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.
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Photo: Einbeck Tourismus / Pexels
At a glance
Germany, in brief.
How Germany compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Germany ranks among the best for healthcare (5th of 78) and english-friendliness (27th of 81) and size of expat community (29th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- High
- Property
- Moderate
- Healthcare
- Excellent
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Cool (~10°C)
- English
- Very widely spoken
- Expat community
- Established
Blue Card/skilled; no retiree visa
Worldwide; high social contributions
Life in Germany
Hey! My name is Jenna, and I’m a Canadian-born expat living and working in Düsseldorf, Germany. Germany has been my home for the last three years, and while…
Health insurance in Germany
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Germany, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Germany into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Germany.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Germany moving guide.
55 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Germany
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Germany share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Germany stories
- Franconia
Yamini
I am Yamini, an expat living in Franconia, Germany with my boyfriend and our cat. I was born in India, however, I…
Sindy
Hi! I am Sindy. I was born and raised up in Hong Kong. And now, I have my life in Germany.My husband…
- Hamburg
Tamie
Hi! My name is Tamie, and I am from San Diego, California.Where, when and why did you move abroad? I decided to…
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 European Union. One crucial area affected…
Maintaining Mental Well-being As An Expat In Germany
This article look at how expats can maintain mental health and well-being in Germany and provides a range of resources.
Buying A Property In Germany: A Guide For Expats
This article offers a guide for expats who are thinking of buying property in Germany and offers information on property ownership in Germany.
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Germany.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Germany episodes
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Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Germany, and compare them side by side.
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