Berlin City Guide

Welcome to the World of Darwin

Our guide to living and working in Berlin

“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”

Charles Darwin

www.darwinrecruitment.com


Contents

General Information 4

Useful Phrases 6

Everyday Life 7

Dining Out 8

Visa Requirements 9

Getting Around 10

Renting an Apartment 12

Opening a Bank Account 14

Healthcare & Insurance 16

Freelancing in Germany 18

Education in Germany 20

Contact Us 22


General Information

ClimateGermany is closer to the Arctic Circle than to the equator, so the climate is moderate without extreme cold or hot periods. Typically, temperatures are highest in July and August and lowest in January. ‘Summer time’ officially begins on the last Sunday in March when the clocks are put forwardby one hour at 2am in the morning. On the last Sunday of October, the clocks are put back one hour. ReligionThe most prevalent religions in Germany are the Protestant and Catholic Churches, but there are also many Muslim and Jewish communities present in many parts of the country, especially in Berlin and other large cities. Customs and Public HolidaysGermany celebrate many holidays over the year and enjoy many public holidays too. There are big New Year’s Eve celebrations and huge fireworks at midnight. January 1st (Neujahr) is a national holiday. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the spring full moon. Good Friday (Karfreitag), Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag) and Easter Monday (Ostermontag) are all public holidays. 1st of May is Labour Day, like in many other countries, and is a public holiday. The evening before the 1st of May is the time for the traditional “Tanz in den Mai” (“Dance into May”) parties to welcome the springmonth of May. There are many street parties, all over Berlin, throughout the day. Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday, and is a public holiday. Whitsun or Pentecost (“Pfingsten”) is celebrated with Whit Sunday (“Pfingstsonntag”) and Whit Monday (“Pfingstmontag”). Whit Mondayis a public holiday. German Unity Day, the 3rd of October, is the day East and West Germany were officially reunited in 1990. It is called Germany Unity Day (“Tag der deutschen Einheit”) and is the country’s national day. Festivals and gatherings with political speeches are held in parliament and many town halls. The 3rd of October is a public holiday.

Other Customs (Not Public Holidays)Lantern Festival and Martin’s Day is on the 10th or 11th of November, depending on the region. Children form a procession carrying lanterns moving from house to house, singing. If they are lucky, they might receive a small gift.


4

Christmas in Berlin

Christmas is a very important time in Germany, even for those who are not religious. The

whole city is decorated and Berlin hosts over sixty Christ-mas markets. During “Advent” many families have an

Advent wreath with 4 candles. A candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent. During this time, sweet pastries are often eaten and

Christmas decorations are put up around the home. An Advent calendar is often made or bought for children with 24 windows with small presents or pictures behind each window, for each day from the 1st until the 24th of

December, Christmas Eve.

Christmas is celebrated over 3 days. Gifts are given on the evening of the 24th. This is when Christkind (the Christmas Angel) comes and delivers presents to the children. On the 25th, families gather to celebrate and eat lots of delicious food. The main meal of Christmas will be enjoyed on this day. Many families celebrate

again, with lots of food, on the 26th.

St. Nicolas Day, the 6th of December“Nikolaustag is when children are given sweets, chocolate and small

presents. The children leave a boot outside their door on the evening of the 5th of December and parents fill this with

nuts, fruit, sweets and a small gift. Special gifts can be bought in bakeries and

cake shops.


5

Greetings:Hallo! Hello!Guten Morgen! Good Morning!Guten Tag! Good day!Guten Abend! Good Evening!Ich heiße… My name is…Wie heißen Sie? What is your name? Wie geht’s? How are you? Mir geht’s gut. I’m doing well. Mir geht’s nicht gut. I’m not doing well. Ich komme aus… I am from… (location)Bis später! See you later! Tschüß Bye!

