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 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 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.
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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 join the Künstlersozialkasse (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.
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How to use public transit in Berlin
This guide explains how public transportation works in Berlin. It explains how to ride the BVG and DB trains, buses and trams. It also lists other options like car sharing, bike sharing and taxis.
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How to get a Kitagutschein
This is how you get a Kitagutschein, the document you need when looking for a Kita in Germany.
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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 buy a car in Germany
A step by step guide to buying, registering and insuring a vehicle in Berlin and the rest of Germany. Also works for motorcycles.