After First-Time Arrival in Germany
Get Health Insurance
Upon your arrival in Germany, one of the first things you
need to prioritize is health insurance. Private insurance options start at
around 30 euros, ensuring you have access to essential medical services.
Find Accommodation
Securing a place to live is crucial. Sign a Mietvertrag
(rental contract), and within two weeks of your arrival, take your passport, a
confirmation letter from your landlord, and Mietvertrag to the local Bürgeramt
or Rathaus for Stadt Anmeldung, registering your residence in the city.
Open a Bank Account
With your Stadt Anmeldung paper in hand, open a bank account at Sparkasse, a widely used banking option in Germany.
Communication: SIM Card
Stay connected by getting a pay-as-you-go sim card such as an Aldi Talk SIM card for your
mobile. Aldi Talk provides affordable mobile plans, keeping you connected
without breaking the bank.
All Kinds of Insurances
Haftpflichtversicherung – Liability Insurance
Protect yourself from unexpected mishaps with
Haftpflichtversicherung. This insurance covers damages to people or property,
starting at around 50 to 150 Euros per year. Don't underestimate its
importance; liability insurance safeguards you from potential financial burdens
in various situations.
Car Insurance
If you own a car in Germany, KFZ Haftpflicht (car liability
insurance) is essential. It covers costs in case of accidents where you are at
fault, ensuring the other party's expenses are taken care of.
Krankenversicherung – Health Insurance
Whether employed or freelance, health insurance is a must.
For freelancers, private Krankenversicherung offers flexibility, though it
comes at a higher cost. Employees usually opt for Gesetzliche
Krankenversicherung, with employers covering half of the monthly costs.
Auslandskrankenversicherung – Global Health Insurance
For long-term stays, transition from foreign health
insurance to a German Krankenversicherung is necessary. This ensures
comprehensive coverage tailored to the German healthcare system.
Unfallversicherung – Accident Insurance
Protect your livelihood in case of severe injuries
preventing you from working with Unfallversicherung. This is especially crucial
for individuals with families, providing financial support during challenging
times.
Rechtsschutzversicherung – Legal Expenses Insurance
Legal issues can arise in various aspects of life. Having
Rechtsschutzversicherung helps you navigate legal battles, from disputes with
landlords to work-related conflicts. Workers' unions like Verdi often provide
legal assistance for employment-related matters.
Further Reading: List of All Possible Insurances
Check out this comprehensive list of insurances in Germany
for a detailed understanding of the options available List of GermanInsurances.
Tip: Prioritize your insurance based on a risk assessment, considering both statistical data and potential financial consequences.
Unemployment in Germany
Prerequisites
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Germany, you must
have worked and contributed to arbeitslosversicherung for a minimum of two
years. This insurance is automatically deducted from your salary.
Once Unemployed
1. Inform the Work
Council : Notify your company's work council about your termination and seek
agreement for a leave of absence with full salary during the notice period.
2. Visit the
Arbeitsamt/Job Center : Go to the employment agency immediately after your
termination. Bring the termination notice, passport, and a printed CV.
3. Register at the
Arbeitsamt : Register either immediately or three months before the termination
period ends, depending on the duration of your notice period.
4. Complete Online
Application : Use the provided username/password to complete the unemployment
benefit application on the Arbeitsamt website. Provide details about your bank,
IBAN, and previous unemployment history.
5. Submit Employer
Forms : Have your previous employers fill in forms detailing your employment
and salary for the past two years.
6. Physical Presence :
On the first day of unemployment, report to the job center. This is a
prerequisite for receiving unemployment benefits. Bring your passport, last
three salary slips, and a letter from Finanzamt stating your tax class.
7. Receive
Unemployment Benefits : Expect money to be deposited directly into your
provided bank account.
Note : During unemployment, AOK insurance is reduced to a flat rate of 145 euros, automatically covered by the Arbeitsamt.
Navigating life in Germany involves understanding and securing the right insurances and benefits, ensuring a smooth transition and a secure future.
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