting documents are not included in the envelope when you send them. In our experience, applications sent to the Indian consulate by post are considered as prioritised as in person applications. Therefore, we recommend sending all your applications by post to avoid any unnecessary waiting time at the consulate. Apply for the residence permit for the Indian child in Germany When you receive your child's passport, the rest of the process is the same for anyone residing in Germany. Requirements If both parents (in the case of shared parental responsibility) or the parent with the sole parental responsibility are in possession of a valid residence title when the child is born Your baby was born in Germany and is registered as living in a household with the custodial parents The residence permit for the child can be obtained from any local citizens office (Bürgeramt) in Germany if you meet one of the above criteria. While the condition is the same in most cities, some Bürgeramts will require you to meet additional criteria as well. Therefore, before your appointment, you should check with your local citizen's office. The Bürgeramt may refer you to the local foreigner's office (Ausländerbehörde) if your family's situation differs, such as if one parent is a European citizen. You can get a free consultation at your local foreigners office if you're not sure where to begin. The section 33 of the residence act (Aufenthaltsgesetz - AufenthG) defines every scenario for residence permit in Germany. Some frequently asked questions

Whether you have to follow the end to end process towards the driving license exam or you just have to attend the practical exam, or even you just need to convert your driving license to a German one without doing any of these steps, it depends on your home country's bilateral agreement with Germany. If you already own a driver’s license from another country, check out how you can convert your driving license in Germany. Below we list down the process of applying for a driving license and the process of learning to drive in Germany for the first time. Register at a Fahrschule (driving school) The driving schools or Fahrschule conducts the theoretical and practical exams in Germany. Therefore, you must register at a driving school to take these tests even if you have enough driving experience. If you don't know how to drive, it is mandatory that you enroll in a driving school. You cannot be taught by a friend or family member. As it is regulated by law, a new driving student must attend a Sonderfahrten (special training) which consists of a minimum of 14 theory classes and 12 practical classes. All of these sessions must be completed before you can apply for a theory or practical exams. An experienced driver may not have to start from these steps. Even though you may have to attend a couple of practical sessions, a theory lesson in the classroom may not be mandatory for you. Which can save you a good amount of money as well as time! Therefore, please check with the Fahrschule if you need a classroom theory session or not. Experienced drivers Even though you may not have to attend the classroom theoretical sessions, you have to prepare for the theory exam. There are several apps out there in AppStore and PlayStore. Simply search for “fahren lernen” and you’ll get many suggestions. You need to have an account and an activation / license key to use most of the apps; which the Fahrschule will provide you with a fee. It usually costs around 60€ - 80€ for a three months license. You can always extend it with an additional fee. Eye test for the driver’s license You must pass an eye test for most of the categories of driving licenses. The test can be done at an eye specialist or even at an opticals. You need to tell them that the test is for a driving license application. The test costs around 10€ - 30€. However, this cost is usually covered by your health insurance if you submit the invoice. Erste Hilfe Kurs / First aid training All driving license applicants must complete an Erste Hilfe Kurs / First aid training before they can attend the theory exam. While ADAC and the German Red Cross are popular ones, there are many agencies out there conducting this course. It is usually a full day (7-8 hrs) course at a training center detailing how to handle an emergency when you are out there driving. It costs around 40€ - 50€. Even though the course is for the driver’s license applicants, anybody interested can join the course and we really recommend taking this course if you are not planning to get a driving license. Apply for a learner’s driving license Once you complete all of the above steps, it's time to apply for a learner’s driving license. Make an appointment at your respective driving license authority and submit your request in a prescribed form. You only need to do this if you don’t have a driving license neither German nor foreign issued. The learner’s driving license will cover you while you are taking your practical classes or learning to drive in general. Theorieprüfung or Theoretical exam As mentioned above, if you are a new driver, you need to complete 14 theoretical classroom sessions before you can apply for the theoretical exam. If you are an experienced driver, you must have completed all goals in the fahren lernen app and you have the green light in the app (you’ll get to know about it as soon as you register and open the app). When you feel ready, your driving school will book an exam appointment for you at the driving license authority. In Germany, Tüf conducts the tests in many cities. The theoretical exam can be attended in German, English as well as in French. There would be 30 multi choice questions, a total of 110 points. You need to score 100 points minimum. Or, you can only make 10 minus points. It could be one question of 10 points or two questions with 5 points or three questions with 3 points each. The test costs around 22,50€. The cost may vary depending on the city you are attending the exam. Praktische Prüfung or Practical test You can attend the practical exam or praktische Prüfung only when you pass the theory exam. The practical test is arranged by your driving school. You must attend the practical test within a year of passing the theory exam. During the test, your driving instructor takes the passenger seat beside you and the examiner gets into the back side of the car id you are applying for the category B driving license. For two wheeler exams, you have to ride the bike and the instructor and the examiner will follow you in a car. The instructions will be handed over to you though a wireless communication device fixed on your helmet. The exam is only conducted in German. Therefore, consider attending a German language training before the driving exam. Otherwise, make sure you learn the basic words from your instructure. The Fahrschule usually provides you with a list of potential questions which you can learn before the practical exam. During the exam, The examiner will ask you a couple of questions about the vehicle you are going to drive. Some examiners will not let you drive until you answer these basic questions correctly. Then you’ll be asked to drive in different real life scenarios including city traffic, 30 zone, autobahn, emergency braking, etc. After the test, the examiner will inform you about the result. If you pass, a document with the result will be handed over to you. Note that, this is not the diving license and you should not drive before you get the original driving license. You can then collect your driving license from the licensing authority. Nowadays, your driving license should already be printed and ready to collect on the same day. However, it may take upto four weeks before you can collect it depending on the rush. Important before you start driving with your new driver’s license: Even if you are an experienced driver who just converted your driving license to a German one, you have to undergo a probation period of 6 months. The person in the driving license authority will inform you about this while collecting your license. If you are a new driver, you are under probation for the first two years of passing the German driving license exam. Which means, if you commit any violations especially drunk and drive (even in small amounts) during this period you may lose your license.

