Everything you need to
live well in Germany

What these guides cover

Germany runs on paperwork, and most of it is written in German for people who grew up with it. These guides explain each step in plain English: what the rule is, which office or company handles it, what to bring and what usually goes wrong. Each one names its official sources and shows the date it was last updated.

If you are planning a move, start with the moving to Germany checklist, then book your Anmeldung, because a registered address unlocks the bank account, the tax ID and most contracts. Health insurance is mandatory from your first day, so read the health insurance overview early. Choosing a city? The guides to Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt compare neighborhoods, rents and jobs.

Once you have arrived, the topic sections go deeper: money and taxes, work and business and everyday life. For softer reading about culture, food and weekend trips, see the expat blog. The full list is below.