Germany is currently one of the best countries to move to. The country has the strongest economy in Europe and the fourth largest economy in the world. The quality of life here is at the highest level, because the country has a strong social sphere – the health care system provides citizens and foreigners with quality treatment. The highest-rated European universities are also located in the Federal Republic of Germany. Favorable geographical location, delicious cuisine, rich culture and friendly population add special advantages to Germany. However, moving to Germany can seem quite difficult, and life in the country has its own peculiarities.
What questions do expats in Germany often have? The 21 most frequently asked questions follow.
- How to move to Germany for work?
As in many other countries of the world, in order to obtain the right to work in Germany, it is necessary to issue an appropriate permit. Only EU citizens have the right to work in Germany based on the agreement on freedom of movement. However, such expats still need to go through the registration process.
- What types of work permits are approved in Germany?
In Germany, there are different categories of work permits that depend on your qualifications and type of employment: highly skilled worker permit, EU blue card, freelancer work permit, etc.
- How to apply for a work visa in Germany?
The step-by-step process of applying for a work visa in Germany is as follows:
- Get a job offer in Germany.
- Check whether you need a visa to enter Germany.
- Find out where you need to apply for a visa.
- Collect all necessary documents according to the instructions.
- Make an appointment for a visa interview.
- Pay the fee for a work visa to Germany.
- Attend an interview.
- Wait for the answer to the visa application form.
- What list of documents must be prepared for obtaining a work visa in Germany?
The approximate list of documents is as follows: two visa applications; two passport-size photographs; valid national passport; proof of residence; Medical Insurance; employment contract or job offer; a resume in which your academic qualifications and work experience are indicated; confirmation of qualifications – diplomas, certificates, evaluations, etc.; cover letter explaining the purpose and length of stay; certificate of criminal record; confirmation of the paid visa fee; declaration of truthfulness of information.
- How to apply for opportunity card or Chancenkarte in Germany?
From March 1, 2024, citizens of non-EU countries will be able to apply for a special permit to look for work in Germany or the Chancenkarte – provided that they accumulate enough points. The evaluation system will take into account qualifications, professional experience, age, knowledge of the German language and ties to Germany.
The new permit for highly qualified workers will allow foreigners to enter the country, live and look for work by profession. During this period, it will be possible to work at any job, but up to 20 hours a week.
The permit procedure has not yet been approved by the German government.
- Which jobs are in high demand in Germany?
There are many jobs available for German-speaking expats in the country, the most popular being service jobs, jobs in the IT sector, engineers and English teachers.
- How long does it take a foreigner to find a job in Germany?
It depends on many factors, such as where you look for work, what skills you have and how much effort you put in. Some people find a job within a month, while others may take almost a year.
- What is the average salary in Germany?
This varies greatly depending on the type of job: an English teacher will often earn around €35-40k per year, while an IT professional can earn up to €95k.
According to Germany’s official statistics office, the average salary in 2022 was 4,100 euros, and after taxes – 2,636 euros.
- Which industries in Germany are the most reliable for employment?
The most reliable industry for employment in Germany is the automotive sector. The headquarters of BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen are located here, and thousands of people work in manufacturing plants. It’s also a great place to work, as companies offer training that specializes in manufacturing (which can lead to becoming a skilled worker or engineer).
- What is the German work ethic?
Germans are very hardworking people, they love their work, but at the same time they also know when it’s time to take a break. In general, employers expect employees to be committed to their work and socially responsible towards their colleagues and the company (both in and out of the office).
- How many hours a week do Germans work?
In general, Germans work about 40 hours a week
- What is the duration of maternity leave in Germany?
Women who give birth in Germany receive 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. This breaks down to six weeks before the due date and eight weeks after the baby is born.
Parents can also take leave if they want to put their careers on hold. They can also work part-time if they wish.
- Do you need to know German to move to Germany?
German is the only official language in Germany, but citizens of the country tend to have a very high level of English. With this in mind, learning German will greatly improve your integration and help you in your everyday life.
- Which German city is best for expats?
Germany has many great cities for expats to live. Frankfurt is the most popular among foreigners because of its high level of development of the technology industry. Munich is one of the most famous places for foreign businessmen to live. Berlin is the third most popular city for expats and one of Europe’s leading centers for art, technology and nightlife.
- What is the cost of living in Germany?
Official German government statistics show that a family spends an average of €2,800 per month on basic expenses such as rent, food, transport and communication.
- Where is the cheapest place to live in Germany?
The cheapest place to live in Germany is Berlin.
- What features should be taken into account when renting real estate in Germany?
In Germany, housing intended for permanent residence is usually rented for a period of four to five years, sometimes even longer. Also, most often you will not be able to terminate the lease during the first one or two years of the contract.
When looking at affordable properties, be prepared to be shown the apartment with other interested parties, often 20 to 30 people at a time. You also need to take your time when viewing a property, as you can usually only view it once.
Most apartments are rented without furniture and appliances.
- When is it necessary to register in Germany?
Immediately after you have rented accommodation, make an appointment at the local town hall for registration. The waiting time can be from 4 to 6 weeks. This is important, because in order to open a bank account in Germany, you need to provide information about your place of residence. Take your passport, residence permit and proof of residence from the landlord with you.
- Is Germany safe?
Germany is one of the safest countries in the world, with a particularly low crime rate and a high quality of life in both the cities and the countryside.
- What is the education system in Germany?
Children under the age of six can go to kindergarten, but this is not mandatory.
Only schooling is compulsory, starting with primary school (Grundschule) at the age of six.
Secondary education in Germany is usually divided into three levels, depending on academic performance: Gymnasium (academic high school), Realschule (vocational high school) or Hauptschule (general technical school).
- What are the features of the German health care system?
Germany’s health care system ranks 17th in the world according to the Health Care Index. Germany’s dual public-private system has many advantages: a wider choice of treatment, specialists and hospitals.
Germany’s public health care system requires residents to have either public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung-GKV) or private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung-PKV).
The healthcare system in Germany is universal, everyone has the right to a doctor, regardless of their employment or social status.
Germany is almost an ideal country for expats, because here all systems work clearly and on time, the environment is clean, there are many natural, cultural and historical monuments. Therefore, moving here can significantly improve your personal quality of life and provide significant career prospects.
