The guide
Settling in Germany, topic by topic.
The rules that matter, checked on official websites and explained simply. To find out what applies to your situation, ask Moovy, our AI assistant.
- ResidenceRegistering, deadlines, papers to keep.Moovy answers questions on this topic
- Public services and online portalsWho does what, digital identity, the order of steps.
- Which authority does what in Germany, and in what order should I do my paperwork when I arrive?
- Tax numberGetting it, before or after you arrive.
- How do I get my Steuer-ID (tax number) in Germany?
- TaxesTax residence, rates, schemes for newcomers.Moovy answers questions on this topic
- HealthcareRegistering, the European Health Insurance Card, the S1 form.
- How do I get health cover when I move to Germany?
- Health insurance required for visas and permits: what EU rules ask (short and long stays)
- SchoolEnrolling your children, international schools, childcare.
- Schooling my children in Germany: compulsory education, enrolment, the school system and French schools
- Childcare before school in Germany: Kita, right to a place, procedures and costs
- Working for yourselfLegal forms, contributions, VAT, accounting.Moovy answers questions on this topic
- WorkContract, salary, unemployment, recognition of qualifications.
- Working as an employee in Germany: contract, minimum wage, Minijob, working hours, leave and dismissal
- Looking for a job, getting your qualifications recognised and claiming unemployment benefit in Germany
- HousingRenting, buying, lease pitfalls.
- Renting a home in Germany: lease, deposit, rent cap, service charges and notice
- BankingOpening an account, what you will be asked for.
- Opening a bank account in Germany, keeping your foreign IBAN, the Schufa and mortgages
- Driving licence and carExchanging your licence, registering your car.
- Driving in Germany with a European, British or Swiss licence: do I need to exchange it?
- Registering in Germany a car brought from another European country: Zulassungsstelle, Kfz-Steuer, technical inspection and insurance
- RetirementReceiving your pension, settling as a retiree.Moovy answers questions on this topic
- Customs and daily lifeLanguage, opening hours, manners, what surprises newcomers.
- Everyday life in Germany: opening hours, Sundays, public holidays, emergencies, recycling and Pfand, social codes
These guides give the general rules. Your situation can change the answer: Moovy looks at it with you and tells you when you need a professional.
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