Before you begin your ride in Germany, there are certain rules you need to know before driving or taking a taxi with the children. When expats or tourists arrive in Germany, they may not be well informed about the rules. Especially when it comes to children or babies. What to consider when driving with children in Germany The German law specifies children up to 12 years of age and are less than 1.5 meters in height must only ride in an approved car seat or booster seat whether in a personal car or in a taxi. The child may ride in the back seat with a seat belt on if all other restraints are being used by other children. Children under three years of age must not be in a moving vehicle without an appropriate car seat. German law also states that rearward facing infant seats are not allowed in the front seat of a vehicle which has an airbag. What to do if I don’t have a child seat? Both personal vehicles as well as taxis are subject to the child seat regulations. Generally, Germany's taxis have child seats that are suitable for your child; however, airport taxis might not have infant car seats. Therefore, you may either bring your own car seat or rent one if you are here for a vacation. There are a number of websites that offer the rental of children's products, such as toddgo or mami-poppins. With toddgo, you can place orders online and receive the items on arrival in the airport. When you leave Germany, you can leave the items at the airport with a toddgo personal free of charge. Other important things to consider while driving in Germany Child car seats: German law requires children under 12 years of age or under 150 cm in height to use a child car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age and weight. Make sure to choose a suitable car seat and install it properly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Seat belts: All passengers, including children, must wear a seat belt at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Speed limits: Germany has specific speed limits in place for different types of roads, so make sure to obey them. In urban areas, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h, on rural roads it's usually 100 km/h, and on the autobahn it's often unrestricted. Rest breaks: It's important to take regular rest breaks when driving long distances with children. In Germany, drivers are required to take a break of at least 45 minutes after four and a half hours of driving. Child-friendly stops: Plan your route to include child-friendly stops along the way. Many rest areas in Germany have playgrounds and other facilities for children. Entertainment: To keep children occupied during long drives, bring books, toys, and electronic devices such as tablets or portable DVD players. Snacks and drinks: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks to keep children hydrated and fed during the trip. Weather conditions: Be aware of the weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly. In winter, for example, snow and ice can make driving more challenging, so make sure to have appropriate tires and drive more cautiously. Emergency kit: Bring an emergency kit that includes a first-aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective vest in case of an emergency. Rules of the road: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road in Germany, including traffic signs, signals, and right-of-way laws. Some Frequently Asked Questions about Driving in Germany

It is regulated by law from 2015 that anybody who is taking up a rental living place in Germany and wants to register in the local citizen’s office must present a valid Wohnunggeberbestätigung / proof of residence form signed by the landlord. What is Wohnungsgeberbestätigung Wohnungsgeberbestätigung or proof of residence is a form that refers to a confirmation of residence provided by the landlord or property owner to the tenant. This document is required by German law and must be submitted to the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) when a person moves into a new residence. The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung confirms the tenant's right to reside at a particular address and contains important information such as the name and address of the landlord, the name of the tenant, the date of the move-in, and the address of the rental property. The confirmation must be signed by the landlord or their authorized representative, and it must be provided to the tenant at the time of move-in or shortly thereafter. The purpose of the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is to prevent fraudulent registration and to ensure that all residents are properly registered at their place of residence. Failure to provide this document or providing false information can result in fines or other legal consequences. How to get Wohnungsgeberbestätigung? Your landlord must provide you with the proof of residence while signing the contract or soon after you move in. The landlord could be fined for up to 1000€ if not ready to provide the proof of residence. The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung certificate is a form that can generally be downloaded from your local citizen’s office’s website. Either you or your landlord or your rental agency can fill it and can be signed by your landlord or the rental agency. Once you get the signed form, you can take it along with other supporting documents for your appointment at the Bürgerbüro to register. Only then you receive the registration certificate. If you are living in Munich, you may use this template shared by muenchen.de.

As soon as you process your visa and land in Germany, one of the first steps you should be doing is your - registration in Germany - in the Bürgerbüro (local citizen’s office) in your town and get the meldebescheinigung OR Anmeldebescheinigung OR Anmeldebestätigung. If you are planning to live in Germany, one of the first things you need to do is to register your address in Germany with the local authorities. Anmeldung is a legal requirement that applies to everyone who moves to Germany, whether they are German citizens or foreigners. In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about how to register in Germany, including the benefits, the documents, the steps, and the deadlines. What documents do you need to register in Germany? To register in Germany, you need to provide the following documents: A valid passport or identity card A registration form (Anmeldeformular), which you can download from the website of your local registration office (Bürgeramt) or get from them in person A confirmation of your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), which is a document that proves that you have moved into your new address. You can ask your landlord to fill out this form or use a template that you can find online A marriage certificate or a birth certificate, if you are registering with your spouse or children A visa or a residence permit, if you are not an EU citizen How do you register in Germany? Some cities like Munich, already started online anmeldung process for people who moved within the city (Umzug). In other cities like, Berlin, Hamburg, or Frankfurt, you still need to go to the Bürgeramt to register your address. Additionally, for registering your address for the first time in Germany, you need to go to the Bürgeramt to register your address. To register in Germany, you need to follow these steps: Fill out your Anmeldung form (the registration form): If you are in Munich, you can download the registration form here. Get an appointment at the Bürgeramt: Most cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, etc,. now offer online appointment booking. Simply go to the service portal of your city, enter your postal code to get the online anmeldung appointment in the nearest Bürgeramt. On the day of your appointment, collect all your document listed above, and go to the specified spot in your appointment letter, handover your documents, sign some forms, pay a fee (last time when I registered it was €50 if I am not wrong) and get your registration immediately. When do you need to register in Germany? You need to register in Germany within 14 days of moving to your new address. If you fail to do so, you may face fines of up to 1000 euros and other consequences, such as losing your right to vote or being denied social benefits. Therefore, it is advisable to register as soon as possible after arriving in Germany. What is registration and why do you need it? Registration (Anmeldung) is the process of informing the local authorities of your place of residence in Germany. You need to register every time you move to a new address within Germany, or when you first arrive in the country. Registration is important for several reasons: It allows you to get a tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer), which you need for paying taxes and receiving social benefits. It enables you to open a bank account, get a phone contract, and access other services that require proof of address. It entitles you to vote in local elections and referendums. It helps you avoid fines and penalties for not complying with the law. What do I need meldebescheinigung for? The registration certificate is necessary for many processes in Germany, such as: Enrolment in a university Opening a bank account Applying for a residence permit Buy an insurance Not only the items listed above, it might also be required for other purposes such as getting a monthly travel card for the public transport or even to get a phone contract in Germany. How long does it take to get the meldebescheinigung If you present all these documents and if they are through, you will get the registration certificate right there. Soon after you register, the information will be passed over to the tax department and you will receive your tax ID via post.

