Your first days in Germany can be very overwhelming and confusing. The forms you must fill in and the administrative tasks you must do will depend on your reason for being in Germany. A student will have a different to-do list from someone who comes here to work.
The following list is the general things that everyone needs to do.
Arriving at the airport
The only direct flights between SA and Germany are from Frankfurt to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Some carriers have seasonal flights between Munich and Jhb/Cpt.
The major airports in Germany are Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin and Düsseldorf.
Almost all towns can be reached via train from airport hubs. Other options to get to your destinations are an organised airport transfer or hiring a car via a car rental company or mobility companies like Car2Go. More information can be found in the Mobility section below.
Travel to Germany – Tips
“Traveling to Germany is like stepping into a storybook, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes weave a tale you’ll never forget.” If you’re planning a trip to Germany, we’ve got some travel tips that we think you’ll find incredibly helpful. If you’ve got your own tips to share, we’d love to hear them! Simply submit them to us and we’ll be happy to include them on the page. Direct Fligts The major airports in Germany are Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf.Direct flights from South Africa are available only to Frankfurt and seasonally to Munich. 01 Lufthansa Lufthansa operates flights between Frankfurt, O.R. Tambo International, and Cape Town. The airline offers the chance to bid for upgrades, and, depending on flight availability, you can book a sleeper row at a significantly lower cost than Premium Economy or Business Class.Seasonal flights are offered between Munich Airport and O.R. Tambo International, and Cape Town 02 Condor Condor has reinstated flights between Frankfurt and Cape Town. They also offer two weekly flights between Frankfurt and O.R. Tambo International, but both routes are available only during their winter schedule. Stay updated on their winter and summer flight schedules. Indirect Fligts Indirect flights, also known as connecting flights, involve stopping at one or more intermediate airports before reaching your final destination.They can be more affordable and flexible than direct flights but may increase travel time. When booking, check layover durations, luggage transfer policies, and visa requirements for layover countries to avoid complications. 01 Emirates Emirates offer flights from O.R Tambo, Durban, and Cape Town to Dubai, and then from Dubai they offer flights to Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf 02 Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines offers flights from O.R Tambo, Cape Town and Durban to Istanbul and from there they offer flights to Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Friedrichshafen, Hamburg, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart from Istanbul. 03 Swiss Airlines Swiss Airlines operates flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Zurich, offering connections to nearly every German airport. Important: At Zurich Airport, you will need to go through security and passport control before reaching your connecting flight gate. A transit time of less than 90 minutes is not recommended. 04 other options Qatar Airways, British Airways, Swiss Airlines and KLM all have connecting flights from South Africa Brussels Airlines offers codeshare flights to South African cities Ethiopian Air and Egypt Air have connecting flights between O.R Tambo and Europe Travel Advice and Bookings Consider flying to a alternative airport. As an example, flights to Munich and Berlin can be much cheaper than to Frankfurt Booking sites like Travelstart are very helpful and reliable, just always be aware of the fact that in the event of cancellations, and you booked through a travel agent, you will have to contact them and not the airline. This can have pro’s and con’s. There are Travel agents listed on our website. These businesses are owned and run by South Africans living in Germany. Contact them to get expert advice and assistance with bookings. Flying tips Download an infographic and tips as a PDF file – Flying from South Africa Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Think casual but smart Bubble wrap your luggage if you feel the need to do that Declare any electronics at customs, if you plan on travelling back to SA with them. This is to avoid paying customs duties on the items when you return. Your passport and visa/residence permit will be checked before the check-in gates. Know your final destination. You have to go through security, to help in the process, take off your watch, and your belt, and remove anything from your person that can set off the metal detectors and place it in the bin provided. Don’t wait until just before landing to brush your teeth etc, everyone on the plane will have the same idea. Going through Passport control If you arrive from outside the EU, you will have to go through passport control in the first Schengen country you arrive in. You will need the following documentation and information. Your Passport with a Valid visa, or your German/Schengen Residence permit card If you are only visiting, they might ask you when you are planning on travelling back, and you must have your return ticket with you as they might ask for it. They can also ask you what you are planning on doing in Germany i.e Itinerary If you are taking up residence in Germany, they might ask you for proof of accommodation They will ask you what is the purpose of your journey. Standard answers are tourism, visiting friends or family in Town xxx, joining a spouse, or taking up employment and residence in Germany. HINT If you have permanent residence in Germany, you can use the EU Passport queues at passport control in Germany. South Africa does not have a biometric passport, so unfortunately you cannot use the automated gates. 90/180 day rule The 90/180 rule for a Schengen Type C visa (Typically Tourist or Family visits) means you can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. It’s not just three months straight—those 90 days are counted across all Schengen countries, and the 180-day clock keeps ticking as you move. So, each time you plan a trip, you must look back at the previous 180 days and ensure you haven’t spent more than 90 days total in the zone. Overstay even by a day, and you could face fines, bans, or worse—bureaucratic headaches no one wants. EES EU Entry/Exit System The European Union has announced plans to introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES), due to start in 2025. “The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be an automated IT system for registering travelers from third countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travelers, each time they cross an EU external border. The system will register the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit, in full respect of fundamental rights and data
Bringing your Furbabies with you
Pets – Personal stories
Here are some shared experiences by our Facebook members. If you would like to add your experience to our website, please submit it via our contact form December 2022 I did DIY from Pretoria to Jhb to Cape Town to Frankfurt on 24 December. Both dogs were in the cargo hold for both flights.DIY can only be done from CPT airport, which is why that flight was added. It means your dogs fly as excess baggage on your flight ticket. There is no pet travel agent involved. It saves a lot of money but does add a lot of stress so be well prepared. I heavily relied on the Facebook group, EMBARK: South Africans Emigrating With Pets. Dogs: 2 x Italian GreyhoundsAirlines: CemAir (Jhb – CPT) and Lufthansa (CPT – Frankfurt)Private Vet: Wilgers Animal Hospital (Pretoria)State Vet: Pretoria (c/o Lillian Ngoyi Street & Pretorius Street – the entrance to the building is next to the McDonalds and the state vet is on the 7th floor) Tips learned from the process:* Try and do everything from vaccinations, titre tests and health checks with the same private vet that has done this process before* Our trainer suggested the dogs sleep in the crates for at least the last two weeks prior to their flight. Our plans ended up being quite rushed so we eventually only had them sleep in the crates for 1 week prior to departure. But we trained them with the crates for 2/3 months prior.* Book a direct and night flight if you can, best for the dogs* The DIY guide by Elizabeth Gie mentions a separate Western Cape Health check form, in Gauteng you just use the EU Health Certificate form & the extra declaration page stating you do not intend to export the pets for commercial purposes. There is no specific Gauteng form.* I did this alone with 2 x 23kg bags and 2 size L Viaggio crates when we arrived at CPT airport, none of the baggage staff wanted to assist me with transporting my dogs and luggage to the arrivals area from the baggage carousel. I ended up relying on kind strangers. Side note, we did fly on 24 December.* At CPT airport there is a baggage storage place called A-Tech – I left my crates and baggage with them to take the dogs running in between flights. Their prices were very reasonable. I think like R70 a piece of luggage for 5 hours.We arrived in CPT at 9 AM and only departed for Frankfurt at 18h20.* We booked a private porter for arrival in Frankfurt to avoid the drama of CPT again. I highly recommend this. Since our flight arrived at 5h30 local time, the customs officials were not there yet. The porter went to the Lufthansa counter while we were busy waiting for my luggage & sorted everything. He literally asked, “do you have your papers?” and when I said yes, he said, “okay then we can go” – I doubt it would have been that easy without him. Again, I speak German quite well which probably helped too. Hiring him did cost €90 but he helped us so much & as it was Christmas morning, I doubt someone else would have helped me with transporting the dogs and my luggage.* If not using a porter, remember you have to pay for the baggage trolleys I think one or two euros each.* My husband was already in Germany & rented a VW Tiguan for the journey to our new home in Baden-Württemberg.* We gave the dogs CalmEze the week leading up to the flights as well as CBD biscuits that they were used to. March 2022 Since I just flew into Frankfurt on Saturday, with my cat in cargo (Lufthansa), I thought I could provide an update on costs and flesh out some info given by others.I went the Semi-DIY route with ITTA – airfares have jumped – cost over R19k to fly JHB to FRA direct – okay my cat is fat (7kgs) and needed a bigger box. (dorette@ittagroup.co.za was amazing!) Once I had a flight for my cat, I THEN booked myself on the same flight.I say ‘SEMI’ DIY because I had help doing the final health certificates – Venessa at Animals En Route (admin@animalsenroute.co.za) has a good relationship with ITTA. It was the best R3000 I spent – I dropped off my cat 2 days before departure with Titre, Vac book, etc and she took care of everything else, she even fetched the box from ITTA for me. All I had to do then was get myself to Frankfurt.- You cannot walk from Arrivals at the airport to the Animal Lounge unless you want to walk outdoors for 3,2kms with your luggage. (btw it’s on Google maps.)- if you ask for directions, ignore staff members who think you can fetch your pet from the bulky luggage section.Animal Lounge: Exit the elevator and turn to the office on the right first to present Airway Bill- They’ll give you all the docs to take to the vet’s reception to the left of the elevator.- I landed on a weekend so I paid €90 instead of €60 to the vet’s office.- I later had to pay another €83 to the other office for lounge facilities or whatever they call it.Customs / Zoll: You don’t want to try to walk here either even though it’s not that far. Leave the parking lot of the Animal lounge and turn right onto the main road. Not even a minute later turn right again.- Park the car close to a bus stop and small office you’ll see up ahead.*NB: This little office is where you’ll receive the KEY CARD to get through the entrance boom. (On your way out the machine will swallow the key card.)- Building D is correct BUT it’s not on the 3rd floor. The elevator only lets you go to the 1st floor. Exit the elevator to the left and you’ll
Pets
Pets Bringing your fur babies to a new country can be a daunting and emotional experience. The first thing you need to acquaint yourself with is the rules for bringing pets from South Africa to Germany. These rules are updated regularly and we therefore only add links to the relevant pages. We added some links to Pet immigration services that were recommended by fellow South Africans, and if you would rather do it yourself, we have a page where people shared their do-it-yourself experiences. Dangerous (Banned) Dogs Some dog breeds are banned in Germany. There are additional rules for individual states. Up-to-date information can be found on the Zoll (Customs) website.Some dangerous dog breeds are allowed, depending on the Federal state, and must be registered at the Ordnungsamt. Qualzuchten (Torture Breeds) Section 11b of the German Animal Welfare Act [1] prohibits breeding animals with characteristics that cause them to suffer – but so far there are no guidelines on how these should be defined. For this reason, torture breeding is still widespread. Examples are English Bulldogs, “Teacup dogs”, Sphinx cats A list of breeds can be found on the PETA website Cats Cats have a different status in Germany than dogs, and there are fewer regulations regarding cats once you are in Germany. Here are some examples relevant to cats: You do not need to confine your cat to your property and they can roam freely, You also do not need to attach your cat to a leash. Although you do not need to microchip your cat if you buy it in Germany, it is still advisable to do so. There are no taxes payable on cats Neutering – Most Federal states are now requiring your to have your cat neutered. Find out more from your local municipality Resources on the web Animal Lawyer – Rights and Duties of a Cat Owner in Germany Animal Lawyer – Rights of a cat living outside of the house Customs Info Zoll – German Customs, provisions on the import of pet animals Zoll – Dangerous dogs BMEL – Rules on entering the European Union (EU) with dogs, cats and ferrets Pet Immigration or transport services The following companies are suggestions from fellow South Africans Animal Travel Services Global Paws Aeropets Keringa Petwings PETport Petstravel Shared experiences and doing it yourself Registration, taxes and permits In most states, dogs must be added to the dog registry (Hunderegister) in your area. Search for example “Hunderegister Hamburg”. Please note, not all States (Bundesländer) require you to regsiter your animal. In order to register the dog, the animal needs to be chipped and covered by liability insurance. Dogs must be registered for dog tax /Hundesteuer. You can register for the taxes at the Bürgeamt. See for example the information from Stuttgart or Berlin. Depending on where you live the registration can be done online. Dangerous breeds – If your dog falls in the dangerous breed, you must register it at the Ordnungsamt Identification badge, chip and handler licence As mentioned before, the rules and regulations can differ per federal state. Most states require dogs to have an identification badge and a chip. When you take your dog for a walk, the dog’s name, your address and the dog tax disc must be on the dog’s collar. You might also be required to get a licence to prove you can handle your dog (Hundeführerschein)Information about the Hunderegister can be found on the Hundeinfoportal Rules and regulation for owning a pet Rules and regulations can be found on the Gezetze im Internet Dog regulations.Not all federal states have a rule that you need to pick up your dog’s poo, but this is just basic decency, especially if you take your dog walking. You can buy special poop bags for that, and most parks have special bins to dispose of the bags. Pet Insurance Agila and Allianz offer pet insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung). Dog insurance is mandatory in some federal states. It is not medical insurance for your pet, but it covers you if your dog harms another dog, person or property. Adopting a pet Apps Mein Haustier Pet sitting and kennels For pet sitting, look at the Pawshake app, or on the Hundelieb websiteYou can also find other possibilities on our Minijob pageFor cats, search for Katzenpension in your area, or consider a house sitter. Another option is to search for a cat sitter on Catinaflat Below are some South African pet sitters who live in Germany and would love to spend some time with your fur babies. Raw food for pets Try the following websites: Petsdeli BARF Konzept Store on Amazon Das Tierhotel – gesunde Tiernahrung Death of a pet There are some restrictions on burying or cremating a pet in Germany. Things you need to keep in mind: The TierKBG (Tierkörperbeseitigungsgesetz Gesetz über die Beseitigung von Tierkörpern, Tierkörperteilen und tierischen Erzeugnissen) governs the rules and regulations for disposing of animals Some Federal states have stricter rules and regulations. Always make sure what is allowed for where you live. Below are some general rules, but could be different for the state you live in. If you would like to bury a small animal in your garden, you can only do so if you are the owner of the property, or get permission from the owner. The animal must be buried at least 50cm deep and not close to public roads ( at least two meters away). Burial in a garden is not allowed if it is in a water conservation area, and also not if the animal died from a notifiable disease. You may not bury an animal on public grounds or in a park or forest. You can bury your pet in a Tierfriedhof, or have them cremated. If the animal died at the Vet, they can assist with cremation or disposal. Animal welfare You can report any issues regarding animal cruelty at the Tierschutsbund under Tierquälerei Resources on the web I am Expat – Info on pets Settle in Berlin – Bringing pets into Germany How to Germany – Pets Travelling with pet birds Travelling with pets within the
Remember you have to go through customs, so make sure you know what you are allowed to bring with you.
