Living in America has its perks, but more and more Americans are choosing to move abroad. Whether it's for work, retirement, education, or family, it's estimated that anywhere from 5 to 9 million Americans currently live outside of the country.
Germany in particular is a top choice for Americans looking to move abroad, with a high number of visa requests in 2023. Known for its high quality of life, Germany ranks as the sixth most popular destination for Americans based on recent data.
If you're considering moving to Germany, use this guide to discover more about living there as an expat. Learn about the best places to live, how to relocate, and more.
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Things to Know About Living in Germany
Researching your next destination is a crucial part of the moving process. Here are some basic facts about living in Germany to help you get a feel for life in Deutschland.
Cost of Living
Cost of living in Germany is considered moderate to high when compared to other European countries. Housing costs in particular are nearly 9% higher than the EU average, according to International Living. Similarly, gasoline and automobiles cost more in Germany than they do in the U.S. However, costs for food are more competitive, and the 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) is lower in Germany than many other European countries.
Culture
Germany has a rich culture, showcased by a wide range of festivals, historic sites, and traditions. After you relocate, be sure to immerse yourself in the culture by attending the festivals like the world-famous Oktoberfest, sampling local cuisine and beer, and exploring local landmarks. Germans are typically friendly to expats, so don’t be afraid to explore and “be one” with your fellow Germans.
Quality of Life
In general, you’ll enjoy a relatively high quality of life in Germany. The cities are generally safe, walkable, clean, and feature excellent public transportation. The locals are mostly progressive-minded and well-educated. Although Germans are mostly welcoming, be sure to follow the rules – Germans are orderly, organized, and they appreciate punctuality and personal space!
Employment
If you’re moving to Germany for work – good news! Germany boasts strong employment opportunities and a good economy. Many people move overseas with work already lined up, as this makes it much easier to get the proper visa. But if you’ll be looking for work, expats can expect to find work in Germany. Some of the in-demand industries in Germany include automotive, engineering, food processing, and machine building. As a bonus, Germany is big on workers’ rights and offers a better-than-average work-life balance.
Healthcare
Healthcare is a requirement in Germany. Residents can choose from private or public healthcare. Public healthcare is available to every Germany resident, as it’s paid for by the public, typically through a deduction in your paycheck that varies based on income. Most residents take advantage of public healthcare insurance, or Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung.
Private healthcare insurance is typically purchased by self-employed individuals, high income earners, and civil servants. It offers more extensive coverage, however this comes at a premium cost.
How to Relocate to Germany in 3 Steps
Moving to Germany (or anywhere abroad) isn’t as simple as packing up your moving boxes and hitting the road. There’s a process involved that requires a lot of time and planning.
As we mentioned previously, Germans are keen on rules and regulations, so there is plenty of bureaucracy and paperwork involved. However, with a little guidance, you’ll be eating schnitzel in no time.
Step 1: Apply for a Standard Residence Permit
To live in Germany, you will need a standard residence permit, which involves an application process and meeting some qualifications, which we’ll outline shortly.
You can apply for standard residence permit while you’re still in the U.S. or after you arrive in Germany. If you’re applying from Germany, you’re given a 90-day period to do so upon arrival. This referred to as a “Schengen” visa. After those 90 days run out, you’ll need to meet the requirements of the one of the following visas to continue living in Germany:
- Work
- Student
- Freelancer
- Self-employed
- Job-seeking
- Artist
- Au Pair
Keep in mind that to even apply for standard residence, you’ll need to meet certain requirements. This includes having an address in Germany, passport, German bank account and phone number, German healthcare, and more. Plus, each type of visa will have its own set of qualifications worth looking into well ahead of time.
Like we mentioned previously, this process requires a lot of planning and documentation, so it pays to start early and be patient.
Step 2: Budget
Moving to the other side of the globe isn’t cheap. If you plan to move to Germany, you’ll need to research moving and start-up costs, budget accordingly, and save up to do so. Costs include (but aren’t limited to):
- Airfare
- Shipping/moving costs
- First three months' rent and deposit
- Resident permit fees
You may also want to research cost of living in your desired area and adjust your budget accordingly. Be sure to include taxes (which tend to be higher), rent, groceries, transportation, and consider the exchange rate (Germany uses the Euro).
All told, the estimated start-up costs of moving to Germany from the U.S. is anywhere from
$3,000 to $5,000.
Step 3: Learn the Language
If you can speak German, you have a much higher chance of earning your standard residence permit, finding a job, and generally enjoying life in Germany as an American. Some standard residence permits (like Au Pair, for example) even require it.
Plus, if you plan to stay for a long time, you’ll eventually need a permanent resident permit. This requires that you speak German. So, you better start practicing your Deutsch!
Best to Places to Live in Germany as an American
From the countryside to the big city, there are plenty of vibrant places to live in Germany. Before you decide, we recommend visiting these areas beforehand, so you get a first-hand feel for each. But to give you a head start, here are some of the best places to live in Germany as an American expat.
Berlin – This is the obvious option. Berlin is the capital of Germany and most populated city, and as such, it’s the epicenter for everything from business to arts to politics. Berlin is a great place for young people to move to, particularly because of the vibrant nightlight, convenient public transportation, and plentiful opportunities for work, fun, and more.
Munich – The home of Oktoberfest, Munich is the third-largest city in Germany. It’s home to several large corporations including BMW, PwC, and Siemens. Of note for American expats, about 20 percent of Munich's population is foreign-born, so you might feel like less of an outsider here. However, Munich is a much more expensive place to live than some of the other options on our list.
Frankfurt – Small but mighty, Frankfurt is the economic capital of Germany and a major player in the international finance world. It’s home to several international banks, as well as investment firms and other financial institutions. Home to many students and expats, Frankfurt is a diverse city with plenty to offer newcomers, including cultural landmarks, green spaces, trade shows, and more.
Dusseldorf – A lesser-known option, Dusseldorf carries many of the same qualities as its larger counterparts – a strong international community, public transportation options, and a love for great beer – but it’s smaller and less populated. Dusseldorf is also known for its large Japanese community, as well as authentic Japanese restaurants. In fact, Dusseldorf in general has a great food and beer scene that Americans are sure to enjoy.
Aachen – A hidden gem, Aachen is small city found in the western part of Germany. Aachen is known for its historic roots and dazzling architecture, such as the Aachen Cathedral and Palatine Chapel. The city also features a strong economy and hubs for many different industries. Due to its small size (comparatively), Aachen is on the affordable side – cost of living is much lower than Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, and others.
Moving to Germany with U-Box International Moves
Clearly, there’s a lot that goes into moving to Germany from the U.S. This guide is just the tip of the iceberg! When you’re ready to make the journey, U-Box portable storage containers are here to help you start your new life.
With U-Box portable storage containers, you can ship your belongings anywhere in the world, even Germany. All you need to do is calculate how many U-Box containers you need, request a custom quote from the international department, and follow their packing instructions. After you load your containers, we’ll handle the rest.
U-Box International Makes Moving to Germany Easier
When you sign up with U-Box International Moves, you’re assigned a moving manager to help facilitate the process. They’ll be there to help with your paperwork, give you a walk-through of what’s expected from you during your move, and answer any questions you may have. Basically, you’ll have an international moving expert in your corner!
If you are interested in moving from Germany to the U.S. or Canada, contact us today at info@ubox.com!
