Moving to Germany

Located in the north of Western Europe, Germany is blessed with breathtaking landscapes that include lush forests, rivers, imposing mountain ranges and sweeping North Sea beaches. A country steeped in a storied, millennia-long history, Germany boasts several major metros each with its own unique past, character and charm, the capital being Berlin.

Expats moving to Germany usually find the transition straightforward and painless, without too much culture shock. A cosmopolitan and innovative country with a powerful economy, Germany has long been a popular expat destination for the high living standards it offers.

One of the biggest hurdles expats who want to move to Germany will face is its stringent immigration regulations. But there are opportunities for qualified expats in fields such as business, science and technology, especially if they have skills that are in short supply.

The general standard of infrastructure is excellent. Expats probably won’t need a car thanks to extensive public transport in German cities, and long-distance travel is made easy thanks to low-cost flights and good transport links.

Expats have a variety of options when it comes to accommodation in Germany too – from furnished or unfurnished apartments and maisonettes to trendy studios, cottages and family houses. Most expats living in Germany rent property, but the process of purchasing a house isn’t complicated, even for foreign nationals.

Both public and private hospitals in Germany are on par with international standards, and expats with specific health concerns can find comfort in the fact that specialist facilities are in good supply.

The standard of education in Germany is exceptionally high. The system accommodates the fact that students have different abilities and there are various options that include an array of international schools throughout the country. 

Living costs in Germany can be quite high but not necessarily higher than the average for Western European countries. As can be expected, rural areas are cheaper than cities. Expats may also find that life in Germany is quite rigid. But if they’re willing to accept its strict rules, they’ll be rewarded with high standards of living in a safe environment amid wonderful scenery and warm people once you get to know them.

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Fast facts

Official name: Federal Republic of Germany

Population: Around 83 million

Capital city: Berlin (also largest city)

Neighbouring countries: Germany shares borders with Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Switzerland and Austria to the south, France to the southwest, and Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands to the west.

Geography: Germany has a diverse landscape stretching from the mountainous regions of the Alps across the forested North European Plain, to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

Political system: Constitutional republic

Main languages: German is the official language but English is widely understood.

Major religions: Christianity

Money: The Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents, is the official currency. Germany has a sophisticated banking system and opening a bank account as an expat is relatively easy. ATMs are easy to find throughout the country.

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the end of March to the end of October)

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin European plugs are standard.

International dialling code: +49

Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 112 (ambulance)

Internet domain: .de

Transport and driving: Germany has a well-established and efficient public transport system and a car is not necessary if living in one of the country's major cities. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.