Supporting
Expats

In Germany Since 1998

  • Expert guidance on visas, residence permits and bureaucracy.

  • Comprehensive resources for daily life, from schools to postal services.

  • Stay informed with regular updates on German laws and regulations

  • Trusted by expats for over 25 years to ensure a smooth transition.

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Welcome to your go-to online resource for expatriates in Germany!

Are you an expat with a story to share? We’d love to hear your experience of moving to and living in Germany!

If you’re interested in contributing an article to How To Germany, please provide your email below. Share your insights and help fellow expats navigate their new lives in Germany!

Featured Articles

Illustration of the German residency permit
Residency

Residence Permits in Germany

One of the first things to consider is your residency permit if you’re a non-EU citizen or your registration if you are an EU citizen.Germany...
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Marriage

How To Get Married in Germany in 2024

Couples planning to get married in Germany should get started with the legal formalities as soon as possible. Several months out is not too soon.Things...

Top 20 Popular Articles

Elena B
Marriage

Getting Married in Denmark – The Ultimate 2024 Guide

What is Getting Married in Denmark?  To put it simply; Getting Married in Denmark is how international and foreign couples make their seemingly impossible wedding abroad...
Childrens Allowance – Kindergeld in Germany
Children

Children’s Allowance – Kindergeld in Germany

Taxpaying expatriate residents of Germany are, like Germans, entitled to Kindergeld ifthey have children. This is an allowance (also called a Child Benefit) from the...
Paying Taxes in Germany
Taxes

Paying Taxes in Germany

• Individual income taxes• Deductions• Lohnsteuer and Einkommensteuer• Tax returns• Other taxes• Getting help/more information in English• German tax classes• Special Section: Tax information for...
health insurance options
Health Insurance

Health Insurance Options in Germany – 2023

Table of Contents Overview Germany has a reputation for having one of the best and most comprehensive health care systems in the world, providing its...
Illustration of the German residency permit
Residency

Residence Permits in Germany

One of the first things to consider is your residency permit if you’re a non-EU citizen or your registration if you are an EU citizen.Germany...
iStock 865757786
Marriage

How To Get Married in Germany in 2024

Couples planning to get married in Germany should get started with the legal formalities as soon as possible. Several months out is not too soon.Things...
Shopping in Germany
Shopping

Shopping in Germany

Germans love to shop. In fact, you might say it's a national pastime, which is a good thing because it makes finding anything you need...
Starting a business
Entrepreneurship

Starting a Business in Germany

Corporations Types of Companies. Some individuals and companies that intend to engage in commercial activity in Germany may want to look into establishing some sort...
Octoberfest in Germany
Festivals & Events

Oktoberfest in Munich – All You Need to Know

The Basics "Der Spass kostet doch was." In other words, the fun costs a bit!No one ever said Oktoberfest was cheap. You can drop a...
fitness centres in Germany
Hobby

Fitness Centers in Germany

Germany's biggest fitness franchises: 1. McFit www.mcfit.com (German website only)Location: 89 cities throughout Germany but with new locations under developmentOpening Hours: 24 hours a day, 7...
Volkswagen exposition on the motor show in Frankfurt
Vehicles

Buying a Car in Germany

The car-buying experience in Germany can be both exciting and daunting. It can be exciting because there is a very wide number of manufacturers to...
Insurance in Germany
Personal

Insurance in Germany

Third-party Private Liability Insurance The most important and yet the least expensive insurance cover you will need in Germany is third-party private liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)....
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Traffic

Driving in Germany

Getting a German Driver's License Your own driver's license is valid in Germany, at least at the outset. If you’re just visiting and are from...
German wedding traditions
Marriage

German Wedding Traditions and Customs

A civil ceremony is usually held at the local Standesamt a couple of days or even months before a large church wedding. A civil ceremony is all...
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Education

German School System

The German education system is different in many ways from the ones in other countries, but it produces high-performing students. The overwhelming majority of German...
Self employement
Entrepreneurship

Self-Employment in Germany

Residence permits are usually easily granted for highly specialized professionals, e.g.: scientists, professional experts or specified senior mangers etc. But other qualified professionals can also...
The German Retirement and Pension System – Basic Facts
Pension

The German Retirement and Pension System – Basic Facts

The Public Retirement System - Basic Facts The Public Retirement Insurance System (also referred to as Statutory Pension Insurance), which also includes survivor and disability benefits, has...
Basic Facts
Rental

Housing in Germany: What You Need to Know

It's important to know German practices and terminology when you set out to find a house or apartment here. If you want two bedrooms with...
Investing while living in Germany Yes you can
Investing

Investing while living in Germany, Yes you can!

Seeking advice on investments The tradition in Germany has long been to buy financial products from one of the very many banks here. An investor...
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Personal Finance

Banks and Banking in Germany

Expatriates staying in Germany for an extended period will probably need a German bank connection. Setting up an account is a fairly straightforward operation, much...