Moving to Germany raises a surprisingly consistent set of questions. Whether you’re a software engineer, researcher, student, freelancer, or relocating with family, the concerns tend to repeat.
This article answers the most frequently asked questions before moving to Germany, based on what newcomers actually struggle with—not abstract theory.
How to use this guide: You don’t need to read it all at once. Bookmark it. Skim the questions relevant to your situation. Every section includes practical explanations and copy-ready German phrases with phonetic readings.
1. Do I need a visa to move to Germany?
The answer depends on your nationality and your reason for moving.
EU / EEA / Swiss citizens: You do not need a visa. You can move, live, and work freely in Germany. Registration (Anmeldung) is still required.
Non-EU citizens: Yes, you usually need a visa or residence permit. The most common types are:
- Work visa / Blue Card
- Student visa
- Job seeker visa
- Freelancer visa
- Family reunification visa
Ich möchte in Deutschland arbeiten.[ikh MERKH-tuh in DOYTCH-lahnt AR-bye-ten]— I would like to work in Germany.
Ich habe bereits ein Jobangebot.[ikh HAH-buh buh-RYTS EYE-n yohb-ahng-guh-BOHT]— I already have a job offer.
Important: Many people enter Germany on a national visa and convert it to a residence permit after arrival. This is normal.
2. Can I move to Germany without a job?
Yes—but with conditions.
EU citizens can move without a job and look for work locally.
Non-EU citizens usually need one of the following:
- A job seeker visa (limited duration)
- Sufficient savings (for students or freelancers)
- A recognized qualification
Ich suche eine Arbeit in Deutschland.[ikh ZOO-khuh EYE-nuh AR-bite]— I am looking for a job in Germany.
Ich habe eine anerkannte Qualifikation.[ikh HAH-buh EYE-nuh AHN-er-kahn-tuh kvah-lee-fee-kah-TSYOON]— I have a recognized qualification.
Reality check: Germany is skills-focused. Degrees, experience, and demand matter more than fluent German at the beginning (for many roles).
3. Is German language mandatory before moving?
Legally? Often no. Practically? It helps enormously.
Many international jobs operate in English, especially in:
- IT and software
- Engineering
- Research and academia
- Startups
However, daily life still happens in German.
Ich lerne gerade Deutsch.[ikh LEHR-nuh guh-RAH-duh doytch]— I am currently learning German.
Können wir Englisch sprechen?[KER-nen veer ENG-lish SHPREKH-en]— Can we speak English?
Minimum recommendation: A2 for arrival, B1 for independence.
4. How hard is it to find housing in Germany?
Short answer: it can be very hard—especially in large cities.
Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt have extremely competitive rental markets.
Typical requirements:
- Proof of income
- Credit record (SCHUFA)
- Deposit (Kaution)
- Polite written communication (often in German)
Ich interessiere mich für die Wohnung.[ikh in-teh-reh-SEE-ruh mikh fuhr dee VOH-noong]
Ich bin berufstätig und zuverlässig.[ikh bin beh-ROOFS-tay-tikh oont tsoo-VER-less-ikh]
Tip: Many newcomers start with temporary housing and search locally.
5. What is Anmeldung and why is it important?
Anmeldung is the official registration of your address.
You must register within a few weeks of moving into a permanent address.
Without Anmeldung, you cannot:
- Open a bank account easily
- Get a tax ID
- Register for health insurance
- Sign many contracts
Ich möchte meinen Wohnsitz anmelden.[ikh MERKH-tuh MIGH-nen VOHN-zits AHN-mel-den]
Ich habe einen Termin beim Bürgeramt.[ikh HAH-buh EYE-nen tehr-MEEN bym BUEHR-ger-ahmt]
6. How does healthcare work in Germany?
Germany has one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
You must have health insurance—either:
- Public (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)
- Private (private Krankenversicherung)
Most employees start with public insurance.
Ich bin krankenversichert.[ikh bin KRAHN-ken-fer-ZIKH-ert]— I am health insured.
Ich brauche einen Arzttermin.[ikh BROW-khuh EYE-nen ARTS-tehr-MEEN]— I need a doctor’s appointment.
Good to know: Many doctors speak English, but reception desks often don’t.
7. How high is the cost of living?
The cost of living depends heavily on the city.
- Rent is the biggest expense
- Groceries are relatively affordable
- Public transport is reliable but not cheap
Smaller cities are significantly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt.
Wie teuer ist die Miete?[vee TOY-er ist dee MEE-tuh]
Die Lebenshaltungskosten sind hoch.[dee LAY-bens-hal-toongs-KOS-ten zint hohkh]
8. Do I need a German bank account?
In practice, yes.
While some employers accept foreign IBANs, many systems still expect a German account.
You will need:
- Passport
- Anmeldung
- Residence permit (if applicable)
Ich möchte ein Bankkonto eröffnen.[ikh MERKH-tuh EYE-n bahnk-KON-toh er-OEF-nen]
Welche Unterlagen brauchen Sie?[VEL-khuh OON-ter-lah-gen BROW-khen zee]
9. How do taxes work in Germany?
Germany has progressive income tax and mandatory social contributions.
Your employer usually handles tax deductions automatically.
You will receive a tax ID after Anmeldung.
Ich habe meine Steuer-ID erhalten.[ikh HAH-buh MIGH-nuh SHTOY-er EE-DEE er-HAL-ten]
Die Steuern werden automatisch abgezogen.[dee SHTOY-ern VAIR-den ow-toh-MAH-tish AB-guh-tsoh-gen]
10. Is Germany culturally difficult to integrate into?
Germany is not unfriendly—but it is structured.
Common surprises:
- Punctuality is taken seriously
- Rules are followed
- Friendships take time but are deep
Pünktlichkeit ist sehr wichtig.[PUENKT-likh-kite ist zair VIKH-tikh]
Am Anfang ist es nicht leicht.[ahm AHN-fahng ist es nikht LYT]
11. Can my family move with me?
Yes, family reunification is possible.
Spouses and children can usually join if:
- You have sufficient income
- You have adequate housing
- Basic German knowledge may be required for spouses
Ich möchte meine Familie nachholen.[ikh MERKH-tuh MIGH-nuh fah-MEE-lee-uh NAHKH-hoh-len]
12. What do people underestimate most?
The emotional side.
Moving to Germany is not just logistics. It’s:
- Learning a new system
- Being patient with yourself
- Accepting slower social integration
Alles braucht Zeit.[AL-les BROW-kht tsyt]— Everything takes time.
Schritt für Schritt.[shrit fuhr shrit]— Step by step.
Final thoughts
Germany rewards preparation, patience, and persistence.
You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be informed.
If you understand the systems, learn survival German, and stay realistic, moving to Germany can be one of the best decisions you make.
Ich bin bereit für diesen Schritt.[ikh bin beh-RYT fuhr DEE-zen shrit]— I am ready for this step.