Compare DSL, fiber and cable internet providers to find the best home internet plan for your address.
(Affiliate Link)Compare mobile tariffs, data plans and SIM card options from German providers.
(Affiliate Link)SIM Cards and Mobile Contracts in Germany
Germany offers prepaid and postpaid mobile services. Both are available as a physical SIM card or eSIM, but the requirements and approval process can differ depending on the provider and your residence status.
Which Mobile Plans Are Available in Germany?
Choose between flexible prepaid options and monthly contracts. The best option depends on how long you plan to stay, your credit history, and whether you need a smartphone.
Prepaid Plans
You pay before using the service. Prepaid plans are usually easy to obtain and often do not require a credit check.
Advantages
- No long-term commitment
- Usually no credit check
- Strong cost control
- Suitable for tourists and newcomers
Keep in mind
- Regular top-ups may be required
- Some packages run for 28 days
- Fewer device financing options
Postpaid Contracts
You receive a monthly invoice or the amount is collected automatically from your bank account.
Requirements for a SIM Card or Mobile Contract
EU Citizens
- Valid national identity card or passport
- German address or another plausible address during your stay
- Registration certificate if requested
- Email address and contact details
- For postpaid plans, a SEPA-compatible bank account may be requested
EU citizens generally do not need a German residence permit. If an automated identification system does not support your ID card, verification in a shop or with a passport may work instead.
Non-EU Citizens
- Valid passport
- Residence permit or residence card where applicable
- German address or another verifiable address
- Registration certificate if requested
- For postpaid plans, a SEPA-compatible bank account and credit check may be required
A residence permit is not always legally required for a prepaid SIM card. The provider must, however, be able to verify your identity reliably.
Postpaid applications may require more
Providers may also check your age, delivery address, residence status, payment method, and creditworthiness. Applications can be rejected because of missing credit history, inconsistent address information, or existing payment arrears. A prepaid SIM usually remains available.
SIM Verification for Foreign Nationals
Prepaid SIM cards must be verified before activation. The available method depends on the provider and the identification service it uses.
VideoIdent
Complete the identity check by video call using a supported identity document.
PostIdent
Verify your identity at a participating post office with your original document.
Retail Store
Show your identity document in a provider shop or authorised retail store.
Electronic ID
Use the online ID function of a compatible identity card or residence permit.
Delivery Verification
Some providers verify your identity when the SIM card or contract documents are delivered.
Automated Verification
Upload and scan your document through an automated electronic identification system.
What if your passport does not show an address?
Providers may ask for a registration certificate, rental agreement, landlord confirmation, hotel address, student residence, employer accommodation, or a foreign address if no German address is available. The address must be truthful and you must be reachable there.
Physical SIM Card vs. eSIM
Physical SIM Card
A physical SIM stores the network profile and is inserted into your device. Nano-SIM is the standard format today.
- Works with most mobile phones
- Often supplied as a triple-cut SIM
- Easy to move between compatible devices
eSIM
The mobile profile is stored digitally and activated through a QR code or the provider’s app.
- No plastic card required
- Quick plan or provider changes
- Ideal for dual-SIM use
- Useful for tablets and smartwatches
Do Foreign Nationals Need a German Bank Account?
Prepaid: usually no German bank account required
Prepaid credit can often be topped up using vouchers, credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, provider apps, supermarkets, or mobile phone stores.
Postpaid: strongly recommended
Many providers prefer or require payment through a SEPA-compatible bank account. A German account is not legally required in every case, but technical and contractual restrictions may still occur.
FAQ About SIM Cards and Mobile Contracts
Can foreigners buy a German prepaid SIM card?
Yes. EU and non-EU nationals can generally buy a prepaid SIM card. Identity verification is mandatory before activation, and the provider must be able to verify your document and address information.
Do I need a German registered address?
If you live in Germany and are legally required to register your residence, you should normally use your official German registered address. Tourists may often provide the address where they can be reached during their stay, such as a hotel.
