Moving to a new country as an expat can be an exciting adventure, but it can also bring challenges that impact your mental well-being. Germany, known for its efficiency and high standard of living, offers various support systems and resources to help expats maintain good mental health. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide … Read more

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has a robust and diverse property market. Known for its high living standards, solid economic performance, and rich history, the country has attracted many foreign property investors and expats over the years. The German property market is distinguished by its stability and growth potential, offering opportunities for both residential and commercial … Read more

Moving abroad is a tricky proposition from all angles, but healthcare is one of the main worries people state when they are considering making an intercontinental move. If you’re moving from the USA to Germany, you might be wondering about the quality of healthcare available, how to sign up to the healthcare system there, and … Read more

In terms of banking, there are a few options open to expats living in Germany. Some choose to maintain an existing account in their home country, which can be useful for things like paying recurring bills back home. Others choose to open an international account with their existing bank, which may eliminate or reduce penalties … Read more

Germany is the largest economy in Europe, and a major force globally. The job market there has remained buoyant in recent years. Levels of employment are high, and terms and conditions at work are usually generous.With good public transport and health care, Germany is an attractive place to work, and welcomes expats with suitable professional, … Read more

The housing market in Germany is equally split between renting and buying. There are no restrictions for foreigners buying property, even those from outside the European Union.There are various online property websites, including ImmoScout24, Immonet.de, Immowelt.de and Berlin vis-à-vis. All of these list rental accommodation, as well as properties for sale. Property listings include overall … Read more

Citizens of a country in the European Union or the European Economic Area can enter and remain in Germany as a tourist for any length of time without a visa. Note that, until the end of 2020, the UK is still regarded as an EU country for purposes of travel. It is not yet known … Read more

If you are due to give birth in Germany, you will find yourself in the hands of a healthcare system that is high in quality and organised to suit the needs of all parents and their newborn babies.Having a baby in Germany empowers expectant mothers with a wealth of knowledge, from the homeopathic to the … Read more

Any citizen of an EU country, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland can enter Germany and work there freely without a visa. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand or the USA can enter Germany without a visa and stay for up to three months. If you want to take up employment then … Read more

Germany has one of the best universal healthcare systems in the world, and public healthcare is available to expats and locals alike. However, it is mandatory to have health cover before applying for residency, so most expats take out private health insurance to cover them in the interim period.Whether you enroll in the public health … Read more

Germany is recognized for having one of the best healthcare systems in the world, in terms of both affordability and quality. As an expat, you will be able to access the same healthcare options as German citizens.Whether you are registered with the German public healthcare system or with a private health insurance option, it is … Read more

Whether you’re moving to Germany as an expat or you’re interested in learning about medical tourism options there, you can expect a high level of care. While the relatively universal access to healthcare in Germany may be appealing enough in itself to attract expats there, it is really the quality of the healthcare that has … Read more

As an expat in Germany, you will need to prove that you have health insurance. Whether you are a student, a freelancer, a foreign worker, or an asylum seeker, registering for the health system in Germany is just another part of living there as an expat.The process of registering with a doctor in Germany is … Read more

Moving to a new country can be fraught with challenges and emotion, particularly when it comes to finding somewhere to live that meets your needs whilst also falling within budget. Here, we focus on how to go about renting a property in Germany. Is Renting Popular? When moving to a new country, you will often … Read more

It will come as no surprise that the uncertainty regarding Brexit is causing significant ongoing problems for British expats abroad and UK nationals planning to travel to Europe – particularly if you’re intending to drive on the Continent. What do we know about the current situation with regard to driving in France?The British government website … Read more

We live in a global, connected world, where the cost of travel is significantly less than it used to be. Thanks to this, we can meet (and fall in love) with people from all over the world. In addition, the affordability of travel has led to a rise in the number of weddings abroad, a … Read more

Winter in Germany requires pragmatism, punctiliousness and preparation. All of which, luckily, are German hallmarks. In this guide, we are going to get German; that is to say, practical about winter and how to prepare for it. This includes not only preparing yourself, but also your home and car.Preparing Your Home Heating Most homes in … Read more

One of the most common challenges that people face when moving to a new country is getting used to the new rules of the road. Firstly, you may have to jump through some hoops to exchange your license, which may even include retaking your test, depending on the country from which your license was issued. … Read more

“The hardest thing in the world to understand is income taxes.” – Einstein There is no shame in feeling discombobulated by taxation systems; we all do. Even Einstein! This guide is specifically aimed at UK expats living and earning in Germany. As the title promises, we will explain how to avoid double taxation as well … Read more

Dating can be confusing no matter where you are. Now double that confusion; you’re dating in Deutschland! So confusing is the courtship here that there is even a song about it.One of Germany’s rare ventures into pop music, the song Aurélie is about a French woman’s experience of dating in Germany. For expats in Germany, … Read more

There are plenty of obstacles to navigate when becoming a parent, but starting a family as an expat in a foreign country can sometimes be that bit more overwhelming. What exactly are you entitled to in comparison to back home when it comes to maternity leave, childcare costs and other factors that revolve around family … Read more

