Mobile phone contracts in Germany: prepaid, contracts and cancelling

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Germany has three mobile networks, run by Telekom, Vodafone and O2 (Telefónica), plus the newer network of 1&1. Dozens of cheaper brands rent capacity on them. The network decides the reception, the brand decides the price.

Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.

Step by step

1. Choose between prepaid and contract

   With prepaid you load credit and use it up, or book a monthly package that you can stop at any time. A contract (Vertrag, also called postpaid) bills you monthly and ties you for a minimum term, often with a phone included.

   Done

2. Check the reception where you live and work

   Coverage differs between the networks, above all in the countryside and on trains. Ask neighbours and colleagues or look at the coverage maps of the three large networks before you choose.

   Done

3. Bring your identity document

   Every SIM card must be registered to a person. You show your passport, identity card or residence permit in the shop, in a video call after buying online, or at a post office (Postident). A tolerated stay permit is accepted too.

   Done

4. Expect a credit check for a contract

   Providers ask Schufa before they give a contract. Newcomers without a credit history are sometimes refused or asked for a deposit. Prepaid has no credit check. More in Schufa in Germany: what it is and how to get your free report.

   Done

5. Read the term and the price after the first months

   Look at the minimum term (Mindestlaufzeit), the data allowance, and whether the price goes up after an introductory period. Contracts with a phone are mostly more expensive than buying the phone separately.

   Done

6. Know how to cancel

   For contracts made since 1 March 2022: after the minimum term the contract runs on, and you can cancel at any time with one month's notice. Older contracts renewed for a full year if you missed the deadline of three months. Cancel in writing or with the cancel button (Kündigungsbutton) on the provider's website, and keep the confirmation.

   Done

7. Take your number with you

   When you change provider you can keep your number (Rufnummernmitnahme). Ask the new provider to arrange it. It is free of charge.

   Done

Good to know

In the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein you use your allowance as at home without roaming charges. Switzerland, the UK and Turkey are not automatically included, so check before you travel.

Phone insurance is rarely worth the money, according to Handbook Germany.

Shops in pedestrian zones and people at the door sell contracts with extras you do not need. You do not have to sign on the spot. Contracts made by phone or online can be withdrawn within 14 days.

For the direct debit you need a bank account: how to open a bank account in Germany as a newcomer.

In short: Prepaid for a start, check reception, identity check, Schufa for contracts, read term and price, cancel with one month's notice after the minimum term, keep your number.