Author: Get In Expat

tips in Germany for Expats in Germany

Expats in Germany: 10 Tips for a successful move in Germany

Posted on | by Get In Expat

10 Tips for a successful move for Expats in Germany

After a while in a new country, you always think “If I had had this advice sooner…” Here is the list of 10 tips in Germany that every Expat should know before moving to Germany.

Tip 1: Get your documents ready
Tip 2: Choose your health insurance
Tip 3: Book a temporary home
Tip 4: Start learning German
Tip 5: Know your net salary
Tip 6: If you have children
Tip 7: Save a budget for the 1st month
Tip 8: Book an appointment for the Anmeldung
Tip 9: Join Expats groups on social networks
Tip 10: Start to read about Germany

Tip 11 bonus at the end 👇

documents germany

Tips in Germany n°1: Get your documents ready

Germany is probably the most “Process” driven country that I have lived.

The good thing:

  • you know what you have to do and there are no surprises

The difficult thing:

  • you have to do all the paperwork and there is no way to avoid it!

So, our best tip to Expats is to have your paperwork ready before moving to Germany.

Which documents do you need?

  • Visa: this may sound obvious but we must insist on this, don’t come to Germany without your work visa issued, it will not work
  • Passport/ID: 
    • If you are not from EU, have your passport with you, we recommend you renew it if it’s less than 6 months
    • If you are from EU, your ID is enough
  • Marriage or couple certificate:
    • If you are married or in a couple with a formal life partner certificate, ensure you have a certificate from the relevant issuing city
    • A certified German translation is necessary
      • If you were married in the EU, be aware there is an EU regulation which gives you the right to ask for a multilingual certificate for free
      • If you are not from the EU, you will need to arrange an official translation.
      • Try Lingoking, the online certified translations service
  • For children, a birth certificate is necessary:

health insurance germany

Tips in Germany n°2: Choose your health insurance before moving to Germany

The Health insurance system in Germany is one of the best in the world.

That said, you have to choose between various systems (public or private) depending on your profile and salary.

Often Expats in Germany think that they need to wait until they arrive to start the process. However this is not the case, and our tip is to start before moving to Germany.

Why?

  • you cannot be paid without registering a health insurance
  • it could take more than a week to get your social security number

Try Feather, the 100% online and in English insurance broker focuses on Expats in Germany

home search germany

Tips in Germany n°3: Book a temporary home

Moving to a new country implies many challenges.  And one of the most notable for Expats in Germany is finding a home.

Why?

Because the rental market in Germany is very tense, particularly in big cities like Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. There is high demand and low supply.

Also, much of the market is online and landlords prefer to see and meet people physically.

So how is it possible when you’re not yet in the country?

Our tip is to rent a temporary home, either a serviced apartment or a furnished short term let.

It will give you time to familiarize yourself with the new city and it removes the pressure to have an address within 14 days for the Anmeldung.

 

learn german

Tips in Germany n°4: Start learning German

Many Expats in Germany move without knowing the language.  Generally speaking however, you don’t need it to work.

But even if Germans are known to speak very good English, they appreciate when foreigners speak their language. It facilitates your integration and also your day to day challenges.

Today with the technology available , you can start learning before moving to Germany through many different channels:

salary germany

Tips in Germany n°5: Know your net salary

Before moving, it’s advisable to evaluate your monthly budget and cost of living in Germany.

Generally, you will be advised on your gross salary by your company , higher than in other European countries, however they don’t tell you about your net salary.

Your net salary depends on various factors in Germany:

  • Your health insurance rate
  • Your tax category
  • The number of children you have
  • If you have any advantages like a car or a company allowance

You also need to take into consideration State allowances you are eligible for (like the Kindergeld) or Tax exemptions you may have (with day care for example)

Our tip here is to ask your company HR to provide you a net salary simulation.

You can also use an online tool to help you.

germany with children

Tips in Germany n°6: if you have children

Of course, if you have children, one of your key challenges is to understand the German education system, know which school you should choose for your children and when to start the process.

<6 years old: Children go to KITA system either Creche or Kindergarten

These schools are mainly public so you need to register before the beginning of the school year (August).

This process depends on each city so if you don’t know where you will live, it could be difficult to manage this before moving to Germany.

Our tip here is to at least register and begin the process in the city you expect to live in. Check this blog article from our friend and kita expert Sandra.

>6 years old: private or public school…

from age 6, a child in Germany starts Grundschule.

Predominantly you have a public school system in Germany but if you would like to keep your children’s mother tongue; as a lot of Expats in Germany do; take a look at the international or bilingual schools of your target region.

Take into consideration that you can have a Tax return at the end of the year from the Tax Office if your children are at a private school

If you have children, don’t forget also to apply to the Kindergeld, from your 1st child.

money germany

Tips in Germany n°7: Save a budget for the 1st month living in Germany

This tip may sound obvious but a lot of Expats in Germany don’t consider this in advance and they lose home opportunities.

What to consider:

  • Home: 1st month rental and â…” months deposit
  • Furniture: buying new furniture
  • School entrance fees

anmeldung germany

Tips in Germany n°8: Book an appointment for the Anmeldung before arriving

Once you have booked your temporary home, book an appointment for the Anmeldung as early as you can.

Why?

Because the Anmeldung is the key to everything:

  • Getting paid
  • Opening a bank account
  • Getting your Tax ID
  • Finalizing your Health insurance
  • Access to any local public service like Garbage (dechetterie)

social network germany

Tips in Germany n°9: Join “Expats in Germany” social networks groups

Joining social network groups for Expats in Germany is a good way to start understanding your new life in Germany as an Expat!

You can get first hand information about your new city and get some tips from others who have been in your situation.

It’s a good way to socialize, start making friends and learn about what living in Germany sounds like.

Of course, if you want to socialize with locals, this is not the place

Join Get In Expat groups in Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin

book germany

Tips in Germany n°10: Start to read about Germany, its culture and way of life…

After almost 2 years in Germany, it’s clear to me that I didn’t really know Germany before moving.

I was full of clichés:

The truth is Germany is a great country to live in. Once you understand the mindset, it’s a country with a lot of opportunities and with a nice balanced lifestyle and a high quality of life.

Bonus Tip in Germany n°11: ask for the support of Move-In !

