Moving to Germany

Known for having the fourth largest economy in the world, Germany has become home to the largest number of expats in Europe. The country offers a strong social security system and good infrastructure, but there are also some pain points, such as bureaucracy, a challenging housing market, and low wages in certain industries.

Germany’s visa and immigration system aims to accommodate various needs, ranging from short-term visits to long-term stays for work, study, or family reunification. However, this diversity also means complexity, since every category has specific requirements. Fortunately, we are here to help.

In Germany, taxes play a crucial role in funding social security programs and public services like healthcare and education, so they are extremely high even for middle-income earners. An average worker pays around 35%, while there are around 40 different types of taxes in Germany, which are collected at the federal, state, and local levels.

The cost of living in Germany highly depends on the city you choose for relocation. While major cities like Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive, smaller towns and rural areas offer a more affordable lifestyle.

Overall, living in Germany is usually more affordable than in other popular destinations. Taxes are high, while salaries can be low depending on the industry, but in general food and housing prices are lower as well. Additionally, this country offers a high quality of life, excellent public services, and robust social security systems that help balance the cost of living. These factors, combined with efficient public transportation and high standards of healthcare and education, make Germany an attractive destination for many expats.

Germany is home to numerous multinational corporations that actively seek international talent and are ready to hire English speakers (like Zalando and Delivery Hero). The country is particularly strong in the automotive, engineering, and technology sectors. It hosts the offices and headquarters of many leading global companies, including Volkswagen Group, BMW, Siemens, SAP, and Intel, to name a few. In addition to the industry giants, Germany also offers one of the largest startup scenes in Europe, particularly in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.

Germany offers a robust job market with an unemployment rate of around 6% and a high demand for skilled workers. The country values work-life balance, and employees enjoy extensive labor rights. Comprehensive social benefits and opportunities for professional growth make Germany an attractive destination for career development.

Salaries in Germany vary by industry, experience, and location, and may seem less competitive than in other countries due to high taxes. However, many companies in Germany offer additional benefits such as transportation allowances, gym memberships, and childcare to enhance the overall compensation package. The country also has a statutory minimum wage.

Moving to Germany is often confusing and stressful due to language difficulties and bureaucracy. This is why many expats prefer to use relocation services. 

Obtaining a visa and finding a new home are the most complicated challenges and therefore the most popular services. However, relocation companies in Germany are ready to help with various aspects. In addition to housing and visa assistance, these can include school search, settling-in assistance, moving and logistics, etc.

Top relocation companies in Germany:

• Santa Fe Relocation
• Packimpex
• ReloAdvisor
• Move One Inc.
• MoveHub
• AGS Worldwide Movers

Germany has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal health coverage and high-quality medical services. The country spends approximately 11% of its GDP on healthcare.

Healthcare providers include a mix of public, private, and nonprofit entities, with hospitals predominantly privately owned. General practitioners (Hausärzte) serve as primary care gatekeepers, coordinating patient care and referrals to specialists. Patients typically have the freedom to choose their primary care physician and often have direct access to specialists without referrals. Many doctors in Germany speak English, and expats can find them in relevant databases by applying language filters.

When choosing a city to relocate to in Germany, you should consider factors such as the availability of English-speaking jobs, job opportunities in your field, and the cost of living, which varies greatly from city to city. Larger cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg offer a wide range of opportunities but may come with higher costs, while smaller cities such as Leipzig or Nuremberg may offer a balance of affordability and quality of life.