Translation

Taxation and Social Security in Germany: What International Employees Need to Know

by Legal and Administrative Processes

As an international employee in Germany, understanding the taxation and social security system is crucial to ensure compliance and make the most of your earnings. Navigating these areas can be challenging, especially if you’re not fluent in the German language. In this blog post, we will explore the key aspects of taxation and social security in Germany for international employees. Additionally, we will introduce Booka Local, an online platform that provides bilingual helpers to assist internationals with language-related tasks, offering valuable support in various scenarios.

Taxation in Germany

  1. Tax Residence: Germany follows the principle of worldwide taxation, meaning that residents are generally subject to taxation on their worldwide income. Understand the criteria for tax residence and how it impacts your tax obligations.
  2. Income Tax: Learn about the progressive income tax rates in Germany, tax brackets, deductions, and exemptions available to reduce your taxable income.
  3. Tax Identification Number (TIN): Discover the importance of obtaining a TIN (Steueridentifikationsnummer) and how to apply for one if you don’t have it already.
  4. Tax Return: Gain insights into the tax return process, key deadlines, and the potential benefits of filing a tax return, including the possibility of claiming tax refunds.
Credits: 9GAG

Social Security in Germany

  1. Health Insurance: Germany has a mandatory health insurance system. Explore the different types of health insurance available, such as statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung).
  2. Pension Contributions: Understand the pension system in Germany and the contributions required. Learn about the possibility of receiving a pension refund upon leaving Germany, if applicable.
  3. Unemployment Insurance: Discover the benefits and coverage provided by the German unemployment insurance system (Arbeitslosenversicherung).

Introducing Booka Local

Booka Local is an online platform specifically designed to assist internationals in Germany who may face language-related challenges. It connects international employees with bilingual helpers who can offer support with a variety of language-related tasks, including:

  1. Tax Assistance: Booka Local’s bilingual helpers can assist with interpreting tax forms, explaining tax-related terminology, and helping you understand your tax obligations.
  2. Social Security Guidance: Get guidance on navigating the social security system in Germany, understanding the different benefits available, and filling out the necessary forms.
  3. Document Translation: Booka Local helpers can assist with translating essential documents such as contracts, official correspondence, and insurance forms, ensuring accurate comprehension.
  4. Communication Support: Whether it’s making phone calls to government offices or scheduling appointments with tax advisors, Booka Local can bridge the language gap and facilitate effective communication.

Understanding taxation and social security in Germany is vital for international employees to ensure compliance and maximize their financial well-being. Additionally, services like Booka Local provide invaluable assistance to internationals who may face language-related challenges in various aspects of their lives in Germany. By leveraging these resources, international employees can navigate the intricacies of taxation and social security with confidence, allowing them to focus on their professional and personal endeavors in their new home.

Translation

How to Get Married in Germany as a Foreigner: A Comprehensive Guide

by Family and RelationshipsLegal and Administrative Processes

Getting married in a foreign country can be a daunting task, especially when there is a language barrier involved. For international people who are looking to get married in Germany, language barriers can create challenges during the legal procedures and documentation processes. This is where Booka Local comes in. Booka Local is a platform that offers bilingual German speakers as translators to help the international community in Germany. In this article, we will discuss the requirements to get married in Germany as a foreigner, the necessary documents, the legal procedures, and how Booka Local can help with translation services.

Getting Married in Germany as a Foreigner

To get married in Germany, certain requirements must be met. The couple must be at least 18 years old and not already married or in a registered partnership. The legal procedure starts with making an appointment at the Standesamt, or the civil registry office, which can be done online or in-person. It is recommended to book an appointment several months in advance to ensure availability. The waiting time for an appointment can vary depending on the region, but it usually takes about 6-8 weeks.

Getting married on a tourist visa is not possible in Germany. The couple must have a residence permit that is valid for at least 3 months after the wedding date. If one of the partners is a German citizen, the foreign partner will need a visa to enter Germany.

