Your Germany setup roadmap.
Moving to Germany can feel complicated. GermanWiki helps you find the right next step for your current situation — from health insurance and taxes to housing, bureaucracy, money and long-term planning.
Start with your life situation, not with random articles.
Most expats do not need every article. They need the right checklist, guide or explanation for the decision in front of them.
I am moving to Germany
Registration, tax ID, health insurance, bank account and first apartment essentials.
Start moving checklist →I just arrived
What to do in the first days and weeks after moving to Germany.
See first 90 days →I started a job
Understand public vs private health insurance, salary deductions and mandatory coverage.
Understand job basics →I am self-employed
Health insurance, taxes, invoices, business setup and risk protection for freelancers.
See freelancer guide →I have a family
Family insurance, childcare, school, parental benefits and family-related tax topics.
Explore family topics →I want to plan my future
German pension system, private retirement planning, income protection and long-term decisions.
Plan money & pension →Not sure where to start?
Get personal orientation in 20 minutes.
GermanWiki gives you general educational information. If your question involves health insurance, pension, retirement planning, income protection or financial decisions in Germany, German Sherpa can help you understand your personal next step.
A simple Germany setup sequence.
Use this order if you are new to Germany or preparing your move. Some steps can happen in parallel, but this sequence helps avoid common delays.
Secure health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany and often needed for visa, employment, university and residence processes.
Register your address and get your tax ID
The Anmeldung unlocks many other steps: tax ID, bank processes, contracts and official letters.
Understand your salary, taxes and deductions
Before making financial decisions, understand gross salary, net salary, wage tax, social security and tax classes.
Set up housing, contracts and everyday life
Rental contracts, utilities, internet, mobile phone, liability insurance and everyday bureaucracy often create the biggest practical friction.
Plan long-term money decisions
Once the basics are running, review pension, private retirement planning, income protection, family coverage and long-term financial structure.
Go deeper by topic.
Use these hubs when you already know what area you need to understand.
Some decisions depend on your exact situation.
GermanWiki can explain the system. But some topics are too personal for a generic article — especially when your income, family, visa status, employer, country background or long-term plans matter.
- You are choosing between public and private health insurance.
- You want to understand pension and retirement planning in Germany.
- You moved from another country and are unsure what applies to you.
- You are employed, self-employed or have mixed income.
- You have a family and want to avoid coverage mistakes.
- You want a clear next step before signing contracts.
Plain-English Germany guides. No panic, no jargon.
GermanWiki is designed to help expats and internationals understand practical life in Germany. Articles are educational and should help you ask better questions, avoid common mistakes and move forward with more confidence.
Important note
GermanWiki does not provide legal, tax, immigration, insurance or financial advice through articles. For individual decisions, speak with a qualified professional who can review your personal situation.