Can I get a SIM card with a foreign passport?
Usually yes, provided the provider or identification service supports the document. If an automated system rejects it, try a different identification method, use a passport instead of an ID card, visit a shop, or choose another provider.
Why was my postpaid contract rejected?
Possible reasons include a negative credit record, no German credit history, inconsistent addresses, short residence duration, payment arrears, or too many recent applications. A prepaid plan may still be available.
Is a residence permit required for a prepaid SIM?
Not always. The decisive requirement is reliable identity verification. Some providers may still request additional residence documents depending on their verification process.
What is the minimum age for a mobile contract?
You generally need to be at least 18 to enter into a postpaid contract independently. Some providers offer prepaid products for teenagers, often from age 16, but this is a provider policy rather than a universal legal minimum.
Does unused prepaid credit expire?
Unused credit generally does not disappear simply because the SIM card is deactivated. After the contract ends, customers can usually request reimbursement of the remaining balance.
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM?
eSIM is convenient for quick activation, dual-SIM use, and devices such as tablets or smartwatches. A physical SIM may be easier to move between devices and is supported by a wider range of phones.
Home Internet and Wi-Fi in Germany
German households can choose between DSL, fiber, cable, mobile home internet, and satellite connections. The right option depends on availability at your address, the required speed, and how long you plan to stay.
Which Home Internet Plans Are Available in Germany?
These are the five main types of home internet connections available in Germany.
DSL / VDSL
DSL uses the traditional telephone line and is available in almost every part of Germany.
Advantages
- Widely available
- Stable connection
- Affordable plans
- Suitable for home office use
Keep in mind
Actual speed depends on the distance from the nearest street cabinet or exchange.
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber internet transmits data through fiber-optic cables directly to the building or apartment.
Advantages
- Extremely fast
- Very low latency
- Excellent for remote work
- Ideal for gaming and streaming
- Future-proof technology
Keep in mind
Fiber is not yet available everywhere, and landlord approval may be required for a new building connection.
Cable Internet
Cable internet uses the television cable network and is available in many cities.
Advantages
- High download speeds
- Often cheaper than fiber
- Suitable for streaming and families
Keep in mind
Speeds may decrease during busy evening hours because nearby households share the available bandwidth.
5G / LTE Home Internet
The router receives the internet connection through the mobile network instead of a telephone or cable line.
Advantages
- Usually ready to use immediately
- No technician required
- Ideal for temporary accommodation
- Good for students and newcomers
Keep in mind
Performance depends on local mobile network coverage and may fluctuate.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is delivered through a satellite dish and is available even in remote areas.
Suitable for
- Remote or rural locations
- Homes without DSL, cable, or fiber
Recommendation
Use satellite internet only when no practical wired or mobile alternative is available.
Is Wi-Fi Included in German Rental Apartments?
The tenant normally arranges and pays for the internet contract.
The landlord usually provides only the technical infrastructure, such as a telephone line, cable connection, fiber connection, or connection point inside the apartment.
What the Landlord Usually Provides
- Telephone connection
- Cable connection
- Fiber connection, if installed
- Technical access point inside the apartment
What the Tenant Usually Arranges
- Choice of internet provider
- Internet tariff and speed
- Internet service contract
- Router purchase or rental
- Monthly internet payments
When is internet sometimes included?
Internet is more commonly included in student residences, furnished apartments, serviced apartments, temporary worker accommodation, Airbnb properties, and shared apartments.
Internet Routers for Your Home
A router connects your internet line to your Wi-Fi network and allows your phones, computers, televisions, and other devices to access the internet.
Buy a Router
You purchase your own compatible router and use it with your internet contract.
- Lower long-term cost
- No monthly rental fee
- More control over the device
- Can often be reused with another provider
Rent a Router
The provider supplies the router for an additional monthly fee.