Credits: Pinterest

Documents Required for Marrying a Foreigner in Germany

The necessary documents for marrying a foreigner in Germany include a valid passport or ID card, birth certificates, proof of residence, and a certificate of no impediment. If any of the documents are in a foreign language, they must be translated into German by a certified translator. This is where Booka Local can help with translation services, ensuring that the translation is accurate and meets the requirements of the Standesamt.

Citizenship and Marriage in Germany

Marrying a German citizen does not automatically grant citizenship in Germany. The foreign partner must still apply for a residence permit and meet the requirements for naturalization, such as living in Germany for at least 8 years and passing a language test.

Marriage Visa Application

If the foreign partner is not from an EU country, they will need a visa to enter Germany for the purpose of getting married. The application process requires several documents, including a passport, proof of income, and a certificate of no impediment. Booka Local’s translation services can assist with the translation of these documents, ensuring that they meet the requirements of the German embassy or consulate.

Proof of Relationship

Proof of relationship is necessary to get married in Germany. This can include joint bank accounts, lease agreements, photos, and other evidence that shows a genuine relationship. Booka Local’s translation services can help with the translation of these documents, ensuring that they meet the requirements of the Standesamt.

Marriage Registration Fees and Procedures

The fees for marriage registration in Germany vary depending on the region and can range from €40 to €300. The legal procedure involves a ceremony at the Standesamt where the couple signs the marriage certificate. A birth certificate is not required to get married in Germany, but it may be requested in certain cases.

Getting Married in Denmark

Getting married in Denmark is an option for couples who want to avoid the long waiting times for a marriage appointment in Germany. The process is simple and requires fewer documents. However, it is important to note that getting married in Denmark does not automatically grant residency or citizenship in Germany.

Benefits of Marriage in Germany

Getting married in Germany has several benefits, including the right to live and work in the country, access to healthcare and social security, and inheritance rights. It also allows the foreign partner to apply for naturalization

Booka Local’s Translation Services

Booka Local’s translation services can greatly assist with the process of getting married in Germany as a foreigner. Our professional translators and interpreters are fluent in multiple languages, including German, and can ensure accurate document translation and interpretation during appointments with government officials.

By using our services, you can avoid language barriers that could cause delays or misunderstandings during the marriage process. Our translators are also familiar with the specific requirements and procedures involved in getting married in Germany, so you can feel confident that your documents are in order and that you understand what is required of you. Furthermore, our services can save you time and stress. We understand that getting married can be a complex process, especially when dealing with a foreign government and language. By using Booka Local, you can focus on enjoying your engagement and wedding planning, while we handle the translation and interpretation needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting married in Germany as a foreigner can be a daunting task, especially when facing language barriers and unfamiliar legal requirements. However, with the right information and support, the process can be smooth and stress-free.

We have covered the requirements for getting married in Germany as a foreigner, including the necessary documents and legal procedures. We have also addressed common questions about marrying a German, getting married in Denmark, and obtaining citizenship through marriage. We encourage readers to consider using Booka Local’s translation services to ensure accurate document translation and interpretation during appointments with government officials. Our professional translators and interpreters can save you time and stress, and ensure that your marriage process in Germany goes smoothly.

At Booka Local, we understand the importance of communication and cultural understanding, and we are dedicated to helping international communities navigate language barriers in Germany. Contact us today to learn more about our translation services and how we can assist you during the marriage process.

Translation

Unemployment Benefits and Their Eligibility in Germany

by Legal and Administrative ProcessesLiving and Working in Germany

Booka Local is a startup that promotes cultural integration and assists the international community in Germany. One of the many services we provide is helping those seeking unemployment benefits navigate the system. In this article, we will discuss the various types of unemployment benefits in Germany, who is eligible to receive them, and how Booka Local can assist with the application process.

Unemployment Insurance in Germany

Unemployment insurance is mandatory for employees in Germany. The system is funded by both employers and employees, with contributions totaling 3% of an employee’s gross salary. There are two main types of unemployment benefits: unemployment benefits 1 (Arbeitslosengeld 1) and unemployment benefits 2 (Arbeitslosengeld 2).

