Step-by-Step Guide on How to Move to Germany
If you’re considering how to move to Germany, planning ahead can make all the difference in your transition. From navigating visa requirements to adapting to local culture, understanding each step is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to move to Germany, with tips on finding work, estimating the cost of living, and settling into a new social environment.
Advance moves can save you time and money on removal costs.
Using the Advance Moves quick quote system can significantly save you time and money when moving house Internationally. Just click on the link for your instant online quote and then compare quotes from up to the 5 best removal companies already pre-selected to match your moving requirements. Get the best deals on international removals today.
Step 1: Check Visa Requirements and Apply if Needed
For British citizens, how to move to Germany has changed post-Brexit. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a visa. Germany offers a range of visa options based on your circumstances:
- Job Seeker Visa: Allows you six months to search for employment.
- Employment Visa: Requires a job offer from a German employer.
- Freelancer Visa: Available for self-employed individuals in fields like tech, art, and media.
- Student Visa: For those pursuing education in Germany.
Visit the German Federal Foreign Office for details on each visa type and application requirements.
Step 2: Search for Employment Opportunities
Securing a job is essential for many who are learning how to move to Germany. If you don’t have a job offer yet, there are several resources that can help you in your job search:
- Job Boards: Websites like Indeed Germany, LinkedIn, and StepStone offer a wide range of job listings in Germany.
- Government Services: The Federal Employment Agency provides job placement services and support for international workers.
- Networking: Connecting with others on platforms like LinkedIn and attending industry events can be beneficial for finding work in Germany.
For British expats, cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have large international communities and many English-speaking opportunities in industries like tech, finance, and media.
Step 3: Plan Your Budget for the Cost of Living
Understanding the cost of living is crucial when figuring out how to move to Germany. Costs vary by city, with Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich being some of the most popular and generally more expensive locations.
- Housing: Rent in larger cities ranges from €1,000–€1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. Smaller cities can be more affordable, with average rents around €700–€1,000.
- Utilities and Internet: Utilities typically cost €200–€300 per month, and internet packages are around €30–€50 per month.
- Groceries and Dining Out: Grocery costs average €200–€300 monthly for a single person, while dining out is affordable, with meals at local restaurants averaging €10–€20.
For more on expenses in German cities, Numbeo’s Cost of Living in Germany page offers useful comparisons.
Step 4: Find Accommodation in Germany
If you’re researching how to move to Germany, housing will be one of your primary concerns. Germany has a competitive rental market, especially in major cities, so it’s helpful to start early.
- Rental Websites: Sites like ImmobilienScout24 and WG-Gesucht are popular platforms for finding both apartments and shared accommodations.
- Required Documents: Be prepared with rental documents, such as proof of income, references, and a SCHUFA credit check if possible.
- Temporary Housing: Short-term rentals or Airbnb can be helpful while you search for permanent housing.
Step 5: Arrange Your Move with a Reliable Removals Service
Organizing your move can be one of the most challenging aspects of how to move to Germany. Advance Moves is an excellent resource, offering a Quick Quote System that provides an instant estimate followed by up to five detailed quotes from top-rated movers, making it easy to compare prices and save time.
This service is designed to help you find trusted, experienced removal companies for a smooth move from the UK to Germany.
Step 6: Register Your Residence and Health Insurance
When you arrive, there are two essential administrative tasks you must complete:
Register Your Address (Anmeldung)
Within two weeks of moving, you must register your address with the local Bürgeramt (citizen’s office). This is a legal requirement and essential for setting up other services like banking and health insurance. You’ll need:
- Passport or national ID
- Completed registration form (usually available on the Bürgeramt’s website)
- Your rental agreement
Set Up Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for residents, so if you’re figuring out how to move to Germany, this step is essential.
- Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung): The majority of residents opt for public insurance, which is based on income.
- Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung): Available for higher earners and freelancers, private insurance can offer more extensive coverage options.
For more on health insurance requirements, check the German Ministry of Health website.
Step 7: Open a Bank Account
Having a German bank account is crucial for everyday transactions, including paying rent and receiving your salary. Here’s how to proceed:
- Traditional Banks: Deutsche Bank and Sparkasse are common choices.
- Digital Banks: N26 and Wise are popular with expats for their low fees and easy online account setup.
To open an account, you’ll need your passport, Meldebescheinigung (address registration), and proof of income or student status.
Step 8: Navigating the Social Scene in Germany
A thriving social life is important for making a new country feel like home. Many British expats find Germany to be friendly and inclusive, with a rich mix of locals and international residents.
Tips for Making Connections
- Join Expat Groups: Groups like InterNations and Facebook groups for British expats in Germany offer regular social events.
- Language Meetups: Meetup groups for German-English language exchange are common in larger cities, providing a great way to meet new people.
- Cultural and Sports Clubs: Germany has a strong club culture, and joining a Verein (club) related to your interests—sports, art, or outdoor activities—is a great way to connect.
Cities like Berlin and Munich are particularly popular with British expats due to their international communities and vibrant social scenes.
Real-Life Tips from People Who Used Advance Moves to Relocate
Here are some real experiences of people who learned how to move to Germany with the help of Advance Moves:
- Lucy and Michael: They moved from London to Berlin and found the relocation much easier with Advance Moves. “The Quick Quote System saved us so much time, and by comparing quotes, we saved around £500,” says Lucy. Their advice for others? “Be patient with the paperwork. German bureaucracy can be overwhelming, but it’s manageable if you stay organized.”
- Tom: A freelancer in digital marketing, Tom moved to Hamburg and used Advance Moves for a seamless experience. “Advance Moves matched me with reliable movers who understood what I needed. I recommend brushing up on basic German—knowing some basics made settling in easier.”
Step 9: Settle into Life in Germany
Now that you’ve learned how to move to Germany, it’s time to embrace the German way of life. Here are a few final tips:
- Respect German Customs: Punctuality, recycling, and respect for rules are important values in German society.
- Be Patient with the Language: German can be challenging, but even a few words and phrases can make a big difference.
- Explore Germany’s Beauty: With efficient public transport, Germany is easy to explore, from the Alps to the Baltic coast.
Advance moves can save you time and money on removal costs.
Using the Advance Moves quick quote system can significantly save you time and money when moving house Internationally. Just click on the link for your instant online quote and then compare quotes from up to the 5 best removal companies already pre-selected to match your moving requirements. Get the best deals on international removals today.
Moving to a new country can be daunting, but with planning, preparation, and the right resources like Advance Moves, you can make the process much easier. With this step-by-step guide on how to move to Germany, you’ll be ready to start your new adventure in one of Europe’s most exciting destinations.
For more information visit the Advance moves info page on Moving to Germany. Advance moves also has a blog page full of useful tips on moving house overseas. Advance moves sponsors the supermotoland race team.