One of the usual roadblocks every expat would hit sooner or later when they move to Germany is about transferring funds to a bank account in their home country from their German bank account. It might be a savings account you may not want to close or to help support family or friends; we got you covered! First stop: Online money transfers When it comes to transferring funds, online money transfers are cost-effective, faster, and more convenient. Unlike traditional banking, it does not incur additional costs such as handling charges. Wise - formally TransferWise In 2011, Wise launched with the goal of making international money transfers cheap, fair, and simple. Globally, millions of people and businesses use their multi-currency account to manage their money. Wise offers a multi-currency bank account which you can use as your everyday bank account to receive salary, pay rent, make online shopping, etc. With a Wise account, you get a physical debit card for free as well as unlimited virtual debit cards that you can use to pay online and use them as virtual debit cards in Apple Wallet and Google Pay, or even withdraw money at an ATM with NFC capabilities. It is possible to add money to your account in 19 currencies. These include AUD, BGN, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HRK, HUF, JPY, NOK, NZD, PLN, RON, SEK, SGD, TRY and USD. The real exchange rate is always used when you convert money between any of the 50+ currencies in your account. You can also receive money in 11 currencies using your account details. A plus is that there are no fees associated with opening or maintaining an account. Revolut Just like Wise, Revolut too won’t ask you to visit a branch or bury you in paperwork. Opening an account in Revolut takes just less than a few minutes, and you can do everything straight from your phone. With Revolut, you can send and receive money in 30+ currencies with no hidden fees. Plus, transfers are almost always instant and free between Revolut friends anywhere in the world! Additionally, Revolut offers to fix you up with discounts and cash back offers from your favourite brands, so you can save when you spend. You just need to use your Revolut card when you shop. Revolut also offers splitting of bills with anyone, even if they’re not on Revolut. You just need to enter the numbers and Revolut will do the math. You can split bills from restaurant to rent. WorldRemit WorldRemit is another money transfer service that is simple, fast, secure, and low cost. They offer international money transfer and remittance services in over 130 countries and 70 currencies since 2010. Across 130 countries, WorldRemit supports 70 different currencies. With WorldRemit, you can send money overseas using bank deposits, mobile money, or cash pickups, making it convenient for your family and friends to receive the money. How to send money from a German bank account internationally? While different companies have different processes to do this, the general approach would be to Create an account Once you’ve done your research and decided which service to use, you need to create an account using your email address or phone number Documents required to create an account Valid passport Visa / residence permit Tax ID (optional) Add the details of the bank account where the money will be sent. After creating the account, you need to verify your identity. It can either be done through postident, or it can be done through a video chat with a representative. Upon verification of your identity, you can send money immediately after verification is complete. Add recipient Adding the recipient would be the next step. In order to do this, you would need their bank account number, their bank identification code (swift code or IFSC code, depending on the country where the bank operates), and the name of the recipient. The recipient details required may vary depending on the target currency and location. Send the money As soon as the recipient is added to your account, you can choose the amount to send. Depending on the app you use, you may receive a live currency exchange rate, a comparison with competitors, etc. Wise, for example, offers the option of locking the current exchange rate for a few hours. This means you can still transfer on the locked exchange rate even if the rate goes down. The process As soon as you finish the transfer, the app will make a request to your bank (the bank account you added while creating the account) to get the money from your bank to the app. As soon as the app gets a confirmation from the bank that the amount is available in your account, the app converts the equivalent amount to the target currency and transfers it to the target bank. Some apps wait until the transfer from your bank to the app is completed and money arrives to the apps account. This will take more time to complete your transfer and your money to arrive in the target bank account. Generally, the whole process could complete in seconds to days or even weeks in case of a holiday season or if the transfer is initiated on a weekend. Traditional money transfer If you are not into the online way of doing things, you still have the opportunity to transfer money the old fashioned way. You may approach your bank in Germany for a bank transfer or cash remittance services. We observed a handful of money exchange services like Western Union Money Transfer, etc. operating in Germany

Since 2019, the discussions about permanently switching to winter time have been heating up. The people in Germany, as well as the political parties have been voting positively for this change. On Sunday the 28th of October, people in Germany as well as other European countries that follow the Central European Summer Time (CEST) got an extra hour to sleep as clocks switched back an hour at 3 a.m The process of switching back the clocks was started in Germany in 1980 soon after the global oil crisis. The idea was to save energy by gaining an extra hour of sunlight. Since then the act has been followed by Germans by changing their clocks twice a year in October and March. EU parliament drafted a law to scrap the DST On March 26, 2019, the European Parliament voted in to support the EU Committee draft order to stop changing the clocks in the European Union. While the draft law was opposed by 192 members, 410 members voted in favor of it. The aim was initially to implement the law by 2021. However, Europe, like the rest of the world, was affected by Covid-19 and the leaders were busy handling the pandemic. Since Germany, like other European countries, switched to the winter time, the discussions have been heated up once again. The negotiations as well as the final decision is yet to be made, the likelihood of the EU to scrap daylight saving in 2021 is very narrow.

