Moving to Germany

Located in northern Western Europe, Germany offers beautiful landscapes with green forests, rivers, tall mountains, and wide beaches along the North Sea. It’s a country with a rich history going back thousands of years, and each of its major cities has its own unique story and charm, including the capital, Berlin.

If you’re moving to Germany, you’ll likely find the transition smooth and easy, with little culture shock. As a modern and diverse country with a strong economy, Germany is a popular choice for expats because of its high quality of life.

Working in Germany

There are plenty of opportunities for qualified expats in business, science and technology, especially if you have skills in short supply. Healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and pharmaceutical technical assistants are also in high demand in Germany.

While opportunities to work in Germany abound, the country’s stringent immigration regulations are one of the biggest hurdles you’ll face. You’ll need a work permit if you’re from a non-EU/EEA country. This can be a bureaucratic process, but fortunately, Germany is famous for its efficiency, so it typically takes one to three months to secure a work permit.

Working in Germany 
Business Culture in Germany

Finding accommodation in Germany

Depending on where in Germany you choose to live, you’ll likely have plenty of options when it comes to finding accommodation. Housing in major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich typically comprises apartments, with single-family homes relegated to the outlying suburbs.

One of the most jarring aspects of renting in Germany is that most apartments come bare, with no built-in furniture or even light fixtures. This means you’ll have significant start-up costs when you first start renting in Germany. While most expats decide to rent while they live in the country, purchasing a home in Germany isn’t complicated, even for foreigners.

Renting Accommodation in Germany

Getting around in Germany

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

Cycling is also becoming increasingly popular due to its environmental, health, and economic benefits, and Germany is continuously investing in its cycling infrastructure. Walking in the city centres of Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt is also a popular choice, as these cities are reasonably pedestrian-friendly.

If you do choose to drive, you’ll be delighted to find that renting a car is easy. Most expats can drive on their foreign licence for six months before having to exchange it or apply for a German one.

Transport and Driving in Germany 
Getting Around in Berlin 
Getting Around in Frankfurt 
Getting Around in Munich

Cost of living in Germany

Living costs in Germany can be quite high, but not necessarily higher than the average for Western European countries. As is to be expected, rural areas are cheaper than cities. In the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking, Berlin is ranked 31st out of 226 global expat destinations. Frankfurt and Munich are 35th and 38th, respectively.

Naturally, housing will be your largest expense, but the cost will largely depend on where in Germany you are living and whether it’s a city centre. Income tax rates in the country are also quite steep, so this is something else you must be prepared for.

While Germany’s public transport system is excellent, daily commutes can be pricey. Fortunately, discounts are available, and it’s easy to walk or cycle in some parts of the country.

Cost of Living in Germany
Cost of Living in Berlin
Cost of Living in Munich
Cost of Living in Frankfurt

Lifestyle in Germany

The lifestyle in Germany is vibrant and diverse, with entertainment options to suit everybody who comes to its shores. German beer is world-famous, so visiting one of the country’s many beer gardens is a must. Visiting one of the country’s organic markets is a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning.

Sports like football, handball, and ice hockey are also favourite pastimes in Germany. There is also plenty for families to get to in their leisure time, including countless museums, amusement parks, city parks, forest hikes and much more.

Shopping, Attractions, Activities, and Annual Events in Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich

Healthcare in Germany

Families relocating to Germany will be happy to know that the standard of healthcare is nothing short of excellent. You can choose between state or private health insurance depending on your income. Both public and private hospitals in Germany are on par with international standards.

That said, waiting times in public health institutions are longer than in private hospitals. If you have specific health concerns, you can find comfort in the fact that specialist facilities are in good supply.

Healthcare in Germany
Find Hospitals in Munich
Find Hospitals in Berlin
Find Hospitals in Frankfurt

Finding a school in Germany

The standard of education in Germany is also exceptionally high. The system accommodates students’ different abilities, and various options include an array of international schools throughout the country. Public school fees are free, but the language of instruction is German, which may make them unsuitable for expat children.

You can also find bilingual public and private schools, but these are highly popular across Germany, so it’s essential to begin the enrolment process as early as possible. Although pricey, international schools are a great option for expats who will only be in the country for the short term and would like their children to continue learning in a familiar curriculum and language.

Education and Schools in Germany
International Schools in Berlin
International Schools in Munich
International Schools in Frankfurt

Climate in Germany

The weather in Germany changes frequently from day to day, and even seasonal patterns vary from year to year. The country’s northwest region is generally the coldest, with temperatures increasing eastward and southward. On the whole, summers tend to be warm across Germany, and winters are bitterly cold. Extremes aren’t common, but severe winters can sweep through the country occasionally.

Climate and Weather in Germany

Fast facts

Official name: Federal Republic of Germany

Population: Around 84.5 million

Capital city: Berlin (also the 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’s diverse landscape extends 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.