ShoppingHaben Sie Andenken?Do you have souvenirs? Verkaufen Sie…? Do you sell…?Wie viel kostet das?How much is that? Haben Sie etwas Billigeres?Do you have something cheaper? Haben Sie das in einer [kleinen/großen] Größe? Do you have that in a [smaller/bigger] size? Um wieviel Uhr [öffnet/schließt] das Geschäft? What time does the shop [open/close]?Was möchten Sie?What would you like? Was suchen Sie? What are you looking for?Darf ich mit Bargeld bezahlen? May I pay with cash? Darf ich mit Kreditkarte bezahlen?May I pay with credit card?

Wining & DiningEinen Tisch für [zwei/drei/vier], bitte. A table for [two/three/four], please.Ich habe einen Tisch reserviert. I reserved a table.Kann ich bitte die [Speisekarte/Weinkarte] sehen? Can I see the [menu/wine list], please? Ich hätte gern…I would like…Was ist der Unterschied zwischen X und Y? What’s the difference between X and Y? Mit laktosefreier Milch, bitte. With lactose-free milk, please.Ist das glutenfrei? Is that gluten-free?Haben Sie vegetarisches Essen? Do you have vegetarian food? Ein Glas Wasser, bitte. A glass of water, please.[Mit/ohne] Sprudel, bitte. [Sparkling/not sparkling], please. Wo ist die Toilette?Where is the bathroom?Herr Ober/Fräulein!Waiter! / Waitress!Die Rechnung, bitte. The cheque, please. Frühstück BreakfastMittagessen LunchAbendessen DinnerZum Wohl! Cheers!

Asking for DirectionsWo? Where?Entschuldigung, wo ist…? Excuse me, where is…?In welcher Richtung ist X?In what direction is X? Ist es in der Nähe? Is it nearby?Ist es weit weg? Is it far away?Wo ist der [Eingang/Ausgang]? Where is the [entrance/exit]? Bringen Sie mich bitte zu dieser Adresse. Please bring me to this address. Zum Stadtzentrum, bitte.To the city centre, please. Zum Bahnhof, bitte. To the train station, please. Zum Flughafen, bitte. To the airport, please. Es ist da. / Da ist es. It’s there. / There it is. Um die Ecke Around the cornerNach links To the left Nach rechts To the rightGeradeaus Straight ahead Zurück Back Halten Sie bitte hier an. Please stop here.

Wo? Where?Entschuldigung, wo ist…? Excuse me, where is…?In welcher Richtung ist X?In what direction is X? Ist es in der Nähe? Is it nearby?Ist es weit weg? Is it far away?Wo ist der [Eingang/Ausgang]? Where is the [entrance/exit]? Bringen Sie mich bitte zu dieser Adresse. Please bring me to this address. Zum Stadtzentrum, bitte.To the city centre, please. Zum Bahnhof, bitte. To the train station, please. Zum Flughafen, bitte. To the airport, please. Es ist da. / Da ist es. It’s there. / There it is. Um die Ecke Around the cornerNach links To the left Nach rechts To the rightGeradeaus Straight ahead Zurück Back Halten Sie bitte hier an. Please stop here.

Everyday Life

Shopping Most shops and supermarkets open, Mondays to Saturdays, between 8am and 10am. Usually the shops are open until 6pm or 8pm on these days. Some supermarkets are open until 10pm or even midnight. On Sunday most shops are closed, but throughout the year shops are permitted to open for “Verkaufsoffener Sonntag” on a Sunday afternoon.

PaymentMany coffee shops and cafes accept cash only, so it’s always better to have some with you when going out. In shops, payments can usually be made using an EC (debit) card or credit card. TippingAlthough service is included in the price in Germany, it is also expected to leave a tip. The size of the tip depends on the friendliness, quality and service, 5-10% of the total bill is considered to be sufficient. “Einstand”.If you start a new job you can invite your new colleagues to what is called an “Einstand”. This is a party held at work ‘after hours’. Ask your new colleagues what the normal procedure is.


