Berlin University Alliance

Every household in Germany must pay a mandatory public broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), which funds national radio and television services. The fee is currently €18.36 per month, charged per residence, not per person. After registering your address, you will receive a letter from the license fee agency (ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice) prompting you to register. Only one person per household needs to pay, and certain exemptions or reductions may apply depending on your situation. For individuals who stay less than 90 days in Germany, no broadcasting contribution is required.

If you are moving to Berlin with children, you may want to arrange daycare (Kita) early, as waiting lists can be long. Public and private options are available, and Berlin offers subsidized childcare with costs depending on your income. Children over the age of one are legally entitled to daycare, and the application is typically done through the Kita-Navigator online portal or directly with the institution. You will need your Anmeldung confirmation to begin the process.

Germany has a high standard of medical care. If you are insured under the statutory health system, you can visit general practitioners and specialists covered by your insurance by presenting your health insurance card (Gesundheitskarte). You can find doctors online via platforms like Jameda.de or Doctolib.de or through your insurer’s directory. It’s helpful to look for doctors who speak English, especially when arranging appointments or discussing treatments.

In Germany, health insurance is mandatory for all residents and operates primarily under a public solidarity model. This system ensures that everyone contributes based on their income and receives medical care regardless of health status or pre-existing conditions. Most employees, including university staff, are covered by statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), with contributions automatically deducted from their salary—typically split between employer and employee. Coverage is largely standardized across providers and includes doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. Major public providers include Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse (AOK), Barmer, and Deutsche Angestellten Krankenkasse (DAK), among others. Individuals earning above a certain annual income threshold (as of 2025, around €69,300 gross per year) may choose to opt out of the public system and instead take out private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung), which often offers more personalized services but can be costlier and age- or risk-based. Choosing between the two systems depends on your income, employment type, and long-term plans in Germany.

If your planned stay is longer than 90 days, one of the first legal obligations after arriving in Germany is to officially register your residential address with the local district office (Bürgeramt). This process is called Anmeldung. You must complete the official registration within 14 days after your initial 90 days in Germany. Upon registration, you’ll receive a confirmation document (Meldebescheinigung), which you’ll need for many other bureaucratic steps like opening a bank account, signing certain contracts, or obtaining a residence permit.

To receive your salary and pay rent or utility bills, you’ll need a German bank account. Most banks require your Anmeldung certificate, a valid passport or residence permit, and sometimes proof of employment. Online banks (e.g., N26, DKB) are widely used and offer English-language services. Be aware of monthly account fees and transaction limits, especially if you are transferring money internationally.

Berlin has an extensive and reliable public transport system, consisting of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (urban trains), buses, and trams. The city is divided into fare zones A, B, and C, and ticket options range from single rides to monthly subscriptions. Employees often receive a subsidized Jobticket through their institution. Berlin is also a bike-friendly city with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing services, and many residents live car-free.

Germany’s social security system is comprehensive and mandatory for employees. If you are employed at a public institution like a university, your employer will automatically deduct contributions from your gross salary to cover health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, long-term care, and accident insurance. Together, these contributions amount to roughly 20% of your income, with the employer covering a comparable share. Health insurance (either public or private) is mandatory, and your choice will depend on your income level and status.

When you register your address at the Bürgeramt, you are automatically assigned a unique tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer), which you’ll receive by mail within a couple of weeks. This number is permanent and must be provided to your employer to process your taxes correctly. Germany has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation. At the end of each year, you may be eligible for a tax refund, particularly if you had work-related expenses. Filing a return is optional but often beneficial, and many people seek assistance from a tax advisor or income tax support service (Lohnsteuerhilfeverein).