What can I bring into Germany
It is very tempting to bring some South African goodies with you when you travel to Germany, and while most items are allowed, there are Restrictions. There is also a limit on duty-free allowances.The German Customs Agency is called the Zollampt. The information on this page is mainly aimed at travellers from South Africa (or most countries outside the Schengen Area) to Germany. For rules and restrictions when travelling within the Schengen Area please refer to the German Customs Website When you do your research about what you are allowed to bring into Germany, always keep in mind if the rules apply to travel within the EU, or to countries outside of the EU. The rules are different for each scenario! Duties, taxes and allowances Please note that when you move to Germany, different rules and allowances may apply. You can find more information about transferring residence to Germany on this webpage.For information on normal travel allowances, duties and taxes, please refer to this page Restrictions Below are some examples of restrictions, but please refer to the complete restrictions list for a complete overview: Tobacco and alcoholic products When travelling from outside the EU the following restrictions apply.If the importer is at least 17 years old: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grammes of tobacco or a proportionate combination of these goods. For more information on the allowance that applies (also alcohol) click hereInformation on allowances within the EU see here Medicinal products When entering Germany travellers may bring with them medicinal products in quantities that meet usual personal needs. In such cases the usual personal need of a traveller is seen as being equivalent to a maximum of three months’ supply of the recommended dose of each medicinal product, irrespective of whether the medicinal products were already taken out of Germany and are now being brought back, or whether the products have been purchased abroad. More information can found on the Customs website and in the Medicinal Products Act Animals and plants or products containing animal or vegetable substances Protected species – Many of us find stuffed animals, objects made of animal parts, or plants that are fascinating because they look unusual, attractive. Such souvenirs are often on sale where we go for our holidays. However, it is wise to be extremely cautious. Some examples are exotic skins and fur coats (Zebra skin falls in this category) , Cacti and cactus-like plants, Tillandsia, and orchids. Ivory or elephant leather (for example: ivory sculptures or carvings, elephant leather bags or elephant feet that have been converted into umbrella stands). More info can also be found on the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation Products of Animal origin Animal diseases such as swine fever, bird flu or foot and mouth disease are widespread worldwide. There is therefore a constant risk of diseases being introduced that could threaten wildlife.For this reason, the import of live animals and products of animal origin is only permitted after prior inspection by the responsible veterinary authorities and with the required health certificates. In addition, imports are restricted to certain customs offices. When meat or milk, or meat or dairy products such as sausage or cheese are imported for personal consumption they must meet the same veterinary requirements as those applying to commercial imports.This means that travellers who are carrying such products may only enter the European Union through those points of entry where a veterinarian is on duty. The necessary health certificates and a validated Common Veterinary Entry Document – CVED must also accompany the products. This includes Biltong, Droëwors and Evaporated milk from South Africa More information about Biltong from countries outside the EU There seems to be some confusion when referring to an English Zoll page. To quote the relevant paragraph “Products such as the following are excepted from these regulations, and so travellers can import them within the regulation quantity thresholds without any hesitation other animal products than meat or milk and/or meat or milk products up to a weight of two kilogrammes (honey, for example)..” This section must be read carefully and taken into context of the whole page – it does not imply you can bring in 2kg of meat products, but that other animal products like honey are exempt and you can bring in 2kg of honey. The German page is even more clear on this, you can also refer to the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2122 “Ausgenommen von diesen Regelungen sind z.B. die nachfolgenden Waren. Sie können daher grundsätzlich im Rahmen der angegebenen Höchstmenge durch Reisende mitgebracht werden: Säuglingsnahrung in ungeöffneten Verkaufsverpackungen bis zu zwei Kilogramm, andere als die in Anhang I Teil 2 delegierte Verordnung (EU) 2019/2122 genannten Waren bis zu einem Gewicht von zwei Kilogramm (z.B. Honig).” If you believe you can bring Biltong into Germany, please declare it at customs upon arrival. Customs officials will provide you with the most current information and guidelines. Also, see the EU Rules on the Your Europe official European Union website. It states clearly “If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you.” References The German Customs “Zoll” Home page BMEL (Federal Ministry of food and Agriculture) – Importation of products of animal origin for personal consumption and also German regulations on the import of food. Commission Regulation (EC) No 206/2009 regulates the non-commercial introduction of all animal products into the EU. This regulation has been directly applicable law since 1 May 2009. Your Europe – The official website of the European Union Online Tools With the travel tax calculator, you can quickly and easily find out which goods are permitted when entering Germany and what you will probably have to pay if you exceed the travel allowance. The most important customs regulations are summarized on the customs website. The website provides comprehensive information on various topics related to customs, such as what you can bring back from abroad, what the allowances are for specific goods, and what items are prohibited. Being a mindful traveller requires considering the impact of our tourism on the environment. You can use the Species Protection on Vacation
Arrival at your home
One of the biggest surprises you can get is walking into your new home and there is no kitchen installed, nor light fittings. Make sure you know what to expect if you rent accommodation.
Germany uses type C and F power plugs, make sure you have the correct adaptors or plugs.
Housing in Germany
Housing in Germany Finding a home in Germany means learning a new kind of language — one spoken in bricks, beams, and balcony railings. A charming Altbauwohnung with vintage flair, a bright Penthouse floating above the city, or a snug Einliegerwohnung tucked into a family home — each space tells its own story. This page guides you through the many housing types you’ll come across in Germany. Some are steeped in history, others designed for modern living, and a few blur the lines between the two. Long-term, short-term, furnished or not, solo living or shared spaces — there’s something for every lifestyle and life stage. Types of Housing Wohnung / Apartment/Flat. Standard residential unit, typically part of a larger building. Atlbauwohnung – An old building, that might be protected. An older, often pre-war building with high ceilings and potentially historic features. Dachgeschosswohnung – Attic or penthouse apartment, often with sloped ceilings due to being on the top floor. Einliegerwohnung – A smaller, separate apartment within a house, often referred to as a “granny flat.” Entangewohnung – An apartment in a multi-story building, typically on one level. Loft – A large, open-concept living space, often converted from industrial or commercial use. Maisonette – A duplex apartment spread over two floors, often connected by an internal staircase. Penthouse – A luxurious apartment located on the top floor of a building, often with a private terrace. Souterrainwohnung – A basement or semi-basement flat, typically located partially below ground level. Terrassenwohnung – An apartment with a private terrace as a prominent feature. Must have a terrace Wohngemeinschaften (WG) – A shared apartment or house where tenants share common spaces like the kitchen or living room. Haus – A standalone building intended for residential use. Einfamilienhaus – Single-family house Mehrfamilienhaus – A building designed for multiple separate family units or households. Furnished house/apartment – A fully furnished house/apartment available for short or medium-term rental, often similar to vacation rentals like Airbnb. Vocabulary and Information die Wohnung This could mean accommodation but mostly it means an apartment or flat der Lebensraumdie Wohnflächeder Wohnraum The living space includes all the floor space of the rooms that belong exclusively to this apartment. Immowelt has a very good explanation of how living space is calculated das Haus A house – can also mean home or domicile das Einfamilienhaus A free-standing residential building, typically for a single-family das Mehrfamilienhaus Multiple separate housing units for residential inhabitants are contained within one building or several buildings within one complex. Units can be next to each other or stacked on top of each other das Zimmer Room. die Küche Kitchen.Most properties (for rent as well) do not include a fitted kitchen and you will mostlikely have to fit the cupboards, oven, fridge, etc.You will have to look at the “Ausstattung”. If you want a place with a fitted kitchen look for one with an “Einbauküche” Das Badezimmer Bathroom.Many bathrooms in apartments only have a shower or the shower is inside the bath das Wohnzimmer Living room der Flur Corridor, hallway das Treppenhaus StaircaseIt can be a shared space der Herd Stove die Spüle Sink for washing up die Garage / das Stellplatz Garage or parking space das Grundstück Land or plot das Etage Elevated floor das Erdgeschoss Ground floor 1. Etage, 1. Stock, 1 Obergeschoss First floor. It is the first elevated floor and not the ground floor Resources on the web Immowelt.de – a really good source of current information from types of housing, to disputes with neighbours. Available in German. Disputes If you’re renting a property in Germany and feel that your landlord is treating you unfairly, there are several organizations and legal channels that can help: Mieterverein (Tenants’ Association): The Mieterverein is a tenant’s association offering legal advice and support. By becoming a member (for a small annual fee), you can receive assistance on tenant rights, disputes, and issues with your landlord. Find your local association for more details. Schlichtungsstelle (Mediation Service): Some cities offer mediation services where disputes between landlords and tenants can be resolved outside of court. These services aim to facilitate a fair compromise between both parties. Legal Counsel: If the issue is severe, you may consider hiring a lawyer specializing in Mietrecht (tenancy law). Legal insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) may cover these costs if you have it. Mieterschutzbund (Tenant Protection Association): Similar to the Mieterverein, the Mieterschutzbund offers advice and support to tenants facing unfair treatment. They can assist with issues like rent increases, deposit disputes, or necessary repairs. Amtsgericht (Local Court): If disputes cannot be settled through mediation or tenant associations, you can file a complaint at your local Amtsgericht (local court), which handles tenancy law disputes. Keep records of all communications and issues with your landlord to support your case, if necessary. Related content
Finding a place to stay
