Latest guides
Wohngeld 2026: Germany's Housing Benefit Explained for Expats
Who can get Wohngeld in Germany, how rent levels and income are counted, how to apply, what the planned 2027 changes mean and how it affects your residence permit.
German Tax Return for Expats: Who Must File, Deadlines and What You Can Deduct
Filing a German tax return as an expat: when it is mandatory, 2025 and 2026 deadlines, your first year in Germany, tax classes, deductions and ELSTER in English.
Recycling centres in Germany (Wertstoffhof): what you can drop off, rules and fees
How a German Wertstoffhof (recycling centre) works: what you can drop off, free amounts, proof of address, trailer rules and fees, with real city examples.
No-parking signs and no-parking zones for moving house in Germany (Halteverbot)
German no-stopping and no-parking signs explained, the official fines, and how to apply for a temporary no-parking zone (Halteverbotszone) for your move.
Kinderzuschlag 2026: Germany's child supplement for low-income families explained
Kinderzuschlag explained for expats: up to €297 per child in 2026, income rules, how to apply online in English, and how it affects your residence permit.
Kindergeld payment dates 2026 and 2027: when child benefit arrives in Germany
When is Kindergeld paid? All Familienkasse payment dates for November and December 2026 and all of 2027, sorted by the last digit of your Kindergeld number.
ELSTER in English: How Expats Register, Log In and File German Taxes Online
How expats set up ELSTER, Germany's free tax portal: English interface, tax ID registration, activation letter, certificate file, login problems and filing.
Bürgergeld (since 1 July 2026: Grundsicherungsgeld): A Guide for Expats in Germany
Since July 2026 Germany's Bürgergeld is called Grundsicherungsgeld. Rates, who qualifies as a foreigner, how to apply at the Jobcenter and what it means for your permit.
Gross to net salary in Germany 2026: taxes and social security explained
How your German gross salary becomes net pay in 2026: income tax, tax classes, solidarity surcharge, church tax and social security rates.
EU Blue Card Germany 2026: requirements, salary thresholds, documents and steps
EU Blue Card Germany 2026: €50,700 and €45,934.20 salary thresholds, required documents, visa requirements before arrival and applying at the Ausländerbehörde.
Radio tax in Germany (Rundfunkbeitrag): register, move and deregister
Germany's "radio tax" (Rundfunkbeitrag) explained: who pays 18.36 euros a month, how to register or update your address, sharing a flat and deregistering.
German tax ID (Steuer-ID): how to get it, where to find it and what to do if it's lost
How expats get a German tax ID after Anmeldung, where to find the Steuer-ID, what your employer needs, and how to request a lost number free from the BZSt.
Kindergeld for foreigners in Germany 2026: €259 per child, who qualifies and how to apply
German child benefit is €259 per child in 2026. Which residence permits qualify, EU rules, documents, the Familienkasse application and payment dates.