7

Dining Out

Here is a list of the most highly rated restaurants on Trip Advisor, and some of our personal favourites:

Traditional German Food Restaurant Bieberbau - Durlacher Str. 15, 10715 Berlin - http://www.bieberbau-berlin.de/Rausch Schokoladenhaus - Charlottenstraße 60, 10117 Berlin - https://www.rausch.de/en/KaDeWe 6th Floor - Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin - http://www.kadewe.de

ItalianRistorante A Mano - Strausberger Pl. 2, 10243 Berlin - http://www.amano-ristorante.de/Focaccino - Stuttgarter Pl. 16, 10627 Berlin - http://www.focaccino.eu/Peperoncino - Urbanstraße 137, 10967 Berlin - http://www.ristorantepeperoncino.de/Il Pastificio - Richard-Wagner-Straße 35, 10585 Berlin - http://www.ilpastificioberlino.com/

SteakhouseSteakhouse ASADOR - Wilhelmstraße 22, 10963 Berlin - http://www.restaurant-asador.de/Block House Friedrichstrasse - Friedrichstraße 100, 10117 Berlin - https://www.block-house.de/Goldhorn Beefclub - Mommsenstraße 12, 10629 Berlin, Germany - http://www.goldhorn-beefclub.com/Midtown Grill Berlin - Ebertstraße 3, 10117 Berlin - http://www.midtown-grill.de/

Asian/SushuSeoulkitchen - Warschauer Str. 46, 10243 Berlin - http://www.seoulkitchen.de/Dudu - Torstraße 134, 10119 Berlin - http://www.dudu-berlin.de/The Sushi Club - Mohrenstraße 42, 10117 Berlin - http://thesushiclub.de/Daitokai - Europa-Center, Europa Center, Tauentzienstraße 9-12, 10789 Berlin - http://www.daitokai.de/

IndianHaveli, uitpoldstraße 26, 10777 Berlin, http://www.haveliberlin.de/Indisches Restaurant Maharadscha - Fuggerstraße 21, 10777 Berlin - http://namaste-indisches.de/Naveena Path - Tegeler Str. 22, 13353 Berlin - http://www.naveenapath.de/


8

Visa requirements for Tech Professionals in Germany

With a reliable economy and a recent boost in the population, Germany provides plenty of opportunities for development companies to offer their services.

To help any professionals who are keen to move into this market, we've provided a step-by-step guide on all the visa requirements you will need to undergo, as well as any other key information you'll need during the process.

Visa requirementsIt may sound obvious, but it's important to note that all work permits have to be completed in German. This may mean that you'll need to hire a translator in advance.

The company you're working with will have to send the original signed contract to you for your embassy appointment. It would also be helpful if they send you a copy of their higher education qualifications, as well as any academic degrees or diplomas, as such information could help speed up your process with the embassy. As a heads up, the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) may have to certify any degrees under certain circumstances.

Of all the forms that need to be filled out and prepared, you will have to co-ordinate with your op-posing company on:

• The Erlaubnis einer Beschäftigung form, which states why they want to hire you.

• The Stellenbeschreibung form, which will have to be far more detailed if you don't already have a Blue Card, EU-wide work permit.

• A full job description of the work you plan to carry out.

Once all this has been gathered, submit it to the Arbeitsagentur alongside scanned copies of your CV and diploma, both translated into German; your passport; and the contract itself.

During this time, you will also need to apply for a German residence permit from the German embassy, while your opposing company picks up your registration and visa from their local Ausländerbehörde.

Other requirementsHere are a few pointers to follow alongside the instructions mentioned above:

Make sure you get the original contract from the company before making an appointment at the German embassy.

Go onto the German embassy's website first before arranging your meeting so that you can make a list of all the documents you'll need to bring. The appointment itself won't be anything strenuous: just a face-to-face chat and a document handover.

Bear in mind that waiting times at the embassy can be surprisingly long, so book your timeslot as soon as possible.

You'll be sent to the embassy once the work permit has been granted. Your opposing company will also likely recieve a copy.

You'll need to register in Berlin before you visit the Ausländerbehörde with all the documents mentioned above.


9


10

Getting Around

Useful Travel Phrases

Wo ist die Bushaltestelle? Where is the bus stop?Wo ist die U-Bahn? Where is the underground train (subway/metro)?Wie viel kostet eine Fahrkarte nach X? How much is a ticket to X? Fährt dieser Zug nach…? Does this train go to…?Wohin fährt dieser Bus? To where does this bus go?Darf ich bitte einen Stadtplan haben? May I have a city map please? Darf ich bitte einen U-Bahnplan haben? May I have a underground train map, please? Können Sie mir das auf der Karte zeigen? Can you show me on the map? Muss ich umsteigen? Do I have to change?