The bonus tip: ask for help from our Move-In team when moving to Germany

With online tools and relocation packages, we are here to make your relocation to Germany a successful one!

 

With these tips, enjoy you move to Germany!

Transparency: this article contains affiliation links from our partners for Expats in Germany. If you click on one of their links and register a service with them, we earn a commission but there is no additional cost to you,

certified translations in Germany

Certified translations in Germany in 2022

Posted on | by Get In Expat

Certified translations in Germany in 2022

In Germany, official documents that have been issued with a stamp or signature by a foreign authority usually have to be translated by a certified translator. These documents only acquire legal validity through the attestation clause and the signature of the translator. This certification, which confirms the accuracy of the translation, may only be carried out by a court-certified translator.

In Germany, on the other hand, any public body using an official seal may issue official certifications, but this does not apply to certified translations. If you want these documents to be recognised outside Germany, you should ask the relevant foreign authorities whether a certified translation is required.

Here is an overview of which German authorities issue certifications:

  • Governments / consulate (incl. apostille)
  • Courts (incl. apostille)
  • Notaries
  • City halls / citizens’ offices
  • Local mayors
  • County administrations
  • Parish offices

What you should pay attention to as a private person or company when you have to present official foreign documents in Germany. You can find out who is allowed to translate your official documents and when authentication is required in the following article.

Content

  • 1. Where are certified translations needed?
  • 2. Certified translations in Germany — Who needs it?
  • 3. Which documents need to be certified?
  • 4. Who is allowed to issue certified translations?
  • 5. The authentication: apostille & legalisation?
  • 6. Helpful tips to keep in mind.

Where are certified translations needed?

Certified translations in Germany are always required when documents are to acquire legal validity. This applies in particular to contracts, but also to official documents or certificates. These certified translated documents must be presented to the authorities or offices upon request. Consequently, it always makes sense to enquire with the relevant authority/office whether a certified translation is desired and/or required.

Here are a few examples of which institutes and offices require certified translations from you:

  • Federal Employment Agency “Arbeitsamt”
  • City halls
  • Courts & public prosecution
  • Registry office
  • Citizen’s Office
  • Universities
  • Foreigners authority

Certified translations in Germany — Who needs it?

Persons who wish to study or marry in Germany require an officially sworn translator who has been sworn in for their specific national language before a German court in order to submit their documents. When looking for a flat or a job, it can also be advantageous to carry certified translations (confirmation of registration, certificates, etc.) as proof, even if this is not required by official bodies. As a rule of thumb, however: All foreign persons staying in Germany for longer than 6 months (study, work, etc.) should seek appropriate certified translations.

    • People who wish to live and work permanently in Germany (> 6 months)
    • Persons who wish to transact contractual fixed transactions in Germany
    • People who would like to receive medical treatment in Germany
    • Car and driving licence holders who are permanently resident in Germany

Which documents require a certified translation?

As described at the beginning, as a rule all officially issued documents bearing an official stamp or signature must be translated by an officially sworn translator. You can find a complete overview of the most important documents you should certify here:(https://www.lingoking.com/de/uebersetzungen/beglaubigte-uebersetzungen)

Who may issue certified translations?

In Germany, a certified translation may only be carried out by publicly appointed and sworn translators. They confirm the accuracy of the translation with their signature, stamp and a certification note and guarantee that it corresponds to the original. The authenticity is therefore legally binding. Only about 3% of translators are sworn in by the courts. So find out in advance whether the translator meets the set criteria and, if in doubt, ask to see the translator’s certification for the language in question.

The Authentication: Apostille & Legalisation.

An apostille confirms the authenticity of the signature/seal of the signatory (not the actual document). Some official documents only receive legal force through this apostille. Apostilles can only be issued by governments and courts. Official documents from abroad are generally only accepted by German authorities if they have been legalised by the consulate of the country concerned. This authentication procedure of official deeds and documents was laid down in the Hague Convention of 1961.

Résumé and helpful tips to keep in mind.

  • 1. Enquire in advance at the relevant authority whether a certified translation of your documents is necessary.
  • 2. Rely on professional translators & agencies.
  • Allow some processing time. Certified translations must be in the original and thus sent by post.
  • If your document has been issued by a court or government and there is an authentication, this must also be translated.

The author “Florian Mayerhoffer” I Head of Marketing @lingoking
https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-mayerhoffer/
Florian — Head of Marketing at lingoking since 2020 — is responsible for building up the brand & marketing department and the external presentation of the “lingoking” brand. Under the slogan “Push The boundaries”, he wants to use lingoking not only to promote more tolerance and diversity in society, but also to help people overcome boundaries and realise their dreams and success stories all over the world.

The brand “lingoking” — The first delivery platform for translations
https://www.lingoking.com/en
lingoking is the first translation delivery service. Our digital and web-based ordering system allows for quick booking of professional language services. For worldwide on-site appointments as well as ordering
written translations from all over the world — officially recognised, seo-optimised and approved for all target countries.

 

Transparency: this article was written by Lingoking one of our German partners for Expats. If you click on one of their links and make a certified translation with them, we earn a commission but there is no additional cost to you,

health insurance in Germany

Health Insurance in Germany – In 7 key points

Posted on | by Get In Expat

Learn about Health Insurance in Germany in 7 key questions – 2023

Today I am writing an article about the most frequently asked questions regarding health insurance in Germany. It is a thing in Germany, because it is mandatory to have insurance.  In other words, every person who lives in Germany must be insured. 

Firstly, let me introduce myself. My name is Liza, and I have been working for the largest health insurance company, Techniker Krankenkasse (short TK), since 2016.  Secondly, my job is to help customers get settled and understand our health insurance. 

TK is not only one of the largest insurances, but also one of the best. We have around 11 million customers across the country.  However, what sets us apart is that we provide many of our services in English. The reason for this is, we know that the health care terms can be difficult to understand – even for some Germans it is not that easy. 

So, you are faced with the issue of getting in touch with an insurance company, if you want to get settled. 

I collected and answered the most common questions I get asked. If you still have questions, I will be happy to help! 

1. How does the German social security system work? 

The German social security system is one of the most efficient in the world. As mentioned before, everyone who lives here must be insured. 