Nowadays, it’s not mandatory to learn German to live in Germany. However, investing your time to learn the language can make your life in Germany much easier. But, do you really have to join a school to learn German? As soon as you make your way to start living in Germany, one of the major challenges you may face is the language barrier. Even though it may not seem so common these days and you find people accept you as an expat and try to help you in English, you may still face challenges at certain scenarios such as socializing or attending your driving license exam or permanent residency interview, etc. Therefore, it's better to develop your German language skills while you live here. Where to start with learning German? Once you made up your mind to move to Germany, you must start learning German as soon as you can. You can sign up for a course either in your home country or choose the best suits you once you arrive here in Germany. Nowadays, many apps are offering German language training along with many other languages at different prices ranging from 49€ per course to 5,99€ monthly subscription! Conventional learning There are many institutions offering Deutschkurs (German language courses) in Germany as well as internationally. Few internationally recognized German language institutes are : Goethe-Institut The Goethe-Institut is a non-profit German cultural association operating worldwide with 159 institutes, promoting the study of the German language abroad and encouraging international cultural exchange and relations. Goethe-Institut offers both classroom as well as online courses from A1 up to C2. Courses are concluded with an examination and the certificate you receive on successful completion is valid all over Germany for any type of requirements. Head over to Goethe-Institute’s website to find more. Volkshochschule Volkshochschule is an institution for adult education that generally does not grant academic degrees, though certain courses are being conducted which are leading to that goal. They are most commonly found in Nordic countries and in Germany, Switzerland and Austria Along with other professional courses and certifications, Volkshochschule offers high quality paid German classes from A1 to C2. The courses are offered both classroom as well as online and are handled by academic professionals. Take a look at the courses offered by Volkshochschule. Online learning If you still find it difficult to choose one or you are not in a position to spend such an amount to learn German, you may try the below options for free. Duolingo Duolingo is an American language-learning website and mobile app, as well as a digital language proficiency assessment exam. The company uses a freemium model: the app and the website are accessible without charge, although Duolingo also offers a premium service for a fee Use Duolingo’s free plan to learn German in a fun way. The course starts from the very basics progressing through some real life usages. Click here to start learning German free with Duolingo Deutsche Welle (DW.de) Deutsche Welle or DW is a German public state-owned international broadcaster funded by the German federal tax budget. Along with other publications, DW offers a free German learning program from the basic A1 to advanced B2. The courses are structured in a way that it helps you in real time scenarios from saying hello to a friend in German through ordering food in a restaurant to picking up basic business conversations with your colleagues in the office. DW also offers apps for both iOS and Android to help you keep up with your progress. Here you can find an overview about the course and materials.

As you may already know, Germany is part of the Schengen area and therefore, Germany also offers a Schengen visa. The type of visa you get depends on the purpose of your visit. You can get a Schengen visa for both short term and long term stays. For the citizen’s of most countries, a visa is mandatory to enter Germany / Schengen area regardless of whether you’re planning a short term or long term trip. Citizens of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Liechtenstein do not need a visa to enter Germany. They can visit Germany for any duration of stay and any types of purpose such as visit, work or study. Exemption As per the Overview of visa requirements or visa waivers when entering the Federal Republic of Germany, the European Community has regulated the requirements for foreign nationals when entering Germany. You can enter Germany without a visa and stay up to 90 days within a 180 days period. You need a visa prior to arrival if you plan to stay more than 90 days and a residence permit once you enter the country. Visa requirements and longer stays If your country is not listed as exempted, you need to apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to Germany. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days even if your country is exempted from the visa requirements you need to apply for a long stay Schengen visa in your home country before you can travel to Germany. However, the nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and the United States of America can still enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a residence permit from their local foreign office in Germany. Citizens of all other countries who plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days must apply for a long term visa in their home country or country where they reside before traveling to Germany. Schengen area and types of visa List of countries which are part of the Schengen area The Schengen area is an area made up of 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passports and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy List of Countries participating in the Schengen Area Schengen visa types Schengen visa If your country of nationality doesn’t have the visa exemption, you need to apply for a short term Schengen visa (category C). This visa will be valid for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days in the entire Schengen area including Germany. Entry types The entry to the Schengen area on a Schengen visa is regulated by the number of entries one can make. There’s a specific place in the visa application form to mention the number of entries you want. The cost of the application may slightly vary for double or multi entry visas. You may enter a Schengen area once, two times or multiple times depending on the number of entries marked in the visa you received. If you have a single entry visa, use it for one continuous 90 days of stay. If the number of entries column is marked as 02, you can enter the Schengen area two times but not exceeding 90 days of stay from the first arrival and within 180 days time period. Eg: you can enter the Schengen area on 01-01-2022 and leave on 15-02-2022. Then you may come back on 15-05-2022 and leave on or before 30-06-2022. The multi entry visa holders may enter the area as many times as they want within the 90 days period. If you complete your stay for the whole 90 days in a Schengen country or anywhere in the Schengen area, you have to exit the Schengen area for another 90 days before you can apply for another Schengen visa. 2. German national visa If your home country is not exempted from having a visa to enter Germany / the Schengen areas and you need to stay in a Schengen area longer than 90 days you need to apply for a category D national visa before you can travel. The national visa requires you to apply for a residence permit after entering the country. You have to convert to a residence permit within three months of arriving in Germany. Read more about applying for a residence permit in Germany here. You may apply for the German national visa not only to take up a job in Germany but also to join your spouse or family member, for academic purposes, to seek a job, participate in a training, to start a business or to seek asylum. Remember that you can only convert specific types of national visas to the same types of residence permit. Such as a work visa can only be converted to a work residence permit. If you have a student residence permit, you have the opportunity to apply for a different type of residence permit (e.g. a working residence permit) once you complete your studies. 3. Airport transit visa An airport transit visa is required if you stopover in an airport in Germany and take a flight to your final destination which is outside the Schengen area. Note that the airport transit visa does not allow you to leave the airport. If you need to exit the airport and continue your travel by another means of transport, you need a Schengen visa. How to apply for a German visa You must apply for a visa before you travel to Germany if your home country is not exempted from visa requirements. While for short term as well as long term visas, you have to apply at the German consulate or embassy in your home country, you can also contact agencies such as VFS Global to apply for a short term visa. You can also reach out to a German mission in a country near to you if there is no German mission in your home country. Find a list of German consulates / embassies here. Prepare the documents required Documents required to apply for a German visa Valid passport. Photo (2 nos) as per Schengen visa measurements Application form, fully filled and signed in the designated places. Proof of accommodation covering the entire stay. Travel insurance that covers medical purposes as well. Additional documents Itinerary - short term visas. Proof of financial situation (bank statements, pay slip, proof of financial support (eg: a signed declaration from the person is sponsoring your trip, etc) - short term visa. Document detailing the purpose of travel, (eg: an employment contract, letter of admission in case traveling for academic purpose, etc). Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (if traveling for employment). Proof of financial independence (if applicable) Proof of financial independence If you are applying for a long term visa and you don't plan to earn an income by working in Germany, you need to prove that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your stay. The most common method to prove this is to open a blocked bank account in advance to your visa interview appointment. This special type of bank account requires the account holder to deposit a predefined amount to the bank account, which can be withdrawn in small monthly amounts after the approval of the visa. 2. Schedule an appointment at the consulate / agency You need to schedule an appointment and visit the agency (eg : VFS Global) for a short term visa interview. They will clarify the questions if any and take your biometric details such as thumb impression, etc. You need to make an appointment at your local German mission for a long term visa. You must bring all the required supporting documents along to this appointment. The person at the consulate will ask you questions if required and get your biometric details. German visa application fees Below you may find the fees for each visa types Please check the official German visa information for the current information. There are certain nationalities where a fee waiver is applicable. Please see this detailed documentation on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. German visa processing time The average processing time for a short term Schengen visa is around two weeks. A long term visa may require more time from weeks to months sometimes. You should also expect a longer waiting period during the holiday season. German visa application rejected If your visa application is rejected, you will get notified by your consulate / embassy / agency in the case of a short term Schengen visa about the rejection. You will get one month to appeal the decision by writing to the German mission. Your application will then be reconsidered and a new decision will be made. If the authority still finds that you do not meet the conditions for granting a visa, they will inform you in writing. If you still want to appeal the decision, you may approach the administrative court in Berlin within a month period. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