Unemployment benefits 1 are available to employees who have been paying into the system for at least 12 months and have lost their job through no fault of their own. Unemployment benefits 2 are available to individuals who are unable to support themselves financially and are in need of assistance.

Who is Eligible for Unemployment Benefits in Germany?

EU citizens and non-EU citizens with valid residence permits are eligible for unemployment benefits in Germany. To receive benefits, individuals must register as unemployed with the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) and provide the necessary documentation, including a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of previous employment.

What Happens if You Lose Your Job in Germany?

If you lose your job in Germany, the first step is to register as unemployed with the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. From there, you can apply for unemployment benefits. Booka Local can assist with translation services and paperwork for those who do not speak German, ensuring that the application process goes smoothly.

Quitting Your Job in Germany

If you quit your job in Germany, you may still be eligible for unemployment benefits under certain circumstances. For example, if you quit due to health reasons or because of a significant change in your working conditions, you may be eligible. However, if you quit voluntarily without good cause, you will not be eligible. Remember that if you are quitting your work immediately, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits in Germany for three months following your registration with the Arbeitsagentur.

Health Insurance When Quitting a Job in Germany

For the first month after quitting your job, your public health insurance provider will continue to cover you at no additional cost if you have it. If you have registered as unemployed, the Bundesagentur für Arbeit will normally take over paying for your health insurance even if you are not yet qualified for any financial assistance.

Compensation for Being Fired in Germany

Employees who are fired in Germany may be entitled to compensation known as a severance payment (Abfindung). The amount of compensation is based on the length of time the employee has worked for the company and their salary.

Credits: Brederson Law Center, LLC

Applying for Unemployment Benefits in Germany

To apply for unemployment benefits in Germany, you must register as unemployed with the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. You can apply for benefits after you have been unemployed for at least one day. It typically takes around three weeks to receive benefits. Booka Local can assist with translation services and paperwork for the application process.

Job Center vs. Bundesagentur für Arbeit

The Job Center is a separate entity from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. While the Bundesagentur für Arbeit handles unemployment benefits, the Job Center provides support and services to individuals seeking employment, including job placement services, career counseling, and training programs.

Unemployment benefits can be a valuable resource for those who have lost their job in Germany. However, navigating the application process can be challenging, especially for those who do not speak German. Booka Local is here to help, offering translation services and assistance with paperwork. By seeking assistance from a qualified translator or interpreter, you can ensure that the application process goes smoothly and increase your chances of receiving the benefits you are entitled to.

Booka Local | Translation services

How To Get SCHUFA In Germany?

by Legal and Administrative ProcessesLiving and Working in GermanyMiscellaneous Challenges and Tips

You’ve probably heard about the SCHUFA while browsing for apartments in Germany. It has a huge impact on our daily life, German, and expat alike. Learn more about what is it, why it is needed and how to get it in this  blog post!

What is SCHUFA?

SCHUFA stands for Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung, in other words, the German credit score. It shows your creditworthiness, which is calculated from your past financial behavior. A company called Schufa Holding AG collects information from various sources, including bank accounts, debit cards, mobile phones, and others, and creates reports about your financial reliability.

When you register your apartment, open a savings account, get internet access for your flat, or get a mobile telephone contract, you automatically begin your SCHUFA records. Each provider asks SCHUFA for permission before accepting you as a new client and thus leaves a record.

Your credit score doesn’t depend on your employment situation or income; rather, it depends solely on whether you pay your debts on time.

How to get a paid SCHUFA report (BonitätsAuskunft)?

The paid SCHUFA report is called “BonitätsAuskunft”.

Note that most landlords require a recent SCHUFA report. It would be best if you buy one when you first begin searching for an apartment. You can easily get a Bonitas Auskunft by ordering it online here! To buy the paid version of the SCHUFA report, click “Jetzt bestellen.” It costs €29.95. You should receive your BonitätsAuskunft in a few days by post.

