Relocating to Germany

Germany is becoming an increasingly popular location amongst expats across the world. Europe is amongst the largest economy in the world. There are many job opportunities across Germany. From Frankfurt, the financial capital of the EU, to trendy Berlin, everyone can find something that fits their taste. If you want to move to Germany, there are many things that you should know before you start your packing. These include potential issues you may come across, such as motoring laws and immigration requirements. To help you plan your move, we have written down a comprehensive checklist for moving to Germany.

Do A Comprehensive Research

Before you set your expectations about a country, you should research the daily life of the country. Generally, Germany is a tolerant and open country for expats. However, due to its history and regional variations, the cost of living and economics varies and should be considered. To give you a basic idea of your research, you should research the costs of living in Germany, geography, societies, peoples, and how life is in this country.

Arrange The Covid Documents

The year 2020 and 2021 were plagued by lockdowns, which led to new travel restrictions and more document needs. Germany has not had any restrictions since June 2022. So you may not have to get a vaccination proof, recovery, or negative test upon arrival, but that does not mean these rules will not return in the coming years. Just to be safe, ensure to sort out the Covid documents before arriving in the country and the vaccination proof.

Arrange Your Visa

Ensure you are well aware of the German immigration process and needs. Germany is a member of the EU, so, EU residents can enter and stay in the country without any visa. EU residents living in Germany for over three months must register with the local government. For non-EU residents, the German immigration system will be more constrained. However, the immigration process and requirements differ from country to country. Make sure to learn about the permits and visas required in Germany.

Manage Your Finances

When relocating to Germany, it is necessary to get your finances in check to ensure that you can support your family and yourself. Knowing the living cost in Germany and planning for those costs is recommended. It may include any short-term money requirement and long-term financial management such as:

• Banks: learn about the banking options before arriving, including mobile and retail banking options. Opening a mobile bank account before you arrive in Germany is possible.
• Pension, Investments, and Taxes: Learn whether your pensions can be transferred to Germany or are your investment influenced due to relocation. Make sure to consider these before moving to Germany and learn about the country’s tax system.
• Insurance: Whatever your requirements are, ensure your family belongings are protected by sorting out the insurance premiums before traveling.

You also need a quick way to transfer money internationally to cover your finances. Many transferring options exist, such as Moneycorp, CurrencyFair, and Wise.

Transport Your Belongings

When moving to Germany, it is necessary to understand the process of transporting your belongings to your new country. It can be a daunting task, which is why most expats take the help of relocation experts to transport their items to Germany. There are many options, from full-service relocation agents to online logistics companies; you can also compare the international shipping market with the help of the internet. Moving companies can help you throughout the moving process, from packing to finding the perfect house. However, some expats opt for global logistics firms to shift their items to Germany.

Choosing the right shipping company will give you peace of mind and allow you to concentrate on other aspects of moving.

Figure Out Your Locality and The Place You Want To Live In

If you haven’t selected a specific destination, you should look for the best city that caters to your needs and wants. For instance, Munich is the top option for a safe, highest quality of life and family-friendly living. But if you want to indulge in culture and nightlife, Berlin is the best option. So, take your time and research the best places to live in Germany, and choose your house wisely.

Move Your Ride

If you have a favorite vehicle you don’t want to sell or leave behind, you should learn about the local motoring laws before moving. Also, consider whether you will need a car or not once you are settled in. the majority of cities in German have the best public transportation connections. However, if you want to move your vehicle, you should learn about the country’s driving laws.

Begin Job Hunt

Some expats move to Germany with already a job. However, many people still move to Germany while looking for work. Germany has many job opportunities for expats. However, these opportunities vary significantly between industries and regions, so it is recommended to do research prior.

Make Copy Of Essential Documents

You will carry your essential documents, such as your passport and birth certificate, and will bring you to Germany. Hence, it is necessary and wise to make hard copies of these documents and leave them with a trusted family member. If something happens to your documents, you will have peace of mind and know that you have a copy when needed.

Manage Your Health Insurance

Health insurance is one of the major things not to overlook when moving to Germany. Germany has the best-funded public healthcare system in the EU. Residents can also choose private coverage based on their requirements. For peace of mind, the best option for expats is private health insurance. Many insurance providers, such as Cigna Global and Allianz Care, offer the best insurance products.

Learn German

Probably the essential thing when moving to Germany is the language. English is not well-known in the country, so learning its national language can help you to find work and do day-to-day tasks. You can enroll in German tuitions to learn the basics of German before moving.

Explore The Schooling Options

If you have kids, it is necessary to sort out their schooling. German’s education system is amongst the best in the EU, but it is necessary to know the basics and do your research.

Conclusion

These are the things that all ex-pats should keep in mind when moving to Germany. Before moving, ensure that your affairs are for a seamless relocation and start your life in your new country. Do all the planning beforehand to prepare you in case things go south.