TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Welcome to Deutschland! 1
- Chapter One: An Overview of Germany 3
- Quick Facts: 5
- A Brief History of Germany 6
- Germany At A Glance 13
- Best Things to Do in Germany 14
- Best Things to Eat in Germany 20
- Climate and Seasons 25
- Language and Religion 28
- Social Norms, Etiquette and Customs 29
- Clothing 30
- Customs and Etiquette 31
- Business Etiquettes 33
- Chapter Two: Immigration Requirements 35
- Visa vs. Residence Permit 37
- 90 Days Visa – Free/ Tourist Visa 38
- The Residence Permit 39
- Temporary Residence Permit 39
- Permanent Residence Permit 40
- Do I Need to Be Proficient or Fluent in German? 40
- Residence Permit Categories 41
- General Residence Permit Categories 43
- German Citizenship 48
- General Requirements 49
- Chapter Three: Expat Hubs and Cost of Living in Germany 55
- The Expat Hubs in Germany 57
- Cost of Living in Germany 69
- Estimate Costs of Household Items in Germany 73
- Chapter Four: Renting vs. Buying a House 79
- Renting in Germany 81
- Common House Rules for Leasers 83
- Finding Rent 86
- Apartment/House Rental Terms 87
- Buying a House in Germany 90
- Housing Costs 91
- Buying an Apartment 95
- How to Find and Buy a House or Apartment 95
- Notary Duties and Responsibilities 99
- The Contract 101
- Financing Your House or Apartment 104
- Mortgages 104
- Chapter Five: Utilities and Communication Services in Germany 107
- Contracts and Payments 108
- Gas/ Heating 108
- Electricity 109
- Water Supply 110
- Telephone/ Internet Connections 111
- Internet Providers and Basic Plans 113
- Mobile Basic Plan Options 115
- Relocation Services 118
- Chapter Six: Work and Business in Germany 121
- Finding a Job in Germany 122
- Hiring Procedures and Employment Contract 123
- The Employment Contract 127
- Self – Employment in Germany 130
- Free – Professionals/ Freelancers 133
- Doing Business in Germany 136
- Types of Business Structures 137
- Sole Proprietorship 137
- Joint – Stock Company (AG – Aktiengesellschaft) 139
- General Partnerships (OHG – Offene Handelsgesellschaft) 140
- Limited Partnerships (KG – Kommanditgesellschaft) 141
- Subsidiary (Töchtergesellschaft) 142
- Branch (Zweigniederlassung) 142
- Chapter Seven: Education System in Germany 143
- Hauptschule (Grade 5 to Grade 9) 145
- Realschule (Grade 5 to Grade 10) 146
- Gymnasium 146
- Gesamtschule (Comprehensive School) 147
- Berufsschule 148
- The School Day 149
- The School Year 150
- Schools for Students who have Special Needs 150
- Private Schools 151
- Internat (Boarding Schools) 151
- International Schools 152
- Parochial Schools 152
- Home Schooling 152
- Higher Education 153
- Entrance Requirements 153
- Chapter Eight: Taxes & Banking in Germany 157
- Individual Income Taxes 158
- Other Taxes 162
- German Tax Classes 163
- Tax Returns for U.S. Citizens 166
- State Taxes 167
- General Requirements 167
- Understanding FATCA as an American Living in Germany 168
- Additional Reporting Requirements 171
- Banks and Banking in Germany 172
- Types of Banks 177
- Payment Methods 177
- Other Bank Services 179
- Chapter Nine: Healthcare and Retirement in Germany 181
- Public Insurance System 182
- Government Health Insurance System (GKV) 182
- Private Health Insurance (PKV) 186
- Retirement for Expats in Germany 189
- Retirement Contributions 190
- Health Care for Retirees 191
- Chapter Ten: Getting Married in Germany 193
- Marriage Requirements 194
- If one or both partners is a foreigner 196
- Civil and Traditional Ceremonies 197
- Same – Sex Marriage 198
- Relocation Tips 199
- PHOTO REFERENCES 203
- REFERENCES 211
