Driving licence & car Have you obtained your driving licence outside Germany? Here you will find all the information you need to drive a car in Germany. Driving a car: Is my driving licence valid in Germany? Many people in Germany have their own car, but if you prefer not to, you can easily rent a car on demand through car sharing. Car sharing and carpooling sites In urban areas, there are many car-sharing services from different providers. You will need the appropriate app to make bookings. Car...

Useful everyday knowledge Find answers to frequently asked questions about Germany. Topics range from public holidays and emergency numbers to mobile phone contracts. Useful everyday knowledge Many things are different in Germany, such as opening hours of stores, waste separation or the purchase of a SIM card. Here you will find answers to the most important questions about everyday life in Germany. What public holidays are there in Germany? In Germany, public holidays are determined by the fede...

Social security Do you have employment in Germany that is subject to social security contributions? Find out more about what that means here. General information If you are a skilled professional returning to Germany after a longer stay abroad, your prospects of getting a foot back on the ladder are excellent. If you have been seconded to a post abroad, your company will probably refer you to a relocation agency that will give you all the information you need and take care of the most important...

Unemployment You have lost your job? No problem! If you worked in Germany before, you will receive support. If you have yet to find a job, register with your local employment agency (Arbeitsagentur) If you are not taking up employment immediately upon your return to Germany, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits . You will need to visit your local employment agency in person to register. If you are not residing in Germany, you do not have to notify the agency three months prior to the en...

Additional insurances Safety first: find out which insurances you should take out in Germany. Liability insurance Liability insurance pays if you damage or destroy another person's belongings. For example, if you break a vase or spill coffee on a friend's smartphone. Most Germans have that kind of insurance because it is inexpensive and protects you from having to pay for the damage with your own money. Household contents insurance This insurance covers all items inside your house or flat. For e...

Visa for vocational training Are you interested in completing vocational training in Germany? There is a special visa application procedure for this. You can find out more here. Vocational training in Germany opens many doors and is the best way to prepare yourself for the world of work in Germany. There are two options: you can either complete school-based or in-company vocational training. In either case, you may need a residence title under Section 16a of the Residence Act (AufenthG). To find...

Entry & visa process There are several steps required in applying for a visa. To make it easier for you, here is an overview of the whole process. Step 1: Check the requirements Before applying for a visa , you must check whether you meet the basic requirements for the granting of a residence title ( Section 5 (1) of the Residence Act [AufenthG] ): A secure livelihood: As part of the visa process, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. This can be done in a...

Special regulations for professional athletes Are you an athlete looking to compete professionally in Germany? Find out here which visa regulations apply to you. The German labour market is also open to professional athletes from abroad. To find out if you need a visa to enter or a residence permit to stay in Germany, see the " Do I need a visa? " section. You want to work as a professional athlete Info box You are considered a professional athlete if you receive more than an expense allowance f...

Special regulations for esports professionals Are you an esports professional looking to compete professionally in Germany? Find out here which visa regulations apply to you. The German labour market is also open to esports professionals from abroad. To find out if you need a visa to enter or a residence permit to stay in Germany, see the “ Do I need a visa? ” section. You want to work as an esports professional Info box You are considered an esports professional if you receive more than an...

EU Blue Card Do you have an academic qualification and you have found a job in Germany? Learn about what requirements you have to meet for an EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card ( Section 18g of the Residence Act [AufenthG] ) is a special residence title for foreign academics and people with comparable qualifications who want to take up qualified employment in Germany. To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, see the “ Do I need a visa? ” section. What are the EU Blue Card requirements? Y...