Between the subclauses and strange stipulations, it’s easy to get lost in the rules around German citizenship for children of expat families. The good news is that this guide will outline everything you need to know about citizenship if you have, or plan to start, an international family in Germany.German Parent? Citizenship Through Principle Of … Read more

Marriage: where romance meets red tape. Whether for love or visas, marriage is a subject that eventually comes up for many long-term expats in Germany. In line with Germany’s enduring badge of baffling bureaucracy, performing the holy union here is hardly simple. This is especially true when one or both partners are not from the … Read more

“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm” — Aldous Huxley. Retiring to a different country can be a way of sustaining the kind of enthusiasm Huxley was talking about; a way of ushering in a life where newness is the norm, … Read more

Driving in Germany isn’t a cheap thrill, it’s a luxury. It won’t take long to notice that everything from cars to the roads themselves are impeccable. And it doesn’t end there; German people think of driving as an extravagant activity rather than a standard mode of transport. Learning how to drive and getting a license … Read more

“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” ― T.S. Eliot Of all the sentences T.S. Eliot wrote, this one might be most relevant to the expat experience. As an expat in Germany, you may often feel that you are in over your head. Reinventing your career, your … Read more

Germany is the birthplace of many of our most beloved Christmas traditions. The country oozes festivity throughout December with Christmas markets, fairy lights, and the scent of mulled wine floating down the streets. Enjoy your first expat Christmas in the country by getting acquainted with the local traditions– Germany has got Christmas down to a … Read more

During your first month in Germany, you may feel as though you’re caught in a series of confusing red tape mazes. In Germany’s specific brand of bureaucratic orienteering, sequential order is everything. This article is a step by step guide, helping you to navigate this potentially tricky time.Be warned many of these steps are lengthy … Read more

Choosing the right bank can be both stressful and tedious in equal measures. If you’re new in Germany and asking yourself if you need to open a German bank account, the short answer is yes! If you plan to earn money or rent a house in Germany, then you definitely need a German account. Most … Read more

While German salaries may seem low for many from the Anglosphere, purchasing power is in fact quite high. This means you can attain a great quality of life in Germany for less.However, both salaries and the cost of living are notably higher than the national average in Frankfurt. Frankfurt is the second most expensive city … Read more

Germany is in the midst of a powerful era. The country is the economic and symbolic centre of Europe, unemployment is low, and numerous industries are expanding. That being said, finding a job in Germany as an expat is a time consuming activity that requires a generous dose of determination, patience, and paperwork. This article … Read more

Due to Germany’s ageing population, the government is relatively keen to have more skilled hands on the proverbial deck. This is not to say, however, that Germany has cut out its one true love: bureaucracy. Basically, if you’re an non-EU citizen, you’re going to have to get a fair number of papers stamped on your … Read more

You might not think of Germans as quirky, but they can be. While we all know that Germans enjoy punctuality (true), paperwork (true), and practicality (true), what you might not know is that Germans also enjoy recycling and experimental mixed drinks. These might not sound like strictly cultural activities but you’ll soon find that culture … Read more

With its academic tracks and its variety of schools, the German education system looks quite different to those found in the Anglosphere. That being said, the German tradition of early streaming based on predicted academic outcomes can feel quite restrictive to parents used to a more inclusive system.In Germany, a robust public schooling system is … Read more

Apartment hunting is always taxing, but trying to navigate a foreign system in a foreign language can be very difficult. This article will introduce you to the German system, as well as point you towards the most important resources for your house-hunt.In Germany, the majority of people rent rather than own their homes. In fact, … Read more

After years as an articulate adult, regressing to the eloquence of an excited toddler can be frustrating and quietly humiliating. But it’s also worth it. There is a reason why many of the world’s greatest thinkers have worked in German. Soon you’ll be able to express the fear that time is running out (Torschlusspanik) or … Read more

Health insurance is one of the duller aspects of moving abroad, but in Germany it’s against the law not to be insured, so we are all legally obliged to care. The good news is that Germany has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, so after the initial push you’ll rarely have to … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Germany and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.The Brits (Germany) Facebook Group An expat … Read more

Health insurance is compulsory as is nursing care insurance and expats looking to receive a residence permit – which they will need to access healthcare facilities – will need to prove they have health insurance before the permit is granted. There are two types of providers, private health insurance, and state-provided insurance. The statutory insurance … Read more

Located in the northeastern part of Germany, Berlin is the capital of the country and one of the major cultural centers on the continent. It is the second most populated city in the EU, with approximately six million residents from over 190 different nations. Berlin has long been a popular destination for expats because of … Read more

Germany is the geographical, economic and political heart of Europe. With a population of over 81 million, it is the second most populous nation in the region. Its robust economy is the fifth largest in the world. Germany’s influence can be seen in the countries that surround its territory. But the same countries have also … Read more

Germany—the land of beer, bratwurst and the bahn! Germany has a huge and well developed network of trains that are not only punctual but also very comfortable and relatively easy on the pocket. Trains are the most-used form of long distance transport within Germany, second only to automobiles.In recent years, with the competition from intercity … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Germany and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there. Submerged Oaks http://www.submergedoaks.com/ Aaron and Meghan say that they are just … Read more

