Relocation / 45 articles
Moving to Germany: preparation and first steps
Start with the overall plan, then check the city and the costs. After that, move on to family matters, the move itself and the first weeks on site. This order helps you spot dependencies before you buy tickets or take on other commitments.
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All articles in this topic
Full blog- Relocation5 min
Planning a move to Germany: how to connect housing, documents and deadlines
A workable preparation sequence: dependencies between tasks, who is responsible and a fallback scenario.
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How to choose a city in Germany that fits your life, not a ranking
Comparing cities by work, housing, family needs and everyday journeys.
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Budgeting for your first months in Germany: which costs to keep separate
How to avoid mixing up the cost of the move itself, setting up home and everyday living.
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Moving to Germany with your family: how to share out the tasks
A shared family plan that keeps track of children's, work and household matters.
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Temporary accommodation before a long-term rental: how to choose
What to clarify about length of stay, extensions and whether the address suits your needs.
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Shipping your belongings to Germany: how to brief a removal company
An inventory, loading conditions and questions that make quotes comparable.
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Your first week in Germany: how to set priorities
A practical order of steps after arrival without an overloaded schedule.
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Documents before you leave: how to put together a practical set
An inventory of originals, digital copies and checking what the recipient requires.
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How to prepare a move to Germany from another country
Remote tasks, written confirmations and the limits of what a representative can do.
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How to check a neighbourhood before you move: a route-based approach
Assessing an area through an ordinary weekday rather than the impression of a single walk.
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One month before the move: what to check one last time
Reviewing confirmations, deadlines and open arrangements before you leave.
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Moving in stages: when one person goes first
How to separate a preparatory trip from the whole family's move.
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Phone and account access after arriving in Germany
How to keep access to email, confirmations and key contacts while you travel.
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How to choose a language course after moving
Comparing courses by goal, timetable and practice, not just price.
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School and childcare when you move: how to prepare your questions
What information to gather before contacting local schools and childcare centres.
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Getting around after the move: comparing life with and without a car
Working out two everyday scenarios for your new address.
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Your first month after moving: how to review unfinished tasks
Reviewing documents, contracts, costs and household routines after the first weeks.
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If your move is delayed: how to prepare a plan B
Which arrangements to revisit when housing, documents or a job start date shift.
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How to choose relocation support for your move to Germany
Questions about the scope of work, the professionals involved, reporting and completion criteria.
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A shared relocation calendar: which fields you really need
A simple task log for the family and any helpers involved.
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EU Blue Card in Germany: current salary thresholds, conditions and documents
The current rules for the Blaue Karte EU: minimum salary, shortage occupations, and requirements for the contract and qualifications.
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Germany's Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): the points system and how to apply
The points-based job search visa: age, qualifications, language skills and proof of funds.
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Germany's visa for IT specialists without a degree: proving experience and meeting the conditions
The legal basis under Section 19c AufenthG for IT professionals without a formal degree: work experience, salary and evidence.
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Family reunification in Germany: living space, income and A1 German
The process for spouses and minor children joining you: living space standards, proof of income and timelines.
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Blocked accounts in Germany: how to choose a provider and what to check
How to open a Sperrkonto for study, a job search or the Opportunity Card: what providers offer, insurance and payouts.
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Permanent residence with an EU Blue Card: when to apply and what to prove
Conditions for a permanent settlement permit: 21 or 27 months, pension contributions, knowledge of the legal and social order, and documents.
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German citizenship under the new rules: five years, dual citizenship and the test
The reform of the Nationality Act: keeping your current citizenship, length of residence, language skills and income.
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Looking for a job in Germany: the Opportunity Card instead of the old job seeker visa
Which status suits a job search: the Opportunity Card for professionals from abroad and Section 20 AufenthG for graduates of German universities and vocational training.
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Visa for vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany: language level, contract and funds
Getting a visa for dual vocational training: language certificates, finding a training company and proof of funds.
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Germany's freelance residence permit (Section 21 AufenthG): portfolio, letters of intent and financial plan
How to get a residence permit for a liberal profession (Freiberufler) in Germany: letters of intent, financial planning and pension provision.
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Incoming health insurance for your German visa: what the mission requires
Health insurance for your first entry into Germany: cover from €30,000, the deductible and switching to statutory insurance once you start work.
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Moving to Germany with pets: microchip, rabies vaccination, titre test and dog tax
Rules for bringing cats and dogs into Germany: microchip, rabies antibody test, animal health certificate and insurance.
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Importing your own car to Germany: relocation goods, customs and the TÜV inspection
Duty-free import when you relocate: form 0350, registration, the full technical inspection and vehicle tax.
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Exchanging your driving licence in Germany: six months, driving school, translation and the theory test
How to convert a foreign driving licence (Umschreibung): eye test, first aid course and exams.
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Doctors moving to Germany: Approbation, the medical language exam and practice
The roadmap to recognising a medical degree: temporary licence (Berufserlaubnis), the specialist language exam and visa steps.
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How to get an appointment at the immigration office: urgent cases and the Fiktionsbescheinigung
Strategies for getting an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde: scarce slots, contact forms, continued validity of your permit and legal action for inaction.
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Fiktionsbescheinigung: what it means, whether you can work and whether you can travel
The legal effect of the certificate under Section 81 AufenthG: the difference between subsections 3 and 4, crossing borders and showing it to your employer.
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Checking your degree in anabin and requesting a statement of comparability from the ZAB
How to prove your university degree: the H+ and H+/- statuses, the ZAB statement for the EU Blue Card and regulated professions.
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Germany's language course visa: an intensive course without the right to work, and preparing for university
The visa for learning German under Section 16f AufenthG: at least 18 hours of lessons a week, confirmation from the school and a blocked account.
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Claiming moving costs in your German tax return: the moving expenses lump sum
Tax relief for relocating to Germany: the lump sum, travel costs, double rent and estate agent fees.
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Bringing elderly parents to Germany: Section 36 AufenthG and health insurance
Why bringing parents to Germany is so difficult: exceptional hardship, the declaration of commitment and health insurance.
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Children in German schools: welcome classes, after-school care and settling in
How compulsory schooling works for families who move to Germany: preparatory classes, enrolment and language.
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German visa refused: a new application or a lawsuit in the administrative court
What to do after a visa refusal: analyse the reasons, submit a new application with further evidence or sue at the Berlin Administrative Court. The remonstration procedure was abolished on 1 July 2025.
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Applying for a master's degree in Germany through uni-assist: deadlines, language and visa
How to apply for a programme taught in English or German: uni-assist, converting grades with the Bavarian formula and the student visa.
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Which German state is best to live in? Taxes, schools, cost of living and climate
Comparing Germany's federal states: Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia – salaries, rents and lifestyle.
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