German driving licenses are valid for 15 years if you are a new driver or an experienced driver converted to the German driving license. How to renew a driving license in Germany From the date of issue (section 14(10) in a driving license) a German driving license is valid for 15 years. If it's time to renew yours, simply make an appointment at your local driving license office before your existing driving license expires. It's better to start the processes 3 - 4 weeks earlier as it might be difficult to get an appointment at some offices. Documents required Current driving license One passport size photo (not older than 6 months) Costs Your renewed driving license costs around 24€ and should be ready to collect in three to four weeks. However, different driving license offices may have different timelines depending on the rush A driver's license issued by a foreign country cannot be renewed in Germany. If you have a foreign driving license, you will have to apply for a new German one. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com.

In Germany, your first point of contact for any medical emergencies would be either your hausarzt or a general practitioner (GP). If a specialist needs to be consulted, your GP or hausarzt will refer you. In Germany, the healthcare system is based on a system of primary care, which means that your first point of contact for any medical emergencies would be your hausarzt or a general practitioner (GP). A hausarzt is a GP who is responsible for coordinating your healthcare needs and managing your overall health. If you experience a medical emergency or require specialist treatment, your GP or hausarzt will refer you to a specialist who is trained in treating your particular condition. This specialist may be located at a hospital or a specialized clinic, and your GP or hausarzt will work closely with them to ensure that you receive the appropriate care. In general, the German healthcare system emphasizes preventative care, which means that your GP or hausarzt will encourage you to maintain a healthy lifestyle and schedule regular check-ups to detect and prevent any potential health problems before they become more serious. This approach can help to minimize the need for more specialized treatment and ensure that you receive the most effective and appropriate care for your individual needs. How to find a personal doctor in Germany There are many websites listing doctors or Hausarzt. Simply google “hausarzt near me” or head to listing directories like Jameda or doctolib. You can either search with your zip code or your city. Additionally, If you are covered by the Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (statutory health insurance), you can also use the doctor search in the KBV website. Select your state and the site will take you to the state specific page and there you can search with your zip code. Before visiting the doctor, make sure that you clarify whether they accept your insurance as some doctors only accept private insurances while most of the doctors accept all kinds of insurances. Read our article about different types of insurance in Germany. Visiting the doctor in Germany You can book an appointment simply by calling the doctor’s number or sometimes over their website. The listing directories like doctolib let you make an appointment through their website itself. You can even walk into a doctor’s clinic and get an appointment if it is an emergency. However, the waiting time might be longer than pre-booking an appointment. A common fact is, neither the doctor nor the receptionist cannot always be expected to speak in English. However, most of the doctors speak or at least try to speak in English to help you. If you have an emergency and are not getting a doctor’s appointment, don't hesitate to go to the emergency department in the nearest hospital. Most of the practices are closed on weekends and on public holidays. Therefore, ask them about their working hours and vacation plans in advance. If you are not sure whether your doctor’s practice is closed when in an emergency, try calling their contact number and usually there will be a recorded voice instructing you what to do next if they are closed. You always have to bring your insurance card with you during the visit. If you forgot your card, you might get a chance to pay and claim the money from your insurance provider at a later point of time. Some tips to find a Hausarzt in Germany Check your insurance: Make sure that your insurance policy covers visits to a Hausarzt, and find out which doctors are in your provider's network. Ask for recommendations: Ask friends, family members, and coworkers for recommendations for a good Hausarzt in your area. Use online directories: Search for Hausarzt directories online and look for doctors in your area. Look for reviews: Check online reviews for any Hausarzt you're considering. Websites like Jameda.de or Google reviews can provide helpful insights. Consider location and availability: Choose a Hausarzt who is conveniently located and has appointments available that fit your schedule. Consider their specialties: Some Hausarzt practices specialize in specific areas of healthcare, so look for a doctor whose specialties align with your health needs. Schedule a consultation: Once you've identified a few potential Hausarzts, schedule a consultation to meet the doctor in person, ask questions, and get a sense of their approach to healthcare. Remember that it's important to find a Hausarzt who you feel comfortable with, who you trust to manage your healthcare, and who is able to meet your specific healthcare needs.