Finding a place to rent Finding a place to rent is almost like doing a job interview. You have to “advertise” yourself and you will have to go for interviews. The best is to go prepared! Documents needed You will need at least the following documents: A Schufa report (credit report), proof of employment, bank statements and a motivation letter if you like. In this you introduce yourself .. how big the family is, do you have pets, do you have parties every Wednesday, do you smoke, where you work, etc. A tip from others is to add proof of insurance, such as pet insurance if you have pets or personal liability insurance. You can also add a reference letter from your employer. When you are not yet sure what type of place you want to get or exactly where consider making use of Airbnb for a couple of months. It also helps while you are waiting for your furniture to arrive in Germany. For more information and helpful tips on moving to Germany, visit the page below. Schufa A “Schufa” is a credit report. It is a bit of a chicken-egg situation. You cannot get a Schufa unless you already live in Germany. To get around this you can stay in an Airbnb for a couple of months and then get a Schufa, or say upfront that you don’t have one yet, or look for properties that do not require one. If you have an employment contract, you can also ask if they will accept that.Simple Germany has a good guide on getting a Schufa Cost of Living In general, properties are more expensive in Germany than in South Africa, also when renting. Food and clothing prices depend a lot on where you are buying. Medical insurance is also more expensive in Germany,The most, expensive cities in Germany concerning rent are Stuttgart, Hamburg and MunichHere are some cost-of-living comparative sites to give you an idea: Numbeo, Expatica, Destatis, and Mecer Information from Commerzbank for a family of 4 – in Germany Sparda Bank Wohnen in Deutschland More information on the internet Immowelt.de – a really good source of current information from types of housing, to disputes with neighbours. Available in German Where to look for Accommodation Rental agencies Apps Other Immowelt Meinestadt Immobilienscout24 Housing Anywhere Immowelt ImmoScout24 WG.Gesucht.de Meinestadt.de Your local paper eBay Facebook sometimes has listings in an area Relocation agents such as Swift Relocation Furnished short term rentals Shared accomodation Mr Lodge if you are looking for a furnished apartment Zeitwohnwerk – agencies providing furnished accommodation in Germany Wunderflats Home2go Flathopper in Munich Homelike Airbnb Website with shared accommodation in Berlin and Munich WG Gesucht Buy or Rent To buy or rent is a personal choice. Just be aware of the possible hidden costs of ownership.There was a case recently where owners were charged for fixing the road in front of their properties.Interest rates are pretty low. Deposits are high.Simple Germany has a good article on this Typical property description “3-Zimmer Wohnung Die Wohnung bietet eine Wohnfläche von ca. 116,56 m². Diese Fläche verteiltsich auf den Flur, zwei Schlafzimmer, das Wohnzimmer, das hell geflieste Vollbad, das WC und die Wohnküche.Die Küche wir nur mit einem Herd und einer Spüle ausgestattet.” “3-room apartment The apartment offers a living space of approx. 116.56 m². This space is distributedbetween the hallway, two bedrooms, the living room, the brightly tiled bathroom, the toilet and the kitchen-diner.The kitchen is only equipped with a stove and a sink.” Important When you are looking at a property with “3 Zimmer” it does not refer to bedrooms but the total rooms excluding the Kitchen and Bathroom. Many properties will have no lights installed, only the fittings. You have to get them fitted or fit them yourself. A good place to look for artisans is My-Hammer Make sure you know what your responsibilities will be for example are you responsible for keeping the pathway clear from snow or for cleaning the staircase (Treppenhaus). In BW you might be responsible for cleaning during your Kehrworche Living space – Living space can be calculated according to 3 methods. Only in the case of subsidized housing is a method prescribed by the Housing Subsidy Act The DIN-277 standard. The floor space (Grundfläche) and living space (Wohnfläche) are the same. The height of the room is irrelevant. Roof areas, balconies, basements and garages are included. The Second Calculation Ordinance (II. BV), only up till 31.12.2003 Living space ordinance (WoFlV – as of 01.01.2004) In disputes the court follows this method. It evaluates the part of the floor space that can be used for living. It is not the same as the Grundfläche(floor space) method- Rooms with sloping ceilings can only partially be taken into account. Cellars, laundry rooms, heating rooms and garages do not count towards the living space. Chimneys, pillars and columns do not count towards living space if they are higher than 1.50 meters and have a floor area of more than 0.1 square metres. Be careful of photos, it could for example be taken with the kitchen fitted but if it doesn’t say a kitchen is included (Einbauküche or EBK), it is not. It is possible to lease your furniture, Lyght Living and In-lease offers such services Rental Scams When looking for accommodation in Germany, be aware of rental scams, which can target unsuspecting renters. Scammers may post fake listings with attractive prices or demand upfront payments before allowing you to view the property. Common red flags include requests for money via insecure methods like wire transfers, landlords who claim to be abroad, or suspiciously low rent for prime locations. Always insist on viewing the property in person, verify the landlord’s identity, and never transfer money without a signed contract. Staying cautious can help you avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. For more info and tips: Germanpedia – Rental Scams About Berlin – Common housing scams Your rights We are not at liberty to give any legal advice. The advice we can give is to get everything in writing and know your rights.For
Registering (Anmeldung)
You must register at your local town hall (Bürgeramt) within two weeks of arriving in Germany. This is called a Meldepflicht. You will be issued a registration confirmation (Anmeldebescheinigung). Keep it in a safe place, but in the event of loss, you can re-apply for it at the Bürgeramt.
In smaller towns, the Bürgeramt and Ausländerbehörde could be in the same building.
Registering at the Local Town Office
If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 3 months, you will need to register at your local Bürgeramt (Town office).This is called a Meldepflicht and is compulsory. More about the law can be found in BMG (in German) or in EnglishIt must be done within two weeks after moving into your residence. ” Anyone who moves into a residence shall register with the registration authorities within two weeks of moving in. (2) Anyone who moves out of a residence and does not move into another residence in Germany shall deregister with the registration authorities within two weeks of moving out. Deregistration shall be possible no more than one week before moving out; the population register shall be updated as of the moving-out date. “ Where do you register As a rule, you must register at the registration authority (Meldebehörde) in your local town. As an example, if you live in Oberaichen, which is part of Leinfelden-Echterdingen, which is part of the Stuttgart Stadkreis, you need to register at the Leinfelden office. You can use the Ortdienste website to find your local office. Click on the Bundesländer and zoom in from there. Another website to use is Melderegister You can also search online for Bürgeramt, Rathaus or Ortsdienste for your own town e.g. Rathaus Leinfelden. The personnel at these institutions are in my experience very helpful and you can contact them if you have any questions Documents needed Valid passport with your visa inside Proof of residence If you are renting, you must get a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord or rental management company. The name and address of the landlord, the names of all persons who are subject to registration, the address of the rental property and the moving-in date must be on this document. Completed registration form. For most towns, this can be found online Marriage certificate, if applicable Change of address within Germany This obligation to register also applies when you move to a new address within Germany. If you move within the same municipality, you must inform the registration office (Bürgeramt) in person.. This is called “Ummelden. If you move to a new municipality you have to de-register (abmelden) at your previous address and register (anmelden) at your new address. You have to do it within two weeks of moving to your new address. When moving to a new address, you must also inform the following authorities and institutions: Finanzamt – If the tax office changes as a result of your move, inform the new tax office of your new address and your tax number. If the same tax office remains responsible, it is sufficient if you state the change of address in the next tax return. KFZ Zulassungsstelle (Vehicle Registration office) – As the owner of a motor vehicle, you must ensure that the vehicle registration documents are updated after the move. To do this, contact the responsible vehicle registration office. Don’t forget to inform your vehicle insurance company of the new address as well. You only need the seven-digit insurance confirmation code if you move to another city. Banks, Utility companies, Insurance companies, German Pension Fund Tip!! You can have your post redirected. Contact Deutsche Post Things to keep in mind You must de-register (abmelden) when you leave Germany permanently You will receive a bill for your television licence (Rundfunkbeitrag/GEZ) soon after registering. Church tax (Kirchensteuer) is payable by default. If you do not want to pay church tax, you need to indicate it on your Anmeldeformular. You can also apply to stop paying afterwards. For that, you must go back in person to where you registered, and submit a declaration of resignation form (die Niederschrift der Austrittserklärung). You pay a fee for this, the fee depend on the Federal State. The tax office is automatically informed of the change or the departure from the church. Tip!! Ask them where you must apply for your German driver’s licence and if you need a First aid course for that Vocabulary Proof of residence die Wohnungsgeberbestätigung Obligation to register die Meldepflicht Administrative district das Stadtkreis Registration certificate die Anmeldebescheinigung Register Anmelden Deregister Abmelden Re-registration Ummelden Citizens office die Bürgeramt Related content
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is compulsory. If you do not already have medical insurance, you need to organise it before applying for your residence permit. You need proof of medical insurance before you can apply for a residence permit
Medical
Health Insurance in Germany: A Guide for South Africans In Germany, everyone must have health insurance. This means when you move to Germany, this is one the first things you need to sort our When you earn less than the Versicherungspflichtgrenze, you will most likely need to take out Public Health insurance. When you earn over
Residence permit
A visa allows you to travel to Germany. When you want to stay longer than 3 months you need to apply for the correct visa in your home country and then for a residence permit in Germany. You apply for your residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde. You need your registration confirmation (Anmeldebescheinigung) before you can apply for residence.
In smaller towns, the Bürgeramt and Ausländerbehörde could be in the same building.
Permanent Residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is only available after living in Germany for s specific time. Your first residence as a South African citizen in Germany will always be temporary.
