Navigating administrative procedures in Germany

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator19 June 2024 09:51:19

12793

Hello everyone,

Navigating through the administration in Germany can be quite a challenge. With the variety of procedures, their complexity, and the local specifics, many factors need to be considered. Here are some questions worth addressing:

What is the level of complexity of administrative procedures in Germany? What are the most common challenges encountered during your procedures?

What are the local specifics to consider when dealing with administrative procedures in Germany?

The digitisation of administrative services can greatly ease procedures. Have you noticed any progress in Germany in this regard?

How do you assess the reliability and relevance of the information provided by local administrations?

What are the best practices to ensure smooth communication with local authorities in Germany?

Feel free to share your experiences, tips, and tricks to more effectively approach the administrative aspects of expat life.

Thank you for your contribution.
The Expat.com Team

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert19 June 2024 11:03:02

15417

German authorities are notoriously slow, inefficient and difficult to deal with.

Despite years of politicians' announcements, digital services are rare to non-existent. And knowledge of English is not widespread among German officials. (Do bring a German speaking friend along, if you can!)

The foreigners' offices ("Ausländerbehörde"), which all non-EU foreigners have to deal with, are especially bad in this respect - but there are huge regional differences (and experiences in one place are typically not applicable even in the neighbouring town).

But there is no way around dealing with them. So bring lots of patience, tolerance for procedures that seem to make no sense (there is no point to argue!) and humility (without them you will never get what you want or need, so cooperate instead of agitate!).

Only in very few cases is it advisable (and worth the high fees) to engage external help like an immigration lawyer.