FAQ

Car and Auto Insurance

My Car: Can I drive with my French plates?

In Germany, you can drive temporarily with French plates, but you generally need to convert them to German plates if you are a permanent resident.

Can my French no-claims bonus be transferred to Germany?

Yes, your French no-claims bonus can be considered by some insurance companies in Germany. It is recommended to provide proof of your bonus to benefit from it, or contact us for assistance.

Bank Accounts and Savings

Do I need to have a bank account in Germany?

Yes, it is highly recommended to open a bank account in Germany to facilitate everyday transactions, bill payments, and the management of your local finances.

Can I keep my savings accounts in France?

You can keep your savings accounts in France, but you must inform the German tax authorities of their existence and the income they generate.

How is the taxation of my savings accounts in France handled?

The interest from your savings accounts in France is generally taxable in Germany. You must declare this income in your German tax return.

Do I need to declare a Livret A in France in Germany?

Yes, you must declare your Livret A and the interest it generates in Germany, even though the Livret A is tax-exempt in France.

Health Insurance and Social Security

Am I required to take out health insurance?

Yes, in Germany, it is mandatory to have health insurance, whether public or private.

Who is responsible for finding a health insurance provider? The company or me?

Generally, you need to choose your health insurance provider yourself, but some companies may assist you in this process. The Boinot Finances team can also help you with this.

Can I keep French social security while in Germany?

No, you must affiliate with a German health insurance provider to receive health coverage in Germany. However, it is possible to join an equivalent of social security for non-residents, called the CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger), under certain conditions.

Family and Children

Can I receive state benefits for my children?

If they study in France, are dependent on you, and are under 25 years old, you can apply for Kindergeld from the Familienkasse.

If my child is a student, am I entitled to any financial assistance?

Yes, there are specific aids available for students under 25 years old in France who are under your care. You can apply for the Kindergeld at the Familienkasse with the appropriate documentation.

Pets

What are the procedures when you have a dog?

You must register your dog with the local authorities and pay a dog tax (Hundesteuer).

Does my dog need to be insured?

In Germany, while dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. However, for breeds considered dangerous, a special permit is required, often accompanied by a test. Regulations vary by region (Länder), and specific details can be checked online for each area.

I have pets, which insurances are mandatory?

Although there is no mandatory insurance for pets, health and liability insurance options are available and recommended. This is especially true for dogs considered dangerous, where specific rules apply. Liability insurance, known as “Tierhaftpflichtversicherung,” is strongly advised for dog and horse owners.

Taxation and Taxes

What is the taxation on my retirement?

Your retirement income is taxable in Germany if your tax residency is there as well. You need to declare the pensions you receive, and they will be taxed according to German tax rules. If you live abroad, you will be taxed in the country where you reside at the time you receive your pension. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific implications based on your personal situation and residency status.

Is my work in Germany recognized for my retirement in France?

Yes, work periods in Germany are taken into account for calculating your retirement in France due to European bilateral agreements. However, to receive a pension from the German state, you need to have contributed for at least 5 years (60 months) to the German pension insurance. If this condition is not met, contributions from different EU member states will be considered.

Am I required to contribute to the German pension system?

Yes, if you work in Germany, you are required to contribute to the German pension system.

Am I taxed on my retirement in Germany?

Yes, retirement income is taxable in Germany. Pensions received must be declared and will be subject to income tax.

Can I be a tax resident in two countries?

No, you can only be a tax resident in one country at a time. Tax residency is determined by various criteria, including the location of your primary residence.

I have income in France, am I taxed in Germany?

Yes, as a tax resident in Germany, you must declare all your worldwide income, including income from France. However, double taxation agreements are in place to prevent being taxed twice on the same income. An exception applies to real estate: income generated from such properties must be declared in the country where the properties are located.

Do I need to file taxes annually in Germany?

Yes, you need to submit an annual income tax return in Germany. Income tax, known as “Lohnsteuer,” is withheld directly from your gross salary and, in some cases, may exempt the employee from filing a return. However, submitting an annual return allows you to recover any excess tax paid.

Administrative Procedures

Do I need to register at the consulate upon arrival in Germany?

It is recommended to register at your country’s consulate to receive consular assistance and services available to expatriates.

What steps should I take upon arriving in Germany?

Upon arriving in Germany, you should register with the local citizen’s office (Bürgeramt), open a bank account, choose a health insurance provider, and, if applicable, enroll your children in school.

I want to return, what steps should I take?

If you are leaving or moving to another country, you need to notify the German authorities of your departure, close your German bank accounts, and cancel your health insurance.

Are there state benefits in Germany?

Yes, Germany offers various financial assistance programs for families, students, and individuals in need, such as family allowances and housing subsidies.