Guides about Germany
Newest guides
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How to read your Zusatzblatt
This guide helps you understand the Zusatzblatt that you received with your German residence permit.
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How the Berlin immigration office works
How the Berlin Landesamt für Einwanderung works. This guide explains how to get an appointment, apply for a residence permit, and more.
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Berlin Ausländerbehörde wait times
See how long it takes to get a residence permit at the Berlin immigration office (Landesamt für Einwanderung).
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How to get key doubles in Germany
This is how you make copies of your apartment keys for cheap.
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How to apply for German permanent residence
The process and the requirements to get a Niederlassungserlaubnis and become a permanent resident.
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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.
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How educational leave works (Bildungsurlaub)
How to take a paid vacation to improve your education in Berlin. It's also called "Bildungszeit".
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How banking works in Germany
An introduction to banking, credit cards, savings and bank accounts in Germany.
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Common housing scams in Germany
Apartment scams you must know about when looking for a place to live in Germany.
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How to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases in Berlin
This is how you get tested for HIV, herpes, chlamydia and other STDs in Berlin.
Recent updates
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How to get a Bürgeramt appointment in Berlin
This is how you get an appointment at the citizens' office in Berlin. This is required for the Anmeldung and many other services.
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Berlin travel guide: what to see, do and eat in Berlin
If you are visiting Berlin, these are the things you should see and do, and the things you should know.
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How to find your German tax ID, tax number or VAT number
A brief guide to obtaining or finding your tax identification number in Germany
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How to get a free Schufa
If you are applying for an apartment in Berlin, you will almost always be asked to include a Schufa in your application. This is how you obtain a Schufa-Auskunft for free
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How to apply for German permanent residence
The process and the requirements to get a Niederlassungserlaubnis and become a permanent resident.
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How to change your address in Germany
This guide explains how to change your address and redirect your mail.
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How to learn German in Berlin
A list of German schools, language learning apps and other resources to improve your German in Berlin.
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How to buy a Deutschland Ticket
This guide explains how the Deutschland Ticket or D-Ticket works as a tourist or as a resident.
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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.
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How to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases in Berlin
This is how you get tested for HIV, herpes, chlamydia and other STDs in Berlin.