Losing your driver's license can be a frustrating experience, especially if you're in a foreign country like Germany. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your lost license is replaced as quickly and efficiently as possible. Germany’s lost and found service Throughout Germany, you’ll find many lost and found services. If you google ‘lost and found service’ in the city where you lost the license, you should see many private services like Verlustsache, Faundit, etc. You can register in one of them and wait. They’ll return your lost driving license as and when they find it for a small fee. The fee depends on the service you register in. The "lost and found" office, also known as the "Fundbüro" in Germany, is typically located in or near the city hall or public transportation hubs such as train stations or airports. They are responsible for collecting and storing lost items that have been turned in by Good Samaritans or found by public transport workers. Lost driving license in Deutsche Bahn If you lost your driving license or any other items in a train operated by Deutsche Bahn or in one of the stations, you can report the incident in the lost property service of Deutsche Bahn. You may have to pay a handling charge to Deutsche Bahn for searching and returning the lost item. Deutsche Bahn also offers to send the item via Deutsche Post. However, you may have to pay an additional fee for this service. Check out the Faq page of Deutsche Bahn portal for the details on fees. Reporting the lost driving license in Germany If you find your driving license is lost or stolen, you have to contact your local driving license authority and provide evidences to get a duplicate license or a new one. But, firstly, we recommend to report the loss of your driver's license to the local police station as soon as possible. This is a crucial step in preventing identity theft or fraud, as a lost driver's license can potentially be used by someone else to impersonate you. After reporting the loss to the police, they will provide you with a written confirmation that you will need to provide to the appropriate authorities. If your driving license is issued in Germany, the next step is to apply for a replacement license in the local driver's license authority or "Fahrerlaubnisbehörde" and provide them with the necessary documentation. This typically includes your passport or other form of identification, your police report, and a passport-sized photograph. You may also need to pay a fee for the replacement license. If you are unable to speak German, it may be helpful to bring a translator with you to ensure that there are no misunderstandings or communication issues. It's worth noting that the process for replacing a lost driver's license can take several weeks, so it's important to plan accordingly. In the meantime, you may be able to obtain an interim license or "Führerschein auf Probe" from the driver's license authority, which will allow you to legally drive until your replacement license arrives. Similarly, if your license was issued in EU, but you lost it while you were in Germany, you need to follow the same steps as mentioned above. Due to the fact that your driver's license was not issued in Germany, the German authorities may contact the issuing authority where your license was issued in order to obtain your information. You have a high chance to get a replacement. Documents required to apply for a replacement driving license in Germany If the license is stolen, a written statement aligned with a police theft report A photo identity proof A biometric passport photo Your replacement driving license will be ready within three to four weeks depending on the rush in the issuing authority in Germany. What to do if your foreign driver’s license is lost in Germany For licenses issued by a foreign country, you need to contact the authorities in the corresponding issuing country. Please note that it is possible that a police report will be required to issue a replacement driving license. Otherwise, you may be required to take a driving test just like when you applied for your first license.

No Matter where you are, an emergency situation is never a cool thing to pass by. Thankfully, Germany has a great emergency service system you can rely on anytime. 112 & 110 These are the two emergency numbers you need to remember always. Just like many European countries, dial in 112 if you want to connect to the Fire Brigade and Ambulance services. Remember, 112 is the Single European union emergency number. You can dial this number anywhere within the European Union if you are in a medical emergency and need an ambulance or fire brigade. Polizei (Police) in Germany Police in Germany will help you with many services. Enforcement of law being their main objective, they also protect the German border, investigation on cases, and a number of other services too. You can always reach out to police on 110 while in Germany unless it is not an emergency. Instructions: Dial the number and wait until an operator picks up the call. Usually the call will be answered within 3 - 5 rings Explain the incident You need to tell them your location and how they can reach you If possible, keep your phone not busy after ending the call, as they might have to call you back. Bonus; set up the emergency number on your phone. Therefore, if you are not in a position to dial the number, you can press the power button rapidly 5 times and a call will be placed to the emergency number. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

It is always sparky when thinking about the holidays and planning the vacation. Unfortunately, 2021 was not so favorable in terms of holidays as most of them came to pass by the weekend. Most commonly, a German employee gets 30 paid leaves annually. If you fall under this category, you might be able to get some 50+ holidays this year if you plan ahead! Jan 06 - Epiphany For the people who work in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Saxony-Anhalt got a chance to have 17 days of holidays from December 24 2021 (Friday), to January 9 2022 (Sunday) if you spend 10 paid leaves. Mar 08 - International Women’s day (only for Berliners) The next public holiday comes after 61 long days in March! However, only for Berliners. In January 2019, Berlin's parliament approved a bill to make International Women's Day, observed annually on 8th March, a public holiday. Apr 15 - Good Friday For the rest of the people in Germany, it's a 99 days long wait until April 14 for Good Friday. Since Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, you get a long weekend. A clever marking of 4 days off before Good Friday or after Easter Monday would give you a relaxing 10 days off! May 26 - Ascension Day Since Labour Day (May 01) comes on a Sunday in 2022, the Ascension Day is on Thursday (like always). Take a day off on Friday and enjoy a long weekend! One of the well liked options is to bridge between Ascension Day and Whit Monday (June 6). If you manage to take off for 6 days (from May 27 to Jun 3), you can avail 12 days of vacation with probably nice sunny days. Jun 16 - Corpus Christi People in western Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland)get the Corpus Christi on a Thursday. Therefore, marking Out of Office on Jun 17 would give you a 4 days weekend. Aug 08 - Peace Festival (Only for Augsburgers) The Peace festival in Augsburg gives the people living there an opportunity to take the Friday before off or the Tuesday after off and get a 4 days long weekend. Aug 15 - Assumption day (Only Bavaria and Saarland) The Assumption of Mary is only celebrated in Bavaria and Saarland. Since it is a Monday, make a day off on the Friday before or the Tuesday after and get a 4 days weekend As we head into July, August and September, there aren’t many bridge days to make use of, unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of the three states with regional holidays. Assumption of Mary, for example, is only celebrated in Catholic areas of Bavaria and Saarland. Sep 20 - World Children’s Day (Only Thuringia) Thuringia celebrates the World Children’s Day on September 20. Its a Tuesday. Therefore, an off on Monday gets you a long weekend to enjoy! Oct 03 - German Unity Day German Unity day is a national holiday and this time thankfully on a Monday. Choose between Friday before or Tuesday after and get a long weekend. Oct 31 - Reformation Day (regional holiday) This regional Public holiday on a Monday gives the people in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Bremen gives the opportunity to get a long weekend! Nov 1 - All Saints' Day (regional holiday) Public holiday in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. Mark the Monday off and there’s a chance to get a 4 day weekend. Dec 26 - Boxing Day It's a Monday and therefore, a Friday before or a Tuesday after gives you a 4 day weekend. For the most part, 2022 is neither a bad year nor a good year for holidays. The best part is, it isn't as bad as 20212 either! Anyway, depending on which state in Germany you live in, it's possible to avail more than 50 holidays in 2022 if you combine your 26 annual vacation days with the public holidays cleverly!

