Problems & solutions

Stuck? You're not the first.

Every one of these situations feels like an emergency the first time — and every one of them has a known way out. Find yours, breathe, follow the steps.

No registration appointments for weeks

Landlord won't give the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

My visa expires before my appointment

Can't open a bank account without Anmeldung

I think this flat offer is a scam

Coverage gap between arrival and enrolment

No SCHUFA score, can't convince landlords

An official letter arrived and I can't read it

Blocked account money isn't paying out

Tax ID never arrived (or got lost)

Missed the semester fee — threatened with Exmatrikulation

First payslip is shockingly low (tax class VI)

Caught without a valid ticket (€60 notice)

Landlord won't return my deposit

My degree or university isn't in Anabin

A "job" wants to use my bank account

Is this official-looking email real?

Health insurance debt piled up quietly

A letter demands the broadcasting fee — and I have no TV

No visa appointment at the German embassy before I must arrive

My post keeps getting returned to sender

I lost my residence permit card (eAT)

I lost my job and my permit is tied to it

An office wants a certified translation I don't have

I can't get into public health insurance

My new bank account is frozen

SCHUFA has a wrong entry that's blocking me

A surprise utility back-payment (Nebenkosten)

My landlord wants more than three months' deposit

I can't register — I only have temporary housing

I can't cancel a gym, phone, or insurance contract

My foreign driving licence stops counting after six months

My regulated profession needs recognition before I can work

I don't know if I should file a tax return

A landlord or employer rejected my non-German IBAN

My residence permit application was refused