Official & Useful Germany Resources
Trusted websites and services for living, studying and working in Germany.
Everything here is either a German authority or a publicly funded body. Cards marked Official source are government ministries, agencies or portals. Cards marked Useful resource are trustworthy organisations that are not authorities — DAAD, Hochschulkompass and uni-assist among them — so their guidance is reliable but not a legal decision.
Every link on this page was last checked on 2026-08-13. If one has moved, tell us and we will fix it.
General government
Bundesportal — federal administration services
Federal Government of Germany
The federal portal for administrative services. Useful for finding which office handles a task and what it involves.
Visit official websiteBundesportal — federal administration services, opens in a new tabImmigration & visas
Make it in Germany
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
The federal government portal for skilled workers, students and trainees coming to Germany.
Visit official websiteMake it in Germany, opens in a new tabFederal Office for Migration and Refugees
BAMF
The authority for residence, integration courses and asylum matters in Germany.
Visit official websiteFederal Office for Migration and Refugees, opens in a new tabVisa regulations and service
Federal Foreign Office
Official visa information, including which visa applies and where to apply from your country.
Visit official websiteVisa regulations and service, opens in a new tabVisa Navigator
Federal Foreign Office
Answer a few questions and the Federal Foreign Office tells you which visa route applies to your situation.
Visit official websiteVisa Navigator, opens in a new tabVisa for vocational training
Make it in Germany
Official requirements for the residence permit for vocational training.
Visit official websiteVisa for vocational training, opens in a new tabVisa for studying
Make it in Germany
Official requirements for a student visa and student residence permit.
Visit official websiteVisa for studying, opens in a new tabConsular Services Portal — studying and seeking a study place
Federal Foreign Office
The federal online application route and current monthly proof-of-funds amounts for studying and seeking a university place.
Visit official websiteConsular Services Portal — studying and seeking a study place, opens in a new tabConsular Services Portal
Federal Foreign Office
Start an eligible national-visa application online and follow the instructions for the responsible German mission.
Visit official websiteConsular Services Portal, opens in a new tabVisas for Germany — fees and application process
Federal Foreign Office
Current national-visa fee, possible reductions or waivers, responsible missions and the application process.
Visit official websiteVisas for Germany — fees and application process, opens in a new tabEU Blue Card
Make it in Germany
The federal portal page carrying the current EU Blue Card salary thresholds, including the reduced floor for shortage occupations and recent graduates.
Visit official websiteEU Blue Card, opens in a new tabThe EU Blue Card
BAMF
The migration authority’s own explanation, including validity and the route to a settlement permit.
Visit official websiteThe EU Blue Card, opens in a new tabOpening a blocked account (Sperrkonto)
Federal Foreign Office
What a blocked account is, how the process works and what to check before selecting a provider. Current study amounts are published through the federal study-visa guidance and portal.
Visit official websiteOpening a blocked account (Sperrkonto), opens in a new tabIntegration courses
BAMF
German language and orientation courses, who is entitled or obliged to attend, and the final examinations.
Visit official websiteIntegration courses, opens in a new tabNaturalisation (German citizenship)
BAMF
The official requirements for naturalisation, including residence periods, language level and the citizenship test.
Visit official websiteNaturalisation (German citizenship), opens in a new tabCitizenship test — official practice questions
BAMF
The official practice tool drawing on the real question catalogue for the naturalisation test.
Visit official websiteCitizenship test — official practice questions, opens in a new tabFamily reunification
Make it in Germany
The conditions for bringing a spouse or child to Germany, including the language requirement and its exceptions.
Visit official websiteFamily reunification, opens in a new tabOpportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
Make it in Germany
The points-based route for job-seeking in Germany without a contract already in place.
Visit official websiteOpportunity Card (Chancenkarte), opens in a new tabPermanent settlement permit
Make it in Germany
What an unlimited residence permit requires: qualifying periods, pension contributions, language and secure income.
Visit official websitePermanent settlement permit, opens in a new tabEducation
Studying in Germany
DAAD — German Academic Exchange Service
Guidance on degree programmes, admission, funding and research for international students.
Visit official websiteStudying in Germany, opens in a new tabScholarship database
DAAD
Searchable scholarship database covering DAAD and other funding programmes by degree and country.