How to get the SCHUFA for free?

You can get it free once per year. However, the free version is for your own record only as it contains your personal data. For official use, the paid SCHUFA record must be used. You place an online request for the free report and it will be delivered to you by post. Remember that it may take up to four months before the document arrives.

Here’s how you get your free Schufa: Click here, and you’ll be taken to a page where there are two columns; one column is for free, and it’s labeled “Datenkopie”. Click on “Jetzt bestellen” and you’ll get taken to a page where you need to enter some details.

What is a good SCHUFA score?

A very high SCHUFA is at least 97%, and a good one has a minimum of 95%

You begin with a baseline score of 100% when you first get started.

What determines your credit score?

It is determined by whether you’ve paid all your bills on time and in full. Your previous U.S. (or Canadian) scores don’t affect your German SCHUFA, and you cannot use your American scores to apply for loans. With Germany, you get the benefit of having most, if not all of your bills paid automatically every month by bank transfer, so you don’t need to worry about forgetting to pay them. You should avoid opening too many bank accounts and too many credit cards at once, and switching banks too frequently.

You shouldn’t make frequent uses of your overdraft. Sometimes you may need to overdraw your account. To stay financially sound, it’s best not make it a regular habit.

Who actually wants to know your SCHUFA score?

Unless you opt for an account without the Schu­fa minimum requirements, banks usually check your credit rating before approving you for an account. When applying for a loan, your bank also checks your credit worthiness, and your SCHUFA to find out how much interest you might be charged for that loan. Higher risks for the banks mean higher interest rates.

When applying for a new phone or internet plan, or renting a place to live, you need to be aware that they may check when you applied. These companies will be capable of checking your SCHUFA and determining whether you have any unpaid debt, and if you can trust them as a customer or tenant.

Having problems in communicating with your landlord because of language barriers? We can help with that. Simple book a helper here to do the talkings for you!

Certified translator

Marriage In Germany as a Non-EU Citizen

by Family and RelationshipsLegal and Administrative Processes

If you want to get married in Germany, your application for marriage may become more complicated if you or your partner is not from within the EU, or if you have been previously married. As everything else, getting married in Germany can require lots of paperwork. Learn more about the requirements of marriage in Germany as a non-EU citizen in this blog post!

Requirements for marriage in Germany

Before applying for anything, you must first make sure that:

  • You’re not already married.
  • You’re at least 18 years old (16 with parental consent)
  • You don’t want to marry someone who is related by blood.
  • You’ve been living in Germany for at least three weeks.

Application to registry office (Standesamt)

Your marriage application should be submitted to the registry office in your area where either you or your partner is registered. You need to make an appointment with the registry office and attend the meeting there. Here, they will explain the process, and you’ll get the documentation you need to submit for approval. It would be best if you arranged for this meeting several months before you plan to get married, so that you have plenty of time to gather and submit the required documents. Once the registry office approves the application, you should get married within 6 months or might have to go through the application process all over again.

You may also be required to have your documents translated into German by a certified translator if you are a non-EU citizen. The total cost, depending on the complexity of your case ranges from 60 to 600 euros. The required documents might include:

  • Valid ID (passport/identity card)
  • Official Statement of Residency (Meldebescheinigung)
  • Original birth certificate with parents’ names.
  • Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) (Befreiung vom Ehefähigkeitszeugnis), which can be obtained from embassy.
  • Income certificate (Einkommensbescheinigung)
  • Registration certificate proving you have been resident in Germany longer than three weeks.
  • If you are not a German or EU citizen, a valid residence permit/visa
  • Birth certificates of any children you have had together
  • Affidavit confirming both parties are single (Ledigkeitsbescheinigung)
  • Marriage questionnaire (from the registry office)
  • Certificate of finality of divorce (if applicable)
  • Marriage certificates from any previous marriages
  • Death certificate of the previous spouse (if applicable)
  • Confirmation of name change (if applicable)

Gay marriage in Germany

Same-sex marriage was made legal in Germany in October of 2017. Since then, more that 10,000 same-gender couples have gotten married. The same documents as mentioned above might be required. Find more about the details of the paperwork here!

