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 apply for German permanent residence
The process and the requirements to get a Niederlassungserlaubnis and become a permanent resident.
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Changing or losing your job in Germany
What happens when you change jobs, resign or get laid off in Germany. What happens to your health insurance, residence permit, unemployment benefits etc.
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Where to get help about life in Berlin?
Where to find support and answers to your question as a new Berliner, whether you speak English or German.
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How to apply for a German work visa
This is how you apply for a work permit and start working in Germany.
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How to apply for a German Blue Card
This is how you apply for a Blue Card to work in Germany.
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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.
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How the German Fiktionsbescheinigung works
This guide explains what a Fiktionsbescheinigung is, how it works, and how to get one. It explains how to travel with a Fiktionsbescheinigung.
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The probation period (Probezeit) in Germany
When you start a new job in Germany, you are in your probation period (Probezeit). This guide explains what it means.
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How to apply for a German residence permit
This guide shows you if you need a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) to live, work or study in Germany.
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How to apply for a German freelance visa
The process and the requirements to get a German freelance visa or artist visa. This is how you become self-employed in Germany.