Social insurance system is based on five pillars:

  • Health insurance
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Pension insurance
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Accident insurance

It is based on the solidarity principle, meaning that the contributions are paid in accordance to one’s own financial capacity. Important to note, regardless of how much you pay everyone receives the same benefits, given they meet the requirements. 

As an employee half the contributions will be paid by your employer and half by yourself. And in most circumstances it will be taken directly from your salary.

As an unemployed person, we can check if you can be insured together with your spouse or whether you must pay for the health insurance and long-term care insurance separately. 

In some situations, you can choose between a private or public health insurance. 

First, it is only necessary to know that in the social security system you can only choose your health insurance. All other insurances are mandatory. If desired, they can be topped up with private supplementary insurance.

2. What are the differences between private and statutory public health insurance in Germany?

For public (statutory) health insurance we have the principle of solidarity, which means that all members are entitled to the same benefits, regardless of their income and how high their contributions are. The services and benefits can vary between the insurances, but 80% of them are the same.

For private health insurance in Germany, you get insured in accordance to your personal risk. And the more you pay, the better you are covered. For you as an employee, there is an income threshold in order to join a private insurance.   As of 2023, this is an annual salary of 66,600 euros. If you are self-employed or unemployed without any statutory support, you can also be insured as a privately insured person. 

To apply for private health insurance in Germany, you need a health examination and the contributions can then be raised depending on your health status. Treatments can be excluded or your membership fails, because of your health.  

Switching to private health insurance is easy but coming back to public health insurance is difficult. Please keep this in mind when making your decision.

3. What do I have to do, if I get ill (as a publicly insured person)? 

If you have something like a flu, you can visit your general practitioner. If specialist treatment is needed and/or further treatments are necessary, they will give you a “Ăśberweisung” (prescription). With this you can make an appointment with a specialist. 

If you normally go to a doctor, you present your health card. You will get the card at the beginning of your membership

What do I have to do, if I need to go to a hospital? 

If your general practitioner gives you the advice, you will also be given a referral. And in an emergency call the ambulance or go there by yourself. 

Personal Contribution must be paid, but only 10 euros per day 

4. What happens if I get “krankgeschrieben” (you are written off work)?

Normally you can stay at home for two days without sick leave. But you must inform your employer and ask them if there are any special rules. On the 3rd day you will need to see a doctor and get a sick note (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung).

Usually, your employer pays you the salary until the 6th week of sickness. They just continue to pay your salary. 

After that the health insurance will pay you sick pay. However in order to receive this we always need an official sick note. And, it is very important to see the doctor, as the latter transmits the data on incapacity for work electronically to TK. 

5. Why do so many specialists or doctors not accept new patients? 

This is really an issue within the German health care system itself, many of the doctors are kind of overloaded. We offer an Appointment Service as a solution, where we will arrange appointments for you. 

You can also search with the TK-Doctor-Guide for specialists, that tool also lists the language spoken or language you require. 

If it is urgent or an accident, you can always go to the hospital. They will have some specialists on call and on duty. 

6. I don’t have a German address yet; can I apply for health insurance without that? 

Yes, you can. Your membership will begin with the start of your employment.  However, it is recommended to have interim insurance for the time between your arrival and when you begin your employment. 

To start the registration process with TK, follow this link and send me a mail to follow up.

If you do not have a German address at the time of your registration, it is best to enter the address of your employer. Please let them know so that they can keep the letters for you until you arrive here.

 If you have a permanent address please send us the “Einwohnermeldeamtsbestätigung” as soon as possible.

7. How does it work with couples? Do they go onto the same insurance?

We will gladly check whether your spouse or children can be insured with the health insurance free of charge. However please be aware there are some requirements that must be met.
For example, they may only have a low income or no income at all, age limits for children vary between 18 and 25 years depending on their situation. They must also stay with you in Germany. 

If your spouse is also working in Germany he/she needs their own membership. 

For unmarried partners or parents of the member it is not possible to be included on the noncontributory dependents insurance. We will gladly check if they can be insured with statutory insurance. 

So, these are the most frequently asked questions that I encounter in my work. 

I hope I was able to give you a good overview of how the health care system in Germany works and clarify your initial questions. 

I wish you that you arrive well in Germany and find your way around. 

Transparency: this article was written by TK, one of our German health insurance partners. If you click on one of their links and register an insurance with them, we earn a commission but there is no additional cost to you.

Learn German with a podcast

Learn German: podcasts 2022 review

Posted on | by Get In Expat

The top 8 podcasts to learn German in 2022

Undoubtedly, to learn any language, one has to learn the basics of grammar rules and plenty of new words.

Unfortunately, this is often not enough.  And generally speaking, the best way to improve your level is to listen to natives speaking.

And there are many options to do this:

  • watch a movie or a TV show in its original version
  • listen to a specific radio program
  • podcasts

However, consider the following advantages podcasts dedicated to German language have over a TV show or even a German course:

  • you can choose the duration you went to spend on it
  • you can choose a podcast based on your level
  • you can listen to the podcast anywhere and anytime
  • podcasts are free, you don’t have to pay any additional fee

Below we’ve listed the top 8 and best rated podcasts, available on the main streaming platforms

 

Learn German with a podcast

Easy German

Level: Intermediate

Duration: 30-40 minutes

Availability: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Deezer

Number of episodes: 263 (and follow)

Description: 

The format is similar to a radio show, where 2 speakers have a discussion around a topic concerning Germany: politics, social, cultural. 

It helps you deal with different kind of German accents.

Website: easygerman.org/podcast

Learn German with a podcast

Coffee Break German

Level: for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced

Duration: 25-30 minutes

Availability: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Deezer

Number of episodes: 127 (and follow)

Description: 

This is a pretty big collection of podcasts for different levels, giving you the opportunity to progress along with the podcast.

Outside of the 3 levels available for each episode, there are also a collection of podcasts about travelling within Germany and longer magazines episodes (~ 40 minutes) that have in depth discussions on historical, geographical or cultural topics in the DACH region.

Website: https://coffeebreaklanguages.com/coffeebreakgerman/

Learn German with a podcast

Slow German 

Level: Intermediate

Duration: 5-10 minutes

Availability: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Deezer

Number of episodes: 244 (and follow)

Description: 

This podcast is hosted by one unique voice: Annik Rubens.