Flavia, tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be an expat. I’m Brazilian/American and have been an expat for over 20 years now. I went to Switzerland to spend a year and as the stories go, I have only been back to visit. I’ve lived in England, the US and now … Read more

Education in Germany is second to none. In the last few years, foreign students from parts of Europe and Asia have moved to this country because of the quality of education. Germany has many international educational opportunities, affiliated with various universities from around the globe, like the American Board (AP), the British Board (GCSE) and … Read more

Germany has always been perceived as a captivating land with its majestic architecture and thriving cultural life. The great German cities of Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, as well as its smaller towns such as Regensburg and Heidelberg, are some of the most visited destinations in the world. But there’s a part of Germany that is … Read more

Foreigners are flocking to Germany in their thousands. In fact, the rate of immigration is now at its highest since the 90s. While much of the press surrounding this rather controversial topic may be negative, this influx is actually to thank for the country’s sharp economic growth, and in fact, Germany has come to rely … Read more

Employment laws serve to regulate relations between the employer and employees. In Germany, the law makes it compulsory for employees to have written contracts with their employer. The employee’s salary, benefits, starting date and other such conditions must be included in the contract. A different type of contract is the limited term employment contract, which … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Germany and some of the bloggers who write about living there. The Erlangen Expathttps://theerlangenexpat.wordpress.com A blog that ranges across a wide variety of topics … Read more

Expats in Germany will find that life in this cosmopolitan and inventive society is anything but dull. Germany is a highly modernized nation with a rich heritage and great regional diversity. But whether you are moving to Germany for a new job, retirement or personal reasons, the following questions will help you determine if you … Read more

Germany has consistently placed high in expat polls and is considered to be one of the best places in the world for expats. It has a strong economy, very low crime rates, and a stable political system. It is normal for expats to feel safer in their home countries, but in a recent expat poll, … Read more

There’s so much to do in Germany, from exploring the grand Alps to relaxing in the many luxurious spas. Then there is art and architecture to discover and also some great culinary experiences to have. But sometimes the real essence of a country is tucked away in places that are off the tourist maps. These … Read more

Finding employment in a foreign country can seem daunting, as there may be differences in the nature of the job market, labor laws and cultural norms. Some expats may be posted abroad by their company, in which case the process is much easier. But for those who need to find a job on their own … Read more

Germany, which sits in the heart of Europe, is a country of great natural beauty and also a land where orderliness and attention to detail are held in high regard. It is the world’s fifth largest economy with many financial powerhouses located in its cities. Germany is known for its art scene too, which is … Read more

Expats who move to Germany will find that the country offers many high quality products. Locally made products as well as products from other parts of the world are easily available here. Malls are not as popular in Germany as they are in a country like the United States. But you can find them in … Read more

When we think of German food, we usually think of sauerkraut, sausages and pretzels. But German cooking is actually quite expansive and varied. There are considerable regional variations with each region specializing in its own recipes and cooking techniques. To help you on your German culinary adventure, here is a short guide to food and … Read more

by Matthew Jorgensen One way or another, you’ve landed a job in Germany and have an expected date of arrival. Now what? Preparing to move to Germany can seem like a daunting task. For my family and I it was the first time we would live outside of the USA. We had some guidelines from … Read more

The words “German work ethic” are world-famous for a reason. Since the time of the nation’s Wirtschaftswunder [‘economic miracle’] in the 1950’s, Germany has projected the image of a nation that can rise from total devastation to exceptional prosperity merely through the unflagging determination of her citizenry. Though accomplishment also comes with an asterisk next … Read more

by Rachel Fuecks Germany is a good place to invest in property. House prices here in Germany have been stable for a long time and are beginning to rise, unlike the situation in the UK. I only discovered this some time after I had bought, demolished and rebuilt a small house in a place no-one … Read more

by Katie Toppel The night before our container was scheduled to arrive, we saw the enormous truck parked outside our apartment building. With an early arrival, it was obviously ready for our 8:00 am appointment the following morning. Maybe it was due to that glimpse of our container or the thoughts of my clothes and … Read more

by Hilly van Swol-Ulbrich A hot and sultry summer’s day in Frankfurt, Germany. “Oh”… says Dewi,“I am amused, while at home in India, we set our air-conditioning to cool down to 27 degrees”…and chuckled… “This is what you call summer, and say it is so hot!” We smiled as we crossed the street on the … Read more

by Martha Andrus I fell in love, at first sight, with a beautiful, quaint city called Rothenbach O.T. Upon entering the city from the freeway, it looks much like any other European town. Narrow, cobblestone streets dotted with churches and homes. But as you drive further into the city, you see a huge concrete wall, … Read more

by Martha Andrus The Netherlands is bordered by Germany, so it is not uncommon to find many Dutch roaming the rolling hills of Germany. Germany also has Wal Marts which Holland does not have, so you will find many American expats seeking to find the Wal Marts and exploring the history of Germany. Also, most … Read more