moving to germany

YOUR Complete Guide to Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany is an exciting but often complex journey, particularly for non-EU citizens. This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for a smooth, stress-free relocation. We cover essential steps like visa applications, securing accommodation, understanding health insurance, and opening a German bank account.

Discover how to find a job in Germany’s thriving sectors, obtain your residence permit, and access public services. You’ll also get insights into cultural integration, cost of living in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, and valuable tips for a successful transition. Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, freelancer, or moving to Germany with family, this guide provides the up-to-date, reliable information you need to start your new life with confidence and clarity.

Before You Move

Prepare Your Budget and Finances

Before actually moving to Germany, it’s crucial to have a solid financial foundation. Germany has varying costs of living depending on the city, with major cities like Munich and Frankfurt being more expensive than smaller towns. Plan for initial expenses including visa fees, flights, temporary accommodation, health insurance, and living costs for at least the first 3-6 months.

Consider opening a multi-currency account or ensuring your current bank has favorable international transfer rates, as you’ll need to move funds to Germany. Research the cost of living in your target city and factor in security deposits for apartments, which typically require 2-3 months’ rent upfront.

Find a Job or University Admission

Securing employment or university admission before moving to Germany significantly simplifies the visa process. Germany’s strong economy offers excellent opportunities, particularly in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. For job seekers, popular platforms include Arbeitnow specifically designed for international professionals, LinkedIn, StepStone, Indeed Germany, and Xing which is the German professional network. If you’re pursuing education, ensure your chosen program meets visa requirements and provides necessary documentation for your student visa application.

Choose the Right Visa for Your Situation

Selecting the correct visa is critical for a successful move. The Employment Visa is designed for those with a job offer from a German employer, while the EU Blue Card targets highly skilled workers with university degrees and high salary offers. The new Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) uses a points-based system for job seekers, and the Student Visa serves enrolled university students. Other options include the Freelancer Visa for self-employed individuals, Family Reunification Visa for joining family members in Germany, and the Job Seekers Visa which allows searching for employment within Germany.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, and the US can enter visa-free for 90 days and apply for residence permits within Germany, though applying beforehand is often recommended.

Understand Visa Processing Timelines and Requirements

Visa processing can take several weeks to months, so apply early. Requirements typically include a valid passport, completed application forms, biometric photos, proof of financial solvency, health insurance coverage, educational certificates often requiring apostille, employment contract or university admission letter, and language proficiency certificates depending on visa type. Schedule your appointment at the German consulate well in advance, as slots fill quickly in many locations.

Secure Expat Health Insurance

Health insurance is legally mandatory in Germany and essential for visa approval. You can choose between public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) for employees and students, private health insurance for freelancers, high earners, or those not eligible for public insurance, or expat/travel insurance for temporary coverage during the initial period. Popular providers include TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) for public insurance and Feather Expat Insurance for international coverage.

Book Your Flight and Plan Logistics

Once your visa is approved and you’re ready for moving to Germany, book your flight and plan your arrival logistics. Consider whether to ship belongings versus buying new items in Germany, temporary storage solutions if needed, airport pickup or transportation to your accommodation, and immediate necessities for your first few days.

Arrange Temporary Accommodation with Anmeldung

This is perhaps the most critical step when moving to Germany. You must secure accommodation that allows address registration (Anmeldung), as this is required for obtaining a residence permit, tax ID, and bank account. Never commit to accommodation that doesn’t permit Anmeldung registration. Recommended short to mid-term providers include Smartments, Wunderflats, Spotahome, Habyt, and HousingAnywhere. Book your Anmeldung appointment at the local registration office (Bürgeramt) before arrival, as these appointments can have long waiting times.

Learn Basic German Language Skills

While many Germans speak English, especially in major cities and professional environments, learning basic German will significantly ease your transition. Focus on common greetings and polite expressions, numbers and basic shopping vocabulary, directions and transportation terms, and essential phrases for bureaucratic processes. Consider online courses, apps like Duolingo or Babbel, or local German classes in your home country.

Prepare Pets and Family for the Move

If bringing pets, research Germany’s import requirements, including pet passports, vaccination requirements, microchipping, health certificates, and quarantine regulations. For family members, ensure all necessary visas and documentation are prepared, including translated and apostilled documents for children’s school enrollment.

After Arrival in Germany

Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

You must register your address within 14 days of arrival after moving to Germany. This registration is fundamental to everything else in Germany. Bring your valid passport, completed registration form (Anmeldung form), rental contract or landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), and registration certificate from previous German address if applicable. Without Anmeldung, you cannot open bank accounts, get health insurance, or apply for residence permits.

Apply for a Residence Permit

If you entered visa-free or need to convert your visa to a residence permit, apply within 90 days at the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde). Required documents typically include your passport and visa, Anmeldung certificate, employment contract or university enrollment, health insurance proof, financial documents, and biometric photos.

