https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Germany in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed If you're still getting your head around everything from registering your address in Germany to getting a residence permit to learning the language, here are the basics about what you should know, and a list of articles that may help. https://www.thelocal.de/20260225/the-essential-guide-for-anyone-whos-just-moved-to-germany Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:14:40 +0100 the-essential-guide-for-anyone-whos-just-moved-to-germany Germany has a reputation for being a very pet-friendly country with some of the world's strictest animal welfare laws. But what about when it comes to moving your four-legged friend over here from abroad? https://www.thelocal.de/20250811/explained-how-to-move-to-germany-with-your-pets Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:32:51 +0200 explained-how-to-move-to-germany-with-your-pets There's a fair amount of paperwork involved with moving to Germany, and it can be hard to know where to start. We look at the first documents you'll need to apply for, or be aware of, when you arrive here. https://www.thelocal.de/20250819/checklist-the-most-important-pieces-of-paperwork-you-need-to-settle-in-germany Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:16:22 +0200 checklist-the-most-important-pieces-of-paperwork-you-need-to-settle-in-germany Germany has once again been ranked as one of the worst countries in the world for international residents, according to a survey. We look at the challenges foreigners struggle with, as well as the positives. https://www.thelocal.de/20250905/the-biggest-challenges-foreigners-face-after-arriving-in-germany Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:56:09 +0200 the-biggest-challenges-foreigners-face-after-arriving-in-germany Germany is a great country to live in but there are challenges. We look at some of the reasons foreign residents struggle and share some tips. https://www.thelocal.de/20240925/why-do-foreigners-find-germany-such-a-hard-country-to-settle-in Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:30:14 +0200 why-do-foreigners-find-germany-such-a-hard-country-to-settle-in Moving to Germany as a freelancer can be a great way to get started, but there are hurdles to clear when applying for the visa. From gathering letters of intent to securing official appointments, Becca Warner outlines what you need to know about the process. https://www.thelocal.de/20230804/explained-how-to-get-a-freelance-visa-for-germany-from-outside-the-eu Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:05:27 +0200 explained-how-to-get-a-freelance-visa-for-germany-from-outside-the-eu Rhetoric around immigration in Germany has become toxic, but one German minister for labour and integration knows the value of foreign workers and tells The Local what's being done to attract more. https://www.thelocal.de/20250610/interview-dont-let-fear-deter-you-from-new-life-in-germany-minister-urges Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:09:33 +0200 interview-dont-let-fear-deter-you-from-new-life-in-germany-minister-urges New salary requirements to get an EU Blue Card came into force in Germany at the start of this year. Here's what you need to know. https://www.thelocal.de/20250107/what-you-need-to-earn-to-get-an-eu-blue-card-in-germany-in-2025 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:17:16 +0100 what-you-need-to-earn-to-get-an-eu-blue-card-in-germany-in-2025 Germany has been pushing forward efforts to attract skilled workers from abroad, but which immigrant groups tend to earn the most and which earn the least? https://www.thelocal.de/20250106/which-groups-of-foreign-residents-earn-the-most-money-in-germany Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:59:59 +0100 which-groups-of-foreign-residents-earn-the-most-money-in-germany Germany plans to grant significantly more visas to Indian citizens this year, especially for those seeking work. So what visas are available and what’s the application process? https://www.thelocal.de/20250103/qa-how-can-indian-citizens-get-a-visa-for-germany-in-2025 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:17:08 +0100 qa-how-can-indian-citizens-get-a-visa-for-germany-in-2025 Next year is set to bring with it some major changes for foreign students in Germany, from more financial support to more Erasmus funding for universities. Here are the top 10 changes and trends you need to know about. https://www.thelocal.de/20241218/everything-that-changes-for-international-students-in-germany-in-2025 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:49:55 +0100 everything-that-changes-for-international-students-in-germany-in-2025 Thanks to job opportunities and a healthy work-life balance, Germany is an attractive destination for international residents. What should Americans know before moving across the pond? https://www.thelocal.de/20240805/eight-things-americans-should-be-aware-of-before-moving-to-germany Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:56:48 +0200 eight-things-americans-should-be-aware-of-before-moving-to-germany Applying for or renewing residency in Germany is more difficult with a criminal record, but it's not impossible. https://www.thelocal.de/20240923/can-you-move-to-germany-if-you-have-a-criminal-record Mon, 23 Sep 2024 17:09:46 +0200 can-you-move-to-germany-if-you-have-a-criminal-record If you need to temporarily store some of your stuff while you’re away, moving or refurbishing your home, this is what you need to know about available storage options in Germany. https://www.thelocal.de/20240412/how-to-find-a-self-storage-space-for-your-belongings-in-germany Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:36:40 +0200 how-to-find-a-self-storage-space-for-your-belongings-in-germany From the type of insurance you should get to how to find GPs and specialists, we've put together a guide to help foreigners in Germany navigate the healthcare system. https://www.thelocal.de/20240227/the-10-key-things-you-need-to-know-about-healthcare-in-germany Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:17:56 +0100 the-10-key-things-you-need-to-know-about-healthcare-in-germany For most people a mortgage is needed to buy a house, and in Germany they are available for both citizens and foreigners who meet a few requirements. Here's what you need to secure one. https://www.thelocal.de/20240222/can-you-get-a-mortgage-in-germany-without-permanent-residency Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:12:45 +0100 can-you-get-a-mortgage-in-germany-without-permanent-residency Moving to Germany? Or have you lived here a while and just decided to get married abroad? You should advise the German authorities that you’ve tied the knot – particularly if you’re married to a German or other EU national - as it has implications for your tax and residency rights. Here’s how. https://www.thelocal.de/20231212/explained-how-to-have-your-marriage-abroad-recognised-in-germany Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:29:23 +0100 explained-how-to-have-your-marriage-abroad-recognised-in-germany Do your homework, have patience, consider heading to an "international" area or opting for a smaller city. This was some of the valuable advice our readers gave on how to find the best place to move to in Germany. https://www.thelocal.de/20231127/choose-a-smaller-city-how-to-find-the-best-place-in-germany-to-move-to Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:53:41 +0100 choose-a-smaller-city-how-to-find-the-best-place-in-germany-to-move-to The Green party in Munich is pushing to set up a welcome centre in a bid to attract more talent from abroad and help them deal with the bureaucracy of moving to Germany. https://www.thelocal.de/20230804/how-munich-wants-to-make-settling-in-germany-easier-for-non-eu-skilled-workers Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:40:16 +0200 how-munich-wants-to-make-settling-in-germany-easier-for-non-eu-skilled-workers Germany is home to a thriving Indian community that has grown considerably in recent years. So where are Germany’s Indians living? And what made them choose to settle here? https://www.thelocal.de/20220915/indians-in-germany-who-are-they-and-where-do-they-live Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:57:51 +0200 indians-in-germany-who-are-they-and-where-do-they-live