Not chaotic, not disastrous. Just heavier than you expected.

You might wake up feeling off.

Your child, who was so excited for this move, now refuses school.

Small tasks that used to take five minutes suddenly take an hour.

And you wonder:

“Am I the only one struggling this much?”

The good news is no, you’re not.

You’re just in the first 90 days of settling in. And honestly? That period matters more than most families realise.

The First 30 Days: Functional but Fading

The first month runs on adrenaline. Seriously.

You’re solving problems, learning systems, getting everyone where they need to be. You might even feel capable. Like this is easy.

But underneath, you’re starting to feel a rising sense of overwhelm.

Every interaction requires more mental energy than normal. Decisions feel harder. Your children are adjusting to new rules, sounds, and expectations. 

It’s a lot.

In my first months of living in Germany, I was always exhausted and I couldn’t understand why. I felt like I hadn’t done enough to be this tired.

Looking back though, I can fully appreciate that every day I was competing in the mental gymnastics Olympics, just to get my ‘normal day’ done.

So, what can you actually do?

• Keep routines simple: pick one wake-up, breakfast, and bedtime rhythm. That’s enough.
  
• Sleep matters more than anything else: Forget exploring or socializing for now.You’ll have plenty of time for that later.
  
• Track small wins: even finishing basic errands count. They’re harder now, so give yourself credit.
  
• It’s okay to be tired. Really. You’re doing a lot.

Days 30–60: The Emotional Dip

And then the adrenaline fades.

Suddenly, everything feels heavier. Slower. Harder.

Your child starts complaining about school. They cry over small things. They cling more than usual.

These are some of the most underestimated aspects of moving abroad with kids.

You might start to feel homesick. Maybe irritable. It might be now that the biggest questionof all sneaks into your mind: Was this the right decision? 

My first 30 daysin Germany were so adrenaline-fuelled, exciting and new that I didn’t give myself any time to really consider the new life we’d started, what we’d left behind, and how I felt about it all. 

The work started after the second month, even though I wasn’t ready for it. Prepare yourself. It’s coming for you, too. 

What helps:

• Check in with your kids: Make just a few minutes a day 10 to ask “How are you feeling today?”. You might start to see a pattern developing.
  
• Give yourself mini breaks: Even 5 minutes just to breathe in silence and bring your heart rate down can be enough to make this transition easier to bare.
  
• Name your feelings without judgement: Are you homesick, tired, frustrated? They’re all normal and need no further explanation. You feel how you feel.

Days 60–90: Building Stability

Around month three, things might finally start to feel familiar.

You know the local supermarket and the best local products. Your kids recognise some friendly faces. Family routines start to feel like, well, routines again.

Your confidence as a parent, as a professional, as you? Slowly coming back.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who never lost their confidence in the face of all of this change, let me know your secrets, ok?

I’m still rebuilding myself, bit by bit, since our big transition five years ago. It’s happened for me in small steps, but the more I rebuild, the more I grow, slowly developing a new me. A better me.”

Practical things you can do now:

• Stick to predictable routines: meals, homework, bedtime.
  
• Celebrate small wins: a full school week done, a new friend made, one errand completed.
  
• Explore slowly: One new place or one new social connection per week. That’s enough.
  

Focus on What Really Matters in the First 90 Days

Most families try to do too much:

• Make new friends right away
  
• Explore everything
  
• Prove the move was the right decision
  
• Settle in overnight

Instead? Focus on stability:

• Sleep & routine > exploration
  
• Connection at home > performance outside
  
• Fewer commitments > overextending
  
• Predictability > spontaneity
  

Goal: keep your head above water. That’s it. Everything else can wait.

A Quiet but Important Reminder

Ninety days won’t make you feel fully at home.

But it will stretch you. Challenge you. Make you feel outside your comfort zone.

You’re working double time to support your kids emotionally while trying to hold onto yourself. That’s a lot.

It’s not weakness. It’s adjustment. Transitions are uncomfortable before they become stable.

And yes. Having support helps. Even a little guidance, a trusted voice, or someone who’s done it before can change everything.

You’re not behind, you’re adjusting.

Next Step for Extra Support

If you want practical guidance for your first month as a family abroad, grab my FREE Expat Starter Kit.

It’s designed to help families survive, stabilize, and thrive during those critical first weeks abroad.

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The post Why the First 90 Days After an International Move Aren’t Easy appeared first on Professional Support for Families Relocating to Germany.

Planning Visas.

Researching Housing and Schools.

Calculating budgets.

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Families typically approach these decisions thoughtfully and thoroughly.

I remember ticking off boxes and feeling oddly proud of how organised we were — visas submitted, housing sorted, school applications sent. On paper, everything looked right.

And yet, once they arrive, many are surprised by how unsettled things feel. 

Not because they missed something obvious and definitely not because they weren’t prepared enough.

The most challenging parts of relocating with children aren’t logistical.

They’re human.

The gap no one warns you about when moving abroad with kids

I’ve noticed a pattern, from both my own experience and in the families I speak with. As a relocation coach and a mother who’s lived this transition, I see the same rhythm again and again.

The move itself often goes well enough.
Bureaucracy gets done, somehow.
Accommodation is always found and the family moves in with no issues.  

Slowly, the children begin school and Kindergarten, just like at home. 

Except, it’s not just like at home. After the first 4 – 6 weeks, something seems to shift.

Children who seemed “fine” begin to struggle.

Parents feel more tired, more reactive and sometimes even less sure of themselves, wondering if they’ve made a mistake by moving their family abroad. 

Suddenly, small daily tasks and challenges feel heavy, difficult and exhausting. 

This is the part many families underestimate. Not because they’re naïve, but because it’s rarely talked about honestly.

The emotional impact of relocating a family overseas. 

1. Why the emotional impact of moving overseas with children shows up later

One of the biggest surprises for parents is timing.

Children don’t always react immediately to an international move. There’s too much excitement. 

Many children hold it together through the practical chaos of packing, travelling and arrival. It’s often only once life begins to settle into a familiar routine that emotions surface.

This delayed response is completely normal.

For children, emotional processing often happens when they finally feel safe enough to let it out. What can look like “regression,” defiance, or moodiness is often their nervous system catching up.

Often, this is also the moment parents start to finally slow down and realise how much they’ve been holding together.

In addition, many younger children simply can’t comprehend what it means to move abroad until the familiar routine settles in and they’re not in their usual location. 

For parents, this can feel confusing and worrying:

 “They were coping so well — what happened?”

Nothing went wrong. Your children are simply responding to the changes they’re experiencing.

2. Mothers underestimate how much they’re carrying

Another common underestimation is the weight mothers hold during relocation.

Even in families with strong partnerships, mothers are often:

• tracking children’s emotional states
  
• managing routines
  
• interpreting new systems
  
• holding the family’s sense of safety
  

All while navigating their own loss of familiarity and identity.

Many capable, organised women are surprised by how unsteady they feel abroad. Tasks that once felt easy require more energy. Confidence feels conditional. Decision fatigue sets in quickly.

It can be as small as standing in a supermarket aisle, staring at unfamiliar products, suddenly feeling close to tears.

You’re not failing.

Maintaining an elevated level of responsibility through a long-term transition is hard. 

Understanding this can be deeply relieving.

3. The loss of invisible supports

When families move abroad, they don’t just leave people and places.

They lose an ease to their life.

The ease of knowing how things work. The ease of knowing which forms matter. Which doctor to call. How long things usually take.

Suddenly, everyday tasks require attention and interpretation. Over time, this constant vigilance takes a toll.

This is why many parents feel exhausted even when “nothing is technically wrong.” The mental load has changed.

4. Children need familiarity more than excitement

It’s tempting to focus on the positives of an international move: new adventures, the opportunities to learn and of course, the growth of each personality.

And those things do matter.

But in the early stages of this transition, children actually need familiarity.

Our kids crave familiar objects, routines and ways of being soothed and loved. 

When these are taken away through the impacts of international relocation, children may cling, withdraw, or push back. These behaviours are often misread as resistance or ingratitude, when they’re actually your child’s way of seeking reassurance. From you.

Anchors matter more than novelty at first.

5. Why settling after an international move with kids takes longer than expected

There’s a quiet pressure around relocation timelines.

“We should be settled by now.”

“Other families seem fine.”

“Why does this still feel hard?”

The truth is that, like most transitions in life, adjustment is rarely linear. There are periods of calm, followed by unexpected dips. Progress often happens in small, uneven steps.

These family relocation challenges are common. Even in well-planned international moves with kids.

Avoid comparing your family’s timeline to someone else’s and take each day as it comes.

You’re not behind. 

Your family’s transition is theirs alone. 

What helps families navigate this more steadily

There’s a few things that I’ve noticed that consistently help families through these life-changing transitions. None of these require you to do more. They’re about doing less but with more intentionality. 

• Naming what’s normal.
  
• Reducing pressure to “make it work” quickly. Instead, relax into the change.
  
• Prioritising emotional safety alongside logistics.
  
• Creating small, predictable anchors.
  
• Supporting your children’s nervous systems to stay calm. Avoid focusing only onbehaviour.
  

Each of these points brings a gentler approach to supporting your children.

Often, during these transitions, all our children need is us. Don’t forget to be patient with yourself, too. 

You don’t have to figure this out alone

An international move with kids reshapes daily life in ways most families don’t anticipate, even when the move was wanted and perfectly planned.

If you’re preparing for an international move, or already navigating life abroad, my Expat Starter Kit is designed to support the early months of transition with practical tools and grounded guidance.

