Guides for Munich

Practical guides checked against official sources. Filter by topic to find what you need next.

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EmploymentBecoming self-employed or freelance in Germany (with Berlin specifics)How to start working for yourself in Germany: whether your residence status allows it, freelancer (Freiberufler) versus trade (Gewerbe), registering a trade in Berlin, the tax registration via ELSTER, the small-business VAT scheme, health insurance, pension duties and the Künstlersozialkasse.Trade registration and the tax questionnaire take a few hours. The tax number arrives by post once the tax office has processed your questionnaire. For non-EU nationals, a residence permit for self-employment can take several months.
EmploymentGetting your foreign qualifications recognised in Germany (Anerkennung)When you need formal recognition of a foreign degree or vocational qualification, how regulated and non-regulated professions differ, how anabin and the ZAB statement work, and what the procedure costs and how long it takes in 2026.A few hours to research and prepare; usually 3-4 months for the procedure once your application is complete (about 2 months in the employer-led accelerated procedure)
EmploymentMinijobs, midijobs and working while studying in Germany (2026 rules)The 2026 earnings limits and rules for minijobs (€603 a month), short-term jobs and midijobs (€603.01 to €2,000), the working-student (Werkstudent) rules, health insurance for students who work, and how much international students from outside the EU may work.About 15 minutes to read. Check the rules before you sign a contract for a side job.
EmploymentRegistering as a job seeker and claiming unemployment benefit in GermanyWhat to do when your job is ending: the three-month rule for registering as a job seeker, registering as unemployed, who qualifies for unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld I), the new Grundsicherungsgeld from the Jobcenter, and what job loss means for your residence status.About 15 to 30 minutes for each online registration, plus an appointment with the Agentur für Arbeit afterwards. Allow more time to gather documents for the benefit application.
EmploymentYour rights as an employee in Germany: contract, pay, hours, leave and dismissalThe core rules of German employment law in plain English: what your contract must state, the 2026 minimum wage, working-time limits, holiday, sick pay, probation, notice periods, protection against dismissal, works councils and where to get free help in Berlin.About 20 minutes to read; keep it at hand when you sign a contract or if a problem arises.