Check these mistakes before migrating so your journey won’t run into trouble!
Migration to Germany can be an exceptional opportunity for academic, professional, and personal growth. However, unfamiliarity with the laws and culture of life in this country causes some migrants to make mistakes in the early years, sometimes with serious and long-lasting consequences. In this article, we have addressed 11 of the most common mistakes and provided practical solutions to avoid them.
Not having a formal rental contract
- Some migrants, due to haste or lack of knowledge, rent a house without a written contract. This can lead to legal issues or even sudden eviction.
- Solution: Always ask for a written contract. No verbal agreement in Germany has strong legal backing, even if you rented from an Iranian acquaintance.
Not having health insurance (Krankenversicherung)
- In Germany, health insurance is mandatory, and not having it may result in heavy fines or lack of access to medical services.
- Solution: Before entering Germany or immediately after registering your address, choose and register with a public insurer (such as TK, AOK) or a private one.
Failure to register your address at the municipality (Anmeldung)
- Without Anmeldung, no official tasks such as opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, or enrolling at a university are possible.
- Solution: Within 14 days of moving in, book an appointment and submit the required documents.
Not knowing the tax system
- Many people enter the job market without knowledge of Steuer-ID, tax classes (Steuerklasse), or tax returns (Steuererklärung), and run into problems.
- EzyWay’s suggestion: Consult with a tax advisor or migration consultant from the very beginning.
Using credit cards and installments unnecessarily
- Installment purchases or getting a credit card without knowing the interest rates and credit rules can create heavy debts.
- Solution: Until you are familiar with Germany’s credit system, only use a current account (Girokonto).
Ignoring learning the German language
- Many think English is enough, but lack of German skills is a major obstacle in jobs, education, and social relationships.
- EzyWay’s solution: Take language classes seriously and use apps like Babbel or Duolingo as supplements.
Lack of awareness about labor rights and contracts
- Some migrants sign work contracts without being aware of minimum wage, vacation rights, or pension insurance, and later face violations of their rights.
- Solution: Always review the work contract with a knowledgeable person before signing.
Ignoring social and cultural rules
- Disorder, not keeping quiet in an apartment, or not respecting queues can trigger a strong negative reaction in German society.
- Note: In Germany, order and respect for public space are taken very seriously.
Not having a financial plan and budget
- Without financial planning, migrants may face severe budget shortages at the end of the month.
- Solution: Use apps like Finanzguru or Vivid for financial management.
Using illegal websites to watch movies or sports
- Using free or illegal sites to watch movies or football can lead to legal prosecution and fines of several hundred euros.
- EzyWay warning: Germany enforces copyright laws very strictly—avoid the risk and use legal platforms instead.
Not reading contract termination terms (Kündigung)
- Contracts for gyms, internet subscriptions, or even bank accounts are automatically renewed if not canceled on time, and cancellation is not easy.
- Important note: Always read the Kündigungsfrist (termination period) or Laufzeit (contract duration) carefully and note the cancellation date.
EzyWay’s recommendation for newcomers
If you are at the beginning of your migration journey and don’t know how to avoid common mistakes, we recommend using EzyWay’s specialized consulting services.
With EzyWay’s operational presence in the destination country and access to up-to-date and reliable migration data, the advice you receive is not merely theoretical—it is based on current realities, actual migrant challenges, and practical solutions.
Conclusion and Final Message
A successful migration does not depend only on obtaining a visa or finding a job; it depends on a proper understanding of the laws, culture, and social structure of the destination country. Many mistakes made by migrants in the first year are preventable—provided the necessary preparation is made before arrival.
To make smarter decisions on your migration journey, access to reliable and well-analyzed information is essential. Reading specialized articles, consulting experts, and gaining a clearer understanding of the realities of life in Germany can smooth your path.