Expats living, studying or working in Germany must get familiar with the German banking system from anytime they move in - no matter whether they need to open a bank account to receive their salary or simply want to transfer money to and from abroad. One of the initial steps you should do as soon as you move into Germany is to open your bank account. In the modern world, you need a bank account for almost anything; like receiving your salary, paying your rent, etc. You’ll see several banks in Germany when you start researching about it. From the ones that were found 100 years ago to the new generation online only banks like N26. One of the key facts to think about while choosing the right one for you is that most banks in Germany have an annual fee for maintaining your account. Also, almost every bank would charge you for withdrawing money from an ATM owned by a non partner bank. The new generation banking system in Germany Like any other countries in the world, Germany also has some great and strong new generation banks. N26, Wise, and Vivid are the front liners in the row. They also offer lower fees and telephone-based customer service. N26 N26 is a digital bank that operates entirely online and provides its customers with a range of financial services, including bank accounts, debit cards, and insurance. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. N26 aims to offer a more streamlined and convenient banking experience through its mobile app, which allows users to manage their finances, make payments, and track their expenses in real-time. N26 also emphasizes security, with features such as biometric authentication and the ability to lock and unlock your card through the app. The company has grown rapidly in recent years and now serves millions of customers across Europe and the United States. Wise - formally TransferWise In 2011, Wise launched with the goal of making international money transfers cheap, fair, and simple. Globally, millions of people and businesses use their multi-currency account to manage their money. Wise offers a multi-currency bank account which you can use as your everyday bank account to receive salary, pay rent, make online shopping, etc. With a Wise account, you get a physical debit card for free as well as unlimited virtual debit cards that you can use to pay online and use them as virtual debit cards in Apple Wallet and Google Pay, or even withdraw money at an ATM with NFC capabilities. It is possible to add money to your account in 19 currencies. These include AUD, BGN, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HRK, HUF, JPY, NOK, NZD, PLN, RON, SEK, SGD, TRY and USD. The real exchange rate is always used when you convert money between any of the 50+ currencies in your account. You can also receive money in 11 currencies using your account details. A plus is that there are no fees associated with opening or maintaining an account. Revolut Just like Wise, Revolut too won’t ask you to visit a branch or bury you in paperwork. Opening an account in Revolut takes just less than a few minutes, and you can do everything straight from your phone. With Revolut, you can send and receive money in 30+ currencies with no hidden fees. Plus, transfers are almost always instant and free between Revolut friends anywhere in the world! Additionally, Revolut offers to fix you up with discounts and cashback offers from your favourite brands, so you can save when you spend. You just need to use your Revolut card when you shop. Revolut also offers splitting of bills with anyone, even if they’re not on Revolut. You just need to enter the numbers and Revolut will do the math. You can split bills from restaurant to rent. PS : All of the above new generation banks offer English support and their apps are available in English as well. Account opening and processes are also rather simple compared to the traditional banks. However, when it comes to loans and other services, the traditional banks still standout! Make sure you check the details of the services offered that suit your requirements before fixing one. Traditional German Banking system in Germany Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Postbank, and Targobank are one of the major and oldest private banks in Germany. They operate nationally with their wide and vast branches. By opening an account with them, you can also avail their non-banking services like real estate and investment banking too. PS : While the banks are still developing, most of them are still running the old style banking and English support cannot be expected always. Especially when it comes to customer care and product detailing. Cooperative banks Banks like Sparkasse and Volksbank are local banks focused on local investments and small and medium-sized businesses. Their advertisements and branding might give you an image that they are a single organization. However, each regional bank operates as a separate entity. One of the major benefits for you would be the availability of branches even in the rural areas! Opening the bank account (traditional) In general, the process of opening a private current account / Girokonto in any of these banks is similar. You start with getting an appointment either online or by calling the branch nearest to you. You then visit the branch and meet your point of contact. They’ll then help you fill out the forms and get your signature and other supporting documents (check below). You should get a notification by mail or post in the next couple of days. Many of the traditional banks now offer the options to fill the application form online. Once done, you’ll get a form which you have to take out to your nearest post office / DHL center along with the supporting documents to verify your identity (Postident). Once done, you’ll get a notification by mail or post in the next couple of days. Nowadays, you also get the possibility of confirming your identity either by a video chat. Opening the bank account (new gen) Simply head over to the Appstore or Playstore. Download the app of the bank of your choice. Sign up or create a new account. Enter the details and upload your ID card. mostly, the your ID verification will be done during the sign up process by a video call or a software algorithm. Thats it! you have your German bank account ready! Documents required While different banks ask you to provide different documents, some of the common ones are Passport or photo identity card (not a driving license) Certificate of registration Visa or residence permit Some banks require you to maintain a minimum balance. Therefore, you might have to submit your pay slips or an employment contract. If your bank has a minimum income requirement you may also have to provide proof of income with pay slips or an employment contract. Online banking While most of the banks offer online banking by default and share the required details as soon as your account is created, you might need to contact their customer care in some rare cases. As you might have read already above, most traditional banks do not offer internet banking services in English. Be sure to check this information on the bank's website or ask the staff when you visit the branch for account opening. Few terms to help you with banking in Germany. Giropay Giropay is an Internet payment System in Germany, based on online banking. This payment method allows customers to buy securely on the Internet using direct online transfers from their bank account. Girocard Girocard is an interbank network and debit card service connecting virtually all German ATMs and banks. It is based on standards and agreements developed by the German Banking Industry Committee SEPA SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is an initiative of the European Union. It exists to check and improve the bank transfers of euros of cross-border payments. Using your IBAN, you can pay or receive money to any account located in the SEPA. IBAN International Bank Account Number - IBAN is a unique number that identifies your country and bank and account number in a way that can be understood by financial institutions worldwide. Your IBAN will be included on any correspondence you receive from your German bank. You can also find it in your bank card.

