Question 1

Do I need to register with Anmeldung?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Anmeldung is the mandatory address registration every resident must complete at their local Bürgeramt within two weeks of moving into a German home. The Meldebescheinigung you receive unlocks your bank account, tax ID, phone contract and health insurance. Book your appointment the moment you have a signed lease, as slots in major cities fill quickly. See our step-by-step Anmeldung guide.

Question 2

What is Schufa and why do landlords ask for it?

Accepted Answer

Schufa is Germany’s main credit-reporting agency. It holds a score based on your payment history, loans and contracts. Landlords request a Schufa report to check that previous tenants paid their rent reliably. You are legally entitled to one free Schufa data copy per year under GDPR Article 15 — request it on meineschufa.de without paying for a subscription.

Question 3

How much does health insurance cost in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Statutory (gesetzliche) health insurance costs around 14.6% of your gross salary, split roughly equally between you and your employer, up to a contribution ceiling. For students, a subsidised statutory policy costs about €120–€130 per month. Private insurance is available for higher earners and civil servants, with prices based on age and health. Always compare before switching.

Question 4

Can I work as an expat in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your residence permit allows employment. EU/EEA citizens can work freely. Non-EU nationals need a work-eligible residence permit (e.g. the EU Blue Card, a skilled-worker visa, or a student visa with the 140 full-days / 20 part-days yearly limit). Your Ausländerbehörde issues the permit and lists any restrictions on your Aufenthaltstitel. If your permit is expiring and the Ausländerbehörde has no appointments, submitting your renewal application on time under § 81(4) AufenthG keeps your status — and your work permission — intact while you wait.

Question 5

How do I open a German bank account as a newcomer?

Accepted Answer

You can open an account with an app-only bank (fastest, fully English), a direct bank (full service, no branches) or a branch bank (in-person, stamped statements). You need a passport and usually your Anmeldung confirmation. A German IBAN (DE…) is essential because landlords, insurers and gyms collect payment by SEPA direct debit.

Question 6

What is the radio tax (Rundfunkbeitrag) and is it mandatory?

Accepted Answer

The Rundfunkbeitrag is Germany’s public broadcasting fee of €18.36 per month per household. It is mandatory for every flat, regardless of whether you watch TV or listen to the radio. One person per household registers and pays. Students on BAföG and some benefit recipients can apply for exemption.

Question 7

Can I use the Deutschland Ticket on regional trains?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The €49/month Deutschland Ticket is valid on all regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn) nationwide, plus U-Bahn, trams and local buses. It is not valid on long-distance ICE, IC or EC trains. You can cancel the monthly subscription at any time before the first of the next month.

Question 8

How does the German Pfand bottle deposit work?

Accepted Answer

Pfand is a refundable deposit on most bottles and cans. You pay €0.25 on reusable plastic and single-use plastic/cans, and €0.08–€0.15 on reusable glass. Return empty containers to the Pfandautomat at any shop that sells the same type and hand the printed voucher to the cashier for your refund.

Question 9

Do I need a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for a student visa?

Accepted Answer

Most non-EU student visa applicants must open a blocked account proving they can cover one year of living costs in Germany. The account releases a fixed monthly amount once you arrive and open a regular current account. Allow three to four weeks between opening the blocked account and your visa appointment.

Question 10

How do I cancel health insurance when leaving Germany?

Accepted Answer

Deregister your address (Abmeldung) at the Bürgeramt first, then send your Krankenkasse a written cancellation with a copy of the Abmeldebestätigung. Statutory insurance ends on your deregistration date; private insurers follow the notice period in your contract. Keep the cancellation confirmation for your new country.

Question 11

Is the content on Expat Germany Guide official legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. Our guides are plain-English editorial explanations, not legal, tax or immigration advice. German rules vary by federal state and city office and change frequently. Always confirm details with the responsible authority or a qualified professional before acting.

Question 12

How do I get the free Germany relocation checklist?

Accepted Answer

Enter your email in any checklist form on the site. We save your address in our EU-based database and immediately generate the PDF for download. You can unsubscribe at any time, and your data is handled under our GDPR-compliant Privacy Policy.

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The 90-day relocation checklist

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