Personal finance in Germany

Cost of living

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.

How to save money
Different ways to save money in Berlin and Germany, without sacrificing your lifestyle.

An introduction to banking, credit cards, savings and bank accounts in Germany.

How to choose a bank
This guide compares the best bank accounts for foreigners. It reviews the features, fees and requirements of each bank.
Review of N26
My opinion of N26 bank after 7 years. Is N26 safe? Is it good? Should you use it as your main bank in Germany? Here's what I think.
Review of Kontist
I use Kontist as my business bank since January 2022. All of my business goes through it. This is my honest review of their service.
Review of Degiro
This is my experience with Degiro, an online stock broker in Germany. I use Degiro since 2018.
How to exchange coins
This is how you get rid of your small change in Berlin.

Information about income tax, health insurance and other German taxes, and ways to pay less taxes.

English-speaking tax advisors
A list of English-speaking Steuerberater in Berlin. They can help you file your taxes. This list also includes Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Chinese and Polish-speaking tax consultants.
- Steuerberater or Buchhalter?
  In Germany, there is an important distinction between a Steuerberater (tax advisor) and a Buchhalter (bookkeeper). Picking the right one can save you a lot of money, or bring you a lot of trouble.
English-speaking tax software
A list of software that can help you file your German taxes in English, and alternative options.
Tax ID, tax number and VAT number
A brief guide to obtaining or finding your tax identification number in Germany
Your Sozialversicherungsnummer
This is how you find you German social insurance number or social security number. It's also called Versicherungsnummer, Rentenversicherungsnummer or RNVR.
How to create an ELSTER account
This is how you create a My ELSTER account. You need this account to access ELSTER services, and file your German tax return online.
How to get a Bescheinigung in Steuersachen
This is how you get an certificate of tax matters or Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung from the Finanzamt. You might need it for your residence permit or permanent residence.

This guide explains how public and private health insurance work in Germany. It helps you choose the best health insurance for your needs.

Health insurance for a German visa
This guide helps you find the best health insurance to apply for a German visa or residence permit.
Health insurance for employees
This guide explains how to choose the best health insurance to work in Germany.
Health insurance for students
This guide explains how to choose the best German health insurance for students.
Health insurance for freelancers
This guide helps you choose the best health insurance for self-employment in Germany.
- How to join the KSK
  This guide shows you how to apply for the Künstlersozialkasse. If you are a freelancer, this can save you hundreds of euros per month.
Health insurance for Azubis
This guide helps you choose the best health insurance for an apprenticeship (Ausbildung).
Review of Ottonova
Before you choose Ottonova as your German health insurer, you should consider these points.
Review of Techniker Krankenkasse
My experience with TK health insurance after 5 years. Is TK a good public health insurance? Here's my opinion.

An overview of the different types of insurance in Germany. This guide explains each type of insurance and why they are important.

How to choose liability insurance
What liability insurance covers, why you must have it, and how to pick the best German liability insurance.
Do you need legal insurance?
In this guide, I explain what legal insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) is, what it covers, and when it's worth it.