Visit official websiteScholarship database, opens in a new tabHochschulkompass — degree programme search
German Rectors’ Conference (HRK)
The authoritative directory of German universities and their current Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral programmes.
Visit official websiteHochschulkompass — degree programme search, opens in a new tabuni-assist
uni-assist e.V.
Processes international applications for many German universities, including document checks and forwarding.
Visit official websiteuni-assist, opens in a new tabCheck university admission
uni-assist e.V.
Tool for checking how your school-leaving or university qualification is treated for German admission.
Visit official websiteCheck university admission, opens in a new tabStudienkolleg preparatory course
uni-assist e.V.
What a Studienkolleg is, who needs one, and how applying through uni-assist works.
Visit official websiteStudienkolleg preparatory course, opens in a new tabanabin — database of foreign qualifications
Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK)
The official database showing how foreign institutions and qualifications are assessed in Germany.
Visit official websiteanabin — database of foreign qualifications, opens in a new tabVocational training in Germany
Make it in Germany
Federal overview of how Ausbildung works and who can apply from abroad.
Visit official websiteVocational training in Germany, opens in a new tabAusbildung vacancy search
Federal Employment Agency
The federal database of current training places across Germany.
Visit official websiteAusbildung vacancy search, opens in a new tabVocational language courses (Berufssprachkurse)
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
Official information about German courses for work, available course formats and participation requirements.
Visit official websiteVocational language courses (Berufssprachkurse), opens in a new tabCosts of education and living
DAAD
Semester contributions, the fee exceptions in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, realistic monthly costs, and the funds a student visa requires.
Visit official websiteCosts of education and living, opens in a new tabAdmission requirements overview
DAAD
How a foreign school-leaving certificate is assessed, and what direct admission versus Studienkolleg depends on.
Visit official websiteAdmission requirements overview, opens in a new tabGerman language requirements and tests
DAAD
Which certificates German-taught programmes accept, and how to prepare.
Visit official websiteGerman language requirements and tests, opens in a new tabInternational Programmes database
DAAD
Searchable database of English-taught degree programmes at German universities, with fees and deadlines per programme.
Visit official websiteInternational Programmes database, opens in a new tabTestDaF — German test for university admission
g.a.s.t. / TestDaF-Institut
One of the standard German proficiency tests accepted for admission to German-taught degrees.
Visit official websiteTestDaF — German test for university admission, opens in a new tabCertificate evaluation and APS
Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)
The federal body that evaluates foreign qualifications. The APS certificate procedure applies to applicants from certain countries.
Visit official websiteCertificate evaluation and APS, opens in a new tabBAföG — student financial support
Federal Ministry of Education and Research
The official application service for student support. Eligibility for international students depends on residence status.
Visit official websiteBAföG — student financial support, opens in a new tabBAföG reform: more support and less bureaucracy
Federal Government of Germany
The Federal Government FAQ describing the Cabinet-approved BAföG draft, planned amounts, timetable and administrative changes.
Visit official websiteBAföG reform: more support and less bureaucracy, opens in a new tabGovernment press conference on the BAföG reform
Federal Government of Germany
Official government press-conference record from the day the Cabinet approved the reform draft.
Visit official websiteGovernment press conference on the BAföG reform, opens in a new tabDirectory of Studienkollegs
Studienkollegs in Deutschland
Overview of preparatory colleges, their course streams (T, M, W, G, S) and how to apply.
Visit official websiteDirectory of Studienkollegs, opens in a new tabWork
Recognition in Germany
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The official portal for having a foreign professional qualification recognised, including which body decides your profession.
Visit official websiteRecognition in Germany, opens in a new tabWorking while studying in Germany
Make it in Germany
Federal guidance on the 140-full-day/280-half-day rule, the alternative weekly framework and student-assistant work.
Visit official websiteWorking while studying in Germany, opens in a new tabWorking in Germany
Federal Employment Agency
Official guidance on employment, jobseeking and the services the employment agency provides.
Visit official websiteWorking in Germany, opens in a new tabJob search
Federal Employment Agency
The largest official job database in Germany, free to search.
Visit official websiteJob search, opens in a new tabMinimum wage — amount and entitlement
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
The ministry’s own page on the statutory minimum wage, including the legislated increases.