Temporary Residence
Temporary Residence A Visa allows you to enter Germany, but your stay is limited to no more than 90 days in a 180-day cycle.If you want to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the correct visa in your home country. Once in Germany, you must apply for the subsequent residence permit (Aufenhaltstitel) at the competent Aliens Authority in Germany. It will also regulate what you are allowed to do in Germany, such as weekend work while on a study visa. A temporary residence title (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is granted for a limited time and a specific purpose. Blue cards and ICT cards are also seen as temporary residence permits under Section 18c AufenthG (German Residence Act) Aufenthaltstitel An Aufenthaltstitel is a general term for a residence title or permit that authorizes non-EU/EEA nationals to stay in Germany legally for a specific purpose. It serves as proof of legal residence and may allow the holder to work, study, or engage in other activities, depending on the type of permit granted.There are several types of Aufenthaltstitel Temporary Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) Permanent Residence Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) EU Blue Card EU Permanent Residence ICT Card (Intra.Corporate Transfer) Visa Aufenthaltserlaubnis The Aufenthaltserlaubnis is a temporary residence permit granted to non-EU/EEA nationals for specific purposes in Germany. Unlike permanent residence, this permit is limited in duration and tied to the purpose for which it was issued. The framework for the Aufenthaltserlaubnis is outlined in the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz). Key Purposes of the Aufenthaltserlaubnis According to the BMI, key purposes for a temporary residence title (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) are: Education and Training This includes studying at a university, participating in vocational training programs, Recognition of foreign professional qualifications or attending language courses (§§ 16-17 AufenthG). Holders of this permit are allowed to stay in Germany for the duration of their education, with possible extensions if the program takes longer than expected. Economic activity The permit can be issued for employment purposes (§§ 18 ff. AufenthG), including: Skilled workers with vocational training qualifications – Section 18a Skilled workers with specific qualifications. – Section 18b Researchers and academics. Section 18d -18f ICT Cards for intra-corporate transfers (§ 19 AufenthG) allow temporary assignments within the same corporate group. Other employment purposes; Civil servants. – Section 19c Participation in European voluntary service – Section 19e Skilled Workers seeking Employment Section 20 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) allows skilled workers to obtain a temporary residence permit to seek employment in Germany, subject to specific conditions. Self-Employment Under §§ 21 ff. AufenthG non-EU/EEA nationals can obtain a residence permit to establish or manage a self-employed business in Germany.Freelancers (Freiberufler) such as artists, journalists, IT professionals, or healthcare practitioners can also apply under Section 21. Humanitarian, Political, or International Grounds Residence permits may also be issued for reasons such as asylum or other humanitarian protections (§§ 22-26 AufenthG). Family Reunification Individuals may be permitted to join close family members already residing in Germany (§§ 27-36a AufenthG). This typically applies to spouses, children, or parents of minors living in Germany. The issuance of the residence permit for each of these purposes is subject to its own specific requirements. These requirements are also outlined in the Residence Act—partly in the general section of the Act and partly under the specific purpose. An extension of the residence permit is only possible if the conditions that were required for the initial issuance still apply. However, the responsible authority may exclude an extension if the stay was intended to be temporary based on its purpose. When extending the residence permit, it must also be taken into account whether the foreign national has fulfilled their obligation to participate properly in an integration course. If the foreign national was or is required to participate in the integration course, the residence permit is generally only extended for one year at a time until the individual successfully completes the course or provides evidence of integration into social and societal life through other means. ICT Card for intra-corporate transferees §§ 19 of the AufenthG addresses ICT Cards, a type of residence permit designed for the purpose of intra-corporate transfers. An intra-corporate transfer refers to the temporary assignment of a foreign employee within the same company or corporate group.Section 19c deals with: Other employment purposes; civil servants Example of an Aufenthaltstitel This is an example of an Aufenhaltstitel, under Art des Titles it will indicate Aufenthaltserlaubnis. The “Gultig bis” is the validity date of your residence permit. Make sure you apply for an extension of your residence permit early enough. Under the Anmerkungent there will be information on the specific purpose and any limitations. In this example, 19C ABS 4 is referring to Chapter 19c of the Act on Residence, Section 1 I.V.M 11 Section 2. If you get a “Zusatzblatt” or supplementary sheet, more detailed information can be found there, for example, “Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet” means employment is permitted Limitations The Aufenthaltserlaubnis does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Holders are typically restricted to activities or purposes specified in their permit. If the purpose of stay ends (e.g., job termination), the permit may become invalid unless another qualifying purpose applies. Employment limitations There is only an entitlement to gainful employment if this entitlement is expressly included in the residence permit (in the form of an electronic residence permit or in the form of an adhesive label). The scope of a permit for gainful employment is entered in the residence permit or it is documented on a supplementary sheet (Zusatzblatt) Duration The validity period of the Aufenthaltserlaubnis is linked to the purpose of the stay. Extensions are possible but require continued fulfilment of the original conditions. For instance: Students can extend their permit if their studies are ongoing. Employees may renew their permit if their job contract is extended. However, authorities may limit extensions if the stay is explicitly intended to be temporary. Permanent Residence Depending on the specific type of Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit) you hold, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany if you meet the necessary
Applying for residence
A visa allows you to enter Germany. If you want to stay longer than 3 months you will need to apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehorde )You can only apply for a residence permit after you registered at the local Town office (Bürgerampt). See more about registering here. Where must you apply You apply at the immigration office (Ausländerbehorde)Depending on where you live, this can be in your city (Stadkreis) or at the district office (Landratsamt). You can use the Ortdienste website to find your local office. Click on the Bundesländer and zoom in from there.Another website to use is Melderegister You can also search online for Ausländerbehörde and your town e.g. Ausländerbehörde Leinfelden.In smaller towns, the Bürgeramp and the Ausländerbehorde are in the same building but this may not be the case in bigger cities. Documents needed Valid passport Proof of income, e.g. employee contract Proof of medical insurance Registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) that you get from the Bürgeramt after registering with them. This will be your new proof of residence, but take your rental agreement with you just in case. Completed application form Biometric photos the rest will depend on the purpose of stay e.g for work, study etc. Vocabulary Proof of residence die Wohnungsgeberbestätigung Obligation to register die Meldepflicht Residence permit die Aufenthaltserlaubnis Registration certificate die Anmeldebescheinigung What do you get Your first Residence card will be temporary, valid depending on your situation and conditions for example the period of your studies, Family reunification or work situation. Again depending on your situation you can apply for permanent residence after a certain amount of time. Proof of residence is in the form of a physical electronic card. Read more about what it offers and how to use it here. Related cotent
Permanent Residence
A permanent residence in Germany is called a Niederlassungserlaubnis and may be granted as a Settlement permit or Permanent EC residence permit. Very important!! Your residence card has an expiration date that corresponds to your passport. Your residence card is linked to your passport number see the PASS field. See the remarks section on the card as well as nr. 7 below. Germany has a “Passpflicht” law. Photo Symbol for the electronic CHIP Surname and Names Your Aufenthalts number Your Nationality /”Staatsangehörigkeit” your date of birth The valid date for the Card, not your residence. This is usually linked to the validity of your passport. CAN Your birthplace. Registered Domicile/address The competent Ausländerbehorde Online-Ausweisfunktion logo Machine code Residence Title vs Residence Card A residence title is a general legal term for any official document that grants a foreign national permission to reside in Germany for a specific period and purpose. These include Temporary residence permits (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) and Permanent residence permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis) A residence card is proof of your residence title. It is used to identify you You can use it for online identification on official websites if your card allows it. The validity of your residence title (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) may extend beyond the expiration of your passport. A temporary residence title has a specific expiration date, while a permanent residence title remains valid as long as you continue to meet the necessary conditions, such as not being absent from Germany for more than 6 months within a 12-month period. The validity of your electronic residence card (eAT) will never exceed the validity of your passport. Since the card is linked to your passport, it becomes invalid when your passport expires. The card serves as proof of your residence title, but this does not mean your residence title itself becomes invalid—only the official proof of it does. Who qualifies The requirements for obtaining permanent residence in Germany differ based on your specific category. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the Make it in Germany website. Skilled professionals (persons who have completed academic or vocational training, EU Blue Card Holders and international researchers) You have been the holder of a residence permit in accordance with Sections 18a, 18b, 18d or 18g AufenthG (German Residence Act) for at least three years (36 Months). You are able to cover your costs of living without using public funds. You have paid at least 36 months of mandatory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund. You are employed at a job for which you are qualified or that adequately suits your qualifications. You possess sufficient knowledge of the German language (B1 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR)) as well as knowledge of the legal and social order and of the German way of life. This can be proved by way of passing the “Life in Germany” test. You have enough living space for yourself and your family members. EU Blue card holders Blue card holders qualify after they have been employed in a qualified job for at least 27 months You have been employed in a qualified job for at least 27 months during which you made monthly contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund. You possess a basic command of the German language (A1 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)). For persons who can provide proof of German language skills at the B1 level, the required time of 27 months can be reduced to 21 months. You have basic knowledge of the legal and social order in Germany. This can be proved by way of passing the “Life in Germany” test. You can provide proof of adequate living space. Those who have completed university or vocational training in Germany Have you completed university or vocational training in Germany? Special conditions also apply to you when it comes to applying for a settlement permit. You have held a residence permit for the purpose of employment as a “qualified professional” for at least 2 years (Residence permit in accordance with Sections 18a, 18b, 18d or 18g AufenthG (German Residence Act)). You have a job that your residence permit allows you to do. You have paid into the statutory pension insurance fund for 24 months. You can demonstrate German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and have a basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany. This is usually proven by the “Life in German” test. You can provide proof of adequate living space. Highly qualified professionals In individual cases, highly qualified professionals can receive a settlement permit under Section 18c (3) AufenthG (German Residence Act) straight away without having to first spend a set amount of time in Germany. For example, if you are a scientist with special technical knowledge or a teacher in a high-level position, you can obtain a settlement permit immediately upon entering Germany. Important: You must be able to provide proof of academic training and It must be correct to assume that you can integrate into the German way of life and that your living costs will be covered without having to use public funds. It is a good idea to gather the required documents before entering Germany to be able to immediately obtain your settlement permit. Self-employed persons If you have held a residence permit for self-employed work in accordance with Sect. 21 AufenthG (German Residence Act) for three years, you may request to obtain a settlement permit (Sect. 21 (4) AufenthG (German Residence Act)). To obtain the settlement permit, you must fulfil the following requirements: At the time of the application, you are the holder of a valid residence permit enabling you to be self-employed. You must have been self-employed for three years. The work you are currently doing gives reason to expect that it will continue to develop in a sustainable way, given the success and longevity of your business activities. You can provide proof that you and your family members are able to permanently cover your costs of living. Family members of a German national You will receive your settlement permit if you have held a residence permit
Pension
You need a social security number to register for a statuary pension. A tip, if you are not employed when moving to Germany, for example joining as a spouse, consider registering at the Arbeitsagentür, as the time you are unemployed counts towards contribution years on your pension.
Sozialversicherung / Social Insurance