Download the Expat Starter Kit here ⬇️

You’re doing something brave for your family.

Take it one step at a time.

The post Moving Abroad with Kids? The Most Underestimated Outcomes appeared first on Professional Support for Families Relocating to Germany.

My first month in Germany remains as vivid as ever in my mind. 

Our excitement of arriving in our new city with my little daughter. Delicious smells of the bakeries everywhere. The newness of everything. 

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But that excitement didn’t last long. Within days of our arrival, my excitement turned into anxiety and stress. 

I didn’t realise just how much I’d have to juggle and learn in my first weeks in Germany.

Looking back, I can see just how unprepared I was. 

Not for the move itself, but for the weight of it. 

I wish someone had warned me about the complexity and specificity of German bureaucracy, the silence of Sundays and the way motherhood abroad can quietly unravel your own sense of identity.

I didn’t know. 

This post is for the version of me who didn’t know what she was walking into — and for you, if you’re about to begin (or are already deep in) your first month in Germany.

1. Bureaucracy won’t beat you, but it will try 

Germany has a reputation and it isn’t for it’s flexible. 

Of course, there’d be bureaucracy, I thought. I knew what visa I needed and how to apply. My husband had already arranged our Health Insurance. What else could there be? 

I had no idea how many steps it really takes to settle into life here as a new arrival. 

Registering my address? No clue.
Taxes and social contributions? Absolutely not.

Every step of these processes filled me with dread because I couldn’t speak German, I didn’t understand the system and I was constantly afraid of what would happen if I messed something up. 

I still remember my first appointment at the Bürgerbüro, clutching a folder of documents, a bag of toys for my daughter, and my husband beside me. I understood nothing. Smiling, I signed where I was told, and walked out holding it together until I could breathe again.

What I wish I’d known:
This isn’t a personal failure. The system is complex, even for Germans.

👉 My tip: Prioritise bureaucracy early, ideally before you arrive.

• Book your address registration appointment as soon as possible.
  
• Arrange health insurance in advance.
  
• Bring original documents (and translations where you can) to every appointment.
  

Understanding how much hinges on timing and paperwork would have saved me days of stress and many “What have we done?” moments.

Read my top tips for conquering German bureaucracy.

2. Expect Emotions that don’t make sense 

Some days I felt joyful and hopeful, excited to build a new life for my family. Other days, I cried in the shower so no one would hear me falling apart.

Not because something terrible had happened, but because I felt invisible. Incapable. Unanchored. Floating in the abyss of my new life.

I couldn’t manage the setup of our life independently. I didn’t know where I fit anymore. And worst of all was that the version of myself I recognised, capable, easy-going, confident, felt suddenly out of reach.

Wanting to hold it together for my kids, I fell apart inside and for a time, lost myself completely (but I rebuilt myself, better than ever!).

This emotional whiplash is far more common than most mothers realise. Relocation strips away familiarity, competence, and identity all at once, and does it while you’re still expected to function.

👉 My tip: Find one supportive connection as early as possible.

Read more about my personal journey as a Mother abroad. 

3. Your Kids Might Adjust Faster Than You

My daughter started speaking German My daughter started speaking German before I did.

She absorbed the language effortlessly. She made friends without hesitation. Watching her was heartwarming and, if I’m honest, heartbreaking too.

For the first time, I felt like the outsider in my own family. Was I failing? 

The pain of not understanding my child and the frustration of not quickly building friendships left me feeling lost. I no longer knew what my role as a Mother was. 

I questioned myself constantly. Was I failing her? Wasn’t I supposed to be the one guiding her through this transition?

What I didn’t understand then was this: children adapt through immersion. Adults adapt through meaning. And those timelines don’t match.

👉 My tip:Let your kids be the leaders of your family sometimes. Their openness to new routines, the language, and friends just might be a source of inspiration and motivation for you. And if you start feeling left behind? Remind yourself who made those little people so darn brave!

If you’re struggling with the challenges of bi-lingual kids, here are my solutions.

4. Sundays Will Confuse You

UnIf you come from a place where shops are always open, Germany’s Sundays can feel confronting.

In Melbourne, something was always open.
In Germany? Almost nothing is.

Shops close. Noise stops. Rest is expected.

At first, it frustrated me. Now? I value it deeply.

👉 My tip: Plan ahead — and let Sundays be slower. It’s not worse. It’s different.

5. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

This was my biggest lesson.

I believed I had to figure everything out myself. That needing help meant I wasn’t coping well enough.

Once I started talking to other women, I realised how universal this experience is and how much lighter it feels when shared.

👉 My tip: Support doesn’t replace your competence. It protects it.You deserve support.

Read more about the importance of building your expat support network. 

Your First Month in Germany 

That first month in Germany? It was rough. But I wouldn’t change it. 

If you’re in it right now, exhausted, questioning yourself, wondering what you’ve done, know this: it does get easier.

You will find yourself again.

And most importantly, you don’t have to do it alone.

Get your FREE expat Starter Kit here, filled with tips to get you through your first month abroad without the stress I felt.

BONUS: Small things that surprised me in my first month in Germany

• Paper is still king (yes, even fax machines)
  
• Appointments take far longer than expected
  
• German directness isn’t rudeness
  
• Recycling rules are serious business
  
• Playgrounds rarely have toilets or water fountains
  
• Pfand will confuse you at least once
  

None of these derail you, but knowing them early helps.

The post My First Month in Germany: 5 Lessons I Learnt the Hard Way appeared first on Professional Support for Families Relocating to Germany.

Moving to Germany with kids brings with it a lot of questions. One of the biggest being: What’s the best school for my kids? 

Local public schools offer full language and cultural immersion, while international schools provide familiarity with language and approach. 

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This choice sparks debate for a reason—your child’s schooling will shape not just their education, but how easily they build friendships and settle into life in Germany.

With many competing but equally valid priorities, it isn’t always easy to decide the best option for your child. 

In this post, I’ll walk you through the key differences between the public schools in Germany and its International Schools. I’ll also share tips to help you choose what’s best for your kids and family.

Overview of the German School System

Germany’s education system is known for its structure and academic rigour—but for newcomers, it can feel complex and overwhelming.

Known locally as the Bildungssystem, the German school system comprises several stages with varying aims and outcomes for students.

If, like me, you’re from a country where children attend primary school and then secondary school, then this system might take a little bit of getting used to! 

Here’s a quick overview:

Krippe (2 – 3 years) 

While not compulsory, toddler childcare is widely used in Germany. While generally not academically oriented, children attending Krippe will be exposed to a range of activities that aim to build their motor and social skills. 

Kindergarten (3–6 years)

Preschool years are not compulsory but like Krippe, are widely attended. Activities are generally more targeted to build specific, age-appropriate skills. Parents will receive feedback and recommendations if children are observed to need extra support in any area.

Vorschule (ages 5 – 7)

The last of the preschool years is the foundation year for school. Attending may be compulsory in your state. Children are increasingly taught the routines and structures common in school, to prepare them for their first school year. 

Grundschule (ages 6–10)

• Primary school from first to fourth grade.
   
• It is common for children to remain in the same group, with the same teacher for the full four years.
  
• All children must attend Grundschule from the age of six years old. 
  
• School commencement may be delayed by recommendation from the Vorschule (for example, the child’s language is not yet adequately developed to manage school). With special permission, children may also begin school early. 

Secondary Education

After the fourth class, (or sixth class in some states), children transition into one of the following secondary schools:

• Hauptschule: Vocational-focused education, lasting 5 – 6 years (depending on the state). Students receive a Hauptschulabschluss, allowing them to seek further vocational training (for example, an apprenticeship).
  
• Realschule: Considered the intermediate path, the Realschule combines academic study of the core subjects (German, Maths, Science and English) with more vocational subjects. After five years, students can choose to move into further vocational training or specialised secondary education or complete an additional two years of study to qualify for university study in Germany.
  
• Gymnasium: Offering the most academic path, students study for five years and receive the Abitur, the qualification needed to apply for study at German universities. Typically, students choose either a maths/ science stream or a languages/ humanities stream to focus their studies on. All students must demonstrate a sound knowledge of German, English and Maths regardless of their specialised stream.
  

“Oberschule” is a type of secondary school, typically found in Germany’s Eastern states of Saxony, Sachsen-Anhalt and Brandenburg, which combines the Hauptschule and Realschule. 

Public schools in Germany are free, though there are still other costs to be covered by a student’s family. For example, the cost of excursions and books. 

Public schools here follow state-specific curriculums and are taught almost entirely in German, which can be a big adjustment—especially in the early months. 

There is minimal flexibility or adaptation for students who are not native speakers, though increasingly schools are offering classes tailored to DaZ (Deutsch als Zweitsprache – German as a foreign language) students. 

Make it Germany has a handy diagram to help make this all make a bit more sense!

What Are International Schools in Germany?

International schools in Germany cater to expat families and worldly-minded local families by offering internationally recognised curricula. 

Most commonly International Schools offer one of the following qualifications:

•  International Baccalaureate (IB)
  
• British curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels)
  
• American system (with AP classes and GPA grading)

International Schools typically:

• Teach in English.
  
• Offer a multicultural environment.
  
• Employ international staff, with experience teaching globally.
  
• Charge tuition, the price of which can vary widely between International Schools and cities. 

International schools are particularly popular in larger German cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg, reflecting the multicultural population of these cities.

