Accommodation search, done. School search, done. Checking how to register…To do. Are you relocating from Italy to Germany? Is everything planned but you are struggling with the “German bureaucracy”? As the stereotypes portray, Germany is a very efficient and systematic country and we would like to help you navigate through its bureaucracy. Therefore, we have pointed out some of the key “paperwork” that needs to be done if one is moving to Germany. Registering in the local city hall Any person planning to relocate to Germany should register in their city council as soon as they arrive (you have two weeks’ time to do this). This registration is called “Meldepflicht” and it is free. Once the registration is done, you will receive the Meldebescheinigung, a document really important in Germany as it is required for many services as for example, opening a bank account. Insurance yourself Germans like to be on the safe side and therefore, they like to be insured against…everything! However, there are two insurances which are mandatory: health insurance (Krankenversicherung) and liability insurance for motor vehicles. Taxes The German tax system is complex and it is known for endless exceptions, deductions and its high nominal rates (sometimes up to 50 per cent). Tax refunds are a hot topic, but not that easy to claim. You must make sure that you make claims for all deductible amounts and, if possible, reduce your taxable income. We recommend that you seek advice from a tax consultant. TV and radio fees Remember that you are obliged to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag. This rule has applied to all citizens since 2013: one residence – one fee. The license fee is not linked to a specific device; one license covers all the TVs, radios and computers within a household. Currently, the fee is 17.50 euros per month, and can only be paid by people over the legal age of 18 years old. Settling in with your pet If you are planning to relocate to Germany with your pet make sure that you have his identification document (the so-called pet passport) and he has a microchip. In addition to this, remember not to leave Italy without a full medical certificate and the vaccination certificate.