The following Social Insurances are payable in Germany when you are a full-time employee or trainee: Krankenvesicherung / Medical Insurance Plegeversicherung / Long Term care insurance. Nursing or home care Rentenversicherung / Pension insurance Unfallversicherung / Accident insurance – Should you become ill due to your profession you will be supported by the statutory accident insurance scheme. This will, for example, continue to pay your wages.It also assumes the cost for a further training course (retraining) should you no longer be able to work in your original profession.And it also pays pensions to widows and orphans.The contributions to this insurance will be paid by the company for which you work. Arbeitslosenversicherung / Unemployment insurance – If you have a position with a company that is subject to social insurance contributions you are automatically insured against unemployment. Should you become unemployed you will receive support from your employment agencies and job centres. The Arbeitsagentur will help you look for work. They also offer you financial support to cover your living costs should you fulfil the conditions for this.You can find more information concerning Unemployment Benefit and Supplementary Unemployment Benefit II (Arbeitslosengeld und Arbeitslosengeld II here – available only in German). You can download a very informative e-book from the Deutsche Rentenvesicherung. This is available in German only. Additional Information You should receive a Sozialversicherungsausweis / Social Security card. – Your social security number will be on this card. – As an employee, you need a social security card. With this, you can prove to your employer, among other things, that you are a member of the statutory social security system. You receive your number the first time you start employment and register for social insurance.Karrierebibel explains, “If the employer knows that the new employee is taking on a job for the first time, they register them with the health insurance company or the mini job centre. You will then apply for your social security card from the German Pension Insurance. The Deutsche Rentenversicherung will send you the ID.”You can also read more from the AOK You will get a yearly Meldebescheinigung zur Sozialversicherung / Social Security certificate from your employer. This certificate contains your gross salary for the previous year that is subject to contributions. The information is relevant for calculating your pension, and you should keep your copies until at least your retirement date. How to apply for your Social Security number Your Social Security number is used as identification for health insurance (public), pension, long-term care, and unemployment insurance. You can get this number in different ways, depending on your situation. Public Health Insurance – You receive your number automatically when you first sign-up for public health insurance in Germany. If you are on private health insurance, you need to request it manually at your local Rentenversicherung office. Employer – your employer might offer to apply for a social security number for you through their payroll system The German Pension Office – You can personally contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, either online or by visiting their offices Your Insurance Broker – As your broker for assistance You need to supply your employer with this number. Your social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis) is a very important document which you must keep safe. You will also need it when applying for social benefits e.g unemployment benefits Format Your Sozialversicherungsnummer has the following format: 12 123456 A 123. The first 2 digits are the area number of the office that registered you The next 6 numbers are your birthdate The Letter is the first letter of your surname The last 3 numbers are used to differentiate you from people with the same name and birthdate Detailed information on the GRV Website(in German) References and info on the web Make it in Germany Arbeitsagentur Related content
Pension
Pensions in Germany The pension system in Germany can be complex, especially for foreigners. Employees, freelancers, and anyone planning for retirement all face different rules and responsibilities. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Homepage of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung The German state pension scheme provides valuable resources and services to help you navigate retirement planning. Foreign Language Support: Detailed information is available on their homepage for foreign languages. Comprehensive German Resources: For those who understand German, their German site offers even more extensive details. Online Services: To access their online services, ensure your residence card is activated for online use. This activation can usually be done at your local residents’ office (Bürgeramt). For personalized assistance, you can also visit a local Deutsche Rentenversicherung office or contact their helpline. How to apply for a Social Security number? Your Social Security number is used as identification for health insurance (public), pension, long-term care, and unemployment insurance. You can get this number in different ways, depending on your situation. Public Health Insurance – You receive your number automatically when you first sign-up for public health insurance in Germany. If you are on private health insurance, you need to request it manually at your local Rentenversicherung office. Employer – your employer might offer to apply for a social security number for you through their payroll system The German Pension Office – You can personally contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, either online or by visiting their offices Your Insurance Broker – As your broker for assistance You can detailed information on the GRV Website(in German) Your social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis) is a very important document which you must keep safe. You will also need it when applying for social benefits e.g unemployment benefits Statutory Pension / die gesetzliche Rentenversicherung (GRV) The state scheme is financed by a payroll tax known as “social security contributions”.Premiums are deducted by the employer, who normally pays half of the contribution.Those currently paying into the system are funding the current pensioners.Self-employed are allowed to contribute to the GRV.If you have worked and paid contributions in Germany for over 60 months, you will receive a German pension after reaching the official German pensionable age.In addition to the periods of contributory employment, many other periods are considered, including: Child-rearing (until three years of age) Child raising period (up until 10 years of age) Schooling and university after the age of 17 Training periods Times of illness and unemployment (Please register with the Arbeitsagentur if you are unemployed or looking for work as these will count towards the qualifying periods. Consider doing this as soon as you arrive in Germany and do not have employment yet, for example, spouses) Times caring for relatives “You should clarify your account at an early stage in order to fill in any gaps such as times spent at school, college or university. Periods of occupational training, pregnancy (incl. Mutterschutz), when you were registered unfit for work or unemployed are also registered. After clarifying your account you will have a gap-free “curriculum vitae” in the German compulsory pension insurance system. The earlier you clarify your account, the more “precise” the results of your pension information will be and this forms the basis for your personal pension plan.” If you worked in Germany for less than 60 months, you are entitled to a refund of your own contributions.The company contributions are forfeited.Early retirement is possible if you are willing to forgo a percentage of your GRV. Pension Points The amount of your pension is primarily based on your insured earnings through contributions. These are converted into pension points. We will credit one pension point to your pension account if you have earned exactly the average income of all insured persons (currently 50,493 EUR) for one year. In addition, pension points can also be credited for certain periods in which no contributions were made (e.g., for vocational school education), or contributions were paid by the state, the employment agency, health insurance, or other institutions (e.g., for military or voluntary service, child-rearing, unemployment, and illness). To calculate the amount of the pension, all pension points are added up and multiplied by the so-called current pension value. The current pension value is currently 39.32 EUR. (2025)This means that one pension point currently corresponds to a monthly pension of 39.32 EUR. Gaps (Lückenauskunft) We recommend that you complete your insurance account as early as possible.Only with a fully clarified insurance account can they consider all relevant insurance periods when calculating the pensions listed in your pension information. See information above about adding additional periods. Company pension / betriebliche Altersvorsorge In addition to the German state pension scheme (GRV), many employers offer voluntary company pension schemes (betriebliche Altersvorsorge) to enhance your retirement savings. Key Features of Company Pension Schemes: Employer Contributions: If your company provides a pension scheme, they typically contribute a portion of your savings, helping to grow your retirement fund. Types of Schemes: There are five different company pension options available: Direct Grants (Direktzusage) Support Funds (Unterstützungskassen) Direct Insurance (Direktversicherung) Pension Companies (Pensionskassen) Pension Funds (Pensionsfonds) Tax Benefits: Contributions to these schemes are tax-free up to a specific annual limit, providing immediate financial advantages. What You Should Know: Check with your employer to see if they offer a pension scheme and how it is structured. This additional support can significantly boost your retirement income. Private Pension / private Altersvorsorge Private pension schemes in Germany offer an additional way to save for retirement, providing flexibility and tailored solutions for different individual needs. These schemes are entirely privately funded and managed by the individual, making them independent of employer contributions or the state pension system. Private Providers: In addition to Riester and Rürup plans, many private pension providers offer a variety of options, including life insurance-based savings plans, investment-based pensions, and hybrid models. Choosing the right provider and scheme depends on your income, financial goals, and retirement needs. A financial advisor with expertise in German pension products can help you navigate the options, ensuring you select a plan
Bank Account
Depending on your situation, you will need to open a German Bank account.
Opening a Bank Account in Germany
Opening a Bank Account in Germany: What South Africans Need to Know Moving to Germany comes with its fair share of paperwork and protocol — and right near the top of your to-do list should be opening a local bank account. Whether you’re here to study, work, or start fresh, having a German bank account is
Internet and mobile
Internet, mobile and television packages are usually sold as a bundle.
Warning! Germany has very strict copyright laws. Do not violate copyright laws by illegally downloading a film, music, or other web content.
Acquaint yourself about what is allowed and what the penalties are for not adhering to the rules.
You can also be held responsible for any downloads in your household, also from visitors using your internet connection.
Internet TV and mobile
Internet, mobile and television packages are usually sold as a bundle. Fibre is available in most big cities but not in remote towns. Legal After registering at the Bürgerampt you will receive a reminder to pay for your TV licence.Please make sure you know the rules regarding VPN’s, streaming services, and downloading music. The TKMoG (Telecommunications Modernisation Act), came into force on December 1, 2021. If the provider does not provide the contractually agreed transmission rate, the customer can now reduce the monthly fee based on the newly introduced proportional reduction right. A special right of termination can also be used under certain circumstances. If a technician does not come on the agreed date or if there is a fault that has not been rectified, this can lead to compensation claims against the provider. Another change is that providers have to offer a 12-month contract and not only 24-month contracts. If the contract has expired you can now cancel it with a one month notice period. Previously your contract was automatically extended for another year if you did not cancel it in time. The new regulation will also apply to existing contracts. Comparative Sites Websites like Check24 and Verivox makes a comparison of products, services and prices. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before signing up. Service providers Most service providers offer packages that include Home internet, mobile phone, landline and television packages. Please confirm that the service is available where you live before signing up. This is called Internet Verfügbarkeitsprüfung 1&1 Telekom O2 Vodafone Congstar German television You can find a list of German state-operated television stations here. Your bouquet will depend on your internet service provider for example this list from Vodafone In Germany for cable tv, the tv standard “DVB-C” is used: see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVB-CFor “normal TV” via antenna, the standard DVB-T is used.So if you TV cannot handle DVB-T or DVB-C, then you will not be able to receive German TV channels.If your TV doesn’t support these broadcasting standards, you can buy a set top box (receiver) which will receive these channels and then shows the channels via an HDMI cable on your tv (like an “mnet decoder” basically). Search for “DVB-C receiver” on amazon and you will find many, starting at circa 30€ all the way up to 200€, depending on whether you want additional things like recording. Pay TV channels Sky Sony, can also be added to your Amazon prime account Disney Streaming services Streaming is legal in Germany as long as the service provider follows the correct copyright rules. Torrenting is illegal in Germany. Be very careful of making illegal downloads! You can get hefty fines, this also applies to guests using your internet service. You can read more about streaming on the European Consumer Centre Germany – you can download their English Pdf here Safer-Streaming-EN In today’s digital age, streaming has become a predominant way to consume media content. However, the distinction between legal and illegal streaming can often be blurred. Legal streaming in Germany involves accessing content through authorized services that have the right to distribute the content. These services often require a subscription fee or offer ad-supported content. Here are some key points about legal streaming: Licensed Platforms: Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and local services like Joyn and Maxdome are fully licensed to distribute their content in Germany. Subscribing to these services ensures you are accessing content legally. Public Broadcasting: Germany has a robust public broadcasting system. Channels like ARD, ZDF, and their associated streaming services (e.g., ARD Mediathek, ZDF Mediathek) offer a wide range of content legally and often for free. Subscription and Pay-Per-View Services: Services such as Sky Ticket, DAZN, and Apple TV+ operate on a subscription or pay-per-view basis, providing access to a wide array of sports, movies, and TV shows legally. Ad-Supported Platforms: Platforms like YouTube offer legal streaming of a vast amount of content, provided that the content is uploaded by authorized channels or individuals who own the rights. Illegal Streaming: The Risks and Consequences Illegal streaming involves accessing content through unauthorized means, often without the consent of the copyright holder. This is a violation of intellectual property rights and German law. Here’s what you need to know about illegal streaming: Pirate Websites: Websites that offer free streaming of movies, TV shows, and sports events without proper licensing are illegal. Examples include sites like Kinox.to and Movie4k.to. Torrenting and Peer-to-Peer Sharing: Using torrents or peer-to-peer networks to download or stream copyrighted content without permission is illegal in Germany. Popular platforms like The Pirate Bay and other similar services are not legal sources. Consequences: Engaging in illegal streaming can lead to serious consequences. German law is stringent on copyright infringement. Users caught streaming illegally can face hefty fines and even legal action. Monitoring and Enforcement: Internet service providers (ISPs) and copyright enforcement agencies in Germany monitor illegal streaming activities. They can track IP addresses involved in illegal streaming and take legal action against offenders. How to Stay Safe and Legal To avoid the pitfalls of illegal streaming, here are some tips: Use Legal Streaming Services: Stick to reputable streaming services that have the necessary licenses. This not only ensures you’re on the right side of the law but also supports content creators. Be Wary of Free Streaming Sites: If a site offers the latest movies or TV shows for free, it’s likely illegal. Always check the legitimacy of the streaming platform. Look for Secure Sites: Legal streaming sites usually have secure, HTTPS websites. Be cautious of sites with poor design, numerous pop-ups, or requests for unnecessary permissions. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest laws and regulations regarding streaming. Germany frequently updates its policies to combat piracy, and being aware of these changes can help you avoid legal trouble. You can read more about streaming on the European Consumer Centre Germany – and download their English Safer-Streaming-EN.pdf file Article from Deutsche Welle – Warning on illegal downloads Information from the European Consumer Centre can be found here Vocabulary English German Mobile phone das Handy Landline das Festnetz Fiber optic das Glasfaser
