Moving to...

GERMANY

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Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

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VISA & Immigration

A visa for Germany is an official document that allows a foreigner to enter, stay, or live in Germany for a specific purpose, such as tourism, work, study, or family reunification. It is usually stamped in your passport and must be obtained before traveling, unless your country is part of the visa-free Schengen agreement.

What Visa Do I Need to Move to Germany?

If you want to move to Germany, and have no specific or no connection to the country, you need a National (D) Visa, which allows you to stay longer than 90 days and apply for a residence permit after arrival. The type of visa depends on your purpose for moving.

Below is a detailed guide on the main visas available

Work Visa

This Visa is for citizens outside of the EU who have a job offer from a German employer

    • Allows you to live and work in Germany for your employer

    • After arrival, you apply for a residence permit for employment

    • A job offer from a German company

    • Your job must meet salary and skill requirements

    • Recognized qualifications (some jobs require degree recognition)

    • Proof of health insurance and financial stability

    • Usually 1-4years (renewable)

    • Can lead to permanent residency after 5 years

Job Seeker Visa

For professionals who want to find a job in Germany.

    • Lets you stay in Germany up to 6 months to look for a job

    • Once you get a job, you have to switch to a Work Visa

    • You cannot work on this visa, but trial work for a few days is allowed, you need to apply for a work visa if you want to work.

    • A recognized degree (must be the same as a German degree)

    • Proof of financial support (around 1,027 euro a month)

    • Health insurance covering your stay

    • It is valid for 6 months and is not extendable

    • If you do not find a job in Germany, you must leave the country

Freelancer/Self-employed Visa

This Visa is for freelancers, entrepreneurs and business owners who work for themselves

    • Lets you stay in Germany up to 6 months to look for a job

    • Once you get a job, you have to switch to a Work Visa

    • You cannot work on this visa, but trial work for a few days is allowed, you need to apply for a work visa if you want to work.

    • A recognized degree (must be the same as a German degree)

    • Proof of financial support (around 1,027 euro a month)

    • Health insurance covering your stay

    • It is valid for 6 months and is not extendable

    • If you do not find a job in Germany, you must leave the country

Freelancer need invoices/contracts from GERMAN clients before applying

How to apply for a German VISA?

Now that you know what visa you need to apply for, now you can go ahead and start the applying process. Applying for a work visa to Germany as a foreigner involves several steps.

So here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for one:

  • Prepare all the Required Documents:

    passport, complete visa application, passport sized photo, proof of job offer, proof of qualifications, proof of language proficiency (if required), proof of health insurance, proof of financial means, a cover letter explaining your reasoning for seeking the job and working in Germany (if necessary)

  • Submit your visa application to the German embassy or consulate in your home country

  • Attend an interview (if needed)

  • Wait for the decision (processing time can take weeks to months, so apply early!

Banking & Taxes

If you are moving to Germany, understanding the banking system and taxes is a must. In this section you will find everything you need to know about banking and taxes so you are fully prepared once you land in Germany!

What’s Needed for a Bank Account in Germany?

Here is a quick check list of what you need to open a bank account in Germany:

  • Passport or Residence Permit

  • German Address (Anmeldung Certificate)

  • Proof of employment or Student Status

Some online banks like N26 allow you to open an account without Anmeldung Certificate which is very useful for when you first land in Germany and don’t have a permanent address

German Taxes and Tax System

In Germany, taxes are collected by the fiscal administration (Finanzverwaltung) or also known as tax administration (Steuerverwaltung). Germany also has a progressive tax system, meaning the more you earn, the more tax you will have to pay.

DO I AS A FOREIGNER HAVE TO PAY TAXES?

  • Yes, if you live and work in Germany for more than 183 days per year.