Open a German Bank Account

A German bank account is essential for salary payments, rent, and avoiding foreign transaction fees. Online banks like N26 offer fully digital services with English interface, bunq is a Dutch bank operating in Germany, and DKB provides online services though some German may be required. Traditional banks include Deutsche Bank with international presence, Sparkasse local savings banks, and Commerzbank. You’ll typically need your passport, Anmeldung certificate, and employment contract or student enrollment proof.

Switch to German Health Insurance

If you used temporary expat insurance for your visa, switch to German health insurance once employed or enrolled. Your employer will typically help with public insurance enrollment. Self-employed individuals and high earners may choose private insurance.

Set Up Your New Home (Utilities, Internet, Phone)

Essential services to arrange include electricity where you can compare providers through comparison websites, gas which is often bundled with electricity, internet with popular providers including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and 1&1, mobile phone service from major networks like Telekom, Vodafone, and O2, and waste management which is usually included in rent but should be verified with your landlord.

Obtain Your Tax ID and Social Security Number

Your employer will help obtain these essential numbers after moving to Germany including your Tax ID (Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer) required for employment and Social Security Number for contributions to Germany’s social system. These are typically processed automatically once you’re registered and employed.

Get Essential Insurances (e.g. Liability, Contents)

Beyond health insurance, consider personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) which is highly recommended and relatively inexpensive, contents insurance (Hausratversicherung) to protect personal belongings, and legal insurance which can be helpful for contract disputes.

Understand Transportation Options

Germany has excellent public transportation including local transport with buses, trams, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn systems, regional transport with regional trains connecting cities, and national transport through Deutsche Bahn for long-distance travel. The Deutschland-Ticket offers nationwide public transport for €49/month. Consider whether you need a car based on your location and lifestyle.

Start Learning German (Language & Integration Courses)

Germany offers integration courses (Integrationskurse) for newcomers, combining language learning with cultural education. These courses are often subsidized or free for certain visa holders. Check with your local Volkshochschule (adult education center) or private language schools.

Connect with the Community and Make Friends

Building a social network is crucial for successful integration. Join expat groups and international communities, attend local events and festivals, participate in sports clubs or hobby groups, use apps like Meetup or Bumble BFF, consider volunteering opportunities, and engage with colleagues and neighbors.

Work and Career in Germany

Overview of the Job Market

Moving to Germany opens doors to Europe’s largest economy with a robust job market characterized by low unemployment rates, strong worker protections, excellent work-life balance, comprehensive benefits including vacation time, sick pay, and parental leave, and opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

In-Demand Sectors and Skills

High-demand sectors include Information Technology covering software development, cybersecurity, and data science, Engineering in mechanical, electrical, automotive, and renewable energy fields, Healthcare including doctors, nurses, and medical technicians, Finance encompassing banking, insurance, and fintech, Manufacturing which forms Germany’s industrial backbone, and Research and Development particularly in automotive and technology sectors.

Job Hunting Platforms and Resources

Key platforms for international job seekers include Arbeitnow specifically designed for international professionals, LinkedIn with its extensive German professional network, StepStone as a major German job portal, Indeed Germany offering a wide range of opportunities, Xing as the German equivalent of LinkedIn, and The Local Germany which focuses on English-speaking roles.

Requirements for Skilled Workers

Skilled workers must typically have recognized professional qualifications, a concrete job offer from a German employer, sufficient German language skills varying by profession, proof of financial solvency, and a clean criminal record. Certain regulated professions require additional licensing or recognition procedures.

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Moving to Germany became easier with the new points-based immigration system that allows skilled workers to search for jobs or have their qualifications recognized. Points are awarded based on qualifications, professional experience, age, German language skills, and connection to Germany. This card allows a stay of up to one year for job searching.

Fast-Track Application for Skilled Workers

The Fast-Track procedure accelerates visa processing for skilled workers when certain prerequisites are met, including pre-approved recognition of qualifications and employer cooperation in the process.

Housing in Germany

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Housing

Short-term options for stays of 1-6 months include furnished apartments through Smartments and Wunderflats, extended stay hotels, Airbnb where local regulations permit, and student housing for enrolled students. Long-term options include rental apartments through ImmoScout24, shared apartments (WG) via WG-Gesucht, and purchasing property for permanent residents.

Using Sites Like ImmoScout24 and WG-Gesucht

ImmoScout24 is Germany’s largest property portal requiring a detailed profile creation, and premium membership increases visibility, though expect high competition for good properties. WG-Gesucht specializes in shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaft) offering more affordable options, good opportunities for language practice and social integration, and varied living arrangements from students to professionals.

Understanding Anmeldung Requirements

Always verify that your chosen accommodation allows Anmeldung registration when moving to Germany. Landlords must provide a confirmation letter (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Some short-term accommodations or sublets may not permit registration, making them unsuitable for visa holders.

Tips for Navigating the Housing Market

Prepare a comprehensive application package (Bewerbungsmappe) including income proof, Schufa credit report, and employer reference. Be prepared to view apartments quickly and decide fast, consider using a housing agent for competitive markets, and understand German rental terms distinguishing between Kaltmiete (cold rent) and Warmmiete (warm rent including utilities).