Downloading Music, Movies etc
Copyrights in Germany are governed by GEMA, a government-mandated collecting society and performance rights organization. GEMA: The Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte, or in English, the society for musical performing and mechanical reproduction rights. Germany has stringent copyright laws.Do not violate copyright laws by illegally downloading a film, music, or other web content. Inform yourself about what is allowed and what the penalties are for not adhering to the rules.You can also be held responsible for any downloads in your household, also from visitors using your internet connection. Article from Deutsche Welle about illegal downloads and what to do if you receive a fine. Information from the European Consumer Centre can be found here Dubiose Streaming-Portale locken in Abofalle: Was Sie wissen müssen You can read more about streaming on the European Consumer Centre Germany – and download their English Safer-Streaming-EN.pdf file Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
Television Licenses
Television Licence (der Rundfunkbeitrag/GEZ-Gebühr) Television Licenses The first thing you are likely to get in your new mailbox after registering at the Bürgeramt is a reminder to pay your TV & radio broadcasting fees. The 2024 fees are €18.36 per month and can be paid quarterly (€55.08) or €220.32 per yearThe fee is mandatory. Every household in Germany has to pay the fee even if you do not own a TV or radio. It does not matter if you have subscriptions to Sky, Netflix, etc. You can apply for an exemption or a reduction.When you rent a place where it is included in the price (always ask!!!), or your flatmate is already paying, you have to let the GEZ know that someone else is paying on your behalf.You can find the form on this site You can also find more information on the official website, which is only available in German. Please inform yourself about broadcasting rules and copyrights governed by GEMA and the following warning about using VPN’s. VPN Warning!VPN’s are legal in Germany, but infringing on copyright and accessing content that should not be available can result in legal action. VPNs encrypt data and mask users’ IP addresses, making it harder for ISPs and authorities to track their online activities. However, when it comes to streaming content, especially music and videos, users should be aware of the copyright regulations enforced by organizations like GEMA (Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte) – English: Society for musical performing and mechanical reproduction rights. GEMA manages music rights in Germany and licenses the public performance and broadcasting of copyrighted works. VPN users should ensure they are not circumventing licensing agreements or engaging in illegal streaming, as GEMA and similar organizations actively monitor and enforce copyright laws to protect the rights of artists and content creators. Basically this means if you want to watch a South African program but it has no license to air in Germany, and GEMA does not earn their fees, it would be considered illegal to watch it in Germany.So although it is possible to watch DStv in Germany via a VPN, it is not recommended. Downloading Movies, Music and other media Watching movies via the Internet or downloading songs is often prohibited. Many online file-sharing services are illegal. German laws are strict about this. Please inform yourself about what is allowed and what the penalties are for not adhering to the rules Article from Deutsche Welle – Warning on illegal downloads Information from the European Consumer Centre can be found here German Television You can find a list of German state-operated television stations here. Your bouquet will depend on your internet service provider for example this list from Vodafone Pay Television Sky Sony, this channel can also be added to your Amazon prime account Disney Streaming Services In today’s digital age, streaming has become a predominant way to consume media content. However, the distinction between legal and illegal streaming can often be blurred. Legal streaming in Germany involves accessing content through authorized services that have the right to distribute the content. These services often require a subscription fee or offer ad-supported content. Here are some key points about legal streaming: Licensed Platforms: Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and local services like Joyn and Maxdome are fully licensed to distribute their content in Germany. Subscribing to these services ensures you are accessing content legally. Public Broadcasting: Germany has a robust public broadcasting system. Channels like ARD, ZDF, and their associated streaming services (e.g., ARD Mediathek, ZDF Mediathek) offer a wide range of content legally and often for free. Subscription and Pay-Per-View Services: Services such as Sky Ticket, DAZN, and Apple TV+ operate on a subscription or pay-per-view basis, providing access to a wide array of sports, movies, and TV shows legally. Ad-Supported Platforms: Platforms like YouTube offer legal streaming of a vast amount of content, provided that the content is uploaded by authorized channels or individuals who own the rights. Illegal Streaming: The Risks and Consequences Illegal streaming involves accessing content through unauthorized means, often without the consent of the copyright holder. This is a violation of intellectual property rights and German law. Here’s what you need to know about illegal streaming: Pirate Websites: Websites that offer free streaming of movies, TV shows, and sports events without proper licensing are illegal. Examples include sites like Kinox.to and Movie4k.to. Torrenting and Peer-to-Peer Sharing: Using torrents or peer-to-peer networks to download or stream copyrighted content without permission is illegal in Germany. Popular platforms like The Pirate Bay and other similar services are not legal sources. Consequences: Engaging in illegal streaming can lead to serious consequences. German law is stringent on copyright infringement. Users caught streaming illegally can face hefty fines and even legal action. Monitoring and Enforcement: Internet service providers (ISPs) and copyright enforcement agencies in Germany monitor illegal streaming activities. They can track IP addresses involved in illegal streaming and take legal action against offenders. How to Stay Safe and Legal To avoid the pitfalls of illegal streaming, here are some tips: Use Legal Streaming Services: Stick to reputable streaming services that have the necessary licenses. This not only ensures you’re on the right side of the law but also supports content creators. Be Wary of Free Streaming Sites: If a site offers the latest movies or TV shows for free, it’s likely illegal. Always check the legitimacy of the streaming platform. Look for Secure Sites: Legal streaming sites usually have secure, HTTPS websites. Be cautious of sites with poor design, numerous pop-ups, or requests for unnecessary permissions. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest laws and regulations regarding streaming. Germany frequently updates its policies to combat piracy, and being aware of these changes can help you avoid legal trouble. You can read more about streaming on the European Consumer Centre Germany – and download their English Safer-Streaming-EN.pdf file Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
Mobility
If you live in a big city you will rarely need your own car. The public transport system is excellent and there are many options to hire a car for a couple of hours. To drive in Germany you will need to convert your drivers licence
Car Insurance
A Guide to Vehicle Insurance in Germany: What You Need to Know Finding the best car insurance can be overwhelming, especially in a country known for its efficient roads and strict regulations. Choosing the right coverage for your vehicle is crucial. You cannot register your vehicle without having insurance. Types of Vehicle Insurance in German Germany offers three main types of vehicle insurance, each providing different levels of coverage: Haftpflichtversicherung Third-Party Liability Insurance This is the bare minimum required by law for all drivers in Germany. It covers damages or injuries you cause to other people, vehicles, or property. However, it does not cover any damage to your own vehicle. Teilkasko Partial Comprehensive Insurance This type of insurance goes beyond third-party coverage and protects you from certain damages to your own vehicle, such as theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters (like floods or hail), and damage from animals. Vollkasko Comprehensive Insurance Vollkasko offers the most complete protection. In addition to all the coverage provided by Teilkasko, it also covers damages to your vehicle caused by accidents, even when you are at fault. It may also protect you against damages caused by vandalism or hit-and-run incidents. Factors that may influence Vehicle Insurance Costs Several factors can impact the price of your vehicle insurance in Germany. While some of these may seem similar to South Africa, others are unique to the German system. Type of Car: The make, model, and age of your vehicle directly influence the cost of insurance. High-performance or luxury vehicles typically attract higher premiums. Driving Experience and Age: If you are a younger driver (under 25), or a new driver in Germany, your insurance premium will likely be higher. The insurer will consider how long you’ve held a German driver’s license or an equivalent license from South Africa. Location: Where you live plays a significant role in determining the insurance cost. Urban areas with more traffic, like Berlin or Munich, typically have higher premiums than rural regions. This is similar to how insurance in South Africa can differ based on whether you live in a busy city like Johannesburg or a quieter town. Annual Mileage: The fewer kilometers you drive annually, the less you may pay. German insurers calculate that the less you drive, the lower your risk of accidents. You can also choose to insure your vehicle for specific months, such as if you only drive your convertible during the summer. No-Claim Bonus (Schadenfreiheitsrabatt): If you’ve been driving accident-free for a number of years, you can benefit from lower premiums through the no-claim bonus. Your no-claim history from South Africa may also count, depending on the insurance company. It’s worth checking with your new insurer if they accept international driving records. No-Claim Bonus (Schadenfreiheitsrabatt) The no-claim bonus is one of the biggest cost-saving factors in German car insurance. For every year you drive without making a claim, you accumulate bonus points that reduce your premium. This system is known as Schadenfreiheitsklassen (SF-Klasse). Here’s how it works: New drivers in Germany start with SF 0 and, over time, can progress to SF 1, SF 2, and higher. The higher your SF level, the more discount you receive. If you make a claim, you will drop down in SF level, which means your premiums will increase. Your SF-Klasse is usually listed on your insurance contract and your annual Versicherungsbescheinigung. Many insurance companies in Germany offer online portals where you can log in and view details about your policy, including your SF-Klasse. You can get insurance that allows you one accident per year without losing your no-claim status if you have an accident If you’ve been driving claim-free in South Africa for years, ask your German insurer if they will recognize your South African no-claims history. Some insurers do, allowing you to enter the system at a higher SF level. However, it’s important to note that the process for transferring your no-claims history from another country, including South Africa, may vary depending on the insurance company. Some insurers may require official documentation proving your no-claims history, while others might have specific criteria for accepting foreign no-claims records. It’s a good idea to check with your chosen insurer about how they handle no-claims bonuses from abroad. Unfortunately, in our experience, very few insurers recognize or give credit for your no-claims history from South Africa. One of our FB members reported that Debeka did acknowledge his no-claim record and assigned him to level 7. Another member also had joy with HUK Coburg but only after some convincing. Someone also posted “HUK24 will accept a no claims bonus letter from SA, it must state for how many years no claims for motor own damage and also no claims for liability. What to keep in mind Renewal Most motor vehicle insurance policies in Germany expire at the end of the calendar year. If this applies to your policy, your insurer must receive your termination notice no later than November 30th. However, some insurers now offer flexible policies that can start at any time during the year—for example, beginning on April 1st and expiring on March 31st of the following year. These policies typically also require a one-month notice period for cancellation. Road Safety German roads, especially the autobahn, are known for their high speeds. Understanding local driving customs and obeying the rules will not only keep you safe but also help maintain your no-claim bonus. Small Print Read and understand the small print! Be careful of hidden fees when a dealership organises your insurance for you Add-ons and Extras German insurers often offer optional add-ons such as roadside assistance (Schutzbrief), which can be handy for expats unfamiliar with local mechanics or towing services. Comparison Shopping Like in South Africa, it pays to shop around for the best insurance deal. Several German comparison websites (e.g., Check24, Verivox) allow you to input your details and compare prices across different insurers. See the list below. Coverage for Older Vehicles If you drive an older car, you might find that Teilkasko
Public transport in Germany