  • If you are employed, your employer automatically deducts taxes from your salary

  • If you are self-employed, you must file a tax return yourself

Tax Classes in Germany

Germany has 6 different tax classes (Steuerklassen) which affects how much you pay based on your wages

Here are all the classes:

  • Class 1 - Single, unmarried individuals

  • Class 2 - Single parents

  • Class 3 - Married (if spouse earns less)

  • Class 4 - Married (both working, similar income)

  • Class 5 - Married (if spouse is in Class 3)

  • Class 6 - Second Job (higher tax rate)

Important Taxes

    • 5.5% extra tax (only for high earners above 66,760 euro per year)

    • 8%-9% tax on income if you register as religious

    • Not religious? Opt out during Anmeldung to avoid it

    • If employed, you and your employer share the cost (14% of salary)

    • If self-employed, you pay the full health insurance yourself

Credit system in Germany and how it works

Germany’s credit system can be a bit complex to understand as a foreigner, but this section will make sure you understand the basics so it becomes a lot more understandable

What is credit?

Credit in Germany is tracked by a company by the name of Schufa, which rates your financial reliability based on your payment history. The better your Schufa score, the easier it is to borrow money, get a credit card or even rent an apartment

How to build credit?

As a foreigner you will not have any credit history, so will have to build it, here is how you do it:

  • Open a bank account

  • Get a credit card

  • Pay all of your bills on time

  • Do not max out your credit card, try to use around 30% of your credit limit to show that you can manage your debt

  • Consider small loans

  • Check your Schufa score regularly once a year for free, this helps you track your progress and correct any mistakes

Healthcare

Germany has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but as a foreigner, it can be a bit confusing.

Types of Health Insurance in Germany

There are two types of health insurances in Germany:

    • Employees (earning under 69,300 euro a year qualify

    • Students, unemployed and retirees qualify

    • Cost (14% of your salary, employer pays half)

    • High earners (69,300+) qualify

    • Self-employed, freelancers, students, expats qualify

    • Cost (Varies from 300-800 euro a month, depending on age and health)

What should I do as a Foreigner?

    • You are automatically enrolled in public insurance

    • Your employer registers you with a public health fund

    • Your salary pays for it (half from you and half from your employer)

    • You must choose between public or private healthcare

    • If you earn above 69,300 euro a year, you can switch to private healthcare

    • If you want lower costs, some freelancers get voluntary public insurance

    • You must have health insurance before getting a residence permit

    • Private expat insurance (short-term, cheaper but limited coverage)

    • Public insurance (if you are planning to work)

Housing & Renting

Finding a place to live in the U.S. as a foreigner can be tricky, but understanding how renting works will help you avoid scams and make the process smoother.

What Do You Need to Rent an Apartment

There are a couple of things landlords will ask for when renting an apartment, here is the list of things they will most likely be asking for if you are renting an apartment:

  • Schufa (Credit Report) - Shows your creditworthiness (not needed for first-time expats)

  • Meldebescheinigung (Proof of Address) - From your local registration office

  • Einkommensnachweis (Proof of Income) - Last 3 salary slips or work contract

  • ID or Passport

  • Bank Account IBAN (International Bank Account Number)

  • Bürgschaft (Guarantor) - if you have no income or credit history, a guarantor (parent/friend) may be needed

NEVER RENT RENT WITHOUT A CONTRACT, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU GET A WRITTEN LEASE YOU AND THE LANDLORD SIGN.

Mortgage and Purchasing of a home

    • You can buy a home as a foreigner, there are no restrictions on foreigner buying property

    • You do not need a residence permit, but having one may help getting a mortgage

    • You can buy as an investment (to rent out) or for living in Germany

    • A mortgage is a loan from a bank to help you buy a house. Instead of paying the full price upfront, you borrow money and repay it over time (usually 15-30 years) with interest.