Wedding ceremony

The wedding ceremony takes place at the registry office. If you want to go ahead with a religious ceremony or wedding reception, you can do so, but this will not have any legal effect. German law considers marriage to be a legally binding contract. Therefore, there is a high degree of importance placed on both parties understanding the legal implications of the event. If either one of you doesn’t speak fluent German, you’ll need to have a certified interpreter there for the wedding.

You can book a certified German translator with us using this link!

German citizenship after marriage

If you marry a German citizen, you aren’t automatically granted German citizenship. However, spouses of Germans may apply for citizenship by naturalization much earlier than others: usually after just two years of marriage. Find more about how to apply for the German citizenship here!

Translation

International Money Transfers – Germany

by Legal and Administrative ProcessesLiving and Working in Germany

Living abroad in Germany, you must have had the need to send money to your home country or receive money from there. International money transfers here can sometimes be a little bit tricky if you don’t gather information about them beforehand. These are some information that you will need to know when considering international money transfers:

Top international money transfer services

These companies are the top money transfer services in Germany and they all offer competitive rates for online money transfers.

How to transfer money to or from Germany?

Online transfers are increasingly becoming the most popular way to send money overseas. Online money transfers are fast, low-cost, safe and easy, helping you avoid the sometimes excessive fees you might be charged by traditional banks. Here’s how the process of sending money online works:

Create an account

Once you’ve decided which online transfer service you’d like to use, you need to register for an account on their website, providing some basic personal information. Depending on which service you’ve chosen, you may have to verify your identity before using it.

Select an amount and delivery option

After that, you need to provide some details about the transaction that you want to make. For example, the amount of money to be transferred, the currency conversion and how fast do you want the transfer to be completed.

Enter recipient’s details

You’ll need to add additional details about your recipient such as their name and banking information.

Pay

After you’ve completed all the required information, pay the money to the company that handles transfers. This can be done with a credit or debit card or regular bank transfers.

As soon as the transfer services receive the money from you, they’ll begin the transfer process. It may take a few days. Once the transfer is completed, you will get an email notification.

How long can the transfer take?

Depending on which international transfer service you use, the time it takes to transfer funds internationally varies. Usually, bank to ­bank transfers take 1-2 business days, but it can be longer if you’re transferring outside the EU. So make sure you plan accordingly depending on the urgency of the transfer.

Cost of international money transfers

The total costs will be in terms of these:

  • The transfer fee charged by the transfer service
  • The amount of money being transferred
  • The speed of the transfer 
  • The currencies and exchange rate

When choosing a service, be sure to look at the total cost, which includes all of these. Some services may seem cheap, but often this means their exchange rate is high and so you end up having to pay more. Therefore, it is always better to compare exchange rates of the different transfer services before opting for one.

How to save money with international money transfers?

There are several other ways to save money if you want to transfer money to or from Germany, including the following:

Transfer large amounts

Sending a large amount at one time usually ends up costing less than sending small amounts several times.

Unless urgent, don’t pay for speed

If you don’t need your money to be sent immediately, you can save money if you choose a longer period of time for your transfer.

Beware minimum transfer amounts

Not all transfer services allow the transfer of small amounts. Some might have a minimum transfer amount. So make sure you have the right information before making a decision.

Consider transfer options

Some companies allow you to send your money at a later period with a particular exchange rate. You can set up your transfers so that they only happen when the best exchange rate is reached.

International transfers for businesses

If you have your own business, you may need to transfer money to or from Germany. You could use a specialist foreign exchange provider instead of your business bank account to make payments abroad as they might have better deals for businesses.

Other ways for international money transfers

Apart from the online options, you can send money through bank transfers and cash remittance services.

Need to call your bank but don’t speak fluent German? We’ve got your back! Simply book a helper to make the phone call for you!

