Expats In Wonderland

20/06/2024

We're hiring!

Full-time position at Expats In Wonderland GmbH, Berlin based relocation agency helping expats move to Germany. Apply now online.

22/01/2024

Discover the essential aspects of the German citizenship new law in 2024, including dual citizenship rules and fast track options, and how it impacts expats in Germany.

15/01/2024

New to freelancing in Germany? 💻

We help you navigate the process of freelancing as an expat in Germany post-residency permit. From tax obligations to health insurance, co-working spaces to invoice templates, we've got your professional journey covered.

💼Freelance vs. Self-Employed?
Germany defines freelance and self-employment activity distinctively, with different business and accounting requirements depending on your classification. In a nutshell, individual service providers, artists and consultants can be freelancers, while those with employees, selling products, tradespeople, e-commerce stores & more need to be registered as self employed or form a company. The definitions are important for your tax status, health insurance and residency permit so take note!

💼Finanzamt (tax-office) registration
Before delving into tax matters, it's crucial to register yourself at the Finanzamt to obtain a tax number. Each freelance activity requires its own tax number and even different VAT rates might need to be charged, so if you are working across fields, consider whether you need a new tax number to avoid penalties or over- or under-payments.

💼The "Small Business Killer" and VAT Considerations
Taking the path in becoming a freelancer poses challenges particularly in the beginning, notably the “small business killer’’ phenomenon. As the first year ends, freelancers face tax payments for the previous year and prepayments for the following year. So taking this into consideration and putting some money aside beforehand can safeguard your business from “getting killed’’.

💼Renting a Flat or Office as a Freelancer
Despite the horror stories, renting a flat as a freelancer doesn’t have to be so different from being employed. Landlords in Germany always want proof of a stable income, so you’ll need an income statement, prepared by a lawyer or tax advisor, showing your post-tax profit for the previous and current year, showing a net income of three times the warm rent. And freelancers, you might need to flex those invoicing muscles for six months to a year for the income assessment. 💪

Learn how to thrive as an expat freelancer in Germany, from tax obligations to health insurance, co-working spaces to finding work, and complying with legal requirements. Master the art of freelancing in Deutschland.

04/01/2024

If you're a student or aspiring to be one, this guide is your personalized compass to navigate the dynamic landscape of higher education in this incredible city!

🎓Choosing your academic path!
From renowned public universities like Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität to private institutions and cutting-edge vocational training bootcamps like Le Wagon, the city offers a charming array of educational options. Explore the variety and quality of Berlin's higher education system!

🎓 Ready to study in Berlin?
Regarding the application process, public universities typically use Uni-Assist for easy international applications, private ones have unique processes on their websites, and bootcamps keep it simple with direct online applications.

🎓German language requirements
If you are considering doing a German taught program, language proficiency is key! For the admission, private and public unis often require a specific level of German (C1/C2 level), which will be tested through exams like TestDAF or DSH.

🎓English taught programs
However, Berlin's academic scene also offers a wealth of English-taught programs in both public and private universities, as well as vocational bootcamps. Freie Universität for example offers a masters degree in Global Management or you can do a design program at CareerFoundry.

🎓Fees comparison
Public universities usually have no tuition fees but require a semester contribution of around 300€, covering admin costs and including a public transport ticket. Private universities may charge tuition ranging from 3,000€ to 20,000€ per year, while bootcamps typically range from 5,000€ to 15,000€ for a full course.

Explore top public and private universities in Berlin with our detailed guide. Learn about fees, programs, and the application process for expats.

20/09/2023

Congratulations dear Fernanda! She is staying with us for the next 3 years 🎊🥂🙏🏼

20/09/2023

Lovely Desiree is staying with us for the next 3 years! Congratulations 🍀🥰🎉💫

19/09/2023

Yaay congratulations lovely Sky! She is staying with us forever 💫🤍👏🏼🎉 We wish you all the best! 🥂

19/09/2023

Congratulation lovely Sky! She is staying with us forever 🎊🍾🙏🏼✨ We wish you all the best!

18/09/2023

Lovely Kathryn is staying with us for the next 3 years! Congratulations 🤗🍾🎊

18/09/2023

Congratulations dear Kandis! She is staying with us for the next 3 years 🍀👏🏼🥰💐

18/09/2023

Kelly is staying with us for the next 3 years! Congratulations 🥳 🥂💫✨

14/09/2023

Congratulations lovely Grant 🥳 He is staying with us for the next 3 years, we wish you the best ☀️🍀🥂

11/09/2023

Marina is staying with us forever! Congratulations, we wish you all the best 🥂💐😇💗

11/09/2023

Happy Tali is staying with us for the next 3 years, congraaaats 💗🎉✨🍀

11/09/2023

Yaaay Congratulations Nathan!! He is staying with us forever 🍾☀️🎊🥰 Wr wish you all the best 💫

11/09/2023

Lovely Selina is staying with us for 3 years more! Congratulations 💐🤍🙏🏼✨

11/09/2023

Congratulations dear Marnie, she is staying with us for the next 3 years 🥳🥂🤗

05/09/2023

Warm welcome to Berlin dear Sharbel 💫✨🤍