Designed to provide seamless education for students from around the world, International Schools support students who may be relocating frequently, or who will be returning to their home country in the future.

Read More about the Best Cities for Expat Families in Germany 

Comparing Public vs. International Schools in Germany

To help you evaluate both options, here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Explore the International Schools of Germany.

Key Considerations for Expat Families

Choosing the education system that’s best for your kids isn’t just about academic outcomes. It’s also about finding a school that matches your values as a family, your child’s personality and ambitions and your family’s long-term goals. 

Here are a few questions to consider before making a final decision:

1. How long will we stay in Germany?

• If your stay is short (1–3 years), international schools may provide a smoother transition.
  
• If you plan to settle long-term, public schools support deeper language learning and cultural integration.

2. How old is our child – and do they speak German?

• Young children often pick up German quickly and may thrive in public schools.
  
• Older kids or teens might benefit from the educational consistency of an international school.

3. Do we want cultural immersion or continuity?

• Public schools offer full immersion in German life and friendships with local peers.
  
• International schools provide familiarity with language, teaching methods, and global peer groups.

4. What’s our budget?

• Public schools are free (with small incidental costs).
  
• International schools charge tuition, which can be significant—especially with more than one child.

5. Where will our child thrive?

• Some children embrace change and thrive in a new system.
  
• Others feel more secure with familiar structures and language. Consider involving your child in the decision if age-appropriate.

My Experience 

Once we moved past the initial challenge of learning the system and how to apply for a place at Krippe, we had to decide: a local Kindergarten, a bi-lingual Kindergarten or an international kindergarten?

Why We Chose Local Kindergarten

It made sense for us to use a local kindergarten – it was in our neighbourhood, we’d heard positive feedback about it and most importantly: there was a spot! 

The major benefit of the International Krippe was that they spoke exclusively English. However, one of our main reasons for being in Germany was for our daughter to be bi-lingual. As I speak English with her at home, we felt comfortable with her being educated in only German. 

Our Decision for Primary School

Fast forward to now and she’s no longer a Krippe kid! Primary School is now mere months away and we’ve done the hard yards of researching schools, weighing up our options and have again decided in favour of a local school where she will be educated in German.

Why We Chose a Freieschule

A Freieschule is equivalent to a private school. It is not prestigious like private schools in Australia or other countries but rather offers a specific pedagogical approach that differs from mainstream schooling. 

It wasn’t that we were unsatisfied with the mainstream Grundschule, but that this specific school offered a range of benefits that we felt suited our daughter and would encourage her ongoing development as a whole person, not just academically. 

For us, it was important to remain in a multi-cultural setting, which this school offers us. In addition, it focuses on developing people, not just learners. There is a high priority placed on creative and flexible thinking, something that we value. 

This was a hard decision and took a lot of discussion, investigation and negotiation between my husband and me. But I’m comfortable with the decision and am excited to see what the next chapter of my daughter’s life brings.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, the ‘best’ choice looks different for every family—and that’s okay.

Questions for YOU before choosing 

As with all major decisions, your first step should be to be clear on your goals and expectations. In this case, you need to be sure that you and your partner are on the same page about all aspects of your move to Germany.

Ask yourselves the following questions to help you gain clarity in your decision:

• What do we want our child/ren to gain from their experience in Germany?
  
  
• Is it important that they become fluent in German? If so, why? How would you define fluent?
  
  
• How long are we planning to stay?
  
  
• Thinking ahead, what academic qualifications will best help my kids reach their dream goals?
  
  
• Can we afford an international school? Or would a public school, offering additional language assistance, be suitable?

Last Thoughts on Public Schools vs International Schools in Germany 

Making this decision feels hard because it is hard. 

But remember: there’s no one right choice. This decision needs to be made with your child and your family in mind. 

What’s best for you and your family might not be right for the other expat family down the street. 

Making a decision that supports your child’s needs comes from weighing up your values, needs and long-term goals for your family.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Why not downlaod your FREE Expat Start Kit? It’s filled with tips and toold to help you thrive in your first 90 days abroad.

The post How to Decide: Public or International School in Germany? appeared first on Professional Support for Families Relocating to Germany.

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These thoughts raced through my mind as we sped down the runway, finally departing for our new life as a family in Germany.

After years of planning and months of being stalled, we were finally taking off, and I felt every bit of optimism, excitement, and hope fall away behind me.

Have I made the right decision?

It’s a question that still pops into my mind, even after four years of living abroad in Germany.

We don’t have crystal balls to show us both versions of our future. All we have are our values, our hopes, and the information available to us right now to make a decision that reflects the life we want.

If you’re asking yourself, “Should I move to Germany with my family?”, I’m here to help you make the best decision you can. This post offers you a structured process to support your decision-making process to ensure that your move matches your family’s needs and values. 

So grab a drink, a pen, and maybe even your partner. Let’s dive in.

Why Families Consider Moving to Germany

Germany is often seen as an ideal location for families considering a big move abroad, and it’s easy to see why. 

A few reasons are:

• World-class public healthcare and education.
  
• Subsidised childcare and generous parental leave allowances.
  
• Family-friendly cities, complete with playgrounds and green spaces.
  
• Work-life balance is at the core of German culture. While they work hard, they rest even harder.

Many families are drawn to Germany for professional opportunities, while others hope to connect with their own family and heritage. Whatever your reasons for considering a move to Germany, it’s a country well worth exploring for your family. 

Who, What, Where, When, How Long, and Why?

We’ll use these simple but powerful everyday questions to break down your decision-making process and guide your thinking. 

Considering this life-changing decision step-by-step will keep that rising overwhelm at bay and allow you to think critically, not just emotionally about whether Germany is a good fit for your family.  

Who Will Benefit from Moving Abroad?

List every family member on your sheet of paper. Then ask: who benefits, and how?

Maybe relocating to Germany is mainly for your career, or perhaps your partner is returning to their home. Maybe your children will gain language skills or build connections with members of the extended family. 

It’s ok if the perceived benefits of the move aren’t evenly distributed. What matters right now is simply knowing. 

Our natural instinct is to rank these benefits. Who will get the most out of the move? Who will lose from our move abroad? Is that fair? 

Stop. 

Avoid judging or ranking whose benefit matters most. 

In my own experience, I felt resentment early on—my family seemed to thrive while I struggled to find my footing. But over time, I realised we all benefited in different ways, at different times.

Read more about my Motherhood Journey in Germany. 

What Will Be Achieved?

It’s time to get crystal clear on your goals. What do you want to do in Germany, that can’t be done at home?

Here are a few prompts to help you with this step: 

• Do you want to deepen family connections with extended family in Germany/ your children/ your spouse?
  
• Are their career or study options, only available to you in Germany?
  
• Are you looking for a new adventure?
  

When things get hard in your new home (and they will), these goals will become your anchor. 

For my family, our “whats” were:

• Experiencing life in Germany, my husband’s home ✅
  
• Learning German (the children and me) ✅
  
• Nurturing relationships with members of our extended German family ✅

Four years in and we’ve checked every box.

This step will also help you see if you’re running away from your current life. Moving to Germany will not help anything that you want to run away from. A move to Germany with your family will not solve these problems. 

Where Will You Move?

Sure, you probably already have a city in mind. Even so, zoom in on the details and consider:

• Which neighbourhoods are family-friendly?
  
• Are there schools and kindergartens nearby? Are they bilingual or international schools?
  
• Is there an established community of expat families, with whom to build a solid expat support network? 

If you don’t know yet, that’s no problem. Start research now – join Facebook groups, look for local expat blogs, and read what other families have experienced. 

The more specific you are now, the easier it will be for you later. 

When Will You Move?

Is your deadline fixed or is the timeline more flexible? 

Think about:

• How long do you need to prepare the required paperwork and logistics?
  
• The best way to transition your children from their old school into the new.
  
• Whether you’ll travel Germany or Europe more broadly before settling down.
  
• When the new job in Germany starts and when your current lease ends. 

Having a clear timeline helps you feel grounded, even if things change. And they will change. 

We were packed and ready to move to Germany as a family in March 20202 . . . and then the Pandemic shut the world’s borders. 

Flexibility matters and it’s easier to be flexible when we have a plan in the first place. 

How Long Will You Live Abroad?

Is this a one-year adventure, or a long-term relocation? 

While considering if you should move to Germany with your family, get clear on your initial plan and as a family, agree to revisit it at regular intervals. 

You don’t have to have all the answers right now, but a shared understanding goes a long way to avoid conflict, disappointment and resentment later. 

Our original plan was to live in Germany as a family for 3 – 5 years. We’re four years in and are still figuring out what comes next. 

Get your FREE Expat Start Kit.

Why Are You Moving?

We have arrived at the heart of your decision. 

Your “why” might be different from your partner’s, and that’s ok. What matters is articulating your individual and shared purposes. Understanding each other’s why will deepen your understanding of each other and better support your relationship after the big move. 

Ask yourself: Why does this move make sense for me? For us? For our kids?

Try to go deeper than simply “for work” or “for a change”. Here are some prompts to help you dig deeper:

• Why is this opportunity in Germany worth the international move with my family?
  
• Why is this drastic change required or desired?
  
• Why am I drawn to Germany? 

Your “why” will be tightly linked to your personal values: what you want for your life, your relationship and your children. 

Because when challenges arise (and they will), you’ll need a strong “why” to keep pushing you forward to build the life of your dreams in Germany. 

Germany: A Family-Friendly Choice

Germany doesn’t just accommodate families, it actively supports them. 

