Finance

Before you can manage payments, pay suppliers, or get paid by clients, you’ll need a dedicated business account. For entrepreneurs and expats setting up in Germany, it can feel like a challenge if you’re unfamiliar with local banking requirements or applying as a non-resident. We’re walking you through how to open a business account in […]

Finding the right card can make everyday life in Germany much easier when you’re settling in as an expat. While there’s a wide range of credit cards available, Germany is a predominantly debit-first market, with cards linked to current accounts for general day-to-day spending at home and abroad. Credit cards are often used alongside a debit […]

Managing money across borders often means dealing with more than one currency. A multi-currency account can simplify everyday finances in Germany. Living in Germany can involve income or payments from outside the eurozone, as well as spending in foreign currencies. Using a standard euro account in these situations often leads to repeated currency conversions and […]

Moving to Germany often means navigating a new banking system alongside ongoing financial ties elsewhere. From receiving your salary and paying rent to managing savings or everyday spending, having the right account setup can make a big impact in daily life. While German banks offer a range of options for residents, expats and non-residents may find that […]

Compare the best joint bank accounts in Germany 2026. A true joint account in Germany provides shared legal ownership and one IBAN for household bills, unlike shared-access apps. A Gemeinschaftskonto (joint account) in Germany is the most practical way for couples and flatmates to manage shared rent, direct debits (Lastschrift), and standing orders (Dauerauftrag) from a single […]

This guide to banking in Germany looks at the German banking system and what banking options there are for expats in Germany.

Discover all you need to know about opening a bank account in Germany, including how to set up mobile banking and transfer money.

Find out all about mobile banking in Germany with this guide explaining how German banks have been going digital and what is available.

If you’re an expat thinking about life insurance in Germany, it’s important to understand how it works. This overview walks you through the key points, from the types of policies available to how claims are handled.   Life insurance provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your death. In Germany, there is […]

Find the right travel insurance for Germany. Learn about Schengen visa requirements, healthcare costs, and the best policies for expats and visitors. Germany is one of Europe’s most visited countries and a top destination for expats, digital nomads, and long-term travelers. Arranging the right insurance policy before arrival is a critical safety step for anyone […]

This guide explains who is covered for this type of long-term care, how claims work, what benefits exist, and where you may still face out-of-pocket costs. Moving to Germany long term might mean planning for older age – including what will happen if you need extra help to live independently. If you are trying to […]

Find out how you can choose the right mandatory travel insurance for your EU Schengen visa application. If you need a Schengen visa to visit Germany, you will generally need suitable travel medical insurance. Simply having a travel policy is not enough: its coverage, territory, dates, and documentation must meet the relevant visa requirements. This […]

Learn how liability insurance protects you against everyday financial risks and damages in Germany. If you are exploring insurance in Germany, private liability insurance (Privathaftpflichtversicherung) is one of the most common optional policies you will encounter. It covers many situations where you accidentally injure someone, damage their property, or cause them financial loss and are […]

Navigate German health insurance requirements, from visa-compliant coverage to choosing the right provider for your residency as a digital nomad. Choosing digital nomad health insurance in Germany will mean learning about the insurance types available, the care they offer, and which policies can fit your specific visa type. Specialist digital nomad insurance may be the […]

Navigating German healthcare when working for yourself can feel like a balancing act, but securing cover is a strict legal requirement before you can register your business. Unlike salaried employees, freelancers can freely choose between statutory public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV) and private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV) regardless of earnings. This guide helps […]

Legal disputes in Germany over tenancy deposits, job contracts, or consumer rights can escalate into high court and lawyer fees faster than many expats expect. Known locally as Rechtsschutzversicherung, legal insurance acts as a customisable safety net. However, because coverage is sold in distinct modules with strict waiting periods, getting the right protection depends on setting […]

There are a number of types of insurance in Germany for expats to consider, some compulsory and some optional. Here’s an overview of insurance coverage in the country.

Explore the best expat health insurance options for Germany in 2026, including eligibility for public insurance (GKV) and private coverage (PKV).

Planning on driving a vehicle in Germany? Find out what types of coverage you need with this handy guide to car insurance in Germany

How do you keep your house, possessions, and loved ones safe in your new German home? Find out your options for home insurance in Germany.

To make the most of your Wise card in Germany, here are the essential tips, fees, and step-by-step instructions.

Here is a simple guide to start using your Wise multi-currency account effectively in Germany.

Curious whether Wise is right for you? This Wise review helps you discover why Wise is a top choice for expats in Germany, helping them managing money across borders. Managing finances can be a challenge for expats in Germany. From sending money home and paying local bills to dealing with unpredictable currency exchange rates, keeping […]

Open an AUD account in Germany to transact between Australian and Euros more easily – and often with lower fees compared to sticking with your Euro checking account. Opening an AUD account in Germany can be a smart plan for Australians living in Germany, international students, business owners and frequent travelers. Whether you’re receiving rent from Australia to […]

There are plenty of reasons you might want to open a CAD account while living in Germany, whether for work, travel, study, or ongoing financial ties with Canada. Holding and spending in Canadian dollars can help reduce conversion costs, while also making it easier to pay and get paid in CAD. Whether you’re a Canadian […]

From weekend trips across Europe to long-haul travel, here’s how to spend abroad without overpaying. Living in Germany makes weekend trips to Austria or France, ski holidays in Switzerland, and long-haul travel to the UK, US or Asia easier than ever. Paying abroad, however, can quietly become expensive. Foreign transaction fees, exchange rate markups and […]

