How to Apply for Kindergeld in Germany Before You Lose Months of Money
Kindergeld is 259 euros per child per month, but it is paid back only six months. Apply online at the Familienkasse as soon as you have your child's tax ID.
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Expat
How to Set Up Your Freistellungsauftrag Before the Year Ends
Your first 1,000 euros of interest and dividends per year are tax free, but only if your bank knows. Split a Freistellungsauftrag across your banks before your bank's year end cutoff.
How to File Your 2022 German Tax Return Before It Expires on 31 December
If you never filed a tax return for 2022, you can still get a refund. Send it through ELSTER so it reaches the Finanzamt by 31 December 2026.
How to Switch Your Krankenkasse When It Raises the Zusatzbeitrag
If your public health insurer raises its Zusatzbeitrag, you can switch even before 12 months. Apply at the new one by the end of that month. No letter warns you anymore.
How to Get Your German Pension Contributions Back When You Leave Germany
Many non-EU expats can get their own half of German pension payments back. Wait 24 months after leaving, then send form V0901 to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
How to Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence in Germany Before Six Months Run Out
A non-EU driving licence is only valid for six months after you move to Germany. Apply for the Umschreibung early, because offices often need three months or more.
How to Change Jobs With a Blue Card in Germany
You do not need permission to change jobs with a Blue Card. In the first 12 months you must report the change to the Ausländerbehörde. After that, no report is needed.
How to Deregister Your Address When You Leave Germany
Leaving Germany? Do the Abmeldung within two weeks of moving out. It is free, can be sent by post, and the confirmation lets you stop the Rundfunkbeitrag and your contracts.
How to Get Your SCHUFA Report for Free
You do not have to pay 29.95 euros to see your SCHUFA data. Request the free Datenkopie online, or check your score for free in a SCHUFA account.
How to Stop Paying the Rundfunkbeitrag Twice in a Shared Flat
The broadcasting fee is paid once per flat, not per person. If a flatmate already pays, answer the letter with their Beitragsnummer and you pay nothing extra.
How to Get Your German Tax ID When the Letter Never Arrives
Your Steuer-ID is sent only by post. If it never came, check your old documents first, then request it again for free with the BZSt online form.
Your First Week in Munich: The Anmeldung and Everything Nobody Tells You
You have 14 days to register your address in Germany, and nobody tells you that at the airport. This is the guide I wish I had.