Moving to Germany for Dummies
We know that moving to a foreign country is a big decision to make and it can be very challenging. That is why we would like to offer you a simple guideline with all the steps that you need to follow to help you in the process of moving to Germany!
Relocation
Before changing your life completely and moving to Germany, there is some research that you should do. First of all, it’s essential to decide in which city you would like to live. Costs of living and job opportunities may vary depending on the region, so you should consider all these factors when making a decision.
After you decide where you want to go, the next step is to inform yourself about the entry requirements for immigrants. Germany is a member of the European Union, which means that citizens from a Member State of the EU, EEA or Switzerland can enter the country and stay for as long as they want without a visa. All they need is a valid ID or passport.
However, nationals from the rest of countries will have to apply for a visa in order to enter Germany. Entry regulations vary depending on the country of origin, so it is compulsory for you to check whether you meet the entry requirements or not before moving to the country. To check if you will need a visa, what kind of visa you will need, how much it will cost and more useful information, you can check the website of the German Federal Foreign Office Auswärtiges Amt or talk to one of our Relocation Partners.
After moving to your new place, you will have to register your address in your town of residence within two weeks. This is a pretty simple procedure, called Anmeldung. You just need to get an appointment in the city council and bring the following documents: a valid ID or passport, a document from your landlord, a registration form that is usually in the city’s website and your residence documents (if applicable).
If all of this sounds too stressful, you should know that you can also count on a relocation agency. Relocation specialists may help you from transporting your household belongings or finding your new home to moving your car or even bringing your pet to Germany. They will make the relocation process much easier by sorting out all the procedures that you need. Check out our Relocation Partners if you want to find out more information about their services.
Health Insurance
One of the most important things that you will need to take care of after your arrival in Germany is health insurance. All citizens and expats must have some type of medical insurance in the country, since health insurance is mandatory for everyone as a condition of residence since 2009.
That being said, you should know that you can choose between public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV) depending on your personal situation. The majority of people opt for public health insurance, which covers most of the medical services that you will need. This is due to the fact that private health insurance options require you to be self-employed, a civil servant, a foreign student (exceptions apply), ineligible for public healthcare or earn more than the required salary threshold (66.600 euros per year).
If you want to find out more information about health insurance, talk to our partners at MW Expat, who will help you find the best option for you.
Health Insurance
One of the most important things that you will need to take care of after your arrival in Germany is health insurance. All citizens and expats must have some type of medical insurance in the country, since health insurance is mandatory for everyone as a condition of residence since 2009.
That being said, you should know that you can choose between public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV) depending on your personal situation. The majority of people opt for public health insurance, which covers most of the medical services that you will need. This is due to the fact that private health insurance options require you to be self-employed, a civil servant, a foreign student (exceptions apply), ineligible for public healthcare or earn more than the required salary threshold (66.600 euros per year).
If you want to find out more information about health insurance, talk to our partners at MW Expat, who will help you find the best option for you.
Bank Account
If you’re planning to stay and work in Germany for a long period of time, you should open a German bank account. If you’re a EU, EEA or Switzerland citizen, you will just need proof of your German address to open your bank account in the country. However, nationals from the rest of the countries will need to prove that they are registered in Germany and show their work permit.
As an expat, we recommend you to check Revolut, a financial technology company that offers banking services worldwide. Among other services, Revolut allows you to pay and exchange money in more than 150 currencies with no extra fees, which makes it a very convenient option for you.
Daily Services
As soon as you move to Germany, you will realise that you need all the services that you were used to having in your daily life back home. However, we understand that finding the right options when you don’t speak the local language can be very difficult.
This is why we created Project Expat: a platform where you can find a wide range of high-quality English-speaking service providers across the whole country. Services vary from medical care or tax consultancy to education, communication and fitness options, among many others.
Check out our homepage to find out all the services that we offer!
Daily Services
As soon as you move to Germany, you will realise that you need all the services that you were used to having in your daily life back home. However, we understand that finding the right options when you don’t speak the local language can be very difficult.
This is why we created Project Expat: a platform where you can find a wide range of high-quality English-speaking service providers across the whole country. Services vary from medical care or tax consultancy to education, communication and fitness options, among many others.
Check out our homepage to find out all the services that we offer!
Languages
On top of all the challenges that you will have to face when moving to Germany, we know that learning German is one of the biggest ones – but don’t worry! We have the perfect partner that will help you acquire the level of German that you need depending on your situation.
Goethe-Institut is one of the most renowned language schools in Europe and offers a wide variety of courses that adapt to each student’s needs and capacities.
Do you want some good news? All our registered PE users can benefit from a special Goethe-Institut deal: you can save 50€ on your German language course! Does it sound appealing? Check out our exclusive offer for Project Expat users!
In addition to providing the best English-speaking services for expats, Project Expat is highly committed to helping the expat community not only in bureaucracy matters, but also in the cultural and social aspects of their life in Germany. With the weekly articles that we post on our blog, we aim to get closer to our foreign community and tackle the key topics that will help them adapt to their new life in Germany. From city guides and day trips to advise on how to find a job in Germany or get insured: you will find everything that you need to know about the country in our blog section!
From Studying to Staying: Clara’s Surprising Story of Moving to Germany
Upcoming Changes in German Citizenship Eligibility
5 Fun Ways of Making Friends Abroad
Join the Club: The 6 Most Common Team Sports in Germany
5 Reasons Why Living Abroad Should Not Scare You
Bring your Partner
Many people who move to Germany also wish to bring their family to the country where they plan to stay for at least a couple of years. However, there are some requirements that you must meet in order to bring your relatives to your city of residence. We know that it can be very overwhelming to adjust to a new culture while your loved ones are away, which is why we created the ultimate guideline with all the steps that you need to follow to bring your family to Germany.
Concierge Services
With the goal of assisting our users in the most efficient way as possible, Project Expat recently launched the section “Concierge Services”. If you get in touch with us via this chat, we will try our best to get back to you within 48 hours to answer all the questions that you may have in a direct and personal way. If we don’t manage to respond before the promised time, we will plant a tree, as sustainability is really important for Project Expat.
All being said, if you have any other questions regarding the process of moving to Germany, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Concierge Services!
Concierge Services
With the goal of assisting our users in the most efficient way as possible, Project Expat recently launched the section “Concierge Services”. If you get in touch with us via this chat, we will try our best to get back to you within 48 hours to answer all the questions that you may have in a direct and personal way. If we don’t manage to respond before the promised time, we will plant a tree, as sustainability is really important for Project Expat.
All being said, if you have any other questions regarding the process of moving to Germany, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Concierge Services!
Our Partners
Many famous brands trust in Project Expat and in our mission. Browse through our website to find over 500 English-speaking service providers and also check out special offers from our partners.