Here are just a few examples of how:

• Childcare is typically very affordable and widely available to families.
  
• Education is free, all the way up to University level.
  
• Employees have strong protections and support, including generous leave policies.
  
• World-class healthcare is holistic, easily accessible and free.
  
• Public spaces, including playgrounds, greenspaces and city squares, are designed for families to enjoy together with other families. 

I’m not trying to paint an idealised picture of Germany. It isn’t the perfect place and life here can still be hard. But in my experience, the support provided for families can make a very real difference to the functioning of our family. 

Want to know more? Read this comprehensive guide from Expatica.com.

Challenges You Might Face (and How to Handle Them)

Moving abroad is never straightforward and often includes bumps in the road. 

You might experience:

• Frustratingly slow and complicated bureaucracy: In-person appointments for everything, minimal information and unhelpful staff.
  
• Language barriers: Particularly for official paperwork and communication with the school or Kindergarten.
  
• Culture shocks and confusions: What’s “normal” here? How to parent, the expected behaviour at school and work or the way people interact with one another socially.
  
• Loneliness and homesickness: Especially if you don’t have family nearby.
  

How to handle them:

• Be Prepared: Do your research and know what to expect when you arrive.
  
• Find Support: Before you move, join expat parenting communities or work with a relocation coach to plan your move and settlement phases with confidence.
  
• Stay Flexible: Expect the unexpected, stay flexible and know that adjusting to your new life will take time.
  
• Mindset Work: Remember your “why”. You’re building the life you’ve dreamt of and there will be challenging times ahead. Stay focused, remain calm and the rest will fall into place. 

Common Objections (and Why They’re Valid—But Solvable)

What if my kids don’t adjust?

Kids are incredibly resilient. With the right support and time, most kids will thrive in their new life. 

Talk with them, validate their feelings and always involve them in your planning. 

Let them have some control over their own changing life. 

Read my top tips for supporting your homesick kids.  

I’m worried about learning the language.

This is probably one of the main objections I hear! And I get it. Learning a language is hard, especially as an adult (I know, I’ve done it!). 

But remember: You don’t need to be fluent overnight. Start with key phrases, and consider online lessons. Many families arrive speaking little German and learn it gradually over time.

How necessary it is for you to speak German will depend on where you live and your field of work. This alone shouldn’t stop you from making the move if Germany really is your dream location. 

I’m afraid I’ll lose my support network.

Packing up and leaving our lives behind, including our beloved friends and family, is hard. In time,  you will build new connections with people who understand your new life. They’ll be by your side through the ups and downs of your new expat life. 

You won’t lose your old friendships but they will look different. Thank goodness we live in the digital age. Keeping in contact with your long-distance bestie has never been easier. 

Learn how to build your expat support network, even before you leave home. 

Head, Heart & Logistics: A Quick Decision Tool

Here’s a simple framework to reflect on your decision:

Head – Does this make logical, practical sense? 

Heart – Does this move feel aligned with your values and dreams? 

Logistics – Can we realistically make this happen?

Want help thinking through it? I created a free workbook you can download to walk through these questions with your partner.

? [Download the Family Move Decision-Making Workbook]

FAQ: Should I Move to Germany with My Family?

Is there an ideal age for kids to move?
Many say the younger, the better – but children of all ages can thrive when given the right support and tools to navigate their transition.

Do I need to know German before I go?
No. It helps, but it’s not essential. You can begin learning after you arrive, though having a few basics will ease your transition.

Can we afford it?
Germany can be very affordable, especially compared to other cities like London or New York City. Public Healthcare and Education reduce costs significantly. Watch this video from @usa.mom.in.germany for a great explanation.

What should I prepare before moving?

• Paperwork: visas, birth certificates, health insurance).
• Housing research.
• Building a basic support network online.

Decision Time

You’ve reflected, you’ve journaled and maybe you’ve even talked it through with your partner. 

But you’re still not 100% sure? That’s ok. 

There is no right or wrong answer – only the decision that is right for you and your family. 

Get curious, gather some more information, and trust yourself. Your gut is telling you what you need to do. 

Whether you decide to stay or relocate your family to Germany, you’re already so brave for even considering this huge step. 

And if you do decide to move?

Know that you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to help.

Get my FREE Expat Family Starter Kit

You’ve got this.

The post Should I Move to Germany With My Family? How to Decide If It’s Right For You appeared first on Professional Support for Families Relocating to Germany.

You’ve made it. Your family packed up, survived the flights, and arrived safely in Germany.

Jetlag is still lingering. Your to-do list is growing by the minute.

Ready for a stress-free Relocation?

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And then it hits you.

You’re in a new country, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and you realise how much you need support. Not just practical help but people.

People who understand the emotional weight of starting over. Someone to help you make sense of systems that don’t work the way you’re used to. A friend who can sit with your homesickness without trying to fix it.

As a relocation coach and an expat mother living in Germany, I remember how alone I felt in those early months. I had never felt lonelier in my life.

Germany is a wonderful place to raise a family, but it’s also widely considered one of the hardest countries for expats to settle into. When you’re parenting at the same time, the feeling of struggle increases rapidly.

This post explores why support networks matter so much in Germany, how to start building one, and where to look, even if your German isn’t strong yet.

These are the tips I wish I’d had when I first arrived.

1. Why a Support Network Matters Even More in Germany

Moving abroad with children is one of the most exciting decisions a family can make. It is also emotionally demanding.

You’re navigating:

• unfamiliar bureaucracy
  
• a new language
  
• different social norms
  
• and the responsibility of keeping your children emotionally steady while you’re still finding your feet
  

In Germany, this can feel particularly intense.

Research consistently shows that Germany ranks low in terms of expat ease of settling in, particularly in regards to social integration and feeling welcome. Many expats report strong systems, but weak social connections.

Without a support network, even small challenges can feel overwhelming.

When your child is sick, who helps you understand the advice from the Kinderarzt? Who herpes you decode the dense language in the letters from school? And when you feel that familiar pang of homesickness, who sits with you?

Loneliness isn’t just uncomfortable; it has real consequences. Research links ongoing loneliness to increased stress, poorer mental health, and physical health impacts. The strongest protective factor? The quality of our social relationships.

You were never meant to do this alone.

2. Start Connecting Before You Arrive 

This often surprises families, but some of the most stabilising connections can begin before you’ve even landed.

Before we moved to Dresden, I started quietly reaching out to other expat parents online. I didn’t make instant friends, but I gathered familiarity. Names. Faces. A sense of what mattered locally.

Helpful places to start:

• Facebook groups for international families in your future city
  
• Groups like:
  
  • “International Families [City]”
    
  • “English-Speaking Parents in Germany”
    
  • “[Your nationality] in Germany”
    
• Meetup.com for family-friendly or interest-based groups
  

You can also ask your existing network for introductions. Many expat parents are happy to meet “a friend of a friend” because they remember exactly what those first months felt like.You don’t need to be outgoing. You just need to be open.

3. Where to Find Your Community in Germany (Without Needing German!) 

The language barrier can be overwhelming when you first arrive, but it doesn’t have to stop you from building your expat network. 

Some of the most accessible places to connect include:

• Local expat or international parent groups
  
• International schools and bilingual kindergartens
  
• Libraries, which often host children’s activities and events
  
• Sports clubs or Vereine: incredibly common in Germany and often more welcoming than expected.
  

When I first arrived, playgrounds felt terrifying. I worried constantly about saying the wrong thing or nothing at all.

So I started small. A smile, sometimes a wave or a simple “hello”.

Every connection counts.

4. Making Friends as an Adult (When You’re Already Tired)

Let’s be honest: making friends as an adult is hard. Doing it in another language? It can feel impossible.

I remember visiting a different playground every day with my daughter, my heart racing every time another parent looked my way.

“What if they don’t speak English?” I worried.

Slowly, watching my child connect without hesitation helped me loosen my grip on perfection. I followed her lead.

Simple conversation starters work:

• “We’ve just moved here — do you come here often?”
  
• “Our kids seem about the same age.”
  
• “Do you know any good places to go with children around here?”
  

These conversations don’t need to be deep. They just need to be human.

5. Practical Support: Childcare, Help, and Everyday Relief

Support networks aren’t only emotional. They can be practical too.

In Germany, helpful resources include:

• Expat Facebook groups for babysitter and cleaner recommendations
  
• Betreut.de for childcare and household help
  
• Local platforms like Kietzee (city-specific)
  

Even a few hours of help a week can dramatically change how settled you feel.

Support sometimes buys you breathing room.

6. Online Support for the Tougher Times 

Some days, in-person connection feels like too much.

Online support can bridge the gap:

• Parenting-abroad Facebook groups
  
• Online therapy platforms (international or Germany-based)
  
• Group coaching or workshops focused on expat adjustment
  

These spaces can offer understanding without explanation, especially when language or energy is limited.

7. What If I Don’t Live In a City? 

If you’re not in Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, this part matters.

Dresden, for example, has one of the lowest proportions of residents with an international background in Germany. That doesn’t make connection impossible, but it does mean you need to be more intentional.

Ideas that help:

• Starting a small WhatsApp group at school or Kita
  
• Joining groups in nearby cities
  
• Becoming the initiator instead of waiting to be invited
  

Sometimes, you don’t just find community, you create it.

You Deserve a Village — Even Here

Settling into life in Germany isn’t just about paperwork.

It’s about belonging.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, you’re not failing. You’re human.

Get your FREE Expat Starter Kit to give you the best chance to thrive in your new life abroad.

