Easy Expat Solutions
Your new life in Germany with SympatMe
Register now
Everybody who moves to Germany must register. For this you have to fill out the registration form (Anmeldeformular) and landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). You have to print both documents, get them signed and take them to your local registration office. There you will get your registration confirmation. You can fill out both forms on our website – in English. The forms will then be automatically translated into German. You also receive a free registration guide when you fill out the forms on our website. This guide contains a useful German words for the registration office as well as clear instructions on what you need to do. As you can see, German bureaucreaucy has never been easier!
Apply for Visa
If you want to live and work in Germany, you may have to apply for a residence permit, depending on which citizenship you have. There are different visa options based on the reason you come to Germany. For example, there is the EU-Blue Card for highly qualified applicants with a valid and recognised degree, but also other kinds of ‘work visa’ based on an actual job offer or work contract. There are also visas for students, interns, married partners, freelancers, au-pairs, recent university graduates, etc. Applying for a visa could be a tricky process that’s why good preparation is highly recommended. So why not get help with it? Here’s a list of services that help you with your application.
Get Social Security Number
You need to get your social security number, if you want to work in Germany. If you were born in Germany, then you get it automatically after your birth from the German pension agency (Rentenversicherung). However, if you moved to Germany for the first time, then you must apply for your social security number. If you are member of a public health insurance in Germany, then you can get the number from your insurance provider. Fill out the application form to get your social security number online.
Housing
Find your dream place (longterm solution)!
Finding a place to stay in Germany can be tough. But do not despair. Whether you are looking for a longterm rental apartment in the city, or a beautiful house for your family in the suburbs – we are here to help. We will suggest the most popular website for finding your dream home! If you are busy, then why not get our experts to personally assist you with every step of the way? We will listen to your preferences, make pre-selections, and accompany you to the viewings. If questions about the bureaucratic procedures arise (and they will!), we will also help you deal with those!
Get Phone, TV, Internet
You are slowly getting settled in your new home in Germany. Part of every household is a high-speed Internet, a landline phone as well as a digital TV connection. Telekom is Germany’s largest telecommunications provider with the best coverage and fastest Internet. It offers you a bundle in which you can get all these three connections in one go. Getting it all together makes it cheaper. It is also more comfortable for you. You do not have to browse around for a different provider for each of these connections.
Settling-In
Learn German
You want to learn German? There is a vast array of offers for learning German. It is all about figuring out which way of learning is best suited to your individual needs. Do you have a lot of time? Or are you very busy? Do you prefer to have an individual tutor, or can you motivate yourself? Do you have enough time to attend evening classes? We know that everyone has different learning needs and preferences. That’s why we have created a list with the best solutions for learning German. Just select whichever options suits your personal circumstances best.
SIM card
Stay connected with the world while you are in Germany! There is no need to get out of touch with your friends and family abroad. There are very cheap international call rates available these days. We have selected the best SIM card and mobile phone plans for foreigners in Germany. Here you can get a free German SIM card with the cheapest international rate and fastest Internet. Or a 24-month Telekom mobile phone plan with a new smartphone.
Translate your documents!
When you move to Germany from abroad, it is often required to have some of your official documents translated. But where to find a certified translator? When you start googling, you will find a variety of different services. Often it is not transparent, how much the translation will cost or how long it will take. That is why we have the perfect solution for you: Find a list of the documents that need to be translated by expats most often. Choose the type of document you need to have translated. Also select the languages. You will then see an instant price for the translation. You can also get certified translations, which can be used for official use, for example at an embassy. You then upload the document that you want to be translated. Quick & easy. Now simply wait for your translation to arrive!
Insurance
Get Health Insurance
Everyone living in Germany must have health insurance. This is written in the law. As such, you have to make sure that you have proof of health insurance as soon as you register in Germany. Are you wondering whether public or private health insurance are better for you? Make an appointment with a public health insurance representative to discuss your options. Or perhaps you need a proof of health insurance for your visa application? Just fill out your application form online. And get your proof of health insurance on the same day.
Finances
Open Bank Account
Are you looking for the best bank account for foreigners in Germany? Look no further. We have selected bank accounts that offer all their services and online banking in English.If you do not want to spend any money on a bank account, then you should opt for the free online account. However, the free versions are not always the best ones. If you prefer to have an account with a renowned international bank, you have to pay a small fee. In return you get personal support and consultation in a local branch, whenever you need it.
Transfer Money abroad
Of course, you can always transfer money using your bank account. However, there are cheaper and faster ways to transfer money internationally. We have asked our expats to tell us about their experiences. We have summarised the best ways to transfer your money abroad from Germany. Whether you want to save costs during international money transfers, or simply speed up the process – here you can find the best solutions to make money transfers internationally. Start saving money now!
Leaving Germany – Deregistration
If you leave Germany and move to another country then you must deregister (Abmeldung). Otherwise you may still be liable for contracts you have signed in Germany, or for paying tax here. Deregistering is an easy process. You can even do it after you have already left Germany. On our website you can simply fill out the deregistration form (Abmeldeformular) and the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) in English. We will automatically translate them into German. You then send them to the German registration office (Bürgeramt). Done.