One of the main advantages of this podcast is the duration, the episodes are short and less than 10 minutes long.

It covers a vast and varied topic range, from everyday German life to telling a story.

The full transcript, in German, is available with each episode.

Website: https://slowgerman.com/inhaltsverzeichnis/

Learn German with a podcast

Learn German by Podcast

Level: Beginners

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Availability: Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts

Number of episodes: 20

Description: 

This podcast has only 20 episodes, so what’s the point?

Well I found this podcast a really good introduction to the German language for beginners, especially for learning the basics when you are new in Germany.  Buying or ordering something, asking a question, talking about yourself…

If you want to start learning German in a relaxed manner, this podcast is for you!

Website: https://learngermanbypodcast.com/

Learn German with a podcast

Authentic German Learning

Level: Beginners

Duration: 5-25 minutes

Availability: Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify

Number of episodes: 87

Description: 

This podcast is very different from the others: not really organized by theme. 

The idea is to take you through typical German words, expressions or proverbs.

This podcast could be a good addition to your weekly or daily German lessons, in a relaxed way!

Website: https://www.authenticgermanlearning.com/alt-home/

Learn German with a podcast

Audio Tutor Learning German Deutsch Welle

Level: From beginners

Duration: 5 minutes

Availability: Apple Podcast, Google Podcast

Number of episodes: 100

Description: 

Who doesn’t know Deutsche Welle, the international German TV channel ?

This podcast is clearly a very good one for those who want to learn German but don’t take any German courses. This is not a podcast focused on listening, but rather focused on learning all key German grammar rules and vocabulary (A1 to A2 level).

Website: https://www.dw.com/en/audio-tutor-learning-german/a-6653471

Learn German with a podcast

News in Slow German

Level: For Beginners and intermediate

Duration: 5-30 minutes

Availability: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast

Number of episodes: 290 (and follow)

Description: 

Want to have your weekly news review and learn German at the same time?  This is the objective of the podcast and they offer it in 2 levels, beginners and intermediate.

Website: https://www.newsinslowgerman.com/

Learn German with a podcast

Learn German GermanPod 101

Level: Beginner to advanced

Duration: 5-15 minutes

Availability: Apple Podcast, Google Podcast

Number of episodes: 64 (and follow)

Description: 

This podcast talks about various topics for almost all levels. 

It really focuses on vocabulary and day to day situations.  An interesting thing to note is that you have the transcript in English during the podcast.

Website: https://www.germanpod101.com/index.php

 

Have you tried other podcasts ?

➡ Share your experience with us.

 

Need some help on your day to day life in Germany?

➡Try our WikiMove service which can support understanding German documents and taking appointments.

Kindergeld in Germany

Top 5 points about Kindergeld in Germany: 2023 guide

Posted on | by Get In Expat

Top 5 points about Kindergeld in Germany in 2023

As a family, Kindergeld (“Child Benefit” or “Child Allowance”) is probably the second word you hear after Anmeldung when you move to Germany.

What is Kindergeld ?

Kindergeld is the child benefit system in Germany.

Every family, from their first child and whatever their income, can apply for the Kindergeld and receive this child benefit.

The Kindergeld is paid monthly for each child by the Familienkasse (the family benefits office).

Who can get the Kindergeld in Germany?

Any citizen living in Germany (whatever her/his nationality) and having at least one child.
In the general case, your child must be under 18 years old.
Between 18 and 25 years old, some conditions must be met: use our tool or contact your family benefits office to check.

How to apply for Kindergeld in Germany ?

You just moved to Germany ?
The best way to apply for Child Benefit is to use our tool. Take a look to this 2 minutes demo and apply.

How much is Kindergeld ?

Each year, the Kindergeld amount could change.
In 2023, the child allowance is 250€/month (no matter the number of children)

When to apply for Kindergeld ?

You are new in Germany:

  • if you come from EU country, you can apply once you’ve done your Anmeldung

  • If you come from another country, you have to wait until you have obtained your resident permit

You are already in Germany and your child has just been born, you must wait for the birth certificate.

Have in mind that you have up to 6 months to apply once moving to Germany to get the full child benefit from your date of arrival.

Where to apply for the Kindergeld ?

The Kindergeld has to be sent to your local FamilienKasse.

Find the address here: https://web.arbeitsagentur.de/portal/metasuche/suche/dienststellen?volltext=eschborn&in=familienkassen

dental insurance

Dental Insurance in Germany

Posted on | by Get In Expat

Dental Insurance in Germany

 

Why isn’t dental covered by public health insurance?

After moving to Germany and hearing about how excellent the health insurance system is, you might be wondering why, after your yearly dental check-up, you were hit with a bill ranging from €100 to €120 if you’re young, healthy and don’t have cavities. Otherwise, you could expect at least €150 to €300 for a cavity with quality filling that lasts longer and matches the color of your teeth. If you’re really unlucky, you’ll have advanced tooth decay that requires you to get a crown – that’s at least €600 if you don’t care about the quality. 

So, you’re probably asking yourself now: shouldn’t public health insurance cover the cost of dental care? Well, it’s actually optional and needs to be added to your public health insurance. 

 

What is actually covered by public health insurance and what additional coverage do I get with dental insurance in Germany?

With public health insurance, you’ll have the basics covered to make sure you stay in good health. That means basic anesthetics for procedures, fillings for cavities and similar procedures. What isn’t covered is what most people would consider to be the essentials like high quality fillings that match the color of your teeth, modern anesthetics like nitrous oxide and dental cleanings. 

 

Advantages of dental insurance?

  1. Comprehensive dental coverage

    • If you plan on going to the dentist more than once per year, it’s less expensive than a dental insurance plan!

  2. Routine maintenance and cosmetic care

    • Having a nice smile can make or break someone’s confidence, and just having the option to have routine maintenance and cosmetic care is a huge weight off many people’s shoulders.

  3. Low cost

    • It’s about the same cost as having a family Netflix or Spotify account (that’s for the advanced plan too). 

  4. English signup & lifetime support

    • Not everyone has time to learn German before going to the dentist. That’s why we’ll handle all the German paperwork for you.

 

You can see the table below for more information:dental insurance

 

When does it make sense to get dental insurance in Germany?

