Moving to Germany in 2025? You’re likely drawn by its strong economy, high quality of life, rich culture, and central location in Europe. Whether you’re pursuing career opportunities, education, or a new lifestyle, Germany has much to welcome you with. However, like any international relocation, a move to Germany requires thorough planning and understanding of its systems and customs. This guide aims to eliminate confusion by breaking down the process into simple, actionable steps.
At Remitly, we understand the journey of those moving across borders and strive to make managing international finances easier and more secure. With proper preparation, you can transition to life in Germany with confidence. In this guide, you’ll learn about visa requirements, finding a place to live, setting up finances, learning the language, navigating bureaucracy, and adjusting to German culture.
Understanding Germany visa requirements
Securing the correct visa is the foundational step for your move to Germany. For 2025, Germany continues to offer various visa options based on your purpose of stay, including work, study, and family reunification.
Types of visas for Germany in 2025
- Work visas: There are a variety of work visas available to you, depending on your specific situation.
- Skilled worker visa: For individuals with vocational training or academic qualifications and a concrete job offer from a German employer.
- EU Blue Card: For highly qualified third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with a university degree and a binding job offer meeting a minimum salary threshold.
- Job seeker visa: For qualified professionals who want to stay in Germany for up to six months to look for employment.
- Study visa: For admission to a German university or other recognized educational institution.
- Family reunification visa: For joining family members (spouses, children) who are already residing in Germany.
- Additional options: Au Pair visa, Freelancer/Self-employed visa, Research visa and Volunteer visa are other specialized categories that exist.
Tips on how to determine the right visa category
Consider your primary reason for moving:
- A job offer: A work visa or EU Blue Card is likely appropriate
- To study: A study visa is necessary
- To join a spouse or parent: Look into family reunification
- A highly skilled professional looking for work: The job seeker visa might be an option
The specific requirements for each category are detailed on the consular services portal.
Application timeline and required documents
The timeline can vary from a few weeks to several months, so we suggest applying early. Common documents include:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form (completed and signed)
- Biometric passport photos
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, blocked account for students)
- Health insurance coverage recognized in Germany
- Letter of admission (for students) or employment contract (for workers)
- Certificates of academic/professional qualifications (often requiring translation and authentication)
- Proof of German language skills (if required for your visa type)
Reliable resources for up-to-date visa details
- The German Federal Foreign Office
- The German embassy or consulate in your current country of residence
- The Make it in Germany portal, run by the German government
- The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
Finding a place to live
Germany’s housing market can be competitive, especially in major cities. Understanding what to expect will prepare you to face it head-on.
What to expect in the housing market
Rental vs. buying trends
Renting is very common in Germany, even for long-term residents. Buying property is a more complex process.
Competitive cities
Cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart have high demand for apartments, which makes the search challenging and the rent higher.
Unfurnished rentals
Most long-term rentals come unfurnished, often without kitchen appliances (like a stove or refrigerator) or light fixtures. This is an important factor to consider when budgeting.
Tips on finding affordable and expat-friendly neighborhoods
- Look beyond city centers: Suburbs or smaller towns connected by good public transport often have more affordable options and can still be very pleasant.
- Research online: Use expat forums, like Toytown Germany, to ask about neighborhoods foreigners prefer for amenities, international schools, or community feel.
- Consider “WG” (Wohngemeinschaft): Shared apartments are common, especially for students and young professionals, and can be a budget-friendly option.
Popular platforms for finding housing
- ImmoScout24: One of the largest and most popular real estate portals in Germany.
- WG-Gesucht.de: Primarily for shared apartments (WGs), but also lists single apartments.
- Local newspapers & notice boards can sometimes yield private listings.
- Immonet.de and Immowelt.de: Other major real estate platforms.
How to secure a rental contract and what to expect
- Application documents: Landlords often require proof of income (usually your last three payslips), a Schufa credit report (German creditworthiness check), valid ID, and sometimes a letter from a previous landlord.
- Deposit (Kaution): Generally, it is up to three months’ “cold rent” (kaltmiete—rent excluding utilities). This is refundable at the end of the tenancy, minus any deductions for damages.
- Tenancy agreements (Mietvertrag): Read them carefully and thoroughly. They outline rights and responsibilities, notice periods, and rules for the property.
- Agent fees (Provision/Maklergebühr): If you use a real estate agent, they may charge a fee, though laws have shifted to often place this burden on the landlord who hired them (Bestellerprinzip). Try to clarify this upfront to avoid unforeseen developments.
Germany has a high-quality healthcare system, but it’s important to understand how it works for expats.
Germany’s dual public and private healthcare system
Public health insurance, or GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), is compulsory for most residents. This includes employees earning below €69,300 per year, as of 2024. GKV is funded by contributions from both employers and employees.
Private health insurance, or PKV (Private Krankenversicherung), is an option for those earning above the income threshold, self-employed individuals, and civil servants. It can offer more extensive coverage or access to private rooms, but premiums are risk-based.
Guide on registering for public health insurance and how to qualify for private insurance
GKV registration: If employed, your employer usually handles the registration with a public health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) of your choice (e.g., AOK, TK, Barmer). You’ll then receive a health insurance card (Gesundheitskarte).
PKV qualification: To opt for private insurance, you generally need to meet the income requirements or fall into a specific professional category. Choosing PKV is a significant decision, as switching back to GKV can be difficult.
How expats can access doctors, pharmacies, and emergency medical services
Doctors (Arzt/Ärztin): You can usually choose your general practitioner (Hausarzt). For specialists (Facharzt), a referral from your Hausarzt may sometimes be needed, depending on your insurance plan. Appointments are standard.
