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Legal Issues in Germany - Overview |
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 As with any country, it's very important to be legal when you
arrive. Germany is no exception. The following are just a few
of the
major legal issues an expat needs to tend to when relocating to Germany.
Don't worry, we are here to help you with these issues.
Registration
Everyone is required to register with the local community.
Residence permit
All foreign nationals require a residence permit when their stay in
Germany exceeds 3 months. Nationals of the ECU acquire a permit for 5
years. All other nationals acquire a one year permit which subsequently
has to be renewed.
Tax card
Mandatory. The tax class and amount of tax payable depends on your
marital status, number of children and declaration of religion.
Visa
Certain nationalities require a visa before entering Germany.
Application is at the German consulate or embassy in your home country.
Work permit
Foreign nationals (outside the EU) require a work permit prior to starting work. Begin this process as soon as possible.
Health insurance
Mandatory. Above a certain income one can choose between the statutory
and private health schemes. In the statutory health scheme all family
members are insured without extra costs. The employer and employee pay
50 % each of the monthly fees. Ask for further information and Medical
information/Comparison Health insurance.
Travel Medical Insurance
Being a member of a german health insurance covers medical treatment in
almost all european countries. In case of sickness, medical bills will
be reimbursed by your health insurance. World wide travel insurance for
initial treatment in emergency cases can be obtained for about € 11,00.
Please contact your health insurance for more information.
Banking
To open a bank account you are required to bring your passport; there
are service charges for all bank transactions and a monthly fee.
Child Support/Benefit
If you are entitled to a child support/benefit payment, please bring
along a confirmation from the authorities of your home country, along
with documentation that the payments have been stopped there.
Driving license
EU driving licenses don't need to be changed. Non-EU members need a
German driving license after six months. To get a German drivers
license, written, driving and vision tests are required along with a
certificate of completion from a first aid course. If you have an
American drivers license, the test might be waived depending on the
State. Driving without a German license after six months is considered
to be a criminal offense and will be handled in court.
 Elisabeth Sommer
www.elisabeth-sommer.de
Founded in 1996, Elisabeth Sommer Relocation Services belongs to
Munich's most successful relocation agencies. They have successfully
relocated more than 1.500 clients from over 40 nations.
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First Steps 