The German public transport system is extensive, reliable and very affordable. The Deutsche Bahn AG is the national railway company and is state-owned. The DB offers long distance, regional and local travel options.Here is a list of PDF Files with the route maps in German Long distance trains Long-distance trains offer fast and convenient connections between major cities. The following types of trains are available for long-distance travel: ICE – InterCity Express. These are high-speed trains with limited stops between cities, for example between Berlin and Munich ICE Sprinter – They are the same as the ICE but run directly between major cities with perhaps only one intermediate stop. IC – Intercity trains within Germany EC – EuroCity trains with connections to neighbouring European countries There are toilets on these trains and most offer on-board catering. They offer free wifiThey offer different classes of travel, for example, the 1st and 2nd class1st class have more legroom and service from the Bordbistro. You can order your coffee or food from the personnel directly. Seat reservation is included in 1st class tickets. Regional trains The regional trains offers flexible travel without reservations. You can only buy a ticket for these trains but not make a reservation for a specific train or seat. IRE – Interregio-Express. These trains are good for direct connections between regions. It does not stop at all stations. RE – Regional-Express. Quick local connections to long distance and S-Bahn services RB – Regionalbahn. Regional routes. Links cities to their hinterlands Local transport The local transport options offer flexible travel without the possibility to reserve a seat. The following local options can be available, depending on the city: S-bahn – Stadtschnellbahn. Ideal for travel within a city and the surrounding areas. Many cities offer 1st and 2nd class tickets. U-bahn – Untergrundbahn. Although the name indicates they run under the ground, they can run above ground as well. Trams (Straßenbahn), Busses and Ferries Where to buy tickets Tickets for long-distance and regional trains can be bought on the Deutsche Bahn website or DB Navigator app (also available in English), at ticketing machines or at ticket counters at train stations. Tickets for local transport can be bought on the DB website or app, at ticketing machines, ticket counters or via the local websites/apps for example HVV for Hamburg, BVG for Berlin, VVS for Stuttgart or MVV for Munich. Most local transport tickets can also be bought via the DB Navigator app. Things to keep in mind There are many special offers available for groups, weekends, regional travel and travel within Europe. They are listed on the offers page of the Deutsche Bahn website. For most DB special offers, a city-ticket is not included. The city-ticket allows you to use the local transport at your destination. Seat reservations are not included in 2nd class tickets If you travel often, consider investing in a BahnCard If you need to cancel your ticket after booking, you can do it for free for up to 12 hours after making the booking online or via the DB Navigator. Read more about cancellations on the DB Website to see what applies to your booking. You book a ticket on the DB site for a Night train (on ÖBB) for travel to Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Validating paper tickets – Before the journey starts, tickets must be validated by stamping them at the yellow or red boxes located on S-Bahn and subway platforms and inside buses or trams. In case of inspection, a ticket that is not stamped is not valid. Deutschland Ticket The new Deutschland Ticket is an affordable subscription ticket that you can use to travel unlimited on all regional and local public transport for only €49 per month, The price will increase in 2025 to €58.Keep in mind that it is only available via subscription. You can cancel it monthly but must give a month’s notice. It is not transferrable to another person. It is not valid on the ICE, IC or EC trains. For FAQs in English about the Deutschland Ticket, please visit the Bahn Website Some tips for visitors – If you have family or friends in Germany, they can help you apply for a Deutschland Ticket. To complete the process, you’ll need to visit the DB Reisebüro. Plan the timing carefully and cancel the subscription right after signing up. Other options in Germany Flixtrain or Flixbus The French TGV travels between Germany and France (limited cities) ÖBB the Austrian Federal railways with routes in Germany SBB the Swiss Federal Railways with routes in Germany Search for long distance busses on Busliniensuche.de or Fernbusse.de Mobility options Car Sharing The classic model requires a vehicle to be picked up and returned to designated location, and are booked for a set period. Flexible car sharing allows the driver to pick up and return the vehicle at any location. An app shows nearby vehicles. Deutsche Bahn Flinkster ShareNow Stadtmobil Ubeeqo Miles Mobility Ride hailing/Taxi’s Using an app to organise your transport is super easy and convenient. In most apps, you can book your trip in advance, pay directly for your trip, rate your trip and identify favourite drivers. FreeNow (Taxi, Car Sharing, Public Transport tickets, E-Bikes, E-Roller, E-Scooter) Moia (Shared transport in Hamburg and Hanover) Taxi.de Taxi.eu (German and European Cities) Clever Shuttle (Shared rides) Related content
Road Rules
Driving on German roads is very well regulated and if you don’t adhere to the rules you will get penalty points against your name and hefty fines. Your licence can be suspended when you reach a certain amount of points (currently 8). Ignorance of road rules is not an excuse. The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) website has the following information: a list of the Traffic signs – the descriptions are in German the Traffic Rules(in German) The signs you have to learn very fast are the Road priority signs, Wikipedia has a list of road signs in English, but this is not an official German authority site For information about Fines and “Punkte in Flensburg” (points in Flensburg) have a look at the Busgeldkatalog website. Are speeding camera warning (Blitzer-Apps und Radarwarner) devices allowed? According to ADAC, radar detectors are prohibited and if you use them you risk a fine. Regardless of whether it is integrated into the Navi system or installed on your mobile phone, or an external device. You are however allowed to download such apps on your smartphone. You can use it before your journey to inform yourself where the speed cameras are, but you are not allowed to use them while driving. If you are stopped during traffic checks, and the app is active you will get a fine. Some basic road rules Yield Sign You have the right-of-way at all intersections on this road unless overridden by a “Yield,” “Stop,” or “End of Priority Road” sign. Parking is not allowed on this road outside of urban areas. Maximum speed limit Shown in kilometers per hour. End of all restrictions This sign removes all previous speed limit and passing restrictions. The default speed limits now apply. Priority Sign at an intersection and a definition of the priority. The Thick line has priority. Minimum Speed Limit Indicated in km/h. You must drive at or above this speed unless slower driving is required due to road, weather, or traffic conditions. All Vehicles Prohibited. This sign restricts all vehicle access, though exceptions are often listed on an accompanying supplemental sign. Types of road signs Warning Signs Be cautious on the road and watch for warning signs. These red-triangle signs with white backgrounds and black pictograms offer important safety information and should be noted to avoid potential dangers while driving. Regulatory signs Regulatory signs are vital for road safety. They give clear orders to drivers, reducing the chance of accidents and ensuring compliance with traffic rules. In Germany, circular signs with red indicate prohibitive actions and and blue circles indicate prescriptive actions. These signs are non-negotiable and must be followed to avoid penalties and legal consequences. How to build an emergency lane Insults on the road Everyday traffic situations can quickly escalate in road users harassing or throwing swear words at each other, and reacting aggressively.Derogatory gestures like showing someone a middle finger or using swear words like “A…hole” are not only rude and offensive, but they can also constitute a criminal offence (§ 185 StGB). Insults in traffic are punished with 20- 30 daily rates (A daily rate is your monthly net income divided by 30, so you could for example get a fine for your daily rate x 20 ) In special cases, a driving ban can also be imposed You do not lose any “Flensburg” points More information and examples can be found on the ADAC website Driving in winter Winter introduces new challenges and regulations for drivers. It’s important to stay updated on the relevant laws to avoid fines. Below are the key rules you need to know for winter driving. Fines – 2024 Engine Running €80 Let your car engine run to defrost the windows. “Standheizung” is allowed Lights €20 Driving without your lights on. Switching your lights on helps with visibility Snow on car €25 Snow on your car’s hood or roof can blow onto other cars’ windscreens causing dangerous conditions and accidents. Be a responsible driver by taking preventive measures like removing snow before driving. No winter tyres €60 Driving without winter tyres despite wintery road conditions. In addition to a fine you will also get on point against you. Speeding €100 Not adjusting your speed in poor visibility conditions. In addition to a fine you will also get on point against you. Window not clear €10 For safe winter driving, clear all windows of frost and snow to maintain optimal visibility. Neglecting to do so can be dangerous, obstructing your vision and preventing you from seeing potential hazards. References ADAC EVZ Resources on the web Driving in Germany Gettingaroundgermany Brain’s guide to getting around Germany. Traffic signs and signals THE MASTER DRIVERS GUIDE TO DRIVING IN GERMANY – This is a PDF file with road rules, not sure who the author is and how up-to-date it is Related content
Driving and Driver’s licences
Your Guide to Driving Legally in Germany Visiting Germany: If you’re visiting for a short period, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid South African driver’s licence. You can apply for the IDP at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA). Staying Longer: For stays longer than six months, you can drive legally in Germany using your South African licence and your IDP for the first six months (185 days from the date of entry into Germany). After that, you’ll need to convert your South African licence into a German one (Führerschein). Important: Rules and requirements may change, so always check the latest information using the links we’ve provided or consult your local traffic department’s website. You do not need to take the test, you can just convert your SA licence to a German one. Some states now require a first aid course, so please do so before you apply to convert your licence if required. It is always good to attend one anyway. Most Driving schools (Fahrschule) offer first aid courses As a rule, you need to translate your licence into German. This can be done at your local ADAC office. Note that this will depend on the Bundesland or office, so always make sure if you need to have your documents translated. Your foreign driver’s license can only be converted if you were a registered resident in the issuing country for at least six months. This means that if you obtained the license while on vacation abroad, it cannot be exchanged for a full German driver’s license In recent months, there have been reports that some cities are now requiring proof of “Confirmation of South African Driving Licence”. An example of this is in Böbblingen. Rather be as prepared as you can be, and ask if they need it before you apply for a German licence. This Confirmation can be requested from the RTMC, see more info from DIRCO. You can also use companies to assist you, see our marketplace for more information. If you are still in South Africa, request one and bring it along with you. The conversion is done either at the Bürgerdienste or the Führerscheinstelle of your town. You can search for Führerscheinstelle + Your Town, or search on Ortsdienst.de. Tip!! When you go to register at the Bürgerampt/Ausländerbehorde, ask them where you must apply for your German driver’s licence. For the transfer of Type C and D licences, you might need additional documents, for example, a criminal record certificate and a medical certificate What do you need to apply You need the following to apply to convert your South African licence to a German driver’s licence Passport and Residence card (Aufenthaltstitel) Photo, the same type as for a passport photo Your valid South African driver’s licence card German translation of your South African licence, if needed Confirmation of your Anmeldung – if you do not apply in your home town. First aid course if required. Copy of excerpt/confirmation from the issuing driving licence authority abroad with translation (Kopie Auszug/Bestätigung von der ausstellenden Führerscheinbehörde im Ausland mit Übersetzung ) if required Applicable Fees International Drivers licence – issued in Germany During your licence application in Germany, you will need to submit your SA licence to the German authorities, which means you will need an International Drivers licence to drive in South Africa. According to regulation 110 of the National Road Traffic Act, a foreign licence is only valid in South Africa if it has been issued in one of South Africa’s official languages.The German licence is therefore not valid and you should have an International licence. You can apply for an International licence at the Führerscheinstelle of either the Stadtverwaltung, Bürgerampt, Rathaus, or Landratsamt, depending on where you live. It is recognised in 200 countries.Here is a list of countries where you will need an International Licence once you have your German(EU) licence. You can find the application forms online or at the office where you applyYou will need a biometric photo and your German driver’s licenceThe fees are around €16 Sie können den Internationalen Führerschein bei den Straßenverkehrsämtern (Führerscheinstelle) an Ihrem Wohnort beantragen. Führerscheinstelle ist, wenn Sie in einem Stadtkreis wohnen: die Stadtverwaltung wenn Sie in einem Landkreis wohnen: das Landratsamt Rules and reciprocal licence agreements for each country Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz Federal Ministry of Tansport, building and Urban Development Fact sheet for holders of foreign driving licences – Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digatle Infrastruktur Validity of foreign licences in Germany Validity of German licences in other coutries Renewing your SA drivers licence card You need to renew your licence in person in South Africa. Please take note that “your South African driving licence card is your valid proof that you have a South African Driving Licence. When your driving licence card has expired, it does not mean that your driving licence has expired. Only your valid proof of such a licence has expired” Applicants outside the borders of the RSA whose Driving Licence Cards have expired or were lost/stolen and who are not in a position to return to the RSA to have the licence renewed: According to DIRCO – “The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), a corporation of the Department of Transport, is in a position to issue a confirmation letter should such an applicant have a valid licence. This is established by verifying the applicant’s South African identification number on the National Traffic Information System. The letter will serve as proof that the applicant has a valid licence and this will enable them to convert to a foreign driving licence in the country of current residence. Please note:The confirmation letter cannot be interpreted as a driving licence when produced to a law enforcement official. You can send an email to dlconfirmations@rtmc.co.za. Your request must include your contact numbers (including email address), a copy of your ID or a copy of your driving licence.The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will upon request, investigate, and print a copy of the licence required and a Letter of Confirmation of the licence. This letter reflects the date that the licence was first issued. Kindly
Useful apps
We have a page with a list of apps we think might helpful
Useful apps