Phrases for Around Town

Wo ist die Bank? Where is the bank? Ist die Post im Stadtzentrum? Is the post office in the city center? Wo ist der beste Supermarkt? Where is the best supermarket? Wo ist die leckerste Bäckerei? Where is the yummiest bakery? Wo ist die nächste Tankstelle? Where is the nearest gas station?Ist der Bahnhof neben dem Fluss? Is the train station next to the river? Ist der Flughafen weit weg? Is the airport far away?

Public TransportBerlin’s public transport network consists of several systems. These include the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (overground) rail systems, regional railway services, a tram system, a bus network and a ferry services. There are a large number of common interchange stations between the different modes of transport. Tickets must be bought at a ticket machine on the platform in advance and must be validated before boarding. This does not include the trams and buses, where a ticket is bought on board. Travelling without a ticket is not permitted and incurs a fine of €60. BikesIt is not recommended to leave expensive bikes outdoors in Berlin, even when locked up, as they often get stolen. Find a cheap, simple bike for travelling around Berlin. You could also use the Deutsche Bahn’s Call-a-Bike system. This service offers city bikes that can be collected at stations throughout the city. An annual membership for this service costs about €48. It is extremely safe to travel throughout Berlin by bike. There is an excellent network of safe bike paths.


11


12

Renting an ApartmentThe map on the previous page shows the average rental rates (in euros) for a two-room apartment of 70m squared. These are cold rental rates i.e. rent without heating costs.

Here is a short glossary of the abbreviations that you will come across when searching for available apart-ments/rental properties:

2 ZKB 2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom.2 ZKBB 2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom, balcony.EG Ground floor2. OG Second floorDG Roof or loft apartmentVH Front of the houseHH Back yard of the houseSF Refers to a wing of the buildingEBK Refers to built-in kitchen cabinetsqm Square meters, describes the size of the apartmentKM Kaltmiete (cold rent; i.e. rent without heating costs)NK Nebenkosten (ancillary costs). These are extra costs for refuge disposal, street and house cleaning costs as well as heating and water costsWM “Warmmiete” (warm rent; this is the cold rent plus the “NK” ancillary costs) Deposit Deposits A security deposit must be paid to the landlord. The deposit would typically equal 2 or 3 months ‘cold’ rent (rent without heating and utility costs). Landlords are not allowed to charge more than 3 times the net cold rent as a deposit and the deposit must be paid into a bank account to which neither party has access. The deposit is returned to the tenant after they vacate the apartment. Should there be any damage to the property, the landlord is entitled to deduct this from the deposit.

In addition to the security deposit, many landlords will ask to see your last 3 pay slips. They want to ensure that you are financially able to pay the monthly rent. A copy of your employment contract may be suffient if you do not have payslips yet.

Most landlords will also ask for a SCHUFA certificate. This is a certificate that is usually issued by banks (or post offices in some cases) and it will prove that you do not have any debt from previous tenancies. It is best to try to obtain the SCHUFA before you start looking as they take a while to come through and may delay proceedings. Anmeldebestätigung Once you have found an apartment, it is very important that you get your Anmeldebestätigung (residence registration). You will also need this to get a tax and social security number. This is a piece of paper you re-ceive from the Berlin local authorities to say that you have an official address in the city. You get it from one of the many ‘Bezirksamt’ offices. You will need to take the following with you to obtain this document:

• Passport• A copy of your rental contract (Mietvertrag) in order to prove you have an official address. If you don’t have a rental contract yet and are staying with friends, then get them to write a letter to con- firm. This is called a Bestätigung. They will need to include; your full name (as it appears in your passport), your passport number and the date you moved into their property. • A completed copy of the Anmeldung form. This can be downloaded here: http://www.berlin.de/formularserver/formular.php?52009.