Translation

Residence Permit in Germany – What’s it all about?

by Legal and Administrative ProcessesLiving and Working in Germany

Germany has always been known for its high standard of living. The country offers a wide range of services and benefits to its residents. If you want to stay and work in Germany as an expatriate, you may need to obtain a residence permit. 

What is a residence permit?

A residence permit is a document issued by the German government to foreign nationals who wish to reside in Germany permanently. There are two types of residence permits: a short term permit (for stays of less than three months) and a long term permit (for stays longer than three months). Depending on your nationality and the reason for moving to Germany, the type of permit you apply to may vary.

EU and EEA citizens

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries have open access to Germany’s labour market. People from these countries can live and work in Germany freely without a visa. However, if you stay in Germany for longer than three months, you must register at your local citizens’ office (Bürgermeisteramt).

Swiss Citizens

If you’re from Switzerland, you also have freedom of movement in the EU, but if your main purpose is to live and work in another country, you’ll need to apply for a specific declaratory residence permit at your local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde).

Non-EU / EEA citizens

Citizens from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA) may need to apply for an EU residence permit, which highly depending on the duration and the purpose of stay.

Short stays (business and leisure)

If you stay in Germany for less than 90 days, you don’t need the permit. However, for certain nationalities, you might need a Schengen visa instead.

Short stays (for employment purpose)

The duration of stay is not the only factor that determines if you need a residence permit or not. If you want to work in Germany, even if your stay there is less than 90 days, first you must apply for a German visa and then convert it to a residence permit.

Longer stays (over 90 days)

If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a residency permit. Residents of Israel, Canada, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Japan and the United States of America may enter Germany without a Visa and then apply for a residency permit from within Germany.

Citizens of other countries must apply for a national visa at the German embassy or consulate in their country of residence before they travel to Germany. After arriving in Germany, you can change it into a residence permit from the Foreigners’ Offices.

If you won’t have a source of income in Germany, you’ll also need to open a blocked bank account, either before applying for a visa or before submitting your permit application. It is to ensure that you have a fixed deployable financial resource for every month.

Types of German residence permit

Temporary residence permit (Aufenthalterlaubnis)

A temporary residence permit is the main type of permit issued to foreigners living in Germany. It is generally valid up to one year and can usually last longer if your circumstances don’t change.

It is linked to your purpose for visiting the country and the information you provided when applying for your visa. 

Permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)

After living in Germany for a certain period of time, all expatriates who possess a residence permit are eligible to apply for a permanent residency permit. This is usually five year, but can be less for high-skilled workers or graduates from German universities.

If you want to live in Germany permanently, then the settlement permit is a good option. You no longer have to line up at Ausländerbehörde to extend your visa or to put up with toxic work environment for the sake of your work visa.

German residence permit application procedure

The application procedure for obtaining the permit can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Before you can apply for a residency permit, there are several steps you need to take, including registering your address and obtaining health insurance. Learn more about the application procedures here!

Is it common to have one’s German residence permit application rejected?

If your application is refused, you will be sent a letter outlining the reasons why. The most common reason why an application is rejected is failing to provide the required supporting documents. The letter explains the next steps to take and includes any relevant information, such as how to lodge an appeal.

Why do I need to renew my German residence permit? And how?

A temporary residence permit in Germany usually lasts for one year. If you’re a foreigner, don’t expect to be notified by the immigration office if your residence permit expires. You should therefore make sure that you renew your permit well in advance.

Extending your temporary residence permit in Germany is largely a formality as long as your personal circumstances are the same as when you originally applied. If your employment, marital or financial status changes significantly you should contact your local foreigners’ office to check how this impacts your residency status.

It is essential to renew your permit long before its expiry date to avoid an illegal stay which may mean you are banned from entering Germany in the future. The cost of renewing the permit is usually 50-80 euros, depending on location and the complexity of your case.

If you do not speak German yet and you need someone to accompany you to the foreign office to your residence permit extension, you can book a helper here!

