Until you find a permanent residence, you can stay in temporary accommodation such as a holiday flat, hostel, or hotel. However, you must register your address within two weeks of arrival. Below are the types of accommodation available:

Types of Accommodation:

• Rental Flats: Long-term leases, usually unfurnished.
• Short Lets: Temporary and furnished accommodations.
• Flatshare: Shared living spaces with flexible rental periods and often cheaper.
• Student Residences: Furnished, affordable, and usually occupied by students.

How to Find Accommodation:

• Use popular property search sites by typing “Wohnung + city name” in search engines.
• Ask your employer for housing tips or use estate agents (paid service, around 2-3 months’ rent).
• Check newspapers for housing ads not listed online.

Required Documents:

• Payslips, passport, proof of residence, or Schufa report (for those already in Germany).
• If new to Germany, provide an employment contract or reference from your home country’s bank.

Tenancy Agreement:

• Read tenancy agreements carefully. Important details: rent type (inclusive or exclusive), notice periods, and deposit.
• A handover certificate documenting the condition of the flat is recommended.

House Rules and Waste Sorting:

• Follow house rules regarding noise, heating, and waste disposal.
• Waste sorting is mandatory in Germany to protect the environment.

Moving In:

• Register at the local Residents’ Registration Office within two weeks.
• Set up utilities and pay the TV and radio licence fee (around €18/month).

Driving Licence & Car in Germany: Essential Information

Driving Licence Validity

• If your driving licence was issued in the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Iceland, it is valid in Germany without any modifications.
• If your licence is from another country, you can drive in Germany for up to six months after registering your residence. You will also need an official German translation of your driving licence.
• After six months, you will need to exchange your foreign licence for a German driving licence. Depending on the country where it was issued, you may or may not need to take a driving test.
• You will also need a valid eye test and proof of participation in a first aid course to obtain a German licence.
• To apply for a German driving licence, you need to go to the local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (Driving Licence Authority).

Obtaining a German Driving Licence

• To get a German driving licence, you must attend a driving school, pass a theoretical and practical test.
• Fees for obtaining the licence vary based on the number of lessons and the success of your test attempts. A set number of lessons is compulsory.

Car Ownership and Registration

• Registration: Your car must be registered at a Motor Vehicle Registration Office (Kraftfahrzeug-Zulassungsbehörde). You will need your vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugschein) and proof of insurance.
• If you’re bringing your car from abroad, you must check with the Registration Office to see if any additional documents are required.

Car Inspection (HU)

• Every car in Germany must undergo a general inspection (Hauptuntersuchung – HU) every two years. This inspection ensures your car’s roadworthiness and its exhaust emissions.
• A sticker is placed on your number plate, indicating when the next inspection is due.
• If your vehicle has defects, the inspector will not issue a new sticker until the necessary repairs are made.

Car Insurance

• Motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory for all cars in Germany. It covers damages to other people and vehicles in case of an accident but does not cover damages to your own car.
• Fully comprehensive insurance is an option if you want coverage for damages to your own vehicle.
• Accident and breakdown cover includes services such as towing and a hire car if you are involved in an accident or breakdown.
• Joining an automobile association may provide additional benefits, especially if you drive often.

Motor Vehicle Tax (Kfz-Steuer)

• Car owners in Germany are required to pay a motor vehicle tax. Registration for the tax happens at the time of vehicle registration.

Other Important Rules When Driving in Germany

• Driving Direction: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
• Seat Belts: It is mandatory to wear seat belts at all times.
• Winter Tyres: For driving in winter, winter tyres are compulsory when conditions require them.
• Child Seats: Children must use appropriate child seats based on their age and size.
• Documents to Carry: Always have your driving licence, vehicle registration document, and identity card with you.
• Accident Procedures: If you are involved in a car accident, call 110 (police emergency number).
• Alcohol Limits: There are strict alcohol limits for drivers. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, but 0.00% is the limit for new drivers, bus drivers, and professional drivers.
• Penalty Points: Serious traffic violations are recorded in the Register of Driver Fitness (Flensburg points system). Accumulating eight points may result in the revocation of your driving licence.

Low Emission Zones

• Many German cities have low emission zones to improve air quality. To drive in these zones, your vehicle must have an emission control sticker attached to the windscreen. You can get this sticker at the Registration Office, inspection organizations (such as DEKRA or TÜV), or authorised repair shops.

Mobility in Germany

Bicycles and Electric Scooters

• Cycling is a quick and cheap alternative for getting around, both in rural and urban areas. You can buy second-hand bicycles at specialist bike flea markets.
• Many large cities offer rental bikes, which you can rent long-term (via subscription) and receive services like repairs.
• If you cycle only occasionally, you can use bike-sharing services and find the nearest bike in your area via an app.
• Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years and are also available via apps.
• Note: Bicycles and electric scooters must always be ridden on cycle paths or lanes, not on footpaths. If no cycle path is available, use the road.

Buses and Trains

• You don’t necessarily need a car in Germany. Public transport such as buses, metros, suburban trains, trams, regional trains (RE or RB), long-distance trains (ICE and IC), and long-distance coaches can help you get around.
• Germany has a well-developed public transport infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, making it easy to get from one place to another.

How Much Does It Cost to Use Buses and Trains?

• The cost of public transport depends on the region and the route you take. Each region has its own transport association that sets the prices.
• You can check transport prices and timetables on the transport association’s website, where many also offer free apps for easy access to schedules and ticket purchases.
• If you use public transport frequently, it’s often cost-effective to purchase a season ticket or monthly pass, allowing you unlimited travel for a fixed price.

Tip: Deutschland-Ticket

• The Deutschland-Ticket was launched on 1 May 2023. It offers unlimited travel throughout Germany on all local public transport (buses, metros, regional trains, etc.).
• This ticket is available only as a monthly cancellable subscription, and costs €49 per month.
• However, it is not valid on long-distance trains (IC, ICE).

For Longer Journeys

• For longer journeys, long-distance coaches and trains are also available. It’s recommended to compare prices and look for early-bird offers since discounted “Sparpreis” fares are often limited.
• For timetables and fares, consult the relevant transport providers.