Here is a link to a fantastic blog that will offer further advice on how to complete the form, where you need to go and other things to be aware of: http://www.moneyticketspassport.com/where-are-we-now/germa-ny/anmeldebestatigung/


13


Opening a bank account in Germany Although the German banking system has all the perks you’d expect from modern financing, it isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. Fees for bank accounts are common, cash machines aren’t always free to use and you often need to make a personal appointment with the bank just to set up an account.

However, as a bank account is essential for many aspects of life in Germany – not least receiving your salary – we’ve put together an easy to follow guide for navigating the German financial system. Keep reading to find out more.

Choosing the right bankBanks in Germany are split into two main groups: Cashgroup and Sparkassen. Within these two networks, withdrawing money from ATMs is free. However, Cashgroup customers who use a Sparkasse ATM (and vice versa) will be charged for taking out cash. Cashgroup is made up of large national banks and their subsidiaries. Members include Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank, Commerzbank, Hypovereinsbank, Postbank, Comdirect, Norisbank and Berliner Bank.

The Sparkassen network, on the other hand, is state owned. These banks often have strong relationships with local businesses and communities and many people choose them for their more traditional approach to banking. Almost all small towns will have a Sparkasse, making it easy for members to withdraw money free of charge.

If you’re moving to a large city, you shouldn’t have a problem finding free cash machines no matter which bank you choose. However, if you’re relocating to a smaller town, you may be restricted by the choice of banks available in your local area.

14


Opening a bank accountUnless you’re a confident German speaker, it’s probably easiest to open a bank account in person. In most cases, the process is quick and relatively straightforward, however some banks require you to make an appointment to set up an account, so check with your local branch in advance.

As you need proof of address to open bank accounts in Germany, you’ll first need to register with your local Bergeramt. This is called Meldebescheinigung and is required every time you change address while you’re living in Germany. The form you get when you register is your proof of address. As well as being required for opening bank accounts, it’s also needed for things like joining the library and other local organisations, so make sure you keep it in a safe place.

Once you’ve got your proof of address, take it and your passport to your chosen bank to open an account. Some banks also ask you to present proof of earnings, so it’s a good idea to take your payslip along when you open your account.

Choosing an accountThere are a number of different accounts to choose from in Germany. Some are free but fees can be as much as €8 a month for paid accounts. The most common type of account is the current account or ‘Girokonto’. You can also open a savings account, ‘Tagesgeldkonto’, a limited access savings account, ‘Sparbuch’, or a securities account, ‘Depot’.

If you opt for a free account, you’ll generally have access to internet banking and an EC card, however you’ll be charged for in-branch transactions. If you choose an account with a monthly fee, you’ll have a wider choice of free transactions and access to a selection of services.

Credit cardsMost banks charge extra for credit cards. If you do want a credit card, note that the most widely accepted cards in Germany are Visa and Mastercard. American Express is less commonly used and you may struggle to find retailers who will accept it in more rural parts of the country.

Insurance Everyone who lives in Germany is required to have health insurance. If you have a job, you’ll automatically by included in the public insurance scheme and contributions will be deducted from your salary. If you’re freelance or self-employed, you’ll need to arrange your own insurance. This can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to talk to an insurance agent to ensure you get a good deal.

Another type of insurance you should invest in is third-party private liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). This will cover you in the event you commit an act for which a German court would consider you ‘ordinarily negligent’. ‘Ordinary negligence’ could be as simple as accidentally damaging someone else’s property or causing an accident as a pedestrian by not crossing at the zebra crossing.

Though this might seem like a lot to take in, getting a bank account and insurance cover set up in Germany is actually pretty straightforward if you follow the right steps.

15

Healthcare


Although it may be one of the most exciting moments of your career, relocating to another country can be a bit of minefield when it comes to things like insurance and healthcare. In Germany, the healthcare system is tied tightly together with insurance, meaning that insurance must be at the top of your to-do list when planning your move.

How health insurance worksIn order to get a social security card in Germany and to be able to access affordable healthcare, you must be registered with a health insurance company, known as a Krankenkasse. Anyone in full-time employment with a company must have health insurance - it’s compulsory.

