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 find an apartment in Berlin
This guide helps you find an apartment for rent in Berlin. It explains everything from the housing search to moving in.
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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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The Anmeldung — How to register your address in Berlin
This guide explains how to do your Anmeldung in Berlin. This is how you register your address, and how you get a Meldebescheinigung and a tax ID.
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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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The Abmeldung — How to deregister in Berlin
If you leave Germany, you must do your deregister your address. This is called the Abmeldung. This guide shows you how to do it in Berlin.
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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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What is legal insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung)? Is it worth it?
In this guide, I explain what legal insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) is, what it covers, and when it's worth it.
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How to choose German health insurance
This guide explains how public and private health insurance work in Germany. It helps you choose the best health insurance for your needs.
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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 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.