Germany has its own unique credit scoring system (SCHUFA) to help lenders determine who qualifies for loans and other financial products. Building up a strong credit score can help your chances of approval for the likes of credit cards, mortgages, or car financing. However, building credit can be challenging for expats with no credit history […]

Navigate Germany car loans with this practical expat guide covering eligibility, SCHUFA checks, costs, and more. Buying a car can make life in Germany much easier, especially if you live outside a major city or regularly travel for work. However, paying for one upfront is not always practical. Car loans and dealer finance can help […]

Navigate the German loan application process, compare offers, and avoid common pitfalls. This guide shows expats how to compare offers, prepare documents, and avoid costly borrowing mistakes. We’ll walk though eligibility, costs, safe rate shopping, and when another product may fit better. This guide is for general information only, not legal or financial advice. Key […]

Discover the best virtual card options for expats in Germany to help you manage your money easily. Virtual cards in Germany can include digital debit cards, virtual prepaid cards, and credit card products. With any virtual card you can transact with just your phone, using a wallet like Apple Pay – but these different card […]

Managing money across borders can be tricky if you’re living in Germany but still need to deal in British pounds. A GBP account makes it easier to save, spend, or transfer money without constant conversion costs. Many expats in Germany receive income, pay bills, or support family in the UK. A GBP account lets you […]

You might want to open a USD account in Germany if you travel there frequently, or do business stateside. Having a USD account from a global bank or a specialist like Wise can help lower your costs. Whether you’re a US citizen living in Germany, or a German citizen or resident traveling to the US […]

When money is sent from overseas, you want it to arrive safely, quickly and without losing too much in fees or exchange rate markups. But many traditional methods come with hidden charges and uncertainty when it comes to the final amount. Whether the transfer is from loved ones or business clients, choosing the right service […]

Germany’s strong economy and stable financial system make it an appealing place to grow your money. For expats and international investors, the challenge is often knowing where to start. Many expats and foreign investors move to Germany or look to the country from abroad with the goal of making their money work harder. From savings […]

Life in Germany comes with plenty to enjoy, from lively cities to rich cultural traditions. But whether you’re settling in Berlin or Munich, or a much smaller town somewhere on the outskirts, managing the cost of living is an important part of feeling at home. Germany offers a high standard of living, but expats often […]

We explain the process of transferring money overseas in Germany via traditional, online, and mobile banking including costs and more.

From mortgage calculators to applications, here’s how you can get a home loan in Germany in 2026 to finance your dream house.

Learn all about the minimum wage and average salaries in Germany in 2026, the gender pay gap, and what to do if your salary is too low.

If you’re spending your golden years in Germany, you may want to investigate how wills work and what German laws mean for your heirs.

From rent and groceries to transport and education, here’s an overview of the cost of living in Germany to help with all your budget needs.

Here’s what you need to know about refinancing your mortgage in Germany, including the process and the cost of switching mortgage deals.

Moving from the UK to Germany? Learn how to transfer your UK state and private pensions, understand tax implications, and discover how Wise can help you save on transfer fees. If you’re relocating from the UK to Germany, you may want to know how to manage your pension arrangements after the move. Although the German […]

Find out how to retire to Germany, including advice on residency and pension rules, healthcare, and the most popular cities for retirees.

Before you start planning your retirement in Germany, it’s worthwhile to understand how the German state pension system works.

You’ve just moved to Germany, completed your address registration at the Bürgeramt (the local citizens’ office), and a few days later a formal letter arrives from “ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice.” It asks you to pay €18.36 per month – and you have no idea what it is. This is the Rundfunkbeitrag, Germany’s mandatory broadcasting fee. […]

Navigate the complexities of US and German tax rules with our straightforward treaty guide. If you are an American living in Germany you’re likely needing to deal with both German and US taxation rules. Navigating tax on both sides of the Atlantic can be complex and runs the risk of missing deadlines or payments – […]

Unlock the complexities of your cross-border finances by understanding how the UK-Germany double tax treaty applies to your unique income and residency status. If you live in Germany and still receive a UK salary, pension, rent, or investment income, it’s important to understand which country may tax each income stream. You also need to know […]

Navigating tax between Germany and India doesn’t have to mean paying twice – if you master the treaty.  This guide breaks down the Germany-India double taxation agreement, helping expats, freelancers, and investors understand their tax residence, filing obligations, and key documentation. Learn how to classify income, secure tax relief, and manage cross-border transfers efficiently while […]

Learn how to navigate your tax obligations in Slovenia while living in Germany. If you live in Germany and earn rent from a flat or house in Slovenia, you need to know where that income is taxed first under the Slovenia-Germany double tax treaty. You also need to know how Germany should relieve double taxation […]

From income tax to corporate levies, taxes are the backbone of Germany’s economy. Here’s what you need to know about the topic.

Discover how to file your income tax return in Germany, including the latest tax rates, deadlines, and deductible expenses.

Thinking about starting your own business? Find out everything you need to know about corporate tax in Germany, including rates and rebates.

Discover what you’ll need to pay with our expert guide to taxes for freelancers and self-employed in Germany.

Who pays inheritance tax or writes a German will? If you’re new to the country, learn how Germany’s inheritance and estate taxes works.