Visit official websiteMinimum wage — amount and entitlement, opens in a new tabFifth Minimum Wage Adjustment Ordinance
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
The official regulation page establishing the statutory minimum-wage adjustments for 2026 and 2027.
Visit official websiteFifth Minimum Wage Adjustment Ordinance, opens in a new tabMinimum wage and Minijob limits for 2026 and 2027
Federal Government of Germany
Official confirmation of the statutory minimum wage and the linked Minijob earnings limit from 1 January 2027.
Visit official websiteMinimum wage and Minijob limits for 2026 and 2027, opens in a new tabMinijob-Zentrale
Deutsche Rentenversicherung Knappschaft-Bahn-See
The official body for marginal employment. It publishes the current earnings limit and the rules on pension opt-out.
Visit official websiteMinijob-Zentrale, opens in a new tabEmployment law — the ministry’s overview
BMAS
Contracts, working time, holiday, dismissal protection and part-time rights, from the responsible ministry.
Visit official websiteEmployment law — the ministry’s overview, opens in a new tabProtection against dismissal (Kündigungsschutz)
BMAS
When dismissal protection applies, what a valid dismissal requires, and the three-week deadline to challenge one.
Visit official websiteProtection against dismissal (Kündigungsschutz), opens in a new tabWorking time law (Arbeitszeitgesetz)
BMAS
Daily limits, rest periods, breaks, night work and Sunday work.
Visit official websiteWorking time law (Arbeitszeitgesetz), opens in a new tabUnemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld)
Federal Employment Agency
Entitlement, the duty to register without delay, and how the payment is calculated.
Visit official websiteUnemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld), opens in a new tabFederal business start-up portal
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
Official planning, registration, legal-form, finance and administration guidance for founders.
Visit official websiteFederal business start-up portal, opens in a new tabRegistering as a Freiberufler
Federal business start-up portal
Official distinction and tax-registration route for independent professionals.
Visit official websiteRegistering as a Freiberufler, opens in a new tabTax registration for founders
Federal business start-up portal
Official overview of the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung and founder tax obligations.
Visit official websiteTax registration for founders, opens in a new tabBusiness founded or self-employment started?
ELSTER — German tax administration
Official instructions for submitting the tax-registration questionnaire and receiving a business Steuernummer from the Finanzamt.
Visit official websiteBusiness founded or self-employment started?, opens in a new tabSections 5 and 5a GmbHG — GmbH and UG capital
Federal Ministry of Justice
Statutory GmbH share capital and the special UG formation and reserve rules.
Visit official websiteSections 5 and 5a GmbHG — GmbH and UG capital, opens in a new tabStatus determination for self-employment
German Pension Insurance
Official status-determination information for distinguishing employment from genuine self-employment.
Visit official websiteStatus determination for self-employment, opens in a new tabNew businesses and statutory accident insurance
German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV)
Official information about Berufsgenossenschaft responsibilities for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Visit official websiteNew businesses and statutory accident insurance, opens in a new tabSunday and public-holiday work — §§ 9–11 ArbZG
Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
The federal employment rule, statutory exceptions and replacement-rest periods for work on Sundays and public holidays.
Visit official websiteSunday and public-holiday work — §§ 9–11 ArbZG, opens in a new tabWorking-time rules and state shop-opening laws
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal working-time guidance, including Sunday work, and confirmation that all 16 states have their own shop-opening or closing laws.
Visit official websiteWorking-time rules and state shop-opening laws, opens in a new tabFamily
Family benefits overview
Familienportal — Federal Ministry for Family Affairs
Official summary of German family benefits, including who can claim and where to apply.
Visit official websiteFamily benefits overview, opens in a new tabElterngeld
Familienportal
Official explanation of Basiselterngeld, ElterngeldPlus and the partnership bonus.
Visit official websiteElterngeld, opens in a new tabElterngeld Digital — online application
Federal Ministry for Family Affairs
The official service for preparing and submitting an Elterngeld application.
Visit official websiteElterngeld Digital — online application, opens in a new tabFamily and children (Familienkasse)
Federal Employment Agency
The Familienkasse handles Kindergeld. This is where applications and eligibility rules live.