German-English Translation service

Sublet Contracts In Germany

by Legal and Administrative ProcessesLiving and Working in Germany

Subletting is legal in Germany, but there are some restrictions. You should know about these before actually going for the sublet contract. You can learn more about the rules for subletting in Germany here! Upon having the green light for subletting your apartment, you will need a sublet contract. Discover more about sublet contracts in Germany in this blog post!

A written contract is normally not required for an apartment sublet in Germany. However, it is a good idea to have everything written down in paper to avoid any misunderstandings in the future. 

Sublet contract draft

Most sublet contracts in Germany contain the same basic information. Make sure your contract clearly states the following details:

  • The names of the main tenant and its subtenant
  • The exact address of the apartment (street name, number, building, etc.)
  • Start and end dates of the sublet
  • The rent to be paid and any extra costs (such as for internet, water, electricity)
  • How to pay for them (e.g. directly into a bank account or via a money transfer).
  • Which rooms can be used
  • How many keys were given
  • How much deposit was paid
  • What condition the rented flat is in
  • House rules regarding things like smoking and pets
  • Signatures of both parties

You can download a free subletting contract template here! 

Cancelling a sublet contract

The German rental law states that the subtenant must give a notice period of atleast three months to the main tenant if they wish to move out before the end of the previously agreed date and it must be done before the third day of a particular month. 

On the other hand, if the main tenant wishes to cancel the contract, they can only do so by giving the subtenant a minimum notice period of six months unless they have a good reason to end the contract earlier (for example, if the subtenant did not pay the rent or is not abiding to the rules of the contract).

Liability

After the sublet, the main tenant is still the only one who has the main contract with the landlord. Therefore, the main tenant is fully liable towards the landlord for the whole rented apartment or room in case of a breach of contract or damages to the property. Any damage by the main tenant or the subtenant will lead to the main tenant being responsible for them. The main tenant is also required to cover the subtenant’s share of the rent if they refuse to pay.

Anmeldung

Remember, even if you are a subtenant of an apartment, you still have to register your address at the registration office. By not doing so, you may have to pay fines, which you obviously do not want to! 

Are you new in Germany and you have lots of questions concerning Anmeldung in Germany? Check out our YouTube video to get your questions answered!

Germany is the land of bureaucracy! So, if you are an international and are having troubles with your landlord regarding some misunderstandings due to language barriers, do not worry, it is not your fault! Booka Local can help you deal with such issues by acting as a bridge between your landlord and you. Simply book a helper here with minutes!

Anmeldung in Germany

5 Questions About ‚Anmeldung‘ In Germany

by Legal and Administrative ProcessesLiving and Working in Germany

You have just arrived in Germany and you are asking yourself: Why am I being asked to make a portfolio for renting an apartment? Am I expected to be interviewed? Am I going to check an apartment with 70 other potential tenants? And why do some people have to brag about getting their Anmeldung done? Well, we have your 5 most asked questions about Anmeldung in Germany answered in this blog post!

„When I moved from Hong Kong to Berlin, a lot of people said to me ‚Congratulations! You have just moved from one place with serious housing problems to another place with serious housing problems.‘ Like, seriously?“ – Mei Chi Lo, CEO & founder of Booka Local.

We all have like thousands of questions in mind when we first landed in Germany. Let’s talk about the most popular questions every new international might have about Anmeldung in Germany!

Question #1: What’s wrong with airbnb?

First, it’s not cheap if you are to stay for a long time. Okay, if you are rich, then it’s probably not a problem for you. But the second thing is, in Germany, there’s a term you need to learn before knowing how to order a beer, that is, Anmeldung.

Anmeldung means registration. Most internationals simply use this word to refer to the process when you register a new address in Germany. This term also means browsing like a 1000 apartments, sending 500 applications, viewing 100 apartments with 80 other people, receiving 50 rejection messages, 30 scam emails and finally finding one apartment that allows you to do Anmeldung.

So, what’s wrong with airbnb? Well, most of the apartments there do not allow you to do Anmeldung. 

Question #2: What happens if I don’t register my address?

We are in Germany. No rules are set to be ignored. 