Usually, health insurance is arranged by employers because they are responsible for paying half of the contributions. In rare instances however, you may have to register with a Krankenkasse yourself. So, if you already have a job lined up, be sure to ask your new employer about their health insurance procedures. The other half of your health insurance is paid by you; this is at a standardised rate of 15.5% of your gross salary, so bear that in mind when thinking about your monthly disposable income.

Public or private health insuranceGermany has two types of health insurance - public (Gesetzliche Krankenkasse) and private (Private Kranken-kasse). If you earn less than €54,900 gross salary per year (that’s €4,575 per month), you’ll automatically be insured on a public health insurance scheme. If you have a spouse and/or children living with you in Germany, they will be insured along with you. Make sure you have your marriage certificate and your children’s birth cer-tificates with you when you relocate, as these will be needed during your Krankenkasse application.

Essential insurance tips for relocating to Germany

16

Ich habe Kopfschmerzen I have a headache Wo ist das Krankenhaus? Where is the hospital?

Mir ist schlecht I’m feeling ill Wo ist die Apotheke? Where is the pharmacy?

Ich brauche einen Arzt I need a doctor Ich bin krank geworden I got sick

Ich brauche ein Krankenhaus I need a hospital Haben Sie Aspirin? Do you have aspirin?

Wo ist das Krankenhaus? Where is the hospital? Es ist ein Notfall It’s an emergency

Ich habe Diabetes I have diabetes Der Herzinfarkt Heart attack

Ich bin alergisch gegen... I am allergic to.. Verletzen To injure

Penizilin (n) Penicillin Brechen To break

Antibiotika (f) Antibiotics Erkältet sein o have a cold

Ich habe Heuschnupfen I have hayfever Die Grippe ‘flu

Ich habe Durchfall I have diarrhoea Der Sonnenstich Sunstroke

Ich muss brechen I need to vomit Verbrennen To be burned

Ich brauche einen Spezialisten I need a specialist Mein Bauch tut weh My stomach hurts


If you earn above the €54,900 salary threshold, you can choose to completely leave the public health insurance system and take out private health insurance instead. Your employer will still be liable to pay roughly half of the contributions, but this is capped at the same rate at which they would have to pay if making contributions for public insurance. If you opt out of the public health insurance scheme you can’t return to it at a later point, so bear this in mind when considering leaving. Whether you choose to be in the public health insurance scheme or you’re obliged to be, you can choose to take out an extra private health insurance policy as well, for extra peace of mind. Some public health services have been downgraded or completely cancelled in recent years in Germany; things like private rooms in hospitals, certain types of dental work and more complex procedures or specialist care may not be included on your policy. Be sure to check out all the terms of your public and private insurances so that you can familiarise yourself with what’s included and be prepared for any extra costs you may face.

Self-employment If you’re self-employed, you’ll have to arrange your health insurance yourself. This is compulsory, and it must be a private health insurance policy - you won’t be eligible for the public scheme. The costs of the insurance will be tax deductible but since you don’t have an employer, you’ll be responsible for paying it all yourself. It’s a good idea for self-employed people to seek advice from a financial expert or independent insurance agent so that they can find an insurance policy that offers a good level of cover.

SecondmentIf you’re being sent to work in Germany for a limited time by a company based in the European Economic Area or from Canada, China, Israel, Japan, the USA or any other contracting states, you may be exempt from compulsory health insurance. If you are planning to relocate to Germany on secondment, be sure to check with your company what arrangements have been made in this regard.

Other types of insuranceIf you own a motorbike or car in Germany, it’s compulsory that you take out motor liability vehicle insurance, known as Kfz-Haftpflichversicherung, to cover the cost of repairs to your own vehicle or others in the event of an accident. Personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflichtversicherung) is also recommended; this covers any damages you may be liable for if you cause accidental injury to someone, or damage to someone else’s property.

Finally, household insurance (Hausratversicherung) is important if you want to protect the valuable contents of your home. If your home were to be burgled or damaged in any other way, Hausratversicherung would cover the cost of repairs and the actual cost of items in your household, as long as they’re stipulated in the insurance policy.

