Discovering Germany

Tax ID ( Steuernummer ) Every person registering in Germany will receive an individual tax ID number (including children), to ensure their unique identification within the tax system. All further tax related entries are made electronically via the German tax system, ELStAM. The ID number will not change if you move homes or get marry. It will remain with you for life. It does not contain any information about you or the tax office responsible for your tax affairs. This ID is centrally issued and distributed by the Federal Finance Office in Berlin. The ID can be applied for during the registration at the new place of residence and will be sent to you via regular mail. Child Benefit ( Kindergeld ) Under certain circumstances, child benefit is sometimes granted by the German authorities. For this to be possible, the applicant pays into the German social security system. Child benefit has to be applied for in writing at the family department of the employment office, responsible for the parent’s place of residence. Child benefit may be paid for children under 18, or financially dependent children up to the age of 27. Please note: This is only general information, and each individual case may vary. If authorized by your company, your Dwellworks Consultant in Germany will assist you with this. Driver's License ( Deutscher Führerschein ) Driver’s licenses from EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway do not have to be transferred if they have been issued before arrival in Germany and if the holder can prove that he/she has stayed in the issuing country for at least 185 days. They are valid within the EU without translation (exception: licenses from Greece). If a foreign driver’s license has expired, it is not valid in Germany, and must be extended in the issuing country. In case a holder of an EU driver’s license wants to exchange it for a German driver’s license, this is possible at the Führerscheinstelle, or driver’s license office, closest to your German place of residence. The cost is about €50. + Non-EU driver’s licenses are valid for a maximum of six months , counting from the date of arrival in Germany. However, a translation will have to be done right from the start by the Automobile Club or an approved translator; carry this with your driver’s license at all times + Drivers caught by the police without a valid driver’s license will be fined (approximately €255) and will be banned from driving for a period of three to four months. The car might be confiscated on the spot. Any damage caused by a driver holding an invalid license will not be covered by the liability insurance + Holders of non-EU driver’s licenses will have to obtain a German license when driving for a period exceeding six months. Depending on the country of origin of your driver’s license, a simple transfer might be sufficient. In most cases, you will have to take the practical and theoretical driving lessons and tests

Helpful Hint: German law requires every person in Germany to have identification. It is recommendable to have this with you at all times.

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Discovering Germany