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South Africans in Germany

Daily life in Germany

The most important topics for daily life in Germany

Seasons and Events

We created pages for each month of the year. Giving information about what is in season, what public holidays and festivals to look forward to and information about the weather.

Germany month by month

We created a page for each month so you can find out what food is in season, what public holidays and festivals you can look forward to and

House and Home

If you are looking for a place to rent, have a look at the information on our page relating to Schufa, types of housing and where to look for accommodation.

Finding a place to stay

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!  You will need at least the following documents: A Schufa report (credit report), proof

Schools and Studies

Enroll at a University or Hochschule (Technical University). 

Schools and Studies

General school information Take note that Home Schooling is not allowed. German Vocational training Interested in doing Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Germany?Germany is one of the best providers of Vocational Training. German Vocational training All the information you need to know about finding and enrolling

Finance

Income Tax, pensions, SARS, Social Insurance, Forex and Financial planning

Finance

The most important financial topics for daily life in Germany Income Tax Information about taxes and where to find assistance Pensions How does the German state pensions work, what can you do to supplement your pension Foreign Exchange- ZAR to EUR Foreign exchange rules to buy Euros with South African Rands SARS Income Tax in South Africa SARS Tax Residence in South Africa Social Insurance Health and long-term care insurance Financial planning How to find

Driving

Also see our Entrepreneurs Corner Forum 

Freelancing in Germany

You can set up your own business in two ways, one is to work as a freelancer or as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe).  If you want to work as a freelancer in Germany, you will need to apply for a Residence permit for the purpose of freelance employment.

Shopping

Also see our Entrepreneurs Corner Forum 

Freelancing in Germany

You can set up your own business in two ways, one is to work as a freelancer or as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe).  If you want to work as a freelancer in Germany, you will need to apply for a Residence permit for the purpose of freelance employment.

Sport

Also see our Entrepreneurs Corner Forum 

Freelancing in Germany

You can set up your own business in two ways, one is to work as a freelancer or as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe).  If you want to work as a freelancer in Germany, you will need to apply for a Residence permit for the purpose of freelance employment.

What we love about Germany

We did a poll on our Facebook page to ask people what they loved about Germany. You can find the results here

What we love about Germany

We asked members of our Facebook page what they loved about Germany.  Those that made the list were: Feeling Safe Quality of life Easy access to the rest of

Local Town Offices

Once you are settled in, you will have to take a trip to your local town office to register.

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

Health

We added some links about medical aid

Legal Matters

According to Section 16d AufenthG (German Residence Act) –  “For the 

Legalities

German Laws and Regulations Where to find information about the laws in Germany. How to report a crime and emergency numbers Estate planning Wills and Testaments Television Licenses Paying your television licence,

Useful Apps

A list of apps to make your life easier

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

Entertainment

Movies, Internet, Mobile and Television

Entertainment

Menu Item The most important topics for daily life in Germany Internet, TV and Mobile Internet and mobile providers. TV Channels Going to the movies What you need to know about going to the movies in Germany

Outdoors

People from 3rd world countries can apply to do volunteer service in Germany. 
There are four types of Voluntary services in Germany, that you can apply for. They are Federal Voluntary Service (BFD), Voluntary Social Year (FSJ), Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ), European Voluntary Service (EVS)

Outdoors

Most South Africans love being outside the house. This can sometimes feel like a challenge in Germany, but I have learned very quickly that you need to embrace all kinds of weather conditions.Most Germans will tell you that there is no bad weather, just bad clothes. The best outdoor activity is, of course, braaing with friends, but please be aware of the rules.

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