You don’t have to do this alone.

Let’s build the dream life abroad where you don’t just survive. You thrive.

Sources 

* Domènech-Abella and colleagues (2023) explored over 100 studies and found that loneliness is most closely linked to the quality of our relationships, living situation, and mental and physical health—not just age or gender. Read the Domènech-Abella and colleagues literature review. 

** InterNations (2023) conducted a survey of expats worldwide and concluded that expats in Germany are among the least happy in the world. Read the 2023 InterNations expat happiness report for Germany.

*** Data from 2023 shows that close to 30% of people residing in Germany have migration background (full report here), while data from 2024 indicates that around 12% of Dresden residents have migration background (full report here). 

The post Why You Need an Expat Support Network in Germany (and how to build one!) appeared first on Professional Support for Families Relocating to Germany.

The rumours are true: moving to Germany includes a lot of bureaucracy. 

One of the first things you’ll have to manage after arriving is to register your address in Germany (Anmeldung). 

This is more than just a formality.

Your Anmeldung will allow you to open a bank account, arrange your tax ID and apply for a residency visa at the Ausländerbehörde. 

Interesting? Not really. Necessary? Absolutely! 

The Expat Start Guide offers practical tips for navigating your first 90 days abroad.

I remember trying to book an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde and learning that I had to register my address first. Heart thumping and palms sweating, I was overcome with confusion.

How do I do that? I wondered, as panic set in. 

At the appointment, I can honestly say that I was nearly having a panic attack.

Speaking no German and not understanding the formality of the situation, I just felt like I did everything wrong.

But I got it done and after this win, I felt like I could take on anything. 

Whether you’re planning your move or you’ve just arrived and are wondering “What the heck is an Anmeldung?”, consider this your go-to resource for registering your address in Germany.

Read my best tips for conquering German bureaucracy. 

What is Address Registration (Anmeldung)?

All residents of Germany, whether local or foreign, must officially register their address in Germany within 14 days of moving to a new address.

Why is this important as an expat?

The Anmeldung is the official proof of your residential address in Germany. It’s needed for nearly all of the “set-up” things you’ll need to do when you first arrive.

Here are just a few examples:

• No Anmeldung = no appointment at the Ausländerbehörde. 
  
• If you’re from outside of the EU, you’ll need it for any visa application you make.
  
• Need a bank account? Most banks require proof of German residence.
  
• If you have a job lined up, you will need a Tax ID and they’re only issued after you’ve registered your residence. 
  
• You’d like a phone contract? Not possible without Anmeldung. 
  
• Children cannot be registered at childcare or school before being registered in the city. 

Besides all of those reasons, it is the law.

As a new member of the German community, following the rules is necessary. Always. 

When and Where to Register

You have 14 days to register your address in Germany with the local Bürgerburo (Citizen’s Office) or Rathaus (Town Hall).

If you live in any of the following states, you can register completely online!

• Berlin 
• Bremen
• Hamburg
• Schleswig-Holstein

Read more information about this service. 

Unfortunately, this service is only available in German.

If you’re not yet up to managing these sort of tasks in German, Google Translate will get you through it. 

Some cities in the following states also allow online registration:

• Baden-Württemberg
• Bayern
• Hessen
• Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
• Niedersachsen
• Nordrhein-Westfalen
• Rheinland-Pfalz 
• Sachsen-Anhalt

If, like me, you live in a state that insists on in-person appointments to register your address in Germany, then you’ll likely need to make an appointment in advance. 

How to find Your Local Bürgerbüro

The easiest way to find out if where and how you should register your address in Germany is a quick online search:

Bürgerbüro + your city

This should give you answers right away.

Many government websites do have an English version, so language barriers shouldn’t be a problem.

If not, let Google Translate work its magic.

Need more help? Here’s a link to the government of each German state. From here you should be able to find everything you need.

Documents Needed for Anmeldung

To register your address in Germany, you’ll need the following:

✅ Valid passport

This is the key identity document for you in Germany until you have your residence permit. Remember to bring the passport of every member of your family that you will be registering.

✅ Wohnungsgeberbestätigung 

Confirmation of your current residential address and your authority to live there from the landlord. All members of your family must be listed on this document. 

✅ Rental contract

While some bureaucrats will want to copy the entire rental agreement, they are typically interested in the following sections: 

• The front page, including the address, the start date of occupancy and the names of all family members living there. 
  
• The size of the apartment of house (yes, there are rules about how many people can reside in properties of a particular size) 

✅ Completed registration form (Anmeldeformular) 

You’ll find the necessary document available for download from your city’s website. Be sure to complete it before your appointment. 

✅ Marriage certificate & birth certificates 

If registering other family members, be sure to bring the required identity documents for each and every family member. You can register your partner on their behalf too, as long as you have the right documents. 

Sometimes the requirements to register your address can change. 

Please check which documents are required by your city to ensure you have everything you need before your appointment. 

TIP: German bureaucracy is paper-based. Take all documents in original and a copy to speed up your process.

Ready for a stress-free Relocation?

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Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Book an Appointment (if required)
   
   • Check your local Bürgerburo’s website for availability.
     
   • Walk-in appointments may be possible in smaller towns.

2. Prepare your documents before the appointment.
   
   • Complete the form.
     
   • Have your original documents neatly organized and easy to access 

TIP: Have your documents sorted neatly in a document wallet. Keep them in the order they appear on the Anmeldformular.

There’s nothing worse for your anxiety in a silent office than flicking through papers unable to find what you need!

3. Attend Your Appointment
   
   • Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. 
     
   • Follow any check-in procedures (some Bürgerburo’s have clerks welcoming you and others have scannable QR codes on arrival).
     
   • If you don’t yet speak German fluently, bring a trusted German-speaking friend to assist you. 
     
   • Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything and be sure you understand what you’re signing. 

4. Receive Your Anmeldebestätigung
   
   • You’ll receive your registration confirmation at the end of your appointment (yes, it’s paper).
     
   • This is a vital certificate for starting your new life in Germany. 
     
   • KEEP IT SAFE.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

To register your address in Germany, you’ll most likely need to personally attend an appointment. 

I remember my feelings on my way to the first appointment: overcome with worry that I’d be late.

My old friend Anxiety visited to remind me that I might have filled in the form incorrectly or forgotten a vital document. 

So, let’s paint a picture for you about how these appointments normally run, just to set your mind at rest. 

Getting there

It sounds simple, but be sure to note down which Bürgerburo you will be visiting. 

In my city of Dresden for example, there are 6 offices. Nothing could be worse than being at the wrong office for your appointment. 

Leave yourself plenty of time to arrive, ensuring you arrive 15 minutes early. 

Don’t forget to have your QR code or any other appointment details, such as the office number, available to show staff on arrival. 

Checking-in

To ensure that appointments are as timely as possible, there is a check-in process to follow. By checking in, staff know you’re there and ready to go. 

This system is super German but it means that normally, you’re seen on time. 

You’ll be greeted with one of two check-in processes:

1. QR Code: If booking appointments online was possible, then you may have received a QR code. This can be scanned on arrival to check-in.
   
2. Staff check-in: Some offices have staff who will check the day’s appointment list and your ID before allowing you to enter the building.  

Generally, after check-in, you will be given an appointment number. The numbers will be shown on the screen and advise which office or desk you should approach. 

Move quickly! The bureaucrats are impatient. 

The Waiting Room 

The Wartebereich (waiting area) can vary in its quality significantly between offices. Some are sundrenched with indoor plants, while others are fluoro-lit spaces with rows of uncomfortable seats. 

In this area, remaining quiet is of utmost importance. Germany is a quiet nation, so talking on your mobile phone in the waiting area, for example, is not acceptable. 

Keep your eyes on the screen and be sure not to miss your appointment number. 

Your Appointment

You will either approach a desk in an open-plan office or be sent to an office for your appointment.  

Both have one thing in common: the bureaucrat will interact very little with you and will offer little to no explanation about the process. 

These interactions were such a cultural difference for me that have taken years to get used to take some time to overcome but it is your right to know what you put your name to. 

I remember feeling so uncomfortable breaking the silence with questions, or taking my time to read over everything with Google Translate before signing. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are my top tips for overcoming expat overwhelm. 

Registering Children and Partners 

Every resident of Germany must register their address with the Bürgerburo. 

If you have children, they must also be registered. Typically, don’t need to attend the appointment with you. 

To register them to your address, you will need:

• to include each child on your Anmeldformular
  
• present their identity documents at your appointment.
  

Your children will also be listed on your rental agreement.

Last Things to Consider

Moving to Germany is synonymous with getting up close and personal with German bureaucracy. Registering your address is just the first of many steps in starting your new life here. 

Being organised and prepared will make the process much smoother.

You don’t need any extra stress as you juggle the competing demands of settling into a new country, supporting your family and bureaucratic chores.

Managing bureaucracy in a new country, system and language can be overwhelming.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Check in with friends, colleagues, expat-facebook groups or me for guidance. 

Your new life is waiting for you, so let’s get it started! 

Download my FREE Expat Family Starter Kit.

The post How to Register Your Address in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Professional Support for Families Relocating to Germany.

After five years in Germany, I’ve cracked the code to successfully managing Germany’s infamous bureaucracy. 

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Until you’ve lived here, it’s hard to believe the tail-chasing systems Germany relies on to keep it functioning.

Like that time the Ausländerbehörde sent me details of an appointment at BAMF. I arrived and was given details for another appointment at BAMF. Where I was, already. That was an adventure.  

