English

Your Guide to Living in Germany

New to Germany?We help you navigate.

Understanding insurance, banking, and utilities in Germany can be confusing. We explain how things work and help you find the right providers.

Clear explanations. Step-by-step guides. Made for expats.

First Steps in Germany

A quick checklist for newcomers

Register your address (Anmeldung)

Required within 14 days of moving

Get health insurance

Mandatory for residence permit

Open a bank account

Needed for salary and rent

Set up electricity & gas

Avoid expensive default tariffs

Why meinetarife24?

We created this platform specifically for expats and newcomers. No assumptions that you already know how Germany works.

Made for Newcomers

We explain German systems in plain English. No confusing jargon, just clear guidance.

Step-by-Step Guides

From Anmeldung to Schufa - we break down every process into simple steps.

Free Comparison Tools

All our comparison tools are free. Compare providers and find what fits your needs.

GDPR Compliant

Your data is protected under German privacy laws (DSGVO). We never sell your information.

Essential Services in Germany

Learn about each topic and find providers that work for your situation.

Stromvergleich

Electricity (Strom)

Understanding German energy contracts

New to Germany? Energy contracts work differently here. Learn about Grundversorger (default provider), switching rights, and how to find a fair tariff.

Tip: Most newcomers are automatically assigned to the expensive Grundversorgung (basic supply). Switching is easy and free.

Krankenversicherung

Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)

Mandatory in Germany

Health insurance is required by law in Germany. Understand the difference between public (GKV) and private (PKV) insurance, and which one is right for you.

Tip: If you earn over 69,300 EUR/year (2024), you can choose private insurance. Below that, public insurance is mandatory.

Autoversicherung

Car Insurance (KFZ-Versicherung)

Required for all vehicles

Planning to drive in Germany? Liability insurance (Haftpflicht) is mandatory. Learn about Teilkasko and Vollkasko coverage options.

Tip: Your insurance class (SF-Klasse) determines your premium. Newcomers usually start at SF 0 or SF 1/2.

Bankkonto

Bank Account (Girokonto)

Essential for daily life

A German bank account (Girokonto) is essential for rent, salary, and bills. Many banks now offer accounts in English with no monthly fees.

Tip: You can open a bank account before you have your residence permit. Some banks only require a passport.

Common Questions from Newcomers

Do I need Schufa for this?

Schufa is Germany's credit scoring system. Some providers check it, others don't. We explain which services require Schufa.

Can I apply in English?

Many providers now offer English applications. We highlight which ones do.

I just arrived - where do I start?

Start with health insurance (mandatory) and a bank account. Then set up electricity to avoid expensive default tariffs.

Ready to explore your options?

Whether you just arrived or have been here for years, we're here to help you understand and compare your options.

Free - No obligation - GDPR compliant

About Our Comparisons

meinetarife24.de helps newcomers and international residents navigate Germany. Our comparison tools are provided by our partners CHECK24 and Tarifcheck, which are TUV-certified comparison portals in Germany.

We receive a commission when you complete a contract through our partner tools. This does not affect the prices you see or pay.