How-to-Germany.com is a comprehensive online resource designed for English-speaking expatriates planning a move to, or already living in, Germany. Our goal is to provide practical, reliable, and easy-to-understand information based on real-life experience to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of life in Germany, from initial planning and bureaucracy to settling in and enjoying your new home.
We strive for accuracy by cross-referencing information with official German government sources, reputable organizations, and expert insights whenever possible. We also draw heavily on the real, lived experiences of our team and contributors who have navigated the German system themselves. We review the information periodically, and we encourage reader feedback to help us maintain timeliness and correctness. See our Editorial Guidelines for more details on our process.
Yes, maintaining editorial independence is fundamental to our mission. How-to-Germany.com is primarily funded through affiliate partnerships on some of our pages (clearly disclosed) and potentially through display advertising. If you click on certain links (e.g., for specific services or products we mention) and purchase or sign up, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost. This funding supports our research and content creation, but never influences our recommendations or the information we provide. Our priority is always to offer honest, unbiased guidance.
Our content is created by a team of writers and contributors who are or have been expats. We believe that firsthand experience is invaluable for providing genuinely helpful advice. Our team understands the nuances, frustrations, and joys of moving to and living in Germany. You can learn more about the people behind the site on our About Us page.
We aim to be your go-to guide for practical matters. We cover essential topics like visas, residence permits, finding accommodation, opening a bank account, health insurance, taxes, finding work, learning German, understanding German culture, and much more. We break down complex processes into manageable steps and offer tips based on real experiences to make your transition smoother.
Official sources provide the definitive legal and regulatory information, and we always recommend consulting them for binding details. How-to-Germany.com complements these sources by translating complex bureaucratic language into practical, actionable advice. We add context based on real-life experience, explain common pitfalls, and offer tips on navigating processes efficiently – insights often not found on official websites. We clearly distinguish between regulations and experiential advice.