  1. You care about healthy teeth and gums
    • If you plan to go to the dentist every year for more than one routine check-up, cleaning or other dental care, you should get dental insurance. 
  2. You want quality care that public insurance won’t cover 
    • Most quality dental care isn’t covered by public insurance. This includes quality fillings and cleanings. 
  3. You want to whiten your teeth 
    • Our dental insurance plan is more comprehensive than others because it provides €200 every two years on teeth whitening. 
  4. You want to skip the line
    • With a dental insurance plan, you no longer have to wait for treatments.
  5. You’re 35 or older
    • As you get older, the risk of dental problems increases rapidly – even if you’ve had perfect teeth until this point, it’s almost impossible to avoid certain issues.

 

Who is eligible for dental insurance and how much does it cost?

Almost everyone is eligible for dental insurance (as long as you’re on public insurance). Just make sure that you are only missing three teeth maximum when signing up since you’re no longer eligible for dental insurance at four missing teeth. 

For advanced dental care, the cost of coverage also increases each year with a maximum cost of coverage for those aged +61. For insurers, this allows people who are older to get more coverage for things like crowns and quality tooth replacement solutions which can range anywhere from €500 for a basic metal crown to €2,000 for a quality dental crown matching the colour of your teeth. 

 

How do I file a claim?

You’ll first need to go to the dentist and have the procedure. You’ll get the bill afterwards and pay for it out of your own bank account. Once you’re home, you’ll just need to take a picture of the bill with your phone before uploading it to the claims screen in your account. 

Since dental insurance is used by so many people, the claim processing time can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks even with our dental partners who are ranked as some of the fastest dental insurance providers in Germany. 

Still, considering a cleaning is about an average of €120 and dental insurance being only €9 per month, you’re still saving money long-term even for the most basic yearly cleaning.

 

Frequently asked questions:

  • Is there a network of dentists I have to choose from?
    • No, you can go to any dentist and simply file a claim afterwards.
  • Is there a waiting period for receiving dental treatment?
    • No, there’s no waiting period for receiving treatments like cleanings, so you can start receiving treatment right away. Please note that your policy will not cover any ongoing procedures.
  • Are there any limits on the amount of dental care you can receive?
    • Yes, there are limits on a few services, which you can see in the treatment cost table. 
    • For example, there’s a 90% limit on the reimbursement you can receive for tooth replacements, which is only available when you use Feather Advanced.
  • Does dental insurance in Germany cover root canals?
    • Yes, dental insurance covers root canals up to €150 in the first year and up to €300 in the first two years combined with no limit after that.
  • Does dental insurance in Germany cover crowns?
    • Yes, our Advanced dental insurance plan covers up to 90% of the cost of crowns, bridges, implants, inlays, onlays, dentures, and other replacement procedures for up to €1,500 in the first year, €3,000 in the first two years combined, €4,500 in the first three years combined, €6,000 in the first four years combined. After the first four years, there is no limit. 
    • For crowns, if you received it five years ago, you can have work done after being a policyholder for two years. 
  • Does dental insurance in Germany cover fillings?
    • Yes, dental insurance covers high-quality, cosmetically perfect composite fillings for up to €150 in the first year and up to €300 in the first two years combined with no limit after that. 
    • In comparison, public insurance only provides basic fillings for back teeth that wouldn’t necessarily match your tooth’s color. Public insurance also only covers high-quality, cosmetic fillings for your front four teeth.
  • Does dental insurance in Germany cover repairs in case of an accident?
    • Yes, our Advanced dental insurance plan covers up to 90% of the cost of repairing teeth in the event of an accident. 
    • In comparison, public insurance will only cover about 50% of the total repair cost in the case of an accident.
  • Does dental insurance in Germany cover orthodontic treatment?
    • Yes, dental insurance will cover the cost of orthodontic treatments if you’re under 21, up to €150 in the first year and €300 in the first two calendar years combined.
    • In case of an accident, your insurance will cover all your orthodontic costs but won’t cover any existing orthodontic treatments or hardware.
  • Does dental insurance in Germany cover mouthguards?
    • Yes, dental insurance will cover mouthguards to protect against bruxism, or teeth-grinding.
  • Does dental insurance in Germany cover pre-existing treatments?
    • No, dental insurance won’t cover pre-existing or ongoing treatments, issues, or complaints. It may also be difficult to get dental insurance if you’re already missing many teeth.
  • What are the benefits of good oral health?
    • Good oral health and hygiene are not only important for maintaining beautiful teeth and gums but for your overall health. 
    • Research shows that good oral health positively impacts your overall well-being, and a dentist can detect signs of over 120 diseases during an oral exam.

Transparency: this article was written by Feather, one of our German insurance partner for Expats. If you click in one of their links and register an insurance with them, we earn a commission but there is no additional cost to you,

Visa in Germany

Visa in Germany: your 2023 guide to choosing the right visa for your profile

Posted on | by Get In Expat

How to choose your Visa in Germany

Moving to Germany 

One of the most important topics to consider before moving is whether you will need a visa to live or work in that particular country i.e. Germany .

As a Mexican, I can really identify with the relevance and importance of this topic. Being a citizen of a country that does not belong to the EU or the Schengen area implies many more administrative and bureaucratic procedures. With that being said, whilst it may be a difficult process, it is not an impossible one!

Germany offers various types of visas for various circumstances.  German visas range from student ones to visas that allow you to be an entrepreneur in Germany.

Once you know which visa applies to your case, you can then start the visa application process.

Let’s start to define the following points:

Do I need a visa in Germany?

Whether you need a visa to enter Germany depends on your nationality

EU passport holder and citizens of the Schengen area do not require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany. They only need to do the Anmeldung within the first fourteen days of their arrival to Germany 

What kind of visa do I need?

Short stay Schengen visa.

A short stay visa is required if you wish to stay in Germany or in the Schengen area for a period of up to 90 days for a visit, tourist, business or medical treatment. (See table countries who need visa)

The following nationalities require an Entry Visa (Schengen visa) for short stays (see table)

visa in germany

*The visa waiver applies to SAR passports holders(Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Region passports).
These may not remain on German territory for more than 90 days in any six month period.
Nor may they take up gainful employment whilst here.

 

If your country is NOT on the list of nationalities listed in the above table that require a Schengen short stay visa, then you can travel to Germany without a visa and stay for up to 90 days (within a 180 day period). If you want to stay longer than 90 days in Germany then you will need to start a visa application for a long-term stay visa.

