Sponsors
APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.
Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.
Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.
Buying and transferring currency across borders is a critical part of any overseas property transaction to get right, and our personal account-manager led service is here to help you understand and navigate the process safely and securely, without incurring any unnecessary costs. You can benefit from our knowledge about both the currency markets, and the logistics of international payments.
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
GUIDE FOR
Moving to a new country is both thrilling and a little overwhelming. If you're thinking about starting a new life in Germany, this guide will help make your journey easier. No matter the reason for your move, we’ll walk you through every step of the way. From understanding visa rules to finding a cosy home and embracing German traditions, there’s so much to look forward to. Take this opportunity to explore, adapt, and create a fresh chapter in your life. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Introduction
Germany is famous for its fascinating history, excellent transport systems, world-class healthcare, and a strong, stable economy. Moving there can bring exciting opportunities and open many doors, but it’s essential to plan ahead for a smooth transition. Below, we’ve shared simple and important steps to help you settle in comfortably and make the most of this incredible journey.
A Glimpse into History
Germany’s division after World War II left deep marks that are still visible today. West Germany developed under a capitalist system, while East Germany was under Soviet rule. When the country reunified in 1990 the gap didn’t disappear overnight. Its effects can still be felt, especially in jobs, housing, and attitudes.
Economically, the former East still lags behind. Wages are lower and on average the East is 20-25% poorer than the West. Many places in the East struggle with unemployment and population decline. On the plus side, housing is often more affordable in the East compared to the West, where real estate prices have skyrocketed.
Culturally, differences remain too. Some may be obvious with certain differences in food culture for example. Many of these differences however are not immediately obvious and are deep rooted by the 40 year separation. These political and cultural differences are extremely complex and we couldn't do it justice by putting it in a short message, but we highly recommend reading into the topic if you plan on moving to Germany.
Immigration Essentials
Before relocating to Germany, it’s important to address the legal requirements for residency. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
Determine Visa Requirements
The visa you'll need depends on your nationality and purpose of stay. Citizens of EU/EEA countries do not need a visa to live or work in Germany. If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you may need one of the following:
Work Visa (for employment opportunities)
Study Visa (for enrolling in German educational institutions)
Family Reunification Visa (if joining a family member already residing in Germany)
Visit Germany’s Federal Foreign Office website to check your specific visa requirements and submit your application early, as the process can take weeks or even months.
Register Your Address
Upon arrival, register your new German address at your local Bürgeramt (Citizen’s Office) within two weeks. This step is needed for many official purposes, such as opening a bank account or obtaining health insurance. Don’t forget to bring:
A valid ID or passport
Rental agreement from your landlord
Completed Anmeldung (registration form)
Obtain Health Insurance
Germany has a mandatory health insurance system. Ensure you have valid health coverage before or shortly after completion of your address registration. You can choose between public and private health insurance based on your eligibility and needs. There will be more information about health insurance in Germany in our expense management guide.
Apply for a Residence Permit
If you require a higher-level permit such as for work or studying long-term, book a visa appointment at your local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office). Bring essential documents such as:
Proof of financial resources
Passport photos
Language certificates (if applicable)
Having all necessary paperwork ready will ensure smoother processing.
Securing Housing
Finding a place to call home in Germany is vital, and the housing market can be competitive. Start your search early by exploring these steps:
Key Housing Terminology
Understanding the terms used in German housing advertisements will make your search easier:
Kaltmiete (cold rent): Rent excluding additional charges
Warmmiete (warm rent): Rent including heating and utilities
Nebenkosten (additional costs): Extra expenses like water and maintenance fees
Signing the Lease
Once you’ve found a property, you’ll need to sign a Mietvertrag (rental contract). Pay close attention to:
Deposit amounts (commonly 2-3 months’ rent)
Duration and termination guidelines.
Rules stipulated by the landlord such as pet policies.
Utilities Setup
You’ll need to arrange services like electricity, gas, and Internet once you move in. Popular providers include:
Electricity/Gas: E.ON, Vattenfall.
Internet: Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone.
Make sure to compare providers for the best deals possible.
Understanding German Culture
Adjusting to the local culture is vital for integrating into German society. Here’s what you need to know:
Language
Although many Germans speak English, learning basic German phrases will prove valuable for day-to-day interactions. It's recommended to enrol in some language classes or use a language learning app. But here are some phrases that could help you get started in Germany.
Greetings
Hello | Hallo
Good morning | Guten Morgen
Good day | Guten Tag
Good evening | Guten Abend
Bye | Tschüss
Introductions
What is your name? (formal) | Wie heißen Sie?
What is your name? (informal) | Wie heißt du?
My name is... | Ich heiße...
Where are you from? (formal) | Woher kommen Sie?
I come from... | Ich komme aus...
Polite Expressions
Please | Bitte
Thank you | Danke
Many thanks | Vielen Dank
Excuse me / Sorry | Entschuldigung
No problem | Kein Problem
Common Phrases
I don’t understand | Ich verstehe nicht
Could you repeat that? | Können Sie das wiederholen?
Do you speak English? | Sprechen Sie Englisch?
How much does this cost? | Was kostet das?