Visit official websiteFamily and children (Familienkasse), opens in a new tabKindergeld — what you need to know
Familienportal — Federal Ministry for Family Affairs
The official FAQ: the current amount per child, the age limits, and the situations that extend payment past 18.
Visit official websiteKindergeld — what you need to know, opens in a new tabKindergeld — entitlement, amount, duration
Federal Employment Agency / Familienkasse
The paying authority’s own page on who is entitled, how much is paid and for how long.
Visit official websiteKindergeld — entitlement, amount, duration, opens in a new tabApply for Kindergeld online
Federal Employment Agency / Familienkasse
The official online application route, plus the paper forms.
Visit official websiteApply for Kindergeld online, opens in a new tabKindergeld payment dates
Federal Employment Agency / Familienkasse
The published payment calendar. Your payment date depends on the last digit of your Kindergeld number.
Visit official websiteKindergeld payment dates, opens in a new tabKinderzuschlag — entitlement, amount, duration
Federal Employment Agency / Familienkasse
The official page on the child supplement for low-income working families: maximum amount, income floors and the approval period.
Visit official websiteKinderzuschlag — entitlement, amount, duration, opens in a new tabKiZ-Lotse — Kinderzuschlag eligibility check
Federal Employment Agency
The official pre-check that indicates whether applying for Kinderzuschlag is worthwhile. Not a decision.
Visit official websiteKiZ-Lotse — Kinderzuschlag eligibility check, opens in a new tabElterngeld — what you need to know
Familienportal
The official FAQ carrying the Basiselterngeld and ElterngeldPlus ranges, the Partnerschaftsbonus rules, the working-hours limit and the income cap.
Visit official websiteElterngeld — what you need to know, opens in a new tabHow much Elterngeld can I get?
Familienportal
The replacement-rate detail: which percentage of previous net income applies at which income level.
Visit official websiteHow much Elterngeld can I get?, opens in a new tabOfficial Elterngeld calculator and planner
Familienportal
The federal calculator. It models Basiselterngeld, ElterngeldPlus and the bonus months together, which no third-party tool can do reliably.
Visit official websiteOfficial Elterngeld calculator and planner, opens in a new tabMaternity benefits (Mutterschaftsleistungen)
Familienportal
The protection periods, Mutterschaftsgeld from the health insurer, and the employer top-up.
Visit official websiteMaternity benefits (Mutterschaftsleistungen), opens in a new tabElternzeit (parental leave)
Familienportal
Job-protected leave from your employer, which is a different thing from the Elterngeld payment.
Visit official websiteElternzeit (parental leave), opens in a new tabMutterschaftsgeld without statutory health insurance
Federal Office for Social Security (BAS)
The office that pays Mutterschaftsgeld to employees who are not members of a statutory health insurance fund.
Visit official websiteMutterschaftsgeld without statutory health insurance, opens in a new tabRegistering a birth with the Standesamt
Federal Ministry for Family Affairs — Familienportal
Official process and documents for registering a newborn after a hospital, birth-centre or home birth.
Visit official websiteRegistering a birth with the Standesamt, opens in a new tabEarly support for families (Frühe Hilfen)
Federal Ministry for Family Affairs — Familienportal
Free, voluntary local support from pregnancy until a child is three years old.
Visit official websiteEarly support for families (Frühe Hilfen), opens in a new tabFinance & taxes
ELSTER — online tax office
German tax administration
The official portal for filing a German tax return electronically. Free to use, registration required.
Visit official websiteELSTER — online tax office, opens in a new tabRequest a tax-class combination change
German tax administration (ELSTER)
The current ELStAM form and guidance. It states that married couples and registered partners can generally request a changed combination multiple times during the year.
Visit official websiteRequest a tax-class combination change, opens in a new tabELSTER filing deadlines for the 2025 income-tax return
German tax administration (ELSTER)
Official ELSTER guidance stating the 31 July 2026 mandatory deadline and 31 December 2029 voluntary-assessment deadline for tax year 2025.
Visit official websiteELSTER filing deadlines for the 2025 income-tax return, opens in a new tabTax identification number (IdNr)
Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt)
Official information about the lifelong Tax ID and the secure request for a number that is missing or lost.
