eri in germany
Moving to Germany is complex. These are the exact tools, banks, and services I use and recommend to make your transition smoother and softer.
The shortest-path setup for your first week in Germany. Each of these takes 20 minutes to open, and unlocks everything else.
English app, no SCHUFA hassle to open. The one I tell every newcomer to start with.
Real exchange rates, cheap transfers to India. I use it once a month, easily.
A "proper" German bank with free withdrawals worldwide. I switched to it in year three.
For ETF investing. The €1 trade fee is the cheapest in Germany.
Free checking account, free Mastercard, high interest on your balance, and super English app. Highly recommended.
Check24 comparison engine to find checking accounts with the lowest fees and best perks in Germany.
Private insurance, English app. Worth looking at if you earn above €69k.
English support, fastest app, lowest contribution. The one most expats land on.
English broker for expat-friendly insurances — dental, liability, all of it.
Find the absolute cheapest rates for your car insurance using check24 comparisons. Save up to €850/year.
The single most important insurance in Germany. Covers damage you accidentally cause. Starting from €2/mo.
Protects your furniture, electronics, and personal items in your flat against theft, fire, and water damage.
Protects your income if you are unable to work due to illness or accident. Highly recommended for professionals.
Pay for the Plus — applications get prioritised. Worth €30 for two months.
How I found my first three flats. Write a real intro paragraph, attach a photo.
Good for your first 3 months while you sort permanent housing.
Small live classes, native teachers. The marathon system kept me going.
15 minutes a day on the U-Bahn. Won't make you fluent, will make you brave.
Find a German learning your language. Coffee swaps in Frankfurt happen weekly.
Perfect package to clear your A1 & A2 Goethe/Telc exam in record time. Self-paced, high quality support.
Complete exam-focused bundle. The absolute best online video course to master German from home with clear English instruction.
Pays a person to book the Bürgeramt slot at 7am so you don't have to.
The official German tax portal. Free, in German, infuriating but inevitable.
English-language Steuererklärung. €40 to save a Saturday.
The all-in-one software to plan, track, and execute your entire German relocation checklist without losing your mind.
Where I plan my relocation, store my paperwork scans, and track my flat applications. Absolutely essential.
Generate a custom Anmeldung checklist based on your local office.
Understand your credit score and request your free data copy.
Calculate your eligibility for the Germany Opportunity Card.
Quick quiz to check your TV tax obligation and exemptions.
Telekom network, English support, no 24-month commitment.
The fastest cable in Frankfurt. The contract is a 24-month commitment though.
If your building isn't on cable. English signup, fair price.
Run a Check24 check to see which internet provider (Telekom, Vodafone, O2) delivers the fastest cable or fiber to your building.
Compare all monthly SIM deals (postpaid/prepaid) across Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 networks.
A 2-page PDF. 27 tasks in the right order. Sent the moment you subscribe.