Relocation Guide to Germany
Step by step: how to start working in Germany. EU citizen — no visa, no permit needed.
Registration (Anmeldung)
Within 14 days of arrival — Bürgeramt/Rathaus. You need: passport or ID + Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation from your landlord). Frankfurt (Oder): Rathaus, Marktplatz 1. Cost: 0€.
Tax number (Steuer-ID)
Arrives by post 2–3 weeks after the Anmeldung. It is an 11-digit number your employer needs. If urgent — call the Finanzamt.
Bank account
German account (IBAN DE) — Sparkasse or Commerzbank at a branch, with your ID and Meldebescheinigung. Alternative: N26, Wise (online, faster). A Polish account also works (SEPA).
Health insurance
Mandatory in Germany. Your employer registers you with a Krankenkasse (AOK, TK, Barmer — you choose). With a Minijob you can stay in the Polish NFZ (EHIC card). Contribution: about 14.6% of salary, half paid by the employer.
Tax class (Steuerklasse)
Single means class I. Married — III/V or IV/IV. This affects your net pay. Feel free to use our calculator →
Child benefit (Kindergeld)
Kindergeld is 250€ per month per child — even if the children live in Poland. The application is filed at the Familienkasse. You need: Steuer-ID + the child’s birth certificate.
Recognition of qualifications
Regulated professions (doctor, electrician) require recognition of qualifications. Non-regulated professions (programmer, welder) — experience is enough. Check: anerkennung-in-deutschland.de
Cross-border worker (Grenzgänger)
You live in PL and work in DE? Taxes are paid in DE, and you can deduct your commute (0.30€/km). 20 km × 220 days = 1320€ deduction per year.