German Bureaucracy & Essentials

Visa Types and Application Process

Moving to Germany requires navigating a comprehensive visa system catering to various circumstances including Schengen visas for short-term stays up to 90 days, national visas for long-term stays exceeding 90 days, and multiple entry visas for frequent travelers. The application process involves documentation, biometric data collection, and processing times varying by visa type and applicant’s nationality.

Residence Permits and Legal Requirements

After arrival, most non-EU citizens must convert their visa to a residence permit, which involves application at local Foreigners’ Office, comprehensive documentation, potential interview process, regular renewal requirements, and compliance with employment and reporting obligations.

Understanding the Schufa Credit Report

Schufa is Germany’s primary credit reporting agency affecting apartment rental applications, mobile phone contracts, bank account openings, and loan applications. Build good credit by paying bills on time and avoiding debt. You can request your free annual Schufa report to monitor your score.

German Banking Options (e.g. N26, DKB, bunq)

Digital banks offer convenience and English support with N26 providing fully digital services and excellent mobile app, DKB offering free accounts with good international features, and bunq as a European bank with innovative features. Traditional banks include Deutsche Bank with extensive branch network and international services, Sparkasse offering local expertise and widespread ATM access, and Commerzbank providing comprehensive business and personal banking.

Healthcare System (Public vs. Private)

Germany operates a dual healthcare system with public insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) covering about 85% of residents and offering comprehensive coverage with income-based premiums, while private insurance (Private Krankenversicherung) provides potentially better service and shorter waiting times but with higher costs and stricter eligibility requirements. The healthcare quality is universally high with many English-speaking doctors available in major cities.

Cost of Living in Germany

Average Salaries and Taxes

Germany has a progressive tax system funding excellent public services. Average salaries vary significantly by sector and location, with IT and engineering commanding higher wages. Tax rates increase with income, but comprehensive social benefits including unemployment insurance, health coverage, and pension contributions provide substantial value.

Monthly Expenses by City

Monthly expenses vary dramatically across German cities. Munich and Frankfurt are among the most expensive for housing, while cities like Leipzig and Dresden offer more affordable living. Typical monthly expenses include rent ranging from €400-1500 depending on location and size, utilities averaging €150-250, groceries around €200-300, transportation €60-100 with public transit passes, and entertainment and dining varying widely based on lifestyle.

Comparison: Major Cities vs. Smaller Towns

Major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg offer extensive job opportunities, vibrant cultural scenes, international communities, and excellent public transportation for those moving to Germany, but come with higher living costs and competitive housing markets. Smaller towns and mid-sized cities provide lower cost of living, closer community feel, easier housing access, and often shorter commutes, though with fewer international job opportunities and smaller expat communities.

Life in Germany

Cultural Integration and Social Life

German culture values punctuality, direct communication, environmental consciousness, and work-life balance. Social integration often occurs through structured activities like sports clubs, hobby groups, and community organizations. Germans typically separate work and personal life clearly, and building friendships may take time but tends to result in deep, lasting relationships.

Understanding German Work Culture

German work culture emphasizes efficiency, punctuality, thorough planning, and direct communication. Meetings start on time, decisions are made methodically, and there’s strong respect for expertise and qualifications. Work-life balance is highly valued with generous vacation time, sick leave, and parental leave policies. Hierarchies exist but are generally less rigid than in some other countries.

Benefits of Living in Germany (Vacation, Sick Pay, etc.)

Germany offers exceptional worker benefits including minimum 20 vacation days annually with many receiving 25-30 days, unlimited sick pay for extended periods, comprehensive parental leave with job protection, strong unemployment benefits, excellent healthcare coverage, robust pension system, and significant investment in public infrastructure and education.

Popular Cities for Expats (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt)

Berlin attracts expats with its vibrant startup scene, rich cultural life, relatively affordable living costs, and strong international community. Munich offers high quality of life, proximity to Alps, strong job market especially in technology and automotive, though with higher living costs. Frankfurt serves as a financial hub with many international companies, excellent transport connections, and significant expat population, particularly in banking and finance sectors.

Family, Education, and Long-Term Residency

Bringing Family Members (Family Reunification Visa)

Family reunification allows bringing spouses, children, and sometimes parents to Germany. Requirements include proof of relationship, adequate housing, sufficient financial resources, and basic German language skills for some family members. The process can be lengthy and requires careful documentation, but Germany generally supports family unity for legal residents.

Education and Training Opportunities

Moving to Germany opens access to excellent educational opportunities including world-renowned universities with low or no tuition fees, extensive vocational training programs combining classroom learning with practical experience, adult education through Volkshochschulen, and professional development opportunities. The dual education system is particularly strong, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

Pathways to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Permanent residency is typically available after 5 years of legal residence, with reduced requirements for highly skilled workers and graduates. German citizenship can be obtained after 8 years of residence (6 years with integration course completion), requiring German language proficiency, financial stability, clean criminal record, and basic knowledge of German society and legal system. Germany increasingly allows dual citizenship, making the transition more attractive for many immigrants.