Anmeldung is needed for all sorts of important things, like, opening a bank account, getting your tax ID, extending your visa, basically your whole life in Germany depends on it. If you fail to register your address or are late for doing so, you might have to pay heavy fines, so beware!

Are there any exemptions for Anmeldung in Germany? Learn about it here!

Question #3: I need Anmeldung asap! What can I do?

Everyone asks this question. One popular option is short-term service apartments or something similar that allows you to register the address. Simply google something like “short term rental with Anmeldung in berlin”. There are plenty of options there. Although they are more expensive than long-term rental apartments, you can at least cross out “Anmeldung” from your checklist. 

Question #4: There’s no available appointment slot???

In order to register an address, you have to make an appointment at Bürgeramt. You do not need to stick to the one in your neighbourhood. You can go to any other ones in the same city. However, unfortunately, it can be very hard to book an appointment online. It can be completely full. „Two years ago, I even called the Bürgeramt near me and told them I needed an appointment but it’s all full on the online system. Surprisingly, they simply asked me to send them an email and then they sent me an appointment slot within a short time. I was lucky. This method is not guaranteed. But you can try“ – Mei Chi Lo. You can also check the Bürgeramt‘s website every morning at 8 am because they normally add new slots.

Booka Local

Things You Should Know While Renting a Place In Germany

by Legal and Administrative ProcessesLiving and Working in Germany

Renting an apartment in Germany can be stressful. From finding a place to going through the tenancy, living there is all about following laws and rules – one has just got to make sure they aren’t doing anything illegal while renting their home! Discover these main things you should know while renting a place in Germany!

Type of rental contracts

It is important to discuss the type of contract that you want before seeing an apartment. Some rental agreements are for fixed terms, which means they have a move-in and move-out date or indefinite with no end date. In both types of contracts you can end your tenancy by giving a minimum three-months written notice. This can sometimes vary depending on the landlord and the agreement. Thus, make sure you discuss this prior to signing the contract to avoid any issue later.

Utilities (Nebenkosten)

In Germany you can either pay a cold rent (Kaltmiete) that is only rent or warm rent (Warmmiete) which includes utilities (Nebenkosten) such as electricity, gas, internet, etc. Make sure you get all these clarified before signing the rental contract so that you know exactly how much rent you will be paying each month or so you can make the arrangements for the other utilities as well in case of a cold rent.

Tenant rights

Another important thing you should know before renting an place in Germany is your rights. Landlords cannot immediately terminate contracts without any notice unless the tenants have committed serious crimes like not paying rent for months or doing something illegal at their apartment complex – but they can end these agreements if they are renovating the place and keeping it personal use only. If you think you are being evicted unfairly, it is recommended to see a lawyer!

Property rules and regulations

As a new tenant, it is your responsibility to visit the property and see if there are any damages before moving in. You should also make sure that all furniture has been moved to its original location before moving out otherwise you may be charged extra rent or deposit for restoring them back again! Landlords are allowed to charge you for any damage of the property, so make sure you return the apartment as it was before you moved in. It is recommended to discuss about all these with your landlord before signing the contract to avoid any unpleasant surprise later.

Subletting

The first thing you should know about subletting an apartment is that there are some rules. You can read more about it in our blog „Can I sublet my apartment in Germany“ here!

Deposit (Kaution)

Being a tenant in Germany, you should also know about how deposits work. Questions that come up frequently are what exactly are tenants paying when they hand over a deposit and when do they get the money back? Read this blog post to go over the basics of how it works so you know what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line!

Having guests over

Different landlords have different rules about guests at your place. Some allow guests only during certain hours while others charge a fee for each night that someone stays at your place – even if they’re just passing through! The conditions for these are normally written in the contract so make sure you know about the rules properly before inviting anyone over. In case of doubts, it is better to talk to your landlord to clear things out and avoid troubles. Do not hide anything concerning guests in your apartment as it might lead to serious problems with your landlord!

Are you having some issues with your landlord and need someone to converse with them in German? Book a local to help you out!