Having the correct information available when you need it is priceless. Here are some apps that can make your life easier in Germany. Note for most we did not add links to the apps, as it is a lot of work to maintain for all operating systems. Use the search function to search the apps Integration Integreat app – Digital Integration platform Arrive App from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit Residence card Ausweisapp2 – Use it to identify yourself online with your electronic residence permit Mobility DB Navigator – Deutsche Bahn Navigator to book long-distance train tickets. Local tickets can also be bought. Apple App Store or Google Play store DB App – Deutsche Bahn main app Local public transport apps e.g HVV for Hamburg or VVS for Stuttgart Bicycle hire apps like StadtRAd Hamburg Mobility apps for a taxi, E-Roller, E-Scooter, and carsharing e.g Free Now or Reach Now mobiLet – parking payment app Taxi Deutschland Voi, Lime and Bolt for E-bike and scooter hire Outdoor and sport Komoot – Routes for hiking, running and cycling Strava. Join the South Africans in Germany Group Alltrails – Routes for hiking, running and cycling Outdooractive – portal for outdoor activities Hiking and tour apps in your region e.g Tours in BW Maps Offi directions – public transport HereWeGo (downloadable maps) Google Maps Medical Doctolib – search and book appointments. You can also search for English-speaking providers Jameda – app to rate and rank medical professionals Shop-Apotheke for buying medication online Doc Morris for medication Weather and warnings DWD WarnWetter App – Deutscher Wetterdienst. Weather warnings by the German Weather service Nina Warn app – Natural disasters and general warnings. This is a must have app Power outages – see where there are current power outages Entertainment Spotted by locals Open Table – Restaurant bookings Eventim – Concerts etc Radiobox – Worldwide radio station streaming PressReader Inc. – Access to all publications as a member of the local public library. Many German newspapers and magazines but also worldwide, including South African and Afrikaans. Translators and language Leo Translator Linguee Deepl Translator Dict – excellent German/English Dictionary Google translate, can also translate text on photos Alle Deutschen Wörterbücher – one app with all the different German dictionaries See our Where to learn German page for more apps Shopping General Amazon YouPickIt – shows deals of the day at local shops. You can compare prices Momox – Buy and sell second-hand items Rebuy for second-hand shopping Groupon – Discount vouchers Payback – for points collecting and discounts Idealo – Price comparisons Shopping Clothes Most shops like C & A, Bonprix, Peek & Cloppenburg have their own apps About you – Clothing Zalando – Clothing, shoes, accesories and more Vinted – Buy and sell second-hand clothes Food Hello Fresh for weekly ingredients delivered to you for meal preparation Flink – Flink promises to deliver groceries “in 10 minutes” Wolt – order food and household goods from the platform’s restaurant and merchant partners Picnic – grocery deliveries Flaschenpost – grocery deliveries Lieferando for restaurant food deliveries Too good to go – Discover shops and restaurants near you with Too Good To Go and save bags of surplus groceries from going to waste – at a great price. Online payments and delivery apps Klarna for online payments DHL, GLS or DPD and Hermes for deliveries Travel Airline apps like Lufthansa or Eurowings Booking.com app for hotel etc bookings Airbnb – Accomodation Momondo flight search and comparison app Moovit for maps, it also shows bus information Fuelflash – compare fuel prices in your area Parkopedia – find parking spots Flush app – Find a restroom Rome2Rio – handy app to find different ways of getting to your destination The Auswärtige Amt has a Sicher Reisen App. In the app you will find tips and a checklist for your travel preparations, and the addresses of the representations of your destination country in Germany. For problems on site, the app offers you information for emergencies as well as the addresses of the German representations in your travel country. Communication, social and community Threema, Signal or Whatsapp Discord – There is a South Africans in Germany group that you can join Nebenan – neighbourhood community Familywall – use it to keep a shopping list: each in the family can contribute to the lists Internations – International communities We also have a webpage with a list of South African communities in Germany Money transfers Please refer to our Foreign Exchange Information on the following pages ZAR to EUR and EUR to ZAR Xoom or Paypal Worldremit XE – currency converter. Please note that there is a buying and selling rate for Forex. Most apps show an average Financial Many banks have mobile apps, see your bank’s website for more information Most medical aid companies have mobile apps where you can submit your claims, and see your documentation Related content
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Emergency Contacts
The following numbers can be dialled in an emergency, either from a landline or mobile phone. 112The national emergency number. This can be used for any medical or fire/smoke/explosives emergency. It can also be dialled when someone is trapped or if you witnessed a suicide attempt 110The national police force. Call this number in case of attempted theft or damage. An assault or risk to life Instructions Dial and wait to be connected to an operator. Clearly state the incident. Indicate how many people require help and if any weapons or dangerous substances are involved Indicate your location and explain how to reach you. Answer all the questions asked and follow the operator’s advice. Do not hang up until you are told to do so. Try to keep your phone free after hanging up, as they may try to call back. See below for phrases Heimwegtelefon A service you can call at night if you feel uncomfortable on your way home. A volunteer will speak to you on the phone until you are safely home. They can dispatch emergency services if needed. It works throughout Germany and is a free service. You can use it on Sunday to Thursday from 21:00 until 24:00 and on Friday to Saturday from 22:00 until 02:00 the next morning Save the number on your phone – 030 12074182 Other import numbers German emergency phrases Related content
Going to the Hairdresser
Going to the Hairdresser Need a trim, a tidy-up, or a total transformation? Before you sit in the stylist’s chair, you’ll need to navigate the basics—auf Deutsch. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through how to book a hair appointment in Germany, what to say when you arrive, and the phrases you’ll want in your back pocket The first time I went to a hairdresser in Germany, she asked if I want her to cut my pony. I told her no, but can she cut my fringe, and again she said ok pony. It went on like this until I realised a pony is your fringe or bangs and not your ponytail. A ponytail is a Pferdeschwanz. I also walked out with wet hair, as I did not book for a blow-dry, or maybe I didn’t understand what she was asking and were too afraid of getting a huge bill at the end.In SA you always pay for a blow wave, but not for a blow-dry, where your hair is just blown dry but not styled. Here you pay for a blow-dry as well, that is why you will see people walking out of the salon with wet hair. That is unless you do it yourself in the salon, you are allowed to dry your own hair with their equipment.Some salons even charge you for the basic products they use like shampoo, but they seem to be the cheaper lower end salons where you don’t need an appointment. The basics At most salons, you need an appointment. You can simply phone and say the following:Hallo mein Name ist Frau/Herr xxx . Ich möchte gerne einen Termin (Hallo my name is Ms xxx. I would like to make an appointment)They will then ask you what you want to have done. They might ask for a date and time you have in mind, or simply tell you when the next open appointment is.They will ask for your contact details Finding a hairdresser You can ask for recommendations on Facebook groups. Look for expat groups or people living in your area. Websites like Treatwell also lists hairdressersNew! In our marketplace, we will list South African Hairdressers working in Germany Making an appointment To book a haircut appointment at a hair salon in Germany, you can say: 👉 “Guten Tag, ich möchte gerne einen Termin für einen Damenhaarschnitt vereinbaren. Haben Sie einen Termin frei?”(Good day, I’d like to make an appointment for a ladies’ haircut. Do you have a slot available?) Let’s break it down: Guten Tag – Good day (a polite way to greet someone) Ich möchte gerne einen Termin vereinbaren – I would like to make an appointment Für einen Damenhaarschnitt – For a ladies’ haircut Haben Sie einen Termin frei? – Do you have an appointment available? If you want to be more specific, you can add: für morgen / vormittags / nachmittags – for tomorrow / in the morning / in the afternoon am [Tag], um [Uhrzeit] – on [day], at [time] e.g., am Freitag um 14 Uhr – on Friday at 2 PM Water in Germany The hardness of the water depends on the level of chalk in the water. Chalk consist of calcium and magnesium and are not harmful to your health. It can however cause your hair to become frizzy and dry , and dry out your skin. It can also irritate sensitive skin. There are different grades of hardness of water. Soft, medium and hard waterThe hardness of the water can be measured in Grad deutscher Härte (°dH). The scale is between 0 and 21, with 21 being the hardest. Wasser.de has a map to check the hardness of your water. To counter hard water, you can use special shampoos or install a filter on your shower head.Here are some suggestions from our community AquaHomeGroup 20 Stage Shower Filter with Vitamin C E for Hard Water – High Performance Shower Water Filter to Remove Chlorine and Fluoride – 2 Cartridges Included – More Consistent Afina A-01 Advanced High Pressure Shower Head, Reduces Dry, Itchy Skin, Dandruff, Eczema and Dramatically Improves the Condition of Your Skin, Hair and Nails Hair health Please note: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance. To boost your hair health, include the following in your diet: Protein: Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein. Include lean meats, eggs, beans, and dairy in your diet. Iron: Prevents hair thinning. Found in spinach, lentils, and red meat. Zinc: Promotes hair growth. Found in nuts, seeds, and shellfish. Vitamin D: Important for hair follicle health. Consider fortified foods or supplements if levels are low. Biotin: A B-vitamin essential for hair strength. Found in eggs, nuts, and sweet potatoes. Phrases Here is a list of phrases and terms that might come in handy.You can also download it as a .pdf file English German Cutting and trimming I would like to have my hair cut Ich möchte meine Haare schneiden lassen Would you like me to wash your hair? Möchten Sie, dass ich Ihre Haare wasche? When did you have your last haircut? Wann hattest du deinen letzten Haarschnitt? How would you like me to cut it? Wie soll ich dir die Haare schneiden? How short do you want me to cut it? Wie kurz soll ich schneiden? Wie kurz hätten Sie es gern? Shave your neck? Soll ich hinten rasieren? I would like to have my hair trimmed Ich möchte meine Spitzen schneiden lassen ich hätte gern einen Nachschnitt Bitte nur nachschneiden I would like to have my hair shoulder length Ich möchte meine Haare schulterlang haben I would like to have layers cut in my hair Ich möchte meine Haare stufig schneiden lassen Can you thin out my hair? Könnten Sie bitte meine Haare ausdünnen?” I would like a new style ich hätte gern einen neuen Style I would like a fringe ich hätte gern einen Pony
Visiting a doctor
Navigating Healthcare in Germany Visiting a doctor in Germany can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding how the system works will help you feel confident and prepared. When I first arrived in Germany, I was fortunate to travel back to South Africa frequently. I relied on that to manage my medical check-ups, avoiding visits to German doctors whenever possible. That strategy worked well—until I hurt my back and had no choice but to seek medical attention locally. Although I could speak German, I struggled to recall the specific terms for body parts and medical conditions, which made communication incredibly challenging. My advice? Don’t wait until an emergency forces you to find a doctor. Start by scheduling your routine check-ups early on—it’s an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system and your local medical professionals. German doctors are highly professional and competent, but their approach can feel very business-like compared to what you might be used to in South Africa. They tend to be direct and honest, and they expect you to take responsibility for your health. For example, when I visited an orthopaedist for my back injury, the doctor not only treated me with an injection but also emphasized holistic recovery methods. He was blunt about the need to strengthen my body and even scolded me for not taking better care of myself. It was a stark contrast to the more sympathetic approach I was accustomed to in South Africa. Another important difference is that some German doctors may not accept your medical history from South Africa. Instead, they’ll conduct their own tests before beginning treatment. While this can be frustrating, it also ensures a thorough and accurate diagnosis. If you’re new to Germany, embracing the local healthcare system sooner rather than later can save you a lot of stress down the road. Finding a doctor Finding a doctor in Germany can be challenging, especially if you’re looking for an English-speaking practitioner. Your general practitioner (GP) is called a Hausarzt, and you are free to choose your doctor. However, to see a specialist (Facharzt), you will often need a referral (Überweisung) from your GP. Here are some websites to help with your search: Jameda Med Kolleg Doctolib – You can also book your appointment directly on this platform. Additionally, we have listed some medical professionals on our website, many of whom have a South African background and speak at least one of the official languages. For further recommendations, consider reaching out to local expat communities—they can be a valuable resource for finding trusted doctors. Online Consultations You can talk to a doctor online on Mobi Doctor. They are not covered by medical insurance. 💡 While online doctors can be a convenient option in certain situations, visiting a doctor in person is often essential for a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis. I was having an issue that I just couldn’t get better. I ended up using an online doctor service, and got antibiotics, and was better quick quick. It was about 25€, and I had to pay for meds. The prescriptions are accepted by the pharmacists – you can just show it to them on your phone, no physical print out needed. (Note from admin, this is not always accepted by all pharmacies, some require a printout) Shelley-Ann The prescriptions from online portals are usually accepted when they are issued through secure portals that are communicated directly to the pharmacies email address to avoid fraud. The scripts are usually private scripts so the “gesetzliche Krankenkasse” will not pay for it. They only pay for medicines issued on an official German “Kassenrezept” JulianPharmacist They will only be able to issue private scripts, meaning the Public health insurance will not pay for it. As long as the prescription was issued in an EU Country, you can submit it to a pharmacy in Germany, but you will pay for it yourself. KarelPharmacist Mobi doctor Good to know If you are on the public or Government “gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) ” health insurance, you must always take your medical card with you to your appointment. Your bills will be sent directly to the insurance. If you are on GVK, make sure that your doctor is registered on the public healthcare system or Kassenärzte and that they accept GVK, some only accept private patients and you will have to pay out of your own pocket if you are on the public health insurance. If you are privately insured, you will receive a bill which you have to pay and claim back from your insurance. Antibiotics are only used as a last resort, if you have a cold you might get some Aspirin and be told to get some bed rest. German doctors do not have an issue with nakedness and you might be asked to strip down to the basics when you have a more thorough examination like an EKG. Prepare beforehand by writing down what you want to say and translating it into German beforehand. Miscommunication can happen easily when you’re unfamiliar with medical terms, symptoms, or body parts. Check out our related content on medical terminology to help you communicate effectively. Your bill The codes on your bill should correspond to the ICD codes, which is a globally recognized system that is used to label medical diagnoses. You can search the codes hereCancellation of appointmentsIf you cannot make your appointment, cancel as early as possible and make your new appointment right away. Confirm the cancellation by e-mail or in writing. If you do not cancel an appointment in time you can be charged for it, see § 615 BGB (Paragraph 615 of the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch) Pharmacies In Germany, pain medication that is easily available in South African grocery stores can only be purchased at a pharmacy (Apotheke). Additionally, the rules for over-the-counter medications (Rezeptfrei) are much stricter here.If you have questions about medication, our “Ask a Pharmacist” service connects you with South African pharmacists working in Germany who can provide guidance. To find an emergency pharmacy (Notdienst-Apotheke), you
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