Germany – Visas
Germany attracts hundreds of thousands of new international residents every year. Whether you are required to obtain a…
Read more →
Your life in Germany starts here
Make your move to Germany
Central to Europe and reliably well run, Germany offers excellent healthcare, widely spoken English and moderate property prices. Skilled-worker routes offer a clear and welcoming way in.
Germany at a glance
Cost of living
High
Property
Moderate
Healthcare
Excellent
Safety
Safe
Climate
Cool (~10°C)
English
Very widely spoken
Expat community
Established
Where Germany is strongest: healthcare #5 of 78English-friendliness #27 of 81size of expat community #29 of 81
Worth weighing up: tax friendliness #81 of 81cost of living #56 of 77property affordability #54 of 75
TaxWorldwide; high social contributions
Visa / residencyBlue Card/skilled; no retiree visa
General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.
Health insurance in Germany
The dream is the easy part. Make sure you’re covered from day one: compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes, no obligation.
Moving your belongings too? Get up to 5 free quotes from international movers → Sending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates →
Plan your move to Germany
Loading the insurance checker…
Start here
Your first steps to Germany
Germany – Residency
Germany provides foreign nationals with multiple pathways to residency, spanning short-term permits linked to work, education, or family…
Read more →A little inspiration, once a month
Join our free monthly newsletter: stories, practical tips and everything you need to plan a new life abroad. No spam, ever.
Fresh from Germany
Latest articles
Health Insurance After Brexit: A Roadmap For Britons Living In Germany
Brexit has undoubtedly created a significant shift in various aspects of life for British citizens living across the…
Read more →Maintaining Mental Well-being As An Expat In Germany
Moving to a new country as an expat can be an exciting adventure, but it can also bring…
Read more →Buying A Property In Germany: A Guide For Expats
Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has a robust and diverse property market. Known for its high living standards, solid…
Read more →You won’t be the first
Real people who made the move
Jenna, Düsseldorf
Who are you? Hey! My name is Jenna, and I’m a Canadian-born expat living and working in Düsseldorf,…
Read more →Yamini, Franconia
Who are you? I am Yamini, an expat living in Franconia, Germany with my boyfriend and our cat.…
Read more →Tamie, Hamburg
Who are you? Hi! My name is Tamie, and I am from San Diego, California. Where, when and…
Read more →Shaun Behrens, Nürnberg
Who are you? Shaun Behrens, a 40-something South African (now German). I work for a software company in…
Read more →Ash Grey, Konigstein
My name is Ash Grey and I am a 34 year old stay-at-home dad from Carmarthenshire, South Wales…
Read more →Hear it first hand
The Expat Focus Podcast on Germany
The complete picture
Germany moving guide
Germany – Air Travel
Germany boasts one of the most expansive airport networks on the continent, with upwards of 30 commercial airports…
Read more →Germany – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues
Among European nations, Germany stands out as one of the most welcoming places for pet owners, combining a…
Read more →Germany – Banking
Germany’s banking sector is among the most sophisticated in Europe, structured around three distinct pillars: privately owned commercial…
Read more →Germany – Buses and Trams
Germany operates one of the most thorough and heavily patronised public transport networks on the continent. Buses provide…
Read more →Germany – Buying or Importing a Car
Foreign nationals can purchase or import a car in Germany, but doing so successfully demands thorough advance planning.…
Read more →Germany – Buying Property
Germany welcomes property buyers of all nationalities without any restrictions based on citizenship or residency. The market operates…
Read more →Germany – Car Rental
For most visitors and residents, hiring a car in Germany is a relatively simple process — as long…
Read more →Germany – Citizenship
Germany provides a well-defined pathway to citizenship through naturalisation following a minimum of five years of legal residence…
Read more →Germany – Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Germany boasts one of the most expansive complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) landscapes anywhere in Europe. Estimates indicate…
Read more →Germany – Cost of Living
Germany occupies a middle position on Europe’s cost-of-living scale — noticeably less expensive than Switzerland, the Netherlands, or…
Read more →Germany – Cycling
Germany ranks among the most bicycle-friendly nations in Europe, boasting a firmly rooted cycling culture, an extensive web…
Read more →Germany – Dentists and Dental Treatment
Germany runs a dental care system that blends public and private provision. The majority of residents hold statutory…
Read more →Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from trusted international movers who know the route to Germany, and compare them side by side.