Germany’s Most Efficient Cities for Expats and Students: Frankfurt and Nuremberg Lead in Digital Public Services
New study by Gisma University of Applied Sciences highlights where bureaucracy is least painful in Germany’s biggest cities
Potsdam, Germany – For anyone moving to Germany to live, work, or study, dealing with paperwork at local government offices is one of the first – and most stressful – experiences. A new study by Gisma University of Applied Sciences now reveals which major German cities make that process faster and easier through digital services. Frankfurt and Nuremberg top the list as the most digital-friendly cities when it comes to accessing public services like residence registration, official certificates, and even pet tax.
The ranking compares citizen service offices (Bürgerämter) in Germany’s 20 largest cities, evaluating the digital availability of 11 essential services. The study found major differences between cities – some offer smooth online workflows, while others still rely heavily on paper and in-person appointments. Two points were awarded for fully digital services and one point for services where applications could be submitted by email. Half points were awarded if individual partial services were available digitally, but the corresponding overall service could not be carried out completely digitally — for example, if the registration for dog tax is available digitally, but the deregistration is not.
Frankfurt and Nuremberg: Germany’s Digital Bureaucracy Champions
Frankfurt and Nuremberg each scored 18 out of a possible 22 points in the digitalization index. Both cities offer a wide range of fully online services, including address registration, document certification, and residence-related tax filings. These are precisely the touchpoints international newcomers encounter first – and in these two cities, much of it can be done from home. Stuttgart follows closely with 17.5 points and is one of the few cities that allows a completely digital driver’s license application. Munich, which ranked highest in 2024, drops slightly to fourth place with 17 points.
Still Stuck in the Past: Cities With High Bureaucratic Burdens
At the lower end of the ranking are cities like Duisburg (6 points), Bremen (8), and Wuppertal (9). In these locations, many services still require paper forms, in-person appointments, or postal delivery. Wuppertal even declined three points from last year – a warning sign for newcomers expecting smoother service.
Frankfurt Sees Fastest Digital Progress
Frankfurt not only leads the ranking, but also made the biggest leap forward: the city added 8 points compared to 2024 thanks to new online processes for housing registration, driver’s licenses, and other essential services. The improvements in Hamburg, Essen and Bonn (each up five points) and Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Münster (up four points) are also worth mentioning. Across all 20 cities, the total score rose from 210.5 to 259.5 points – a clear signal of nationwide digital progress.
Prof. Dr. Peter Konhäusner, Professor of Digital Entrepreneurship and Academic Vice President at Gisma University of Applied Sciences, comments on the results: “Anyone who moves to a new country quickly realizes how crucial the first administrative steps are – registering an address, applying for documents, accessing local services. These seemingly simple processes often shape a person’s first impression of their new home. Our latest study reveals that Germany is making real progress in digitalizing these services – but success depends heavily on the city. Frankfurt and Nuremberg are sending a powerful signal: bureaucracy in Germany doesn’t have to mean paperwork, long queues or outdated procedures. Their digital systems offer clarity, speed, and accessibility – all essential for international professionals, students, and families who want to start their new lives smoothly and confidently. At Gisma, we see daily how important administrative efficiency is for global talent. That’s why we believe digital infrastructure is not just a technical matter – it’s a social one.”
About the study
The Gisma University of Applied Sciences compared the online services offered by citizens’ offices in the 20 largest German cities. The private university selected eleven services that are frequently used by citizens and determined in which citizens’ offices these services are offered online. Two points were awarded for services offered online and one point for the option of submitting applications or documents by email. Half a point was awarded if a registration or deregistration (e.g. dog tax) could be applied for online, but the respective counterpart could only be applied for in writing, and zero points were awarded for services that can only be completed by post or on site.
The following services were analyzed between 19 and 26 March 2025 March 2025 were examined: “Register or re-register residence”, ‘Apply for an identity card, passport, or children’s passport’, ‘Apply for a registration certificate’, ‘Order documents (marriage, birth, civil partnership or death certificates) and certified copies’, ‘Register and deregister dog tax’, “Registering, changing or deregistering a business”, ‘Trades – entry in the register of trades similar to crafts’, ‘Catering trade – apply for a permit’, ‘Apply for a travel trade license’, ‘Certification of copies’ and ‘Apply for a driving license’.