Moving to Germany

Summary: Expats and digital nomads move to Germany for its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and strong economy. Germany is also known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse landscape. People looking for a place to live in Germany can search online for rental properties, or contact a real estate agent for assistance. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in Germany are Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. These cities offer a wide range of activities, attractions, and amenities for expats and digital nomads.

What do I need to know before moving to Germany?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Germany, they said:

"If you have the luxury of talking to a co-worker that is local to the area, that is a huge first step in identifying appropriate areas to live (depending on what your looking for). Their knowledge will both cut down your time of searching, and give you a comfort level that your making the right choice. Local banking options and doctors were also important to us in choosing our location. If your company is moving you, I have found that very few people from your HR department that are helping you have ever been through this sort of relocation. So sometimes their advice falls short. You will find you have to do more work than you thought you would. Use all the resources you can get your hands on to help organize the move, internet, books, etc. Create a timeline for what needs to be packed up at your home and when. Keep critical documents on your person during your move (briefcase or backpack). Many places you repeatedly need copies of passport, marriage certificate, drivers license. Also keep a master phone list of movers names, numbers and email addresses," said one expat in Sandhausen.

"Save up your money, find out when all the registerations take place for schools (usually in Jan.). Moving really sucks so find a place you really like and take your time. Visit the places at all hours of the day to check out the traffic and activity in the neighborhood. Plus ask to see the last 2 years of utility bills. Check out the yards and basements carefully," said one expat who made the move to Hillerse.

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How do I find a place to live in Germany?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Live near my wife's work, so the commute is walk-able, 1 mile, even in winter. We are on the subway line so city center is 15 minutes away. Used an online search to find it," remarked one expat in Munich, Germany.

"The German companies have no relocation programs. That means that you are on your own in finding a place to live. The companies that will help you for a fee are very expensive. And if you just read the newspaper (providing you speak German), you can visit the apartments yourself. But expect not be alone but surrounded by many other people at the same time - depending on the area, too, of course. In Frankfurt or Munchen more than in smaller cities. The German renting system is very different than in US. While in US there are bigger companies, which offer apartments for rent, in Germany there are many people who have an apartment for rent in the attic, for example, of their house," said one expat in Frankfurt.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Germany?

"4 story "American style" house. I live in Brandenburg, most of my fellow expats live in Berlin, where they have apartments in tall complexes," commented one expat who made the move to Brandenburg an der Havel.

"I live on the top floor of a in a three family house/apartment. Most people live in an apartment complex," remarked one expat in Karlsruhe, Germany.

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What is the average cost of housing in Germany?

If you are thinking about moving to Germany, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Lower, avg cost here in Brandenburg ~600 Euro. Avg cost in Berlin ~1000 Euro. Avg cost in San Francisco ~1700 $," said one expat in Brandenburg an der Havel.

"The average cost of housing is 500 Euro per month for a 2 bedroom apartment in a nice neighborhood which is just outside of downtown," said one expat who made the move to Karlsruhe.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Germany?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Germany, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"We did buy an old house in East Germany, Nordhausen, and we got very ripped off when trying to sell it. We had to practically give it away in order to get rid of it. It needed too much work and did not like the locality. It's easy to pick up a cheap house in East Germany, but then you must do a lot of work on it and as I said, selling it again is a no go," explained one expat living in Eifel , Germany.

"I purchased an apartment over 20 years ago. It is not much different that the process involved in purchasing in the U.S," said one expat in Friedrichsdorf.

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What should I pack when moving to Germany?

We asked people living in Germany to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"I wish we could have brought our car, my sister and my kitchenaid. I wish we would have left half the junk that my husband packed (who needs old clothes that you know you will never wear again?) computer junk and the attachments for my kitchenaid...don't ask," remarked one expat in Stromberg, Germany.

"Don't bring the bookcase. It will be the most expensive item. Store it if you have to. With what you have left, try to avoid a move. Could you take it all with you as luggage? Could you ship the books?," said one expat in Frankfurt.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Germany?

We asked people in Germany if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"Try to be aware of local customs and courtesies to avoid making a cultural faux pas in Germany. Respect, politeness and courtesy are highly valued in German culture. Avoid making any disparaging remarks about the German language, culture or people. Unlike some other countries, it is considered impolite to dress casually when attending social events and it is also frowned upon to be late for appointments. Be aware that it can be considered rude to point at people or objects with the index finger, and in general public displays of affection are not encouraged," remarked one expat in Germany.

"I accidentally asked for a bag of ice cream instead of a cup of ice cream. We all got a good laugh," said one expat in Hannover.

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Why do people move to Germany?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Germany, they responded:

"Expatriates moving to Germany can experience a prosperous economy, a vibrant culture, and a high quality of life. Germany also has a strong education system and flourishing industries, making it an ideal place for professionals to develop their career. Furthermore, the country has an efficient transportation network, low cost of living, and plenty of opportunities for leisure activities and cultural exploration. Additionally, Germany is fairly accessible for foreign nationals and provides a safe place to live and work. With its rich history and dynamic present, Germany has something to offer for everyone, making it an appealing destination for expats," offered one expat living in Germany.

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How are healthcare services Germany?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Germany, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Germany are generally of a very high quality. All German citizens, permanent residents, and those in the country on a working visa are eligible to access public healthcare, which is commonly referred to as “gesetzliche Krankenversicherung”. This covers all of the essential health needs of most individuals, including routine doctor’s visits, hospital services, lab tests, prescription medications and medical equipment. The public healthcare system ensures access to services for all members of society regardless of economic or social status. Furthermore, foreigners living in Germany with a residence permit are also eligible to use the public healthcare system. Expats in Germany often will seek private health insurance that covers at least what public healthcare does, plus additional medical services such as dental care and mental health counseling. This additional coverage often leads to quicker access to medical care, as most private facilities provide a reservation system or appointment wait times not found in public healthcare. The cost of private health insurance in Germany varies depending on the insurance and level of coverage desired, though is generally cheaper than in other European countries," said one expat.

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What are medical services in Germany like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Germany, they replied:

"Germany has advanced healthcare services and a well-developed health system, with a range of public and private medical services. The public system is subsidized by the government and provides universal access to quality care that is based on need, not an individual's ability to pay. In Germany, physicians specialize in different fields and provide a range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventative services. Most medical services are provided at either a hospital or a doctor's office, depending on the type of care needed. Patients may also take advantage of special diagnostic or therapeutic services by consulting specialists such as ophthalmologists or gynaecologists. In addition, most cities in Germany have a system of chemists and pharmacies to provide prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications," commented one expat who moved to Germany.

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Moving to Germany

What do I need to know before moving to Germany?

How do I find a place to live in Germany?

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Germany?

What is the average cost of housing in Germany?

Should I buy or rent a home in Germany?

What should I pack when moving to Germany?

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Germany?

Why do people move to Germany?

How are healthcare services Germany?

What are medical services in Germany like?

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