- Simple setup
- Technical support from the provider
- Replacement if the router fails
- Suitable for short-term residents
Router Freedom in Germany
Customers are generally free to use their own compatible router instead of renting one from the internet provider.
What Types of Internet Contracts Are Available?
24-Month Contract
The traditional option with a long minimum contract period.
Monthly Cancelable Contract
A flexible internet plan that can generally be cancelled each month.
No Minimum Term
Some providers offer flexible plans without a fixed minimum contract period.
How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?
Browsing, video calls, streaming, and everyday use.
Several devices, streaming, remote work, and gaming.
Multiple remote workers, 4K streaming, cloud work, and gaming.
| Connection | Typical Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| DSL | Approximately €25–45 |
| Cable | Approximately €30–50 |
| Fiber | Approximately €35–70 |
| 5G Home Internet | Approximately €30–60 |
Additional fees may apply for activation, router rental, shipping, or installation.
Requirements for an Internet Contract
Requirements vary by provider and contract type. Foreign nationals may be asked for additional documents or payment security.
Identity and Address
- Valid passport or national identity card
- German residential or installation address
- Registration certificate if requested
- Residence permit in some cases
Payment Method
- German or SEPA-compatible bank account
- SEPA direct debit authorization
- Security deposit in some cases
- Advance payment may be requested
Credit Check
- Schufa assessment may be carried out
- New arrivals may have no German credit history
- Alternative plans may be offered after rejection
- Flexible mobile internet may be easier to obtain
Technician Access
- Often required for DSL or fiber activation
- Someone must be present in the apartment
- Another person can sometimes be authorized
- Missed appointments may delay activation
How Do You Set Up Internet in a New Apartment?
Check Availability
Check which connection types and providers are available at your exact address.
Choose a Provider and Plan
Compare speed, monthly cost, minimum term, router fees, and cancellation rules.
Sign the Contract
Submit your identity, address, and payment information to the provider.
Receive the Router
The provider sends the router or you connect your own compatible device.
Activate the Connection
A technician appointment may be necessary. Activation can take several days or several weeks.
Before You Sign a Contract
- Check internet availability before renting an apartment.
- Ask whether Wi-Fi is already included in the rent.
- Ask whether fiber-optic internet is available in the building.
- Choose a monthly cancelable plan for a short stay.
- Consider 5G home internet if you need an immediate connection.
- Choose fiber or fast cable internet for regular remote work and streaming.
- Check whether a technician appointment is required.
FAQ About Wi-Fi and Home Internet in Germany
Is internet normally included in the rent?
No. In most German rental apartments, the tenant chooses the provider, signs the internet contract, and pays the monthly charges.
How long does internet activation take?
Activation may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Mobile home internet is often available immediately, while DSL and fiber may require a technician appointment.
Do I need a router?
Yes. A router connects the internet line to your Wi-Fi network and allows your devices to access the connection.
Should I buy or rent a router?
Buying is usually cheaper over the long term. Renting can be more convenient because the provider offers support and normally replaces a defective device.
Do I need a German bank account?
Most providers use SEPA direct debit. A German account is helpful, but another compatible European SEPA account may also be accepted.
Can an internet provider reject my application?
Yes. A provider may reject an application after a credit check, particularly when there is a negative Schufa record or no established German credit history.
What happens when I move to another address?
Many internet contracts can be transferred to a new address. If the contracted service is unavailable there, you may under certain conditions have a right to terminate the contract early.
Is 50 Mbps enough?
For one or two people, 50 Mbps is usually sufficient for browsing, video calls, and regular streaming. Larger households and remote workers may benefit from 100 Mbps or more.
Is 5G home internet a good option?
Yes, especially for temporary accommodation or when a fast wired connection is not yet available. Performance depends on mobile network coverage at the address.
Compare DSL, fiber and cable internet providers to find the best home internet plan for your address.
(Affiliate Link)Compare mobile tariffs, data plans and SIM card options from German providers.
(Affiliate Link)