Visit official websiteTax identification number (IdNr), opens in a new tabCompare Girokonten and Basiskonten independently
Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin)
BaFin’s free neutral comparison covers account fees, debit-card costs, incoming-payment conditions, overdraft interest, branches and online availability. BaFin does not recommend a provider.
Visit official websiteCompare Girokonten and Basiskonten independently, opens in a new tabBasiskonto under the Payment Accounts Act
Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin)
Official explanation of basic payment functions, who generally has a right to a Basiskonto, and which credit facilities a provider does not have to include.
Visit official websiteBasiskonto under the Payment Accounts Act, opens in a new tabSEPA payments and IBAN
Deutsche Bundesbank
Official explanation of the common euro-payment area for transfers, direct debits and card payments.
Visit official websiteSEPA payments and IBAN, opens in a new tabDeutsche Bank current accounts
Deutsche Bank · a private company, not a public authority
Provider page for its current account models and current conditions.
Visit official websiteDeutsche Bank current accounts, opens in a new tabCommerzbank current accounts
Commerzbank · a private company, not a public authority
Provider page for current account models and conditions.
Visit official websiteCommerzbank current accounts, opens in a new tabSparkasse Girokonto overview
Sparkassen-Finanzportal · a private company, not a public authority
Explains that local Sparkassen are independent and that account conditions vary regionally.
Visit official websiteSparkasse Girokonto overview, opens in a new tabING Girokonto product information
ING Deutschland · a private company, not a public authority
Provider product information identifying the linked Visa Card as a debit card.
Visit official websiteING Girokonto product information, opens in a new tabDKB Visa Debit card
DKB · a private company, not a public authority
Provider explanation of the Visa Debit card connected to the DKB Girokonto.
Visit official websiteDKB Visa Debit card, opens in a new tabN26 Mastercard Debit
N26 Bank · a private company, not a public authority
Provider page identifying N26 bank cards as Mastercard Debit cards.
Visit official websiteN26 Mastercard Debit, opens in a new tabCommerzbank debit cards
Commerzbank · a private company, not a public authority
Provider overview of currently offered debit and credit card products.
Visit official websiteCommerzbank debit cards, opens in a new tabDKB Visa Kreditkarte
DKB · a private company, not a public authority
Provider page for the optional Visa credit card and its current settlement conditions.
Visit official websiteDKB Visa Kreditkarte, opens in a new tabCommerzbank credit cards
Commerzbank · a private company, not a public authority
Provider overview of Classic, Gold and other current credit-card products.
Visit official websiteCommerzbank credit cards, opens in a new tabAmerican Express Blue Card
American Express · a private company, not a public authority
Provider page for the Blue charge-card product and current conditions.
Visit official websiteAmerican Express Blue Card, opens in a new tabAmerican Express Gold Card
American Express · a private company, not a public authority
Provider page for the premium Gold charge card and its current fee and benefits.
Visit official websiteAmerican Express Gold Card, opens in a new tabAdvanzia Mastercard Gold conditions
Advanzia Bank · a private company, not a public authority
Provider conditions covering repayment, interest, cash use and other charges for the standalone revolving card.
Visit official websiteAdvanzia Mastercard Gold conditions, opens in a new tabGerman statutory pension insurance
Deutsche Rentenversicherung
Official information on pension contributions, your pension record and periods worked abroad.
Visit official websiteGerman statutory pension insurance, opens in a new tabSocial-insurance calculation values for 2026
Deutsche Rentenversicherung
Official 2026 contribution ceilings for pension, unemployment, health and long-term care insurance.
Visit official websiteSocial-insurance calculation values for 2026, opens in a new tabReal-estate transfer tax
Federal Ministry of Finance
Official federal overview of Grunderwerbsteuer and the states’ power to set their rates.
Visit official websiteReal-estate transfer tax, opens in a new tabBuying property and the notarial process
Federal Chamber of Notaries
Neutral information about notarisation, the purchase contract and land-register safeguards.
Visit official websiteBuying property and the notarial process, opens in a new tabReal-estate financing for consumers
Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin)
Independent information on mortgage offers, effective interest, repayment and affordability risks.
