Latest guides

How to renew a German freelance visa
When your German freelance visa is about to expire, you must renew it. This is how you must do it.

Cost of living in Berlin, and Germany
How much does it cost to live in Berlin? Is your salary enough to live there? This is how you can make a budget and find the answer.

What is the trade tax (Gewerbesteuer)?
If you are self-employed in Germany, you might have to pay a trade tax. This is how it works, and how much it costs.

How to dispose of a Christmas tree in Berlin
When the holidays are over, this is how you get rid of your old Christmas tree.

How to register a dog in Berlin (Hundesteuer registration)
In Berlin, your dog must be registered for dog tax. Dangerous breeds must also be registered. This is how you do it.

Having a dog in Germany
If you want to adopt a dog in Berlin or Germany, these are the things you must know.
Coronavirus testing information for Berlin
Information about getting tested, types of tests, testing locations, costs and more. This information is for the city of Berlin only.
Coronavirus vaccine information for Berlin
This page tells you where, when and how to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Berlin. Most information also applies to the rest of Germany.
How to get a German pension refund
If you left Germany, you get your German pension payments back. It can be worth thousands of euros.

The cost of owning a car in Germany
An overview of cost of vehicle ownership in Germany. We look at the costs of vehicle insurance, taxes, maintenance, fuel and more.
Recently updated guides
How to get a motorcycle licence in Germany
A detailed description of the process of obtaining a German Klasse A driving licence. This information is also valid for the Klasse B licence.

How to convert a Canadian driving licence to a German one
Here is how Canadians in Germany can trade their Canadian permit for a German driving licence, without taking any classes.

How to move to Germany and become a freelancer
A step by step guide on opening your business or becoming a freelancer in Germany.

How to buy a car in Germany
A step by step guide to buying, registering and insuring a used vehicle in Berlin and the rest of Germany
How to get an International Driving Permit in Berlin
How to get your IDP in Berlin and the rest of Germany, both with German and foreign driver licences.

How to move into an apartment in Germany
All the little things you should do when moving to a new address in Germany: address changes, mail forwarding and more.

How to apply for the German Freelance Visa
The process and the requirements for obtaining a German freelance visa or a German artist visa. This is how you become self-employed in Germany.
How to apply for a German Work Visa
A step by step guide on getting the German Work Visa. It explains who needs a work visa, who is eligible for it, and what the requirements are.

The Abmeldung - How to deregister in Berlin
When you leave Berlin - hopefully for greener pastures - you must deregister with the city. This process is called the Abmeldung. Here is how it's done.

How to renew a German freelance visa
When your German freelance visa is about to expire, you must renew it. This is how you must do it.