Over the years I’ve heard a lot of foreigners complain about the systems. I get it. The processes are tedious. It’s all actual paperwork. A lot of it makes no sense.

Unfortunately, complaining won’t change it and we still have to go through the motions as long as we want to live here.

Here is your game-plan for success with German bureaucracy. 

If you want more about the struggles of living abroad, read my post Why Living Abroad Sucks (and how I got over it)

STEP 1: Find the right office (because, yes, there are many!) 

Your first step on this mission – should you choose to accept it – is to find out exactly which authority handles your application. Yes, it’s like a game of Guess Who, but honestly, figuring out who handles what is half the battle here. 

Common authorities that you’ll have to deal with while living in Germany are:

• Ausländerbehörder
• BurgerBuro
• Steueramt
• Rentenversicherung 
• Krankenkasse 
  

By first understanding who is responsible for this process, you’ll be better able to find all the additional information you’re going to need.

Here’s your map to navigate German bureaucracy:

Now that you’re pretty sure who’s responsible for this application, you’re ready to take-on the mission instructions. 

STEP 2: KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

It might seem obvious, but you need to understand what you need to do for this application. 

I’ve seen for myself how a lack of understanding about what I should bring or how to present my information for the bureaucrats can lead to annoying delays. 

For example, when I had to resubmit my application for professional registration because I’d misunderstood Beglaubigte Kopie to mean simply the translations. Lesson learnt! Read everything carefully.

To ensure your applications are a success first time, every time, know what is required from you.  

What are the steps of this process?

So, start at the start. 

What steps do you need to take for this application or process?

My guess is that there’ll be many steps and a few side-quests to test your endurance. 

For example, if you’re applying for a residency visa, the steps you’ll need to complete are: 

• Make an appointment at the Ausländerbehörder. 
  
• Collect paperwork according to the list from the Ausländerbehörder. 
  
• Have translations, Apostilles, and certified copies made as required (ahh the side quests!). 
  
• Attend the appointment at the Ausländerbehörder. 
  
• Collect your Ausweiß from the Ausländerbehörder on the specified date. 
  

So, what steps are necessary for your process? 

To find out, read everything. 

You’ll probably get a letter full of steps (and legal jargon) from the authority, but don’t panic—it’s manageable, I promise. Put your passport back – it’s not that bad. Breathe through that overwhelm.

Where do I look for help?

• Check the website of the relevant authority.
  Many (but no, not all) have websites in languages other than German which makes it easier. Some even have handy factsheets and diagrams, showing you how to get on with your paperwork.
  
  
• Does the authority have a support number/ Email address?
  Give them a call or shoot them an email. In my experience, many of the operators can speak English (if you first ask them sehr nett). Your success with emails will depend wholly on the authority that you’re dealing with.
  
  
• Check-in with other foreigners in your city.
  You might have friends in the community who are also foreigners and may be able to point you in the right direction. If not, why not make a public cry for help in one of the ex-pat Facebook groups in your city?
  
  

While online groups can be full an effective way to quickly get an answer, I’ve had mixed results using them. I’ve found the responses to fall into one of three categories:

1. Folk who have the same question and are riding your coattails. 
   
   
2. Jaded expats whose first answer is always “learn German!” but typically followed up by some helpful information.
   
   
3. People sharing their own experience but offer no clear guidance for your problem.

These processes are so personal to your circumstances that an indivdualised response is best. When possible, ask the authority directly. 

Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed by language or confusion or the uncomfortable feeling that maybe I’m going to look a little bit silly if I ask this silly little question. 

Channel your inner-German and be direct. Ask the question. With the direct answer you’ll definitely receive, you’ll be able to get on with the next steps of the process and be sure of the success of your application. 

What documents do you need exactly? 

This one’s easy. It’s pretty typical of German bureaucracy to give you a handy but oh-so-long list of the required documents. 

Here’s a list of the fairly standard documents you will need to provide for most applications:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Marriage certificate
• Anmeldung (confirmation of your registered address) 
• Qualifications

REMEMBER: German authorities like to see everything im original. The bureaucrats will then make a copy of the necessary documents during your appointment. 

If you’re submitting documents by post, be sure to confirm:

• If you need to send original documents 

OR

• If you need to send certified copies. 

Getting your documents certified can take some time, so be sure to factor this into your planning. 

And don’t forget, if your documents are not in German, you’ll almost definitely need to have them translated before they’ll be accepted by German authorities. Translations can can take up to two weeks for to be completed.

The timeframe depends on the original language and the nature of documents, so don’t leave this preparation until the last minute!

There are of course exceptions to these rules, thus I say, read everything. 

With the mission’s directions fully understood, it’s time to find shortcuts to avoid overwhelm. 

Step 3: Find foreigner-friendly shortcuts 

Can I do this online?

Your first question needs to be “Can any of this be done online?”.

Generally, no. No it can’t. German authorities are BIG on persönliche gespräche.

Many “online” options still result in receiving letters in the post or having to post out a digital form. 

BUT. 

This is dependent on the authority you’re working with and the city you’re living in. 

For example, in Dresden, I can book appointments with the Burger Buro online but can’t submit anything online.

On the other hand, when submitting documents to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, I simply emailed everything to my case officer (without translations or certified copies!). 

But my application for professional registration? Everything had to be submitted in paper. Mountains of paper. Certified copies and translations.

So, investigate the options you have. Check any documents you receive from the authority to see if there are any “online” options.

As a foreigner who may not yet be fluent in German, it’s easier to manage as much as possible remotely. 

Downloading printable documents to be completed at home might be the only option available. Online portals to complete full applications are not common among German authorities.

Blame Datenschutz! 

The irony that my online identity is protected online by posting certified and translated copies of every important identity document in the mail is lost on many Germans. 

Könnten wir auf Englisch reden?

In my first years here, I began almost every conversation like this. You never know! Sometimes people even said “Yes” (after painfully explaining in perfect English how poor their English is). 

Sometimes German bureaucracy can work with you in your native language.

Note here that I say can. Many authorities are not allowed to manage applications in a foreign language. Frustrating? Absolutely. But we can always try. 

For example, the Health Insurance company TK has an English help-line and English-language App. The services available in English is limited but it is still super helpful for when you need to discuss complex topics, such as health care.

When the answer is 100% no (don’t be surprised if this is the case), then bring someone with you who can speak German fluently. 

You need to understand what is being discussed and what the next steps for you are.

This person can be a partner, friend, acquaintance or professional interpreter. As long as it’s someone you trust who is fluent in both German and your native language, it’s ok.  

To my knowledge, there’s no restriction to who can accompany you to an appointment. 

TIP: See if your city has any support services available in your language or request support from your local ex-pat Facebook group. 

Alright. Mission control has set the timer. Let’s get organised, lest we ever be late!

Step 4: German punctuality is no joke 

No matter what the application, give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. 

Some of these processes and applications can take a lot of preparation. In my experience, it isn’t the application form that’s the hard part. 

On first look, they might seem straightforward. 

“Great! Only 1 page to fill in!” I thought when I first began the application process to be professionally registered here. Except, that 1 page was the easy part.

Collecting documents, having translations completed and getting certified copies was the time-consuming part.

Be sure that you read everything and fully understand what additional information you’re required to provide. 

Give yourself time to read everything, collect the required documents and attend your appointment or submit it all by mail. 

At the moment I’m going through the process of applying for German citizenship. It is a hefty pile of paper that I need to get through, so I’m tacking one side a day. It takes me about 15 minutes. 

EASY! I can do 15 minutes a day of this paperwork. 

But trying to get through all of the forms and finding the supporting documents in one go? That would not be possible.  

If you need additional time, just ask. Most authorities are very accommodating as long as you communicate directly with them.

The worst thing you can do is come to an appointment unprepared or just skip it altogether. Don’t do that. 

Be more German. Be bold. Just ask. 

And now, it’s time to meet the big boss. You’ve successfully followed your mission instructions and have conquered several annoying but equally important side quests.

It’s submission time.

Step 5: Make your application bullet – I mean, Ämter proof.

Ok, this one isn’t a written rule about how the bureaucracy runs but trust me, it’ll help you see some version of that famed but sorely missing German efficiency. 

I’ve gotten into the habit of rolling up to appointments with my handy display folder complete with colour coded labels. Trust me, the bureaucrats love it. 

When you can whip out the right documents when needed, the speed of bureaucrat’s photocopying will increase, which means you can get out of that eerily quiet office faster (but seriously – for bustling public offices, why are they always SO quiet?). 

If you need to submit your application per Post, send the documents in the display folder. Make a neat little table of contents for the front of the folder and tab the documents down the side. Your application will be processed faster if your application is easy to read.

It is definitely a little tedious but remember – bureaucrats are just people. 

Slow, paper-loving and rule-abiding people with mountains of applications to manually process. If you were in their shoes, would you reach for the unruly pile of papers, or the neatly presented and easy-to-navigate folder of documents? 

Good Luck!

Now don’t get me wrong, you can do all of these things and the bureaucracy still take too long. 

That’s just bureaucracy. Unfortunately, some applications need inter-departmental cooperation and that, in any country, is a recipe for lengthy delays. 

But by taking my advice and implementing these tips into your completion of paperwork, you’ll give yourself the best chance at getting a positive outcome in your application and getting it as fast as possible. 

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What’s your experience of German bureaucracy so far? Do you have other shortcuts that I’ve missed here? Share them in the comments. I’m always on the lookout for ways to make bureaucracy here more fun. 