Visit official websiteReal-estate financing for consumers, opens in a new tabApply for a VAT identification number
Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt)
Official purpose and application information for the Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer used in qualifying EU business transactions.
Visit official websiteApply for a VAT identification number, opens in a new tabSection 14 UStG — invoice requirements
Federal Ministry of Justice
Statutory required invoice details, including the supplier’s Steuernummer or USt-IdNr and the VAT information that applies to the supply.
Visit official websiteSection 14 UStG — invoice requirements, opens in a new tabSection 19 UStG — small-business VAT exemption
Federal Ministry of Justice
Current statutory previous-year and current-year turnover thresholds.
Visit official websiteSection 19 UStG — small-business VAT exemption, opens in a new tabSection 12 UStG — VAT rates
Federal Ministry of Justice
Current standard rate and the reduced rate for qualifying supplies.
Visit official websiteSection 12 UStG — VAT rates, opens in a new tabSection 11 GewStG — trade-tax allowance
Federal Ministry of Justice
Current allowance for natural persons and partnerships and the trade-tax base rate.
Visit official websiteSection 11 GewStG — trade-tax allowance, opens in a new tabMandatory domestic B2B e-invoicing FAQ
Federal Ministry of Finance
Current receiving rules, issue transition periods and exceptions for electronic invoices.
Visit official websiteMandatory domestic B2B e-invoicing FAQ, opens in a new tabCabinet draft introducing the Frühstartrente
Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF)
The ministry’s explanation of the Cabinet-approved draft, proposed €10 monthly contribution, age range, account structure and legislative timetable.
Visit official websiteCabinet draft introducing the Frühstartrente, opens in a new tabTax identification number (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer)
Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt)
What the tax ID is, how it is issued, and what to do if you never received or have lost yours.
Visit official websiteTax identification number (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer), opens in a new tabIncome tax and tax classes
Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF)
The ministry’s explanation of wage tax, including how tax classes and the factor method work.
Visit official websiteIncome tax and tax classes, opens in a new tabOfficial income tax calculator
Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF)
The ministry’s own wage and income tax calculator. The authoritative check on any third-party estimate.
Visit official websiteOfficial income tax calculator, opens in a new tabSCHUFA — free copy of your own data
SCHUFA Holding AG · a private company, not a public authority
The free data copy you are entitled to under Article 15 GDPR. SCHUFA is a private credit agency, not a public authority.
Visit official websiteSCHUFA — free copy of your own data, opens in a new tabFederal data protection authority
BfDI
Where to complain if a company refuses to correct wrong personal data, including credit records.
Visit official websiteFederal data protection authority, opens in a new tabPension insurance for international workers
Deutsche Rentenversicherung
Contribution years, periods worked abroad, social security agreements and refund of contributions on leaving.
Visit official websitePension insurance for international workers, opens in a new tabConsumer prices and household spending
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)
The official statistics on what German households actually spend, useful for sanity-checking a budget.
Visit official websiteConsumer prices and household spending, opens in a new tabHealth
Health insurance in Germany
Federal Ministry of Health
Official explanation of statutory and private health insurance and who belongs where.
Visit official websiteHealth insurance in Germany, opens in a new tabContributions and income thresholds for statutory insurance
Federal Ministry of Health
Current GKV contribution rate, contribution ceiling and compulsory-insurance threshold.
Visit official websiteContributions and income thresholds for statutory insurance, opens in a new tabWho is covered by statutory health insurance
Federal Ministry of Health
Rules for compulsory, voluntary and contribution-free family insurance, including children and mixed-insurance families.
Visit official websiteWho is covered by statutory health insurance, opens in a new tabMedicine co-payments and exemptions
Federal Ministry of Health
Official rules for prescription co-payments, limits and exemptions in statutory insurance.
Visit official websiteMedicine co-payments and exemptions, opens in a new tab116117 medical on-call service
National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians
When to use 116117 for urgent, non-life-threatening care and when to call emergency services.
Visit official website116117 medical on-call service, opens in a new tabPrenatal care in Germany
Federal Ministry of Health — gesund.bund.de
Official patient information on prenatal appointments, the Mutterpass and standard ultrasound examinations.
Visit official websitePrenatal care in Germany, opens in a new tabChild health screening directive (U1–U9)
Federal Joint Committee (G-BA)
Binding schedule and scope of statutory early-detection examinations and newborn screenings.