Furthermore, for a Schengen visa application, every applicant must submit proof of medical travel insurance that covers the entire duration of their stay in Europe.

 

Airport Transit Visa (Category A)

Citizens of certain countries require an airport transit visa when flying via Germany to their final destination. This allows them a short stay in the international transit area of some airports

Airport transit privilege does not apply and you will need a Schengen short stay visa if:

  • you have to pick up your baggage and/or have to check-in again (please verify with your airline) 
  • or you are transiting through two or more airports in the Schengen Countries 
  • or you hold an open ticket. 

 

Who needs an Airport transit visa?

Passport holders of the following countries: 

visa in germany - transit visa

Long-term stays / Residence German Visa 

A residence German visa is required:

  • you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work, 
  • to study, 
  • to join family members or 
  • if you intend to move to Germany permanently.   

Importantly, you are required to do your visa application before entering Germany.

 

Who needs a residence visa (Long term visa)?

Anybody outside of the EU or the Schengen area. Citizens of the European Union and the Schengen area are only required to do the Anmeldung

Citizens of the countries listed in the tables below who are planning a longer stay in Germany must apply for visas at the relevant embassy before arriving in the country. 

visa in germany - americas
visa in germany - asia
visa in germany - africa
The citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America may obtain the relevant residence permit that is required after entering Germany and city registration. 

 

Which countries belong to the Schengen area? (see table) 

visa in germany - europe

Types of German visa:

  • Work Visa 
  • Vocational Training visa 
  • Study Visa
  • Visa for the self-employed
  • Research visa 
  • Visa to join a family member living in Germany

Work Visa in Germany

Before applying for a German work visa, you must first find and apply for a job, here are 2 great services we recommend you use:

  • The “ArbeitNow” job board which references more than 6000 open English and sponsored jobs in Germany
  • Lisa Janz, expat-focused job coaching expert. She can prepare you to apply for a job and get ready for interviews

Blue Card EU

The Blue Card is a special permit designed to attract highly skilled professionals who are interested in working in Europe.  To be eligible you require

  • have a recognized university degree, 
  • a job offer that pays you 56,800 Euros or more before taxes per year. 
  • check the visa requirements to enter Germany. 

After arrival contact the local foreigners office to get your Blue Card EU. 

Work Visa with a contract

To apply and be eligible for a work visa you require

  • a recognized university degree
  • a job offer/contract that states your salary
  • proof that your qualification is recognized in Germany. 

You may need a visa to enter Germany. After arrival, contact the local foreigners office to get your residence permit. 

Work visa to work as an IT specialist with work experience 

You are able to work in the IT sector without a recognized degree if you have relevant work experience. More specifically, your visa application must include:

  • you will need to have been working in the IT sector for at least three years within the last 7 years.
  • a job offer in Germany that pays you 51,120 EUR before taxes or more. 
  • a German language skills of at least B1 level (exceptions are possible).

Check the visa requirements to enter Germany. After your arrival you have to contact the local foreigners office to apply for a residence permit.

Working with a qualification that is only partially recognized

You can get the extra qualification in Germany while already working if your vocational qualification is not fully recognized. However, you will need:

  • a German language skills of at least A2 level. Also, you need
  • a visa to enter Germany.
  • A residence permit to work and qualify will be issued for 18 months, and in certain cases for up to two years.  After that, you can get a residence permit to work

Job seeker (academic)

You can stay for up to six months in Germany to find a job corresponding to your academic qualification. For this you need to include in your visa application:

  • a recognized university degree. 
  • proof that you can cover your living expenses
  • a visa to enter Germany. 
  • for up to six months you do not need a residence permit while looking for a job. 

Once you find an adequate job, you can get a residence permit.

Job seeker (non academic)

You can stay for up to six months in Germany to find a job corresponding to your vocational qualification. You need: 

  • to have completed a minimum of two years vocational training that is recognised in Germany, 
  • proof that you are able to cover your living expenses 
  • knowledge of German (B1). 
  • a visa to enter Germany. 
  • for up to six months you do not need a residence permit while looking for a job. 

Once you find an adequate job, you can get a residence permit

Vocational training visa

Vocational training visa with a contract as a trainee or apprentice

If you have a contract with a company as an apprentice and you speak German (level B1). A national visa to enter Germany is needed. After your arrival you have to contact the local foreigners office to ask for a residence permit. You are permitted to work for up to ten hours per week.

Vocational training visa to look for a company with a vocational training programme 

You can enter Germany to find a company for your vocational training if you speak German (level B2) and you are younger than 25. A visa to enter Germany is needed. You do not need a residence permit while looking for a job for up to six months.

Study visa

Study with admission to a German university

Proof of admission to a German university, as well as proof that you have enough money to support yourself. A national visa to enter Germany is needed. After your arrival you have to contact the local foreigners office to apply for a residence permit.

Study with a prior language course or internship

Proof of admission to a preparatory language course or internship.  As well as proof that you have enough money to support yourself. A visa to enter Germany is needed. After your arrival you have to contact the local foreigners office to apply for a residence permit. More information for study in Germany 

PhD 

If you have already been accepted into a PhD programme, and you can prove that you have enough to cover your living expenses, for example a scholarship. A national visa to enter Germany is needed. After your arrival you have to contact the local foreigners office to apply for a residence permit.

Visa for the self-employed in Germany

Liberal Professions

If you want to be self-employed in Germany, you will be required to have the funds for not only your project but also your living expenses.  Additionally you must ask for a permit from Germany to exercise your profession. 

Start a business 

If your products or services have a regional demand or commercial interest in Germany.  You will require a business plan and proof of financial resources to launch your business. 

Research visa

Research visa

If you have a cooperation agreement with a university, private or public research institute in Germany. 

Visa to join a family member living in Germany

Visa to marry a German national

If you wish to marry a German citizen,

  • you have to register the wedding at a registry office in Germany, 
  • you have to be at least eighteen years old, 
  • you will need a basic knowledge of German (A1), 
  • proof that you can cover your living expenses, 
  • German passport or identity card of your fiancĂ©. 

You may need a German visa to enter the country. Once married you have to contact the local foreigners office to apply for a residence permit. 