Glossary for your adventure with the German authorities 

The post German Bureaucracy: How to Conquer it appeared first on Professional Support for Families Relocating to Germany.

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I

n my last post about qualification recognition in Germany, I outlined the difference between regulated and unregulated professions and shared my journey (so far!). 

In this post, I‘m pleased to share my updates about my own journey on this process and the next steps I need to take.

If you’re battling the bureaucracy of professional registration, I hope this post will motivate you to just get it done. 

It is an overwhelming task when you’re just beginning the process, but you’ve got this. Or at least let you enjoy some schadenfreude at my expense.

RECAP of my professional recognition journey so far 

In case you haven’t read the first post in this series, here’s a quick recap of my experience with the process of qualification recognition so far. 

If you’re serious about going through this process yourself, go back and read the first post. I share valuable resources and support services that you can use free of charge!

UPDATE on my professional recognition journey so far

On 30th August, I received an unexpected letter in the mail. 

It was a heavy packet from the Landesdirektion Sachsen, the authority responsible for overseeing applications for qualification recognition in Saxony. 

At first, I thought it was simply the return of my certified documents (my submission had weighed 1kg, after all!). 

I knew it hadn’t yet been three months. It’s been a long time since I learned to assume German bureaucracy will never be completed sooner than the reported timeframe. 

Immediately, my inner mean-girl said that the return of documents faster than expected was a clear sign that my application was being rejected. 

All that time and money for nothing. 

Memories of being advised that my combination of degrees may not be accepted came flooding back. 

Social Workers here typically hold a Bachelor’s and Masters’s Degree in Social Work. I hold a Bachelor of Arts with major areas of study in Sociology and Politics and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Same same but different, right? Maybe? Please?

After slowly opening the packet and scanning the front page of the documents, the word Zwischenbescheid immediately stood out. 

“Yes!” I said to no one (I was home alone). “I got my Zwischenbescheid!” 

WHAT’S “ZWISCHENBESCHEID”? 

Zwischenbescheid translates to an interim decision. 

Simply put, a Zwischenbescheid confirms that my qualifications have been formally recognised as equal to those of local students. 

However, it’s interim because further training or learning is required before full registration is possible. 

Only after these additional steps have been completed can someone be fully registered. 

The term for this in Social Work is Staatlich Annerkant. Being Staatlich Annerkant means that I’m fully recognised and registered by the State and I can, officially, call myself a Social Worker. 

Confused? Yeah. That’s German bureaucracy. 

So, even though I’ve received the Zwischenbescheid, I still need to fill a knowledge gap, as identified by the professional assessor. 

What’s my knowledge gap? 

German law.

That’s right. 

My Australian qualifications do not include any modules about German law. 

Big surprise, right? 

Most regulated professions in Germany require students to learn the relevant laws in their profession. Social Work is no different. 

However, I consider myself lucky that the professional assessor has deemed my Bachelor of Arts and my Masters of Social Work together to be equal to Social Work training in Germany. 

It’s common for Social Workers (and professionals from many fields) to need to undertake significant portions of their training before they can be recognised here. My assessed gap in knowledge is small by comparison! 

Identified gaps in your knowledge do not reflect your capacity to competently undertake your work. It’s simply highlighting that there are required aspects to practice in Germany that were not provided in your home country’s education. 

Why? Probably because they’re not required in your home country. 

For example, I never needed to understand, interact with or apply principles of German law in my practice in Australia. 

However, I have a good grounding in how Australian laws interact with Social Work practice, so I’m confident that I’ll be able to get through this next stage. 

And you can too!

So what are the next steps for my registration? 

Before my qualifications can be fully recognised and I can be registered as a Social Worker in Saxony, I need to prove to the registering body that I do know the relevant laws. 

To do this, I’ve been given the choice of two options:

1. Undertake a period of supervised practice, which may include completing specified study concurrently.

OR

2. Complete a law exam at one of the Social Work schools in Saxony. 

After I’ve completed one of the two options, I will finally be fully recognised in Saxony as a Social Worker and be eligible for registration. 

Naturally, I have a lot of questions about these two options. 

• Where can I find supervised practice? 
  
• How long is the supervised practice for?
   
• Can I just use my job as a supervised practice?
  
• How long is the module of study?
   
• When is the module of study available?
  
• Is the exam written or oral? 
  
• Is it likely that I can just study up and pass the exam? 

Underlying my questions are two key concerns: 

1. Time
2. Money

As an already working Mum, I have significant constraints on my time, money and energy. 

How much have I already spent on the process? 

The process of having my qualifications recognised and becoming a registered social worker in Saxony has already set me back 3,028.18€.  

For comparison, according to Gehalt.de, the median monthly income for a registered social worker in Saxony is 3,922€.  

The key motivator to get through the process of qualification recognition has been the knowledge that once received, the title of being staatlich anerkannt increases the breadth of job opportunities that I can apply for. 

It also makes me a more competitive applicant from the beginning. 

But, even if that’s all true, it’ll take me a minimum of one month in my new full-time role to recoup the expenses already incurred. 

How long does it take?

The official timeline provided by the relevant authorities is six-twelve months. 

However. 

This estimate is based on the rules of bureaucracy and how fast they must process complete applications. 

If you need to provide any additional documents, including translations, certified copies or additional supplementary documentation, the processing time has not yet started. 

It also doesn’t include your time. 

I’ve spent innumerable hours collecting paperwork.

Chasing up documents and supplementary evidence from back home. It can take up to two weeks to have documents translated, sometimes longer depending on the length and complexity of the text. 

The process of obtaining certified copies is one more challenge. 

While the actual assessment of my qualifications took only two months (one month shy of the estimated three months), the overall process has taken well over a year.

From my initial consultation with IQ Netzwerk back in 2021, receiving this Zwischenbescheid has been a hard-fought battle. 

Do I need to have my qualifications recognised and be a registered Social Worker? 

In short, it’s complicated.

Because German bureaucracy. 

Initially, I had been advised that Social Workers can be employed in the non-regulated arena. For example, as support workers or in advisory roles. 

While this is true, the reality is less clear-cut.

After sending out countless job applications over six months, I received three interviews. I was thrilled! 

None of these roles explicitly required a registered Social Worker.

I assumed wrongly that if the job ad didn’t require a staatlich anerkannt Social Worker and the interview went well, I’d be given the role. 

Wrong.

Following every interview, I was advised that despite having the needed skills and experience, due to not being registered here, I was unable to be given the role.

I was initially convinced that this was just their way of letting me down gently. 

And it might have been. But there’s another reason, too. 

Bureaucracy. 

When community services and non-governmental agencies receive money from the State, the State influences who they hire to fulfil these funded roles. 

And you know what? 

The State prefers to have its money pay only registered Social Workers. 

And that’s the reason I’m chasing this goal of having my qualifications recognised and eventually being registered in Saxony.

There are more job opportunities for registered social workers. 

Unfortunately, that’s the bottom line. And that’s why I keep chipping away at this goal. 

Next Update:

My next update on this process will come once I’ve decided between the supervised placement and the exam. 

This week I’ll be consulting yet again with the IQ Netzwerk in the hope of gaining clarity about how to move forward with the process. 

Are you or have you been through the process of qualification recognition and registration in Germany? Let me know in the comments below. 

The post The Frustrating Truth: Professional Registration in Germany appeared first on Professional Support for Families Relocating to Germany.

If navigating bureaucracy is your idea of hell, you’ve found the right place!

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After living in Germany for four years, I’m a master at beating bureaucracy and surfing wave after wave of pointless paperwork. 

Let’s dive into how to get your foreign-born baby an Australian passport overseas. 

Jump ahead if you just need to renew an Australian Passport overseas. 

Can my baby born overseas get an Australian Passport? 

In a nutshell, yes. If they are already a citizen of Australia. 

Passports are physical evidence of our citizenship. They signal where we’re from and which government is responsible for us (both in times of good and bad) while travelling. 

A passport entitles you to enter other countries and participate in life in that country according to strict rules. We know these typically as visas. 

Without a passport, there’s no visa. And without a visa, there’s no accessing foreign countries. 

BUT. 

Without citizenship, there is no passport. 

Please don’t confuse citizenship and passports as being the same thing. They’re not. 

Your baby first needs to receive Australian citizenship. Then you can apply for an Australian passport on your baby’s behalf. 

How do I know if my baby is an Australian citizen?

If your baby was born in Australia to Australian parents, then your baby is an Australian citizen. Very easy. Thank you very much. 

On the other hand, of your baby was born overseas (as I imagine is the case or why else would you want to apply for an Australian passport overseas?), you need to apply to the Australian Government for Australian citizenship. 

Another layer of bureaucracy? You better believe it. 

If you haven’t done this, check out my guide to applying for Australian citizenship for your foreign-born baby.

When Australian citizenship is granted to your tiny person, you’ll receive one of these pretty certificates. Keep it safe. You’ll need it for the passport application. 

How to Apply for Baby’s First Australian Passport 

It’s time to pull out your paperwork and get the application process started. 

What’s a bureaucratic process without paperwork? 

Answer: A day well spent. Alas, this is a bureaucratic process, so let’s go. 

Australian bureaucracy is pretty straightforward. The entire application document is completed online.

At every stage of the process, the online system will give you handy explanations and tips to ensure you get it right the first time. 

But in the end, you still have to print it out and have it physically signed by both parents and a guarantor. 

You even get a mini craft project: glueing two photos of your beautiful baby onto the form. 