Visit official websiteChild health screening directive (U1–U9), opens in a new tabThe child examination booklet (Gelbes Heft)
Federal Joint Committee (G-BA)
Official information about the booklet used to document U1–U9 examinations.
Visit official websiteThe child examination booklet (Gelbes Heft), opens in a new tabCurrent STIKO vaccination recommendations
Robert Koch Institute
The current official vaccination calendar for infants, children, adolescents and adults.
Visit official websiteCurrent STIKO vaccination recommendations, opens in a new tabLiving & energy
Registering a move (Anmeldung and Ummeldung)
Bundesportal
Official overview of what registering an address involves. Local appointment systems and procedures vary by municipality.
Visit official websiteRegistering a move (Anmeldung and Ummeldung), opens in a new tabSection 17 BMG — address registration and deregistration
Federal Ministry of Justice
The federal two-week rule for Anmeldung after moving in and Abmeldung when leaving Germany without a new domestic home.
Visit official websiteSection 17 BMG — address registration and deregistration, opens in a new tabDeutschlandticket questions and answers
Federal Government of Germany
Official overview of the 2026 price, subscription model, validity and state-funded local discounts.
Visit official websiteDeutschlandticket questions and answers, opens in a new tabSection 551 BGB — residential security deposit
Federal Ministry of Justice
The statutory cap and instalment rules for residential Mietkaution.
Visit official websiteSection 551 BGB — residential security deposit, opens in a new tabSection 556 BGB — operating costs
Federal Ministry of Justice
Rules for operating-cost agreements, advance-payment statements and deadlines.
Visit official websiteSection 556 BGB — operating costs, opens in a new tabEnergy consumer service
Bundesnetzagentur
The regulator’s consumer service for electricity and gas: switching supplier, basic supply, meters and complaints.
Visit official websiteEnergy consumer service, opens in a new tabBroadcasting contribution — information in English
Beitragsservice (ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio)
Official English-language explanation of the broadcasting contribution and how to register.
Visit official websiteBroadcasting contribution — information in English, opens in a new tabOutdoor machinery operating times — § 7 of the 32nd BImSchV
Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
The federal rule for listed outdoor machinery in residential and other protected areas, including Sunday, public-holiday and working-day restrictions and possible exceptions.
Visit official websiteOutdoor machinery operating times — § 7 of the 32nd BImSchV, opens in a new tabBerlin noise-protection rules
State of Berlin
A state-specific example: Berlin protects night quiet from 22:00 to 06:00 and Sunday/public-holiday quiet. These times must not be presented as a nationwide rule.
Visit official websiteBerlin noise-protection rules, opens in a new tabChildren’s noise — § 22(1a) BImSchG
Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
The federal provision under which noise caused by children at childcare, playground and similar facilities is generally not treated as harmful environmental impact.
Visit official websiteChildren’s noise — § 22(1a) BImSchG, opens in a new tabHow to separate household waste
German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt)
National guidance for glass, paper, packaging, bio-waste, residual waste, batteries, electrical devices and hazardous household waste.
Visit official websiteHow to separate household waste, opens in a new tabSeparating and disposing of packaging glass
German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt)
Colour separation, materials that do not belong in bottle banks and recommended container-use times.
Visit official websiteSeparating and disposing of packaging glass, opens in a new tabSingle-use beverage-container deposits — § 31 VerpackG
Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
The federal €0.25 minimum deposit and return obligations for covered single-use beverage containers, including statutory exceptions.
Visit official websiteSingle-use beverage-container deposits — § 31 VerpackG, opens in a new tabReturning old electrical and electronic devices
German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt)
Wertstoffhof and retailer return routes, including the current size and retailer thresholds for mandatory take-back.
Visit official websiteReturning old electrical and electronic devices, opens in a new tabReturning batteries and rechargeable batteries
German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt)
Current collection and return guidance: batteries and rechargeable batteries do not belong in household waste.
Visit official websiteReturning batteries and rechargeable batteries, opens in a new tabEnvironmentally safe disposal of old medicines
German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt)
Why medicines must not go into the toilet or sink, and why the correct disposal route depends on the local system.