Visa to marry a foreign national in Germany

If your foreign fiancé/e holds either a residence permit, a Blue Card EU or a permit to permanently stay in the European Union, 

  • you need a registration of the wedding at the registry office in Germany,
  • proof of basic knowledge of German (A1) 
  • proof that you can cover your living expenses. 

You may need a German visa to enter the country. Once married you have to contact the local foreigners office to ask for a residence permit. 

Visa to join your German wife or husband

If you are married to a German national, and you and your spouse are at least eighteen years old, you will need for your visa application:

  • proof of basic knowledge of German (A1), 
  • marriage certificate and 
  • a copy of your spouse’s German passport. 

You may need a visa to enter Germany.  After your arrival you have to contact the local foreigners office to apply for a residence permit.

Visa to join your wife or husband who is an EU/EEA national

If you are married to a national of an EU country, the United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, you need proof 

  • that you can cover your living expenses if your spouse is not working in Germany, 
  • marriage certificate and 
  • a copy of your spouse’s passport. 

You may need a visa to enter Germany. After your arrival you have to contact the local foreigners office to ask for a residence permit.

Visa to join your wife or husband who is a foreign national 

If you are married to a foreign national who holds either a residence permit, a Blue Card EU, an ICT Card, a permanent settlement permit or a permit for permanent stay in the European Union and if you and your spouse are both at least 18 years old. 

  • Generally, you need to have at least basic German language skills (A1). 
  • No language skills are required if your spouse holds a Blue Card EU. 
  • You need proof that you can cover your living expenses and have adequate accommodation and 
  • a legalized marriage certificate. 

You may need a visa to enter Germany. After your arrival you have to contact the local foreigners office to apply for a residence permit.

Visa to join a minor German child

You can get a visa for Germany if your child is younger than 18 years, a German national and if you have custody of your child. 

  • You need a birth certificate, 
  • proof of custody of your child and 
  • German identity document of the child. 

You may need a visa to enter Germany. After your arrival you have to contact the local foreigners office to ask for a residence permit.

Visa for a child under eighteen years old to join a German parent

The child can get a visa for Germany if he or she is under 18, not married and one of the parents is a German national and permanently residing in Germany. 

  • The child does not need to speak German.
  • You need a birth certificate and your parent´s German identity document. 
  • The child needs a national Visa first. 

After arrival, the child needs to apply for a residence permit from local foreigners office.

 

Essential documents or requirements you always need for a German visa application

  • Application Form (digital form) 
  • Passport 
  • Biometric Passport photo
  • Proof of medical health insurances
  • Proof of cover your living expenses (blocked account or account estatements) 
  • Proof or purpose in Germany

Some documents may need a certified translation, use our online partner

Note: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be required to submit additional documentation. Check with the competent German embassy/consulate of your country of residence.

Fees for Visa Application

visa in germany - cost

Tips for your German visa application

  • Validity of your passport for at least one year or more.  Meaning you will not then not need to worry about renewing it, as we are sure you will be quite busy adapting to your new lifestyle.
  • It is often mandatory to maintain a certain balance on your personal bank account for a minimum of 3 months to process your Visa.  Be sure to check this early if you planning to apply for a visa sometime in the near future. It is always better to plan ahead!  If you are a student, it will be your parents bank account information.  Or, you can open a blocked account (sperrkonto) in which you must have a minimum available balance of 861 euros per month or 10,332 euros per year .
  • Check the documents you need to obtain a long-term German visa directly with the competent German embassy/consulate of your country of residence.  The documentation and visa requirements may vary from one country to another.
  • Plan your move or change of residence in advance.
  • Learn the local language.
  • Consider a budget for administrative procedures and translations.
  • After your arrival it is mandatory to do the Anmeldung within the first fourteen days. 

 

What is a blocked account?

This is a special account for some type of visa that is not freely accessible to the account holder. As a foreign student who is not from an EU Member State, you must furnish proof that you have the financial means to pay for your course of studies and support yourself during your studies. Proof of financial resources must usually be provided when you apply for an entry visa and is a prerequisite when you apply for a residence permit in Germany.

The blocked account must have sufficient credit to cover the costs arising from your stay for the duration of your planned stay in Germany, unless other proof of financial support is presented in the visa procedure. Certain standard rates apply that are based on the rates for German students. From 1 January 2021, the presumed annual requirement that must be paid into the blocked account when applying for a visa amounts to 10,332 euros. The account may also only permit the withdrawal of a certain amount per month (for students currently 861 euros).

move to germany

Succeed your move to Germany: your 2023 guide for paperwork

Posted on | by Get In Expat

7 public offices to know when you move to Germany

 

When you arrive in a new place regardless of whether you are a local or a foreigner, there is always the same question when you need to either, apply or submit paperwork!

I remember in Morocco, as a national citizen, before even applying for an official document, I first had to figure out which office I had to apply to. For example was it a local, regional or a national office and only then could I begin to figure out which paperwork was required!

Well you won’t be surprised to learn that in Germany it’s no different! In fact, in many instances it’s more difficult for expats as a result of Germany being a federal country. This means responsibilities lie on many different German authorities levels ie. national, regional, district or city.

The objective of this article is to give you an idea of the main public offices to know when moving to Germany as well as the services each one provides. The hope is that it gives you a more clear understanding of what you need and where you need to go when moving to Germany.

For more information check out our relocation services, available to help you out when moving to Germany.

 

The Rathaus [The City Hall]

anmeldung germany

As each and every person is required to register on arrival in Germany this will be your first stop and first paperwork to start your move to Germany. Here you will do your registration/ Anmeldung. Needless to say, this will be your first interaction with German public bureaucracy (yahooooo !!!).

This is managed at a city level and thus each city has at least one Rathaus.

Depending on your city size and organization, there can be other German authorities offices that cover part or all the services that the Rathaus provides. Generally speaking you have one per neighborhood (stadtteil).

To find your local rathaus, enter into your browser “Stadt + city name” and you will find the official city website.

Within the Rathaus you have various offices (Amt) covering various topics.

Die BurgerbĂĽro (The Citizens Office: 1st office you visit when you move to Germany!)