17

How to be a Freelancer in Germany Whether you’ve been offered a contract, or you’re just looking to make the kind of change which the flexible nature of freelancing allows, Germany is an excellent option as a location for your business, and well worth considering for the self-employed.

1. As a freelancer, do I need a visa?

As long as your residence permit isn’t restricted, you can freelance in Germany.

If you’re a holder of an EU passport, you don’t require any sort of visa to work as a freelancer or take on work if you’re self-employed.

If you’re from outside of the European Union, the process is more complicated. You’ll need to apply for a freelance visa and you’ll have numerous documents and forms to complete. Once those are complete, you’ll also be asked to attend an interview, which should be held in the German embassy of your home country. Agreements with the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea allow citizens of those countries to apply for their freelance visa once they are in Germany, although they’ll still need to attend an interview.

2. Where can I base my business?

Much like conducting freelance work anywhere else in the world, you can choose your German base at whichever address is most convenient. You must then visit your local registration office, and register your address with them.

The reasoning behind this is that it will decide how much tax you’ll have to pay, so make sure you’re accurate with your paperwork! In Germany, a single, childless person pays more tax than a married couple or a single parent.

3. Do I need health insurance?

Germany’s healthcare system requires all residents living and working there to have health insurance. There are two options to choose from:

• Public Health Insurance• Private Health Insurance

Public health insurance – Your entire family is insured as a result of you being insured. This sounds good, but is expensive. Depending on your medical history, income and age, you can also be turned down for public health insurance or find yourself priced out of it. There are specialist public health advisors who can talk you through your public health insurance options.

18

Private health insurance – Each family member must have their own policy, and pay for it separately. This works out cheaper for people without families. Please see page 16 for more information on health insurance.

4. Where should I open a bank account?

Having a bank account up and running before you start freelancing or working as a self-employed person is absolutely essential, as you’ll need to supply bank details on your Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung (Tax number application form).

Most bank accounts in Germany charge a monthly service fee, although there are some exceptions. Online banking with organisations such as Fido or DKB allow you to manage your money online and don’t charge a fee.

If you think you’re going to need a little assistance, one of the high street names like Deutsche Bank might be a better choice, and justify that monthly fee. Branches will have English speaking staff, and phone lines are usually manned by people who can talk to you in English. Please see page 14 for more information on opening a bank account.

5. What’s a Tax ID?

A bit like a national insurance number, everyone in Germany gets an Identifikationsnummer, which is your tax identification. If this is your first time living in Germany, this should come to your address a few days after you’ve registered yourself as a resident in Germany. If you’ve lived in Germany before, request a letter from the Bundeszentralamt fuer Steuern (Main tax office) to send a tax ID number to you.

If you can’t wait, head to your nearest tax office with your passport. There’s no need for an appointment, as people are seen all day during business hours, and waiting times are usually less than an hour. Your tax number can be looked up on the central computer system right away.

6. What’s the difference between a Tax ID and a Tax Number?

A tax ID is given to everyone in Germany, regardless of whether they’re self-employed or not.

A tax number is for people who are self-employed or freelancers. If you’ll be filing your own tax return, you need to apply for a tax number. The application form is called Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung, and is the same form wherever you are in Germany. If you’re unsure of any aspect of it, you’ll be able to get assistance from your local tax office. If you’re happy you can complete the form independently; just post the completed form back to them.

7. Do I need to register a company?

Some jobs which other countries would consider as freelance work are actually classed as self-employed work in Germany and require you to register as a company. Make sure you are certain that you have classified your job correctly. Any sort of commercial work, even if you’re by yourself, is referred to as a business, so don’t be confused by the taxonomy.

If you are classed as a company, and definitely not a freelancer, you’ll need to apply for a Gewerbeanmeldung, which is an application to open a business in Germany.

8. What’s the best way to get a mobile?

If you need a phone line for your work, the best way to start is with a mobile phone. A mobile phone number is seen as essential on the many forms you’ll deal with.