Visit official websiteEnvironmentally safe disposal of old medicines, opens in a new tabDog ownership, registration and tax services
Bundesportal
A location-aware entry point for official dog-registration, dog-tax and animal-keeping services. Requirements and amounts depend on the state and municipality.
Visit official websiteDog ownership, registration and tax services, opens in a new tabWinter pavement duties — Berlin example
Service Berlin
A municipal/state example showing why users must check the local street-cleaning rules and their tenancy arrangements rather than assume every tenant is responsible.
Visit official websiteWinter pavement duties — Berlin example, opens in a new tabCycling and signed cycle paths — German Road Traffic Regulations
Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
Federal road rules for bicycles, including when signed cycle paths must be used and the special pavement rules for children.
Visit official websiteCycling and signed cycle paths — German Road Traffic Regulations, opens in a new tabBicycle lighting — § 67 StVZO
Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
The technical federal requirements for bicycle lights and reflectors.
Visit official websiteBicycle lighting — § 67 StVZO, opens in a new tabE-scooter road rules — eKFV
Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
Federal rules for road-legal e-scooters, including permitted traffic areas, equipment and conduct.
Visit official websiteE-scooter road rules — eKFV, opens in a new tabTenants’ associations (Mieterverein)
Deutscher Mieterbund
The national tenants’ association. Local branches give members legal advice on rent increases, service charges and deposits.
Visit official websiteTenants’ associations (Mieterverein), opens in a new tabConsumer advice centres
Verbraucherzentrale
Publicly funded consumer advice on contracts, energy, telecoms and debt. Independent of the providers it advises on.
Visit official websiteConsumer advice centres, opens in a new tabTelecoms consumer service
Bundesnetzagentur
The regulator’s service for internet and mobile: contract problems, speed shortfalls and number porting.
Visit official websiteTelecoms consumer service, opens in a new tabExemption and reduction of the broadcasting contribution
Beitragsservice
Who can be exempted or pay a reduced contribution, and the form to apply. BAföG recipients are a common case.
Visit official websiteExemption and reduction of the broadcasting contribution, opens in a new tabCars & driving
Federal Motor Transport Authority
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA)
The federal authority for vehicle registration data and driving licence records.
Visit official websiteFederal Motor Transport Authority, opens in a new tabAnnex 7 FeV — theory and practical driving tests
Federal Ministry of Justice
Current statutory question, error-point, language and minimum practical-test rules by licence class.
Visit official websiteAnnex 7 FeV — theory and practical driving tests, opens in a new tabAnnex 4 FahrschAusbO — mandatory special drives
Federal Ministry of Justice
The current class-specific minimum special drives for country roads, motorways and darkness.
Visit official websiteAnnex 4 FahrschAusbO — mandatory special drives, opens in a new tabOwning a vehicle — official services
Bundesportal
Registration, re-registration, deregistration and the paperwork each step needs.
Visit official websiteOwning a vehicle — official services, opens in a new tabDriving licence — rights and obligations
Bundesportal
Official service description covering driving licence issue and exchange of a foreign licence.
Visit official websiteDriving licence — rights and obligations, opens in a new tabExchanging a foreign driving licence
Bundesportal
The official service description for converting a non-EU licence, including when a test is required.
Visit official websiteExchanging a foreign driving licence, opens in a new tabMotor vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer)
German Customs (Zoll)
Customs administers vehicle tax. How it is calculated, when it is due, and the mandatory direct debit.
Visit official websiteMotor vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer), opens in a new tabOfficial vehicle tax calculator
Federal Ministry of Finance
The official calculator for annual vehicle tax by engine, fuel type and CO₂.
Visit official websiteOfficial vehicle tax calculator, opens in a new tabVehicle recall database
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA)
Check whether a model you are considering is subject to an official recall.
Visit official websiteVehicle recall database, opens in a new tabMain inspection (Hauptuntersuchung)
TÜV / Technical inspection organisations · a private company, not a public authority
What the roadworthiness inspection covers and how often it is due. Several approved organisations perform it, not only TÜV.
Visit official websiteMain inspection (Hauptuntersuchung), opens in a new tabEinfach Germany is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the German government. Linking to an authority does not imply any endorsement of this site by that authority.