Common Questions
Where is the toilet? | Wo ist die Toilette?
Can I have the menu? | Kann ich die Speisekarte haben?
Do you have…? | Haben Sie...?
May I…? | Darf ich...?
Can you help me? | Können Sie mir helfen?
Learning these phrases will not only help you communicate more effectively but also show your respect and willingness to adapt to the local culture.
German Customs
Punctuality: Germans highly value punctuality. Being late to a meeting or appointment is often seen as impolite and disrespectful. Arriving on time shows respect for others and their schedules.
Recycling: Environmental consciousness is a significant aspect of German culture. Recycling is taken very seriously, with a well-structured system for separating waste.
Work-life Balance: Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is important. Germans value leisure time and often prioritise family and relaxation.
Respect for Rules: Adhering to rules and regulations is deeply ingrained in German society, reflecting their sense of order and discipline.
Direct Communication: Germans tend to communicate in a straightforward and honest manner, appreciating clarity and efficiency in conversations.
Celebrations and Traditions: Cultural festivals like Oktoberfest and Christmas markets are celebrated with great enthusiasm, highlighting German heritage and community spirit.
Understanding these customs can enhance your experience and interactions while in Germany, fostering mutual respect and cultural appreciation.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Banking: Open a German bank account early to simplify transactions. Options such as N26 and Deutsche Bank cater to expats.
Tax Number: Obtain your Steueridentifikationsnummer (tax ID) after registering your address. This is mandatory for employment.
Get Social: Join local Facebook groups or attend expat meetups to build your social circle and find community events.
Weather Prep: Invest in warm clothing for the colder months, especially if you’re moving in autumn or winter.
Finally, be patient with yourself! Moving to a new country is a big step, and it takes time to adjust.
Closing Notes
Relocating to Germany is a rewarding experience, but preparation makes all the difference. By ensuring your immigration process is complete, securing adequate housing, immersing yourself in the culture, and following our tips, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth transition.
We hope this guide leaves you feeling prepared and excited. Best of luck with your move!
Sponsors
APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.
Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.
Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.
Buying and transferring currency across borders is a critical part of any overseas property transaction to get right, and our personal account-manager led service is here to help you understand and navigate the process safely and securely, without incurring any unnecessary costs. You can benefit from our knowledge about both the currency markets, and the logistics of international payments.
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
The self-employed are a pillar of the German economy. We want you to get the best software for your self-employment. That's why we give you full support with your tax obligations so that you can concentrate fully on your business.
Designed specifically for freelancers, Accountable automates complex tax processes, providing real-time tax calculations, smart reminders, and direct submission to German tax authorities. Whether you’re new to freelancing or an experienced entrepreneur, Accountable helps you save time, avoid mistakes, and focus on growing your business with confidence.
ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.
By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.
Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.
Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.
Our life is full of metaphors; sometimes we don’t even notice them. However, if you look at today’s world through such a metaphorical lens, you understand why it can be compared to the river. It is dynamic, it is fast moving, every day it gets filled with new streams of ideas, tendencies, and innovations. Then, we can consider different organizations as banks of that river. They all have their traditions, cultural colors, and shades. That’s why there must be something to connect these banks, to make them united by common desires, ideas, business, strategies, language, etc. Therefore, our company come to serve as the bridge for that; we can build a connection between people, business organizations and various establishments. This singular belief makes ourselves and our clients’ products/services and international brand distinguishable amongst all of the rest.
For almost 30 years, AGILA has been there for animal owners and their associations, protecting them from high, incalculable veterinary bills and liability claims with fast and reliable service. High sums insured and no exclusions of breed-specific diseases ensure that four-legged friends receive the best possible medical care. AGILA cooperates with over 1,800 small animal practices and supports various non-profit organizations such as vetivolution.
In addition to pet health insurance, Agila provides liability insurance for dog owners, ensuring financial protection against unexpected incidents. With flexible plans, fast reimbursements, and a strong commitment to pet welfare, Agila helps pet owners manage veterinary costs while ensuring their pets receive the best possible care.
Everyone deserves a good home. No matter where you are, you’ll need a place to return to a sanctuary where you can rest, recharge, and truly feel at home. At All Luxury Apartments, we believe that finding the perfect place shouldn’t be a challenge, which is why we connect you to the finest homes across the world.
Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or an extended stay, we strive to ensure that you have access to exceptional accommodations that suit your lifestyle and needs. From elegant city apartments to breathtaking villas, we’re here to make sure that wherever life takes you, you will always have a home—the kind you truly deserve!
Approach People is a network of consultants spread across our various agencies in Europe. Each Account Manager is an expert in their industry. They listen to you and advise you according to your specific needs. Thanks to a centralised European database, social media and partnerships with global job boards in Europe, your dedicated recruitment consultant quickly identifies potential talents. This expert will then assess and evaluate candidates before presenting you only the best profiles.
With a multilingual team and a deep understanding of global job markets, Approach People provides tailored recruitment solutions, from executive search to permanent and contract placements. Their commitment to excellence ensures a smooth hiring process for both employers and job seekers, making them a trusted recruitment partner worldwide.
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