Life in Germany: Social Security System

A weekly series on the benefits of living in Germany

Why Germany’s Social Security System is a Real Advantage

1. Comprehensive coverage

from birth to retirement, Germany’s social security system is built on five pillars:

• Health insurance

• Long-term care insurance

• Pension insurance

• Unemployment insurance

• Accident insurance

2. Shared contributions

The system is based on solidarity: employer and employee share most contributions (health, pension, care, unemployment). Long-term care contributions vary depending on family situation—childless employees over 23 pay a bit more. Employers cover accident insurance entirely.

3. High-quality healthcare access

Public health insurance (GKV) is mandatory for most residents and covers doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, therapies, and preventive checkups. Long-term care insurance provides support in case of illness or age-related care needs. Read more here.

4. Pension security

Germany’s pension insurance builds a foundation for retirement security. Contributions are based on income, meaning your benefits increase with your earnings and years of contribution. More information here.

5. Financial safety net during unemployment

If you lose your job, unemployment insurance provides financial support. After 12 months of contributions, you may receive 60%–67% of your last net salary, alongside job-seeking advice and training opportunities.

6. Protection against work-related accidents

Statutory accident insurance covers medical care, rehabilitation, and compensation after workplace accidents or occupational illnesses. Contributions are fully paid by the employer.

7. Extra support for families and individuals

• Germany also offers additional benefits such as:

• Child benefit (Kindergeld) and parental allowance (Elterngeld)

• Maternity and sickness benefits

• Housing allowance

• Citizen’s allowance (Bürgergeld) for job seekers

  
  

Germany's social security system provides a solid safety net for nearly every stage of life—ensuring health, stability, and peace of mind. It’s one of the key reasons why living in Germany is such a valuable choice.

Next week in our series: Work-Life Balance & Labor Rights in Germany

𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐥ä𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐡ö𝐫𝐝𝐞

As of July 14, 2025, printed biometric passport photos will no longer be accepted at major immigration authorities in Germany.

This change is part of the Act to Strengthen Security in Passport and ID Systems, which came into force on May 1, 2025

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰:

Starting mid-July, biometric photos must be submitted digitally, either:

Taken directly on-site at immigration offices using PointID self-service kiosks (fee: €6), or

Provided digitally via certified photo studios or drugstores, which securely transmit the image and issue a QR code to bring to your appointment (the QR Code is valid for 1 month)

Printed photos are no longer accepted at the Ausländerbehörde or Bürgeramt 𝐛𝐮𝐭:

𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬:

Technical issues have occurred at some locations during the initial phase.

Until local systems are fully operational, applicants are strongly advised to bring a printed backup photo or schedule for a studio visit that can generate a QR code in advance

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐁𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧 – 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚ß𝐞

At the Berlin BIS location in Fasanenstraße, the transition is already fully implemented:

Only digital photos are accepted.

No printed photos whatsoever are allowed.

Important tip for families: We recommend having the biometric photos for smaller children taken well in advance and submitting them digitally. This saves time and reduces stress during the appointment.

Tax Return Time in Germany? Don’t go it alone!

Filing your taxes here isn’t just smart—it’s often mandatory.

To avoid stress (and fines!), it’s best to get help from the pros.

We explain why working with a certified Steuerberater is worth it—and even share a list of English-speaking tax advisors to make the process easier.

Click here to read the full article.