Step 1: Proof of Identity paperwork

Have your identity documents with you before you try to tackle the application forms. This will save you a lot of bother later on. 

Here’s a list of what you can expect to need:

• Birth certificate of your child.
  
• Proof of your child’s Australian citizenship. 
  
• Proof of your identity (birth certificate or passport). 
  
• Evidence of parent’s Australian citizenship (Birth Certificate, Passport or Certificate of Australian citizenship).
  
• Proof of any name changes for you or your child (including if you changed your name when you were married). 
  
• Evidence of your current address (Identity card in the country you’re currently residing in). 
  
• If relevant, any legal arrangements relating to your child’s care. 
  
• Other documents may be required depending on your child’s situation. 

If these documents were not granted in Australia, don’t forget that they must be translated to be accepted. 

Step 2: Find a Guarantor

Tara, what the heck is a Guarantor? 

I  know! It’s just bureaucracy-speak for a person who confirms your child’s identity.

This person has to be:

• An Australian citizen,
  
• Not related to your child in any way through birth or marriage,
  
• Not sharing an address with your child and
  
• Have known your child for at least 12 months (if your baby is less than 12 months old, then the guarantor must have known them since birth). 

It can be tough to find someone who meets these criteria while living abroad! 

If you absolutely don’t have any Australian friend or acquaintance in your new home, then you’ll need someone who is:

• of any nationality
  
• has known your child for at least 12 months (or their entire life if they’re under one year old)
  
• practices in one of the professions listed by your nearest Embassy.

If you’re in this camp, consider approaching your child’s paediatrician to confirm your child’s identity. Medical doctors are always trusted professionals and will likely have known your child since birth. 

What does a guarantor do?

The guarantor is a trusted, not-related-to-the-child adult who confirms that the child in the photo is really the child named on the application form.

The guarantor will need to be named on the passport application form, including identity and contact information. Your guarantor will have to sign both:

• The application form (once you’ve printed it out) and
  
• the back of the child’s photo.  

Given that you have to name the guarantor in the application forms, it’s best to ask them to be your guarantor before you start the process. 

It just speeds up things a little bit for you. 

Do I really need a guarantor for my passport application abroad?

Yes. You really do. 

I know it can be tough to find someone that meets these requirements when you’re living abroad. 

And I know that even if you do have someone who fits the bill, sometimes it can be a bit awkward asking them for their passport details. 

But the rules are clear: no guarantor, no passport application.

Step 3: Passport photo of your Australian  Baby

Again, in favour of having everything ready to go once you hit print on your application form, I recommend getting the passport photos of your cutie patootie first. 

Finding a service to complete this task for you should be easy enough. Getting your baby or toddler to cooperate with the process is another matter! 

Check the complete guide for Australian passport photos before submitting your application. 

The two things we struggled with the most in getting these photos done with our little ones were:

• having our infant’s eyes open and looking at the camera,
  
• convincing our toddler to stop smiling and to close her mouth,
  
• getting either of them to sit still for the photographer. 

It might take a few attempts and probably (most definitely) also a little bit of patience. 

Can I just take the passport photo myself? 

The Australian Passport Office recommends only using a professional photographer for passport photos. 

However. 

When I applied for my youngest’s first passport here in Germany, the professional photo was rejected. Why? Because she had a wide, open-mouthed smile on her face. 

Super cute but not passport appropriate. 

For the second photo, we took a dozen photos of her at home and uploaded them to a passport photo checking site online. It automatically removed the background and checked the quality of the photo against the passport requirements. 

IT WAS ACCEPTED. 

To be clear, I am not suggesting that you should ignore the official advice. It’s just me sharing a short cut I took when I was under pressure to email an updated photo for my daughter’s passport application (I desperately wanted to avoid a second trip to Berlin!).  

Here are the Australian Passport Office’s official photo requirements.

Step 4: Online Portal setup 

Now that you have a neat bundle of paper sitting next to you, you’re going to set up an online account with the Australian Passport Office.

Here, you can manage and complete the passport application for your baby. You can also use this account to manage your own passport renewals down the line.

You are required to set-up multi-factor security, so be prepared to receive verification codes to your primary email, your mobile phone and a secondary email address as well. 

Once you’re all done, your screen should look like this: 

Step 4: Complete the online application  

Select “Start renewal/ passport application” to get started.

On the first page, select that you will be lodging the application “Overseas” and that the application is for a “Child”. Press “Next”. 

Read through the instructions on this page and select “Accept” at the bottom. You will then see that the application form fields automatically populate on the left-hand side. 

Now, continue to fill-in the fields until you’re finished. 

Remember that you can always save your application and return to it later if you need to.

Step 5: Print, sign & book an appointment 

You’re done!

Print out all of the pages in regular black and white. 

Make sure both parents sign in the right places and have your guarantor sign the back of the photograph. 

As we’re applying for a child’s passport, you will have to lodge this application in person at your nearest Australian Consulate or Embassy. 

Annoying, I know, but it’s just this once. All renewal applications can be completed by post. 

Check the website of your nearest Australian embassy or consulate to make an appointment. 

Read my top tips to overcome homesickness as a parent living abroad.

Lodgement Costs

Some Embassies and Consulates will charge for their time for in-person applications. Bonkers given that you have to lodge the application in person, but there you go. Bureaucracy. 

It will vary between locations, but here in Berlin there’s a lodgement fee for a single application but is free to lodge more than one at a time.

Why?!

I don’t know. But to save myself the fee, I elected to lodge a passport renewal application for my older daughter at the same time. 

Yes, I still had to pay for the applications (of course!), but I avoided the additional fee for the Bureaucrats time.

That clerk position seems like a plum job. I want in!

How to Renew your child‘s Australian passport overseas 

If your Australian child needs a new passport because the expiry date is rapidly approaching, you will not have to personally attend an Australian Embassy or Consulate. 

Like applying for a new Australian passport for a foreign-born child, you will need to complete the application form online, print it off, have it signed and glue the photo of your child to it. 

The only difference is that you can apply by post rather than in person. 

So, to renew your child’s Australian passport overseas, follow the handy dandy 5-steps above. 

How much does it cost? 

Applying for an Australian passport overseas for your foreign-born baby will set you back $288 (that’s Australian dollars).

The cost is the same to renew your child’s Australian passport overseas. 

Additional fees may be charged in the following circumstances:

• Replacing a lost passport
  
• Requiring express processing and delivery
  
• Additional lodgement fees (dependent on your nearest Consulate or Embassy). 

These costs do not include:

• The price of passport photos
  
• Translation costs (if required)
  
• Transport to and from the Australian Consulate or Embassy to apply in person, or
  
• Postal costs when applying by mail.

Before lodging your application, please check the up-to-date prices with the Australian Passport Office. 

How long does it take? 

The Australian Passport Office advises that all applications for Australian Passports overseas are typically completed within 6 weeks. 

My experience was, surprisingly, even faster than that.

The renewed passport for my eldest was delivered to our door step within three weeks. 

The new passport for my foreign-born baby took a little longer because the photo we’d submitted was rejected. 

Once a new photo was submitted, the passport was delivered to us in a little more than two weeks. 

What if I’m travelling?

Express processing options are available for an additional fee. 

When completing the application form, include your planned travel date to ensure timely processing. 

However, we are dealing with a government agency. Despite their best efforts, sometimes they’re unable to stick to their expected time frames. 

Be as organised as possible! 

Get your application in nice and early to avoid any stress before your travel. 

How long is the passport valid? 

Children’s passports are valid for five years. 

For anyone over the age of 16, passports are valid for 10 years. 

Does my foreign-born baby need an Australian Passport? 

Technically, no. If your family plan to stay in your new country of residence and never cross it’s national borders, your baby will probably be fine without an Australian Passport. 

But. 

Anytime you plan to travel with your baby, then they will always need a valid passport. 

If your child is a citizen of more than one country, then maybe they will have a passport only from the other country. That’s ok. 

Reasons in favour of getting an Australian Passport Overseas for your child

1. Australian citizens must enter Australia with an Australian Passport. 

So, if you’re planning a trip to visit home and your little human is an Australian citizen, they need an Australian passport. 

If your family members are dual citizens like mine, the number of passports we need when travelling is a little crazy. We need 7 for the four of us (I’m the only non-dual national among us!). 

2. It may be required by local authorities in your current country of residence.

If your child holds only Australian citizenship, local authorities may require your child to have a passport as proof of identity.

Be sure to carefully check all requirements with the relevant government authority in your city or country of residence. 

3. Your child already has one but it will soon expire

It’s always easier to renew a passport than to start the process all over again. 

If your child already has an Australian passport, then simply renew it when the time comes. 

Reasons against getting an Australian Passport overseas for your child

The cost

Australian passports are expensive. And they need to be renewed every five years for children. 

That’s almost AU $300 every five years. 

Consider if there is any value in getting your child an Australian Passport.

If you’re not planning to travel to Australia and you’re not required to have one by local authorities, it may just be a very expensive book. 

For example, our children hold both German and Australian citizenship. When we travel around Europe, it is better to use their German passports. 

They only need their Australian passports to enter Australia.

That’s why my youngest didn’t have an Australian Passport until she was two years old – right before we return to Australia.

Placating the Passport Process 

So, now you’re ready to bombard this bureaucratic task.

Consider if there’s value in obtaining an Australian Passport overseas for your child. It is an expensive process. 

Have you applied for an Australian Passport overseas for your child? Let me know how it went in the comments. 

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