Moving to Germany
Practical advice on property, paperwork and settling in for anyone planning a move to Germany.
CHECKLIST: The most important paperwork you need to settle in Germany
There's a fair amount of paperwork involved with moving to Germany, and it can be hard to know where to start. We look at the first documents you'll need to apply for, or be aware of, when you arrive here.
The biggest challenges foreigners face after arriving in Germany
Germany has once again been ranked as one of the worst countries in the world for international residents, according to a survey. We look at the challenges foreigners struggle with, as well as the positives.
Why do foreigners find Germany such a hard country to settle in?
Germany is a great country to live in but there are challenges. We look at some of the reasons foreign residents struggle and share some tips.
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10 things you should never do in Germany
Every country has its own unique cultural dos and don’ts. You won’t get a round of applause for remembering the dos, but you can get into seriously hot water for forgetting the don’ts. To help you out, here’s The Local’s guide to 10 things you should never do in Germany.
EXPLAINED: How to move to Germany with your pets
Germany has a reputation for being a very pet-friendly country with some of the world's strictest animal welfare laws. But what about when it comes to moving your four-legged friend over here from abroad?
EXPLAINED: How to get a freelance visa for Germany from outside the EU
Moving to Germany as a freelancer can be a great way to get started, but there are hurdles to clear when applying for the visa. From gathering letters of intent to securing official appointments, Becca Warner outlines what you need to know about the process.
INTERVIEW: 'Don't let fear deter you from new life in Germany,' minister urges
Rhetoric around immigration in Germany has become toxic, but one German minister for labour and integration knows the value of foreign workers and tells The Local what's being done to attract more.
What you need to earn to get an EU Blue Card in Germany in 2025
New salary requirements to get an EU Blue Card came into force in Germany at the start of this year. Here's what you need to know.
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10 funny German medical words every expat should know
German is a tricky language to begin with, but things get really mind boggling when you need to see a doctor.
Which groups of foreign residents earn the most money in Germany?
Germany has been pushing forward efforts to attract skilled workers from abroad, but which immigrant groups tend to earn the most and which earn the least?
Q&A: How can Indian citizens get a visa for Germany in 2025?
Germany plans to grant significantly more visas to Indian citizens this year, especially for those seeking work. So what visas are available and what’s the application process?
Everything that changes for international students in Germany in 2025
Next year is set to bring with it some major changes for foreign students in Germany, from more financial support to more Erasmus funding for universities. Here are the top 10 changes and trends you need to know about.
Eight things Americans need to know before moving to Germany
Thanks to job opportunities and a healthy work-life balance, Germany is an attractive destination for international residents. What should Americans know before moving across the pond?
Can you move to Germany if you have a criminal record?
Applying for or renewing residency in Germany is more difficult with a criminal record, but it's not impossible.
How to find a self-storage space for your belongings in Germany
If you need to temporarily store some of your stuff while you’re away, moving or refurbishing your home, this is what you need to know about available storage options in Germany.
10 key things you need to know about healthcare in Germany
From the type of insurance you should get to how to find GPs and specialists, we've put together a guide to help foreigners in Germany navigate the healthcare system.
Can you get a mortgage in Germany without permanent residency?
For most people a mortgage is needed to buy a house, and in Germany they are available for both citizens and foreigners who meet a few requirements. Here's what you need to secure one.
EXPLAINED: How to have your marriage abroad recognised in Germany
Moving to Germany? Or have you lived here a while and just decided to get married abroad? You should advise the German authorities that you’ve tied the knot – particularly if you’re married to a German or other EU national - as it has implications for your tax and residency rights. Here’s how.
'Choose a smaller city': How to find the best place in Germany to move to
Do your homework, have patience, consider heading to an "international" area or opting for a smaller city. This was some of the valuable advice our readers gave on how to find the best place to move to in Germany.
How Munich wants to make settling in Germany easier for non-EU skilled workers
The Green party in Munich is pushing to set up a welcome centre in a bid to attract more talent from abroad and help them deal with the bureaucracy of moving to Germany.
Indians in Germany: Who are they and where do they live?
Germany is home to a thriving Indian community that has grown considerably in recent years. So where are Germany’s Indians living? And what made them choose to settle here?
Germany ranked 'most difficult country' for foreign residents to get started
Germany has been ranked bottom of a new international ranking that looked at how countries make life easy or difficult for newly arriving foreign nationals.
The pros and cons of living in Germany
Germany is a hugely popular destination for expats - and for good reason. But when you're weighing up whether to relocate, you'll also need to have an honest look at both the good and the bad.
Syrian medical students study German in hopes of move abroad
Germany has become a coveted destination for many aspiring Syrian doctors who want to move abroad to escape conflict. It means the popularity of German language classes is soaring.