Moving to Germany as an Indian student, professional, or with your family is an exciting opportunity but it also comes with legal and cultural responsibilities. Germany has a structured legal system and strict enforcement of rules, which can be quite different from what many are used to in India.This guide covers the key legal dos and don'ts for Indians in Germany, tailored for students, working professionals, families, and freelancers or business owners. Follow these principles to stay compliant with German laws, integrate smoothly, and avoid unnecessary fines or visa issues.
GENERAL DOs (For Everyone)
Register Your Address (Anmeldung): Must be done within 14 days of moving.
Carry Valid Documents: Keep your passport and residence permit on hand.
Get Health Insurance: Mandatory—choose public or private based on your situation.
Respect Quiet Hours: No loud noise after 10 PM; Sundays are quiet days.
Segregate Waste Properly: Follow recycling rules strictly.
File Taxes if You Earn: Get a Tax ID (Steuer-ID) and comply with tax laws.
Learn Basic German: It helps in daily life and shows effort to integrate.
Report Life Changes: Notify the Ausländerbehörde of job, address, or marital status changes.
Be Punctual: Timekeeping is essential in German culture.
GENERAL DON'Ts
Don’t Offer Bribes or Try to "Influence": It's illegal and culturally unacceptable.
Don’t Break Traffic Rules: Even jaywalking can lead to fines.
Don’t Avoid TV/Radio Tax: Known as Rundfunkbeitrag, it’s mandatory.
Don’t Litter or Spit in Public: Fines are common, and it’s socially frowned upon.
Don’t Work Illegally: No “cash under the table” jobs.
Don’t Miss Official Appointments: Reschedule instead of skipping.
FOR STUDENTS
DOs
Attend classes; many schools report attendance.
Work within the 120/240 days rule.
Use a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for visa and living proof.
Take advantage of student discounts and benefits.
DON'Ts
Don’t overwork without permission.
Don’t delay renewing your visa or residence.
Don’t submit fake contracts or documents.
FOR PROFESSIONALS / JOB SEEKERS
DOs
Apply for the Blue Card for faster PR and work flexibility.
Inform authorities when switching jobs.
Start learning German—it improves work and social life.
DON'Ts
Don’t ignore unemployment reporting rules.
Don’t use fake degrees or inflated resumes.
Don’t assume Indian workplace culture will apply.
FOR FAMILIES
DOs
Apply for family reunification with all required apostilled and translated documents.
Make sure children attend school if aged 6–16.
Dependents often have work rights—check visa conditions.
DON'Ts
Don’t misuse social benefits like Kindergeld.
Don’t ignore visa rules tied to the primary applicant.
Don’t rely only on hearsay or social media for legal info.
FOR BUSINESS OWNERS / FREELANCERS
DOs
Register with Gewerbeamt and Finanzamt.
Keep your business and personal finances separate.
File VAT and maintain proper invoices.
DON'Ts
Don’t accept cash payments without documentation.
Don’t avoid tax declarations.
Don’t skip business registrations or health insurance.
