Live Germany

Everyone who moves into a flat must register at the Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt within two weeks. Bring your passport and the landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). You need the registration for a bank account, tax ID and much more.

Indians need a national (D) visa for long stays: student, Ausbildung (vocational training), skilled worker, EU Blue Card or the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) to look for work. Apply through the German Missions in India - never through a paid 'job guarantee' agent.

For people with a recognised university degree and a qualified job offer. Minimum gross salary in 2026: €50,700 a year (€45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates).

A points-based card to come to Germany for up to one year to look for a qualified job. You may work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) while you search.

Paid training in a company plus vocational school, e.g. nursing, IT, hotel or trades. German at level B1 is usually expected.

Students usually prove they can pay their living costs with a blocked account. The required amount is set by the government and changes - always check the current figure on the official page before you transfer money.

Everyone living in Germany must have health insurance - statutory (gesetzlich) or private. Students and trainees need cover from day one; employees are usually insured through their job.

Most shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Night quiet is usually 22:00-06:00; no drilling, loud music or moving furniture then. Check your house rules (Hausordnung).

Rubbish is sorted into paper, packaging, organic and residual waste. Single-use bottles and cans carry a €0.25 deposit (Pfand) - return them at any supermarket machine.

Every household pays the public broadcasting fee - €18.36 a month per flat, no matter how many people live there. Register once after you move in.

Cars drive on the right. Cyclists use bike lanes, need lights at night and must not ride on the pavement (adults). Red light means stop - also for pedestrians. Drinking and driving is punished strictly.

After your Anmeldung the Federal Central Tax Office posts you a tax ID (Steuer-ID) automatically. Your employer needs it, along with your social security number.

Sign a written rental contract. The deposit is at most three months' cold rent (rent without heating/utilities) and is returned when you move out. Never pay before seeing the flat.

Ausbildung and nursing usually need B1-B2; many jobs ask for B1+. Study programmes taught in German usually need C1 (TestDaF / DSH); English-taught programmes need IELTS/TOEFL instead - but everyday life is much easier with German.

International students may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year, or as a student assistant at the university.