  • Yes, you can get a mortgage but it is a lot harder than for a German Citizen

    If you are trying to get a mortgage, you will need:

    • Residence permit or German address

    • A good credit history (Schufa score helps)

    • A large down payment (often 20-40% of the home price)

What do you need to apply for a Mortgage?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how you, as a foreigner, can apply for a mortgage:

  • Start saving early - You need 20-40% of the property for the down payment

  • Know your credit - Ensure your Schufa Score is strong or be prepared to show other financial documents

  • Consult a Mortgage Broker - A mortgage broker can help find the best deals and navigate the process

  • Consider Working with International Banks

Here are the Documents you need to apply for a Mortgage:

  • Proof of identity - Passport or ID Card

  • Proof of residence - Your Anmeldung (address registration)

  • Proof of Income - Pay slips, tax returns, or income statements if you are self employed

  • Schufa Credit Report

  • Bank Statements - Last 3-6 months

  • Property Information - Sales contract, property valuation report, and property details

  • Proof of Down Payment - Bank statements showing savings

  • Job Contract or Employment Letter

Schufa Credit Report and what it is:

A Schufa credit report is a document that shows your credit history and financial reliability in Germany. It’s used by banks and other lenders to assess whether you are likely to repay loans or credit cards.

The Schufa (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung) is the German credit bureau, and your Schufa score ranges from 0 to 100 (higher is better).

It shows your:

  • Your personal details (name, address, etc.)

  • Credit accounts (loans, credit cards, mortgages)

  • Payment history (on time or missed payments)

  • Existing debts or obligations

Driving & Transportation

Germany has one of the best and well-developed transportation systems in the world, with high speed trains, efficient buses and world-renowned highway system, the Autobahn, with no speed limit.

Whether you are planning to drive or use the public transportation system, this section will go in detail about everything you need to know about it!

Can foreigners drive in Germany?

Yes of course!

If you are an EU/EEA national, you can use your foreign drivers license in Germany without converting it to a German one. But if you are staying indefinitely, you may need to convert it to a German one or even have to take a German driving test.

If you are a Non-EU national, you can use your foreign driver’s license for 6 months after registering your residency in Germany (Anmeldung). After 6 months, you HAVE TO convert your drivers license if you are planning to stay longer or indefinitely.

How to get a German Driver’s License?

Now that you are planning to get a drivers license, here are the simple steps on how to acquire it below:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School (Fahrschule) - Attend a Theory and Practical driving lessons

  2. Theory test - You will take a written exam (available in multiple languages) that covers road signs, traffic laws and safety regulations

  3. Practical Driving Test - This is it assess your driving skills on the road

  4. After passing the test you will receive a temporary license until your German Driving License arrives by mail

  5. Your German driver’s license will be valid for 15 years, after which you will need to renew it

Converting your license to a German License

EU/EEA License Holders have a valid drivers license indefinitely in Germany. There is no particular reason for converting the license

Non-EU License Holders:

  • If you are from a country with an agreement with Germany (e.g., The U.S., Canada, Australia) you can exchange your foreign license for a German one without taking a driving test

  • If you are from a country without an agreement with Germany, you will likely need to take a driving test, theory and practical exam.

  • You may need to provide certified translation of the license if it is not in German or English

  • You will be asked to pay a fee and take a vision test

Public Transportation in Germany

    • Germany has an extensive train network. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates both intercity and regional trains.

    • The ICE (InterCityExpress) trains are high-speed and connect major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.

    • Tickets can be purchased online, at ticket machines, or through the DB app.

    • Buses and trams serve most cities and towns.

    • You can buy tickets from ticket machines at stations or on the bus/tram.

    • Monthly passes are available for commuters.

    • Most major cities have a U-Bahn (subway) system for fast travel within the city.

    • Tickets for the U-Bahn are sold at ticket machines or via mobile apps.

    • Day passes and weekly/monthly tickets are available for frequent travelers.

    • Germany is bike-friendly, and many cities have dedicated bike lanes. You can also rent bikes through services like Lime or Donkey Republic.

    • Cycle paths are well-marked, and it’s common to use a bicycle for commuting short distances.