There are two options, much as there are in other parts of the world. Either take out a contract or choose a Pay As You Go deal. Contracts will generally work out cheaper and come with a handset, but tie you in for around two years. If you’re not sure how long you’ll be working abroad, a pay as you go phone might be a better option.

19

Education in Germany The German education system is one of the best in the world. A 2015 survey produced by economists Eric Hanushek and Ludger Woessmann placed Teutonic schools in 13th place globally, beating the British system which came in 20th place, and coming in well ahead of US education, which was ranked way down in 28th position.

Combining a mixture of academic schooling and vocation training, the German system has something for everyone. If you’re about to relocate to Germany and have children of school age, here’s a quick guide to what you can expect.

KindergartenKindergarten is not mandatory in Germany, and therefore not free. However, most three to six year olds do attend kindergartens (also known as ‘kitas’), with the cost parents pay centred on income. In some states like Berlin, it is possible to find free kita networks. You’ll also come across a number of multilingual kindergartens in most German cities.

Alternatively, you can opt to use a Tagesmutter (day mother). These women are generally childcare professionals who offer daycare to more than one child at a time.

Primary education - GrundschuleIn Germany, school is compulsory from the age of six and lasts for nine or ten years (depending on the state you live in). Grundschule is the first stage of mainstream education and is free across Germany. Children start Grundshule at six and continue for either four or six years.

Secondary education After Grundschule, pupils either go to Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium or Gesamtschule. These secondary schools are streamed according to ability, with some offering a purely academic education and others focusing more on vocational training.

Children who go to Gymnasiums will be prepared for final exams – known as the Abitur – and receive an education that will get them ready for university. A Realschule offers a general education with both academic and vocational subjects included. Once pupils receive their leaving certificate at 15 or 16, they can either choose to enter the world of work, take on an apprenticeship or transfer to a Gymnasium to prepare for university.

Pupils who are less academically able generally attend a Hauptschule – ‘main school’. Offering learning at a slower pace, and placing more emphasis on vocational training, Hauptschule generally leads to part time vocational training and apprenticeships until the age of 18.

The fourth option for secondary education is the Gesamtschule. Only found in some states, this comprehensive style school offers a broad education and gives pupils the chance to either achieve the Hauptschule certificate - if they com-plete school until the 9th grade - or the Reaschule certificate - if they complete 10th grade to a satisfactory level.

The school dayThe school day starts between 7:30am and 8:15am and continues until between 12pm and 1:30pm. There are a range of after school childcare options available in most states, and again, fees are generally based on income.

Private schools Private schools can be found across Germany, with a number of alternative education options available. International schools are located in many of the country’s main cities, giving foreign pupils the opportunity to continue their native education uninterrupted.

Offering a broad education and good choice of options for pupils of all abilities, the German system is one of the best in Europe. If you’re moving to the country with school-aged children, contact your local school or educational service to find out more.

20

21

22

Darwin RecruitmentCumberland House129 High StreetBillericayEssexCM12 9AH

+44 (0)1277 637 970

[email protected]


Darwin Recruitment B.VLevel 15B Tower, WTCStrawinskylaan 15371077 XX, AmsterdamNederland

+31 (0) 20 30 500 70

[email protected]

www.darwinrecruitment.nl

Darwin Recruitment AGBeethovenstrasse 478002 ZürichSwitzerland

+41 (0) 4150 62900

[email protected]

www.darwinrecruitment.ch

Darwin Recruitment GmbHHerzog Wilhelm Strasse 2680331 München Germany

+49 (0)89 26209 7130

[email protected]

Darwin Recruitment USAGA, Atlanta - Proscenium1170 Peachtree StreetSuite 1200Atlanta30309

[email protected]

www.darwinrecruitment.comwww.darwinrecruitment.de

Darwin Recruitment LondonBroadgate CircleOffice 2042nd Floor1 -2 BroadgateLondonEC2M 2QS

+44 (0)203 870 6390

[email protected]


Contact Us

Date post:	15-Jan-2017
Category:	Documents
Upload:	jo-stephens
View:	113 times
Download:	0 times

Berlin City Guide

Documents