  • City Registration or Deregistration (Wohnung An/Abmeldung) – 1st step when you move to Germany
  • Request a new home certificate ( Meldebescheinigung)
  • Request a criminal record certificate (FĂĽhrungszeugnis)
  • Request a life certificate (Lebensbescheinigung)
  • For German citizens: apply for passport and ID card

Die Standesamt (The Civil Registry Office)

This service is dedicated to register births, marriages and deaths.

It’s also here that you would go to get the original certificates for any of these events given they occured in the city.

Die Gewerbewesen ( The Business Registration Office)

This service is for Business registration and certificates.

This is the first place you would go when wanting to create/open a new business in Germany.

TIPS

    • The Anmeldung is mandatory for all citizens living and moving to Germany. If you need a german residence permit to live in Germany, this process is with the Foreign Office
    • Once you have your Anmeldung certificate, you can open a German bank account.
    • The Rathaus is a good place to find information about the local city and events.  We highly recommend stopping by to pick flyers and magazines 
    • You can pick up recycling waste bags (yellow and compost ones) inside the Rathaus.
    • Pick up your waste disposal calendar here too if you unable to print it online
    • Use our Support Expat Service – WikiMove – to call the Burgerburo for more information
    • Use our partner online services to translate your documents for the Anmeldung: Lingoking

 

The Finanzamt [The Tax Office]

tax in germany

Of course we cannot talk about German offices without talking about the Tax Office. 

As you may know, after the Anmeldung is done, you will automatically and relatively quickly be sent your Tax ID at home (from the Bundeszentralamt fĂĽr Steuern – BZST).   In other words, taxes are very well organized in Germany.

As part of Germany’s ongoing digitalization, you may not need to go directly to your Finanzamt or to get in contact with them directly. However it’s good to know which one you deal with and what they do.

If you start a freelancing activity in Germany, you must register your activity to the German authorities through the Tax office.

The Tax Office manages individual and business tax declarations.

It’s done at the regional level but generally you have one or more offices by district.

To find out which one is relevant to you, go to the BZST website.

TIPS

  • Paperwork in Germany is being digitised by the public offices. Once you have your Tax ID, register yourself with the Tax Office using their portal.
  • Two important IDs to get when moving to Germany: your Tax ID and your german health insurance number. You may need to provide your Tax ID to finalize the opening of your German bank account

 

The Ausländerbehörde [The Foreigners Office]

expat in germany

If you move to Germany from outside EU or your country doesn’t have a residence permit agreement in place with Germany, (check our article about Visas) you are required to register with this office once you have settled in your final home (and after the Anmeldung) in order to get your permanent resident permit.

Why this paperwork is mandatory? 

Even if you were granted a visa to come to Germany, you will now need to get a German Residence Permit which is an ID card for Foreigners.

This office is managed at the district level.

To find your relevant office head to this link: https://www.ortsdienst.de/auslaenderbehoerde/.

To know more about the visa rules and paperwork in Germany: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en.

Keep in mind you can request any online translation here

The Familienkasse [The Family Office]

kindergeld in germany

This office is officially part of the Labor Office in Germany (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).  However, as it’s an important office to know we will mention it here separately.

Familienkassen is managed at the regional level but as with other public offices in Germany, it has various offices across the region.

This Child Allowance is a monetary allowance granted to you when your first child is born.  Importantly, it is for all families living in Germany. You are entitled to this allowance for all your children aged between 0 to 18 years old. Also worth noting, under specific conditions it is granted until age 25.

For an easy and fuss free application use our Kindergeld online tool to apply for it. You must apply within the 6 months you move to Germany.

  • Kinderzuschlag

Is an additional child benefit for families will lower income.

TIPS

  • Find your relevant Familienkasse office here
  • In the Hessen region, the Familienkasse organises a monthly meeting for anyone that is interested.
  • Check whether it’s the case in your region.

 

The Amt fĂĽr Soziales [The Office for Social Affairs]

elterngeld germany

This office is managed at the regional level and the names differ from one region to another.

The most important thing to know is these offices manage one very important service and paperwork for Families in Germany,:The Elterngeld.

The Elterngeld is a Parents Allowance that allows both parents to take care of their child up until 24 months (if ElterngeldPlus) and receive a benefit for not working (up to ~1800€ depending on last 12 months salary).

To find your regional office, use this link.

TIPS

Das Elterngeld is an application (in German) that helps to apply for the Parental Allowance.

 

The Agentur fĂĽr Arbeit [The Labour Office]

find a job in germany

This office is very important in Germany, and as such, policies are managed at federal level.  Also, they have offices located all around Germany.

A good indicator of just how important this department is, is that their website is in English and Arabic!

Within this office you have the various others:

Agentur fĂĽr Arbeit

Main office that manages the Unemployment Benefit 1 paperwork in Germany.

Jobcenter

This office manages Unemployment Benefit 2 paperwork and helps people to find a new job and to apply for training

Familienkasse

They manage Kindergeld; we have already covered this

Berufsinformationszentrum (BiZ)

It’s an office to help young people with their study choices, to find internships and first jobs

TIPS

Das Elterngeld is an application (in german) that helps to apply for the Parental Allowance.

If you are registered to the Unemployment office, you are covered by the law with a German health insurance.

Car and Drivers License Offices

car in germany

As you may be aware, the car topic is an important one here in Germany. I will not even begin to talk about the famous brands that were founded here!

Whatever your situation in Germany, you may have to deal with among other issues, things relating to cars and/or driving license.  For instance:

  1. You move to Germany with your car from another country.   You will you need to change the number plates, and head to Car Registration Office
  2. You buy a new or second hand car. You will not only need to go to the TĂĽV (Inspection Office) at some point or another but also to the Car Registration Office
  3. Your driver’s license is not valid in Germany.  You will need to exchange it for a German license and potentially redo the training and/or the exam.  Once again, the Drivers License Office is the place to go

Car Registration Office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle or Zulassungsbehörde)

This is where you register your car (new, second hand or imported).  Book an online appointment and be sure to have all the relevant documents ready for your particular circumstances.

This office is manage by district, to find yours, see here: https://zulassungsstelle.de/kfz-zulassungsstellen-finden/

Driver’s Licence Office (Führerscheinstelle or Strassenverkehrsamt)

This office is also managed at the district level.

To find yours check this website: https://www.strassenverkehrsamt.de/.

 

Still have questions ?