Making Germany Your New Home

Bank Account: Opening a bank account in Germany is recommended for managing finances and making transactions. You will need a bank account for salary deposits, rent payments, and other financial matters. Research different banks and their services to find the one that suits your needs. (This may take an hour or so. Your Relocation Emissary will accompany you and translate if necessary.)

Taxation: Understanding the German tax system is vital. Depending on your income and residency status, you may be subject to taxation in Germany. It’s advisable to consult a tax advisor or the local tax office (Finanzamt) to ensure compliance with tax regulations and take advantage of applicable tax benefits. (HR will lend a hand.)

Social Security and Benefits: You may be entitled to social security benefits, such as healthcare, pension, and unemployment insurance. Understanding the requirements and eligibility criteria for these benefits is essential. Research and contact relevant authorities, such as the German Social Security Office (Deutsche Rentenversicherung), to gather the necessary information.

How much money do you need to live in Germany? You will often need to pay up to three months’ rent and a deposit in advance to rent an apartment, so make sure you have enough savings. Also, budget for Nebenkosten: additional monthly payments to cover fees, refuse, Internet, and other bills. The amount you will pay monthly for an apartment before bills and Nebenkosten are referred to as cold rent or Kaltmiete. Rental costs vary across the country, but you will likely need over €1000 a month to cover rent, bills, transport, and food. Draw up a realistic budget, so you know how much you will need to earn. You can learn more about rent and other living costs on our Cost of Living in Germany page and supporting pages.

Where is the best place to live in Germany? There is no single “best place to live” in Germany. Young creative people are drawn to the vibrancy of Berlin, while the highest standard of living is said to be in Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Munich. Leipzig is a relatively small but popular, diverse, and culturally rich city that is gaining popularity with younger people. View Housing Checklist HERE.

Language: While many Germans speak English, particularly in major cities and tourist areas, learning German can significantly enhance your experience and integration into the local culture. Taking language courses or using language-learning resources can help you communicate effectively and navigate daily life in Germany.

It is possible to live in Germany without knowing much German. But to find employment and to fully integrate into society, you will need to be able to speak and read German to a good standard, especially if you live outside the major cities. Consider attending an evening language school in your town or doing an online course in German before you relocate. 

Bridging Expats is happy to offer Language Training as one of our services!

Familiarize yourself with the recycling system in your new home, and ensure you know the collection days. Bins tend to be color-coded, and what the colors mean may change from state to state. If in doubt, ask a neighbor or your landlord. Around 68% of all household waste in Germany is recycled. Typically, plastics, paper, different-colored glass, bio-waste and cans should be separated for recycling, whilst non-recyclable waste has its own bin.