Pharmacies (Apotheke): Easily recognizable by a large red “A” symbol. They dispense prescription (Prescription Rezept) medications and over-the-counter drugs.
Emergency medical services: Dial 112 for any emergency (medical, fire, police). Hospitals have emergency rooms (Notaufnahme). When managing finances for healthcare or other needs across borders, Remitly is a safe, fast solution.
Setting up your finances
A German bank account is essential for daily life, from receiving your salary and paying rent to setting up mobile phone contracts and making everyday purchases. You can pay rent and utilities via direct debit (Lastschrift) and pay for other items using your debit card (Girocard).
How to open a German bank account
Required documents usually include:
- Passport (and visa/residence permit if applicable)
- Proof of address registration
- Proof of income or employment contract, or university enrollment letter.
To open an account, you will need to visit a branch in person, though some digital banks allow online applications.
Alternative banking solutions for expats
Digital banks like Remitly are popular among expats as they often have English-language support, easier online account opening processes (sometimes even before you have your Anmeldebestätigung), and favorable conditions for international money transfers. Living in Germany comes with various financial requirements, but with a solid budget plan, you’ll be ready for what’s to come.
Paperwork for visas and registrations may feel never-ending when you first arrive in Germany, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.
Anmeldung and its importantance
Anmeldung is the process of registering your residential address with the local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks of moving into a new permanent residence. It’s a legal requirement and essential for:
- Getting your tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
- Opening a bank account
- Setting up utilities and internet
- Enrolling children in school
- Applying for certain permits or licenses, such as a driver’s license
Documents needed for Anmeldung
- Passport (and visa/residence permit)
- Completed registration form (Anmeldeformular)
- Landlord confirmation letter.
You will submit these in person at your local Bürgeramt; an appointment is usually required.
Other bureaucratic essentials
- Steuer-ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer): Automatically mailed to you after your Anmeldung. Your employer will need this.
- Registering for utilities: You’ll need to sign up for electricity and gas (if applicable) with providers. Internet and phone services also require separate contracts.
- TV/radio license fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): A mandatory fee per household to fund public broadcasting. You’ll receive a letter about this after Anmeldung.
Adapting to German culture involves appreciating nuances like lifestyles, traditional practices, and local dishes.
Tips to adapt to German work culture
Germans highly value punctuality. It’s important to be on time for meetings, appointments, and even just meeting up with friends. When talking about communication, Germans tend to be direct, which can sometimes be mistaken for rudeness by those from more indirect cultures. It’s generally not personal, just efficient.
There is also a clear distinction between professional and personal lives in German work culture. However, efficiency, planning, and adherence to rules are important in both their personal and professional lives.
Unwritten rules
Recycling (Mülltrennung): Germany has a complex and strict recycling system. You’ll need to sort your waste into different bins (paper, plastic/packaging, organic, glass, general waste) and be diligent about the days to take each one out.
Quiet hours (Ruhezeiten): Official quiet hours are standard, typically evenings (e.g., after 10 p.m.), all day Sunday, and during midday lunch breaks in some residential areas. Avoid loud noises like vacuuming or DIY projects during these times.
Tips for adjusting to life in Germany
Settling in takes time, yet there are ways to cope with the transition. Acknowledge that culture shock and homesickness are normal feelings. Stay connected with friends and family back home, but also try to build new connections in Germany.
Maintain routines, explore your new surroundings, and be patient with yourself during the adjustment period. You can maximize expat communities, online forums, and other support networks. Local community centers can provide support and information. Organizations like InterNations organize events for expats in many German cities.
Ideas for exploring Germany
- Iconic cities: Visit major cities like Berlin (history, arts), Munich (Oktoberfest, Bavarian culture), Hamburg (harbor, nightlife), Frankfurt (financial hub, museums), Cologne (cathedral, carnival), and Heidelberg (romantic castle, old town).
- Weekend road trips: Explore Germany’s scenic routes, like the Romantic Road or the Castle Road. Visit the Alps in Bavaria, the Black Forest, or the Rhine Valley wine regions.
- Nature and outdoors: Germany has many beautiful national parks, forests, and lakes for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
FAQs
Is it hard to move to Germany?
Moving to Germany involves a bureaucratic process, especially regarding visas and registration, which can seem challenging. However, Germany actively seeks skilled workers and has relatively clear pathways for immigration if you meet the criteria.
Learning a bit of German beforehand and doing thorough research can make the process much smoother. Millions of foreigners have successfully moved to and live in Germany.
How do I find housing in Germany as an expat?
Start your search online using popular German real estate portals like ImmobilienScout24 or WG-Gesucht (for shared flats). Engage with local real estate agents, especially those with experience assisting expats. Be prepared to provide documents like proof of income and a Schufa credit report. Joining expat forums and social media groups can also provide leads and advice on navigating the rental market in specific cities.
What are the biggest challenges for expats moving to Germany?
Common challenges include the bureaucracy (Anmeldung, taxes, etc.), learning the German language (while many speak English, German is needed for full integration and some jobs), finding housing in competitive cities, and adapting to cultural differences like direct communication styles or the emphasis on rules and punctuality. Winter weather can also be an adjustment for some.
Can I get by with English in Germany, or do I need to learn German?
In major cities and within international companies or academic circles, you can often get by with English for a while. Many young Germans speak English well. However, learning German is highly recommended for daily life (dealing with authorities, shopping in smaller stores, understanding contracts, socializing with more locals) and for better job prospects. It will significantly improve your integration and overall experience.