Medical emergencies can be unpredictable, and when they strike during non-working hours, it's reassuring to know that Germany has a range of options to provide you with the care you need. Whether your emergency is urgent but not life-threatening or requires immediate attention, this guide will help you navigate the healthcare system in Germany during non-working hours How to handle a medical emergency situation If you have a serious medical emergency (such as a heart attack, or you cut yourself seriously), dial 112 for an ambulance. They will take you to the nearest hospital’s emergency department. Non working hours If you are in need of medical support in the non working hours (e.g. if you are sick, but not in need of an ambulance and it's 2 in the midnight), Call your house doctor or GP at first. They usually have the IVR (Interactive Voice Response) set up to answer such calls to give the contact details of the doctor on call. You can dial 116 117 for a non-emergency doctor. The helpline is available 24 / 7 including public holidays. Alternatively visit https://www.116117.de/ to find a local surgeon who offers emergency services. Apotheke (pharmacy) in the out of service hours If you urgently need any medicines or need a prescription, find an emergency pharmacy by calling 0800 002 28 33 from a landline or 22 8 33 from a mobile.

There are hundreds of insurances available in Germany in different categories. Being an expat, these numerous types could confuse you. In this article, we detail some useful insurances for you. Being insured is one of the key elements to consider during our lifetime. In Germany, you’ll have to decide what kind of insurance you will need while living here as the insurance companies offer many varieties of insurance. The many options of insurance tend to confuse expats generally while thinking about which all insurances should you invest on. The key is that while you should not be over insured, you have to make sure that you are not under insured too. Thankfully, most of the insurance companies offer packages to expats towards their specific requirements. Which are the mandatory insurances in Germany? Health insurance Krankenversicherung or health insurance is mandatory in Germany no matter if you are a tourist or resident here. There are both public and private health insurances available. You will be anyway covered by the state health insurance / gesetzliche krankenversicherung – GKV if you work in Germany. However, you should have at least €4950 to €59400 of income per annum (not for self-employed people). In Germany, the employers usually cover 50% of the health insurance premium. Private health insurance or private krankenversicherung – PKV is also available for those who are not entitled to GKV or if you prefer to get private insurance. Few large health insurance companies in Germany are Allianz, AXA, etc. Arbeitsversicherung or Labor Insurance Sozialversicherungsbeiträge or social security contributions is something you pay automatically if you work in Germany. This will cover your Unemployment insurance (arbeitslosenversicherung) – This entitles you to the unemployment benefits if you become jobless and you meet certain criterias. The premium is shared by the employer and the employee. Statutory pension insurance (rentenversicherung) – This goes to your state pension account. Statutory accident insurance (gesetzliche unfallversicherung) – this employer paid insurance is to take care of your treatments for any accidents or illness occurred during or related to your work. Motor insurance Motor insurance or Kfz versicherung or autoversicherung is a mandatory insurance for all drivers in Germany. During the registration process of a motor vehicle, you must present a proof of motor insurance in Germany. Only then the Tüf / motor vehicles department issues a license plate to you. The premium of the insurance depends on the coverages you opt for. Third-party liability (haftpflicht), Partial coverage (teilkasko) or Comprehensive coverage (vollkasko) are the commonly available options. The premium also depends on the age of the driver, driving experience, driving record, and the depreciation value of your vehicle. AXA, Allianz, and HDI are few front liners in this area. Use the comparison tools provided by check24.de to have a meaningful comparison. Good to have insurances House Insurance or hausratversicherung House insurance is nice to have if you are living in a rental apartment / house that is furnished; which is a common scenario for expats in Germany. This covers damages to the properties in your house such as fire, water damages, theft, etc. While the costs may vary depending on the size of the house and the appliances you have in your house, many companies offer a package to expats on a rather cheap cost. Entry level policies should not cost you more than €50 a year. Personal liability insurance or Private haftpflichtversicherung It's better to think about this not so expensive insurance if you live in Germany. This is to cover injury or damage to third parties or to their properties. According to the German laws, there is no limit set for the amount a person can claim against you. The personal liability insurance helps you prevent such unexpected risks and following financial harm! Usually, personal liability insurance should not cost you 60 - 100 € yearly. Personal accident insurance While the mandatory accident insurance is paid by the state in Germany, the coverage is limited to accidents that happen at or on the way to / from the workplace. The insurance covers the injuries that happen out of work. It is a popular insurance in Germany. This insurance covers the long term disabilities caused by an accident. The costs may include, care charges or modifications to your home or vehicle. However, It doesn’t include loss of job, which is usually covered by the Occupational Disability Insurance. In this insurance different body parts are valued differently. While the loss of a finger is valued 10% approx. the loss of sight of both the eyes may be valued 100%. This differ by the insurance company and the policy scheme Occupational disability insurance or berufsunfähigkeit This covers income loss if you are no longer able to work due to an injury caused by an accident. If you live in Germany for a certain period of time and pay into a pension, you should be able to claim a erwerbsminderungsrente or disability pension. The insurance companies that offer private occupational disability insurance generally offer more coverage. The premiums are based on the age, type of work and the risks associated with it. Legal insurance or rechtsschutzversicherung Legal insurance covers legal costs such as a lawyer and court fees. In Germany, the court fees and related costs can be very high. This is an insurance you must consider if you like to avoid huge legal bills. The premiums start from €150 to €300+ per annum for the comprehensive coverage. Finally, this is Germany and there are many more insurances from pet insurance to gadget insurance. It is your choice to choose the best that suits your requirement. Since, adding the premiums together would be a not so cheap amount from your monthly salary, it's up to you which one you should choose. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi