Germany and all its splendor is indeed a place worth moving to. Think about universal healthcare, the excellent and free educational system, and all the schöne Ferien (beautiful holidays); why wouldn’t you, as an American, fancy moving to Germany from the USA?
Germany has long been the center of most economic activities in Europe. With its woodlands, Berlin, and outdoor lifestyle, it has proven to tug at the heartstrings of people all over the world.
Can you imagine how amazing it would be to visit 46 World Heritage Sites? It would be a wonderful and new experience for you if you decide for moving to Germany from the USA.
But what is even more appealing to most US expats is that the cost of living in Germany, compared to the US, is lower and more affordable.
Unlike the US, the cost of living in Germany is lesser and gives you the privilege of saving some money for other essential things in your life.
However, this doesn’t mean that everything in Germany is cheaper when compared to the US. So, before going right into the estimates or average cost of living in these two countries, you must first understand what is cheaper and more expensive in Germany.
In Germany, healthcare is cheap, and with only a little payment on health insurance, you can get the free and unlimited universal treatment you need.
Most people who have lived in the US and later decided to migrate to Germany from USA have testified that Germany’s healthcare system is way cheaper and better than that of the United States.
This lower price significantly reduces living expenses. Also, education in Germany is affordable to citizens/permanent residents and foreign or international students.
Germany offers free education to all. However, this isn’t 100% free. You will still need to pay the administrative fee, which could be as low as $145 (€119) per semester at the Technical University of Munich. This is way cheaper than the average cost of $2,527 in the US.
Conversely, some things like electronics, houses, and gas or petrol are more expensive in Germany than in the United States. So, if you plan for moving to Germany from USA, you will have to get used to spending a little above what you are used to for these amenities.
So, here is a comprehensive analysis of the cost of living in Germany vs. US.
| Criteria | Germany | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost Per Month | €861 ($1,051) | $1468 (€1201.71) |
| Average Cost Per Year | €10332 ($12,614) | $17616 (€14420.55) |
Even with these estimates, the cost of living could increase or reduce depending on your lifestyle, family size, or education choice.
Suppose you chose to attend a public university. In that case, your living expenses could reduce drastically, but if you decided to attend a private university, your costs would increase.
So, the cost of living, hugely, depends on you and how you intend to spend your money.
Before immigrating to Germany from US, there are some things you have to do to ensure that you land in Germany successfully.
Of course, it is not hard for an American for moving to Germany from USA, but without doing the right things or having the right things beforehand, your immigration to the land of Wunderbar could be ruined.
So, here is your checklist for moving to Germany from USA.
To migrate to any part of the world, especially to the land that’s 3000 miles away from the US, you will need to have enough money for what is to come afterward.
Money facilitates your migration to Germany because it makes it possible to get your visa, health insurance, and other essential things that you will need in the process.
Even after having the cash for your trip to Germany, you still need to plan.
Moving to Germany from USA requires planning. You need to plan your visa, lifestyle in Germany, your education, job, and even your apartment in Germany.
That’s why it is often advised to get the numbers right before taking the giant leap.
Fortunately, the cost of living in Germany is low, so you won’t spend so much time planning how you spend your cash in Germany.
No matter how you hate rigmarole, you still have to bear in mind that you need to cross this bridge before moving to Germany from USA.
Whatever documents you know will be required should be available beforehand. All paperwork is expected to be authentic.
Of course, you can never moving to Germany from USA without having a visa. So, having this in mind and getting all the things needed to obtain your permit to Germany will indeed help you considerably.
After obtaining your visa, you can start making plans for your home in Germany.
Most people prefer to look for areas that they’d feel comfortable in and, more importantly, that they can afford. If you are a student, you can consider living in a dormitory or with a host family—that’s if you have a family or relative in Germany.
But if this isn’t for you, you can choose between renting an apartment or living in a dormitory.
Conversely, if you are moving to Germany from USA because of employment, you might consider renting an apartment that isn’t so far from your office.
If you have successfully gotten your new home in Germany, you can begin shipping your belongings down to your home in Germany.
You should let a professional moving company to Germany from US to take care of your belonging. Start your move by getting a free quote here.
As with all immigration, you will need to solve all long and short term financial issues.
This entails opening a bank account in Germany either with an international bank or their national banks like Volkswagen Bank, Deutsche Bank, or Commerz Bank.
There are also mobile banking options available in Germany. You should also sort out all the insurance, tax, and pension issues you might want to tackle before leaving for Germany.
Before moving to Germany from USA, you will have to know what Germany’s pet restrictions are like.
But not to worry, Germany is a home for pets because they are treated well and appreciated; that’s why you can get your pet free on public transport in Germany.
However, no more than five pets are allowed in Germany for non-business purposes.
To successfully get your pet to Germany, you need to get all the paperwork ready.
You will have to vaccinate your pet for rabies at least twenty-one days before you leave. You must also provide proof of vaccination and other documents to prevent your pet from being quarantined.
Germany’s healthcare sector is considered one of the best globally because it has a public-funded universal healthcare system.
This means that you won’t spend much and will be guaranteed the best treatment.
However, to get complete assurance of better health for you and your family, you can choose between private or public health insurance.
It is advisable to pick between Cigna Global and Allianz Care.
German is the most widely used language in Germany. If you are so keen on immigrating from Germany to US, you will need to learn German.
You can do this by downloading an app on your phone or computer or taking a course.
The German education system is among the best in the world. One thing you have to do is get your kids a good school before you relocate.
Public education is free, but you might have to pay in a private school, so the choice is yours.
Before you migrate from Germany to USA, you must make sure that you have gotten employment in Germany.
That way, you will feel comfortable and assured about moving to Germany from USA.
To get a fantastich experience in Germany, you need to get yourself there to ensure that your plans and dreams of moving to Germany from USA become a reality.
But how do you get yourself to the land of splendor as an American? Do US citizens need a visa for Germany? How long can a US citizen stay in Germany? And do US citizens need a student visa for Germany?
All these are the questions you might need answers to. So, to answer your questions, you can get yourself to Germany by obtaining a resident permit.
However, as a US citizen, you can visit Germany for 90 days without a visa. The visa is only needed when you intend to move permanently, study in Germany, and work in Germany.
If you are a US student who wishes to study in Germany, you will need to get a student visa after gaining admission to any university in Germany.
Germany has a list of visas that you might find intriguing, which include:
So, to obtain a visa for Germany, here is the list of required documents.
To obtain your visa, you will have to follow the following steps.
The first thing you have to do to get your visa is to fill out the application form.
Click here to get a German visa application form and fill it out.
To ensure that your signed application form is accepted, you will have to schedule an appointment with the embassy.
If you genuinely want your application form to be accepted, be punctual to the embassy on the scheduled day.
Your visa application will be validated, and you will be issued a token.
After the verification, your application will be examined to ensure that all documents are arranged in the right order, according to the checklist.
Also, it will be assessed to ascertain if all the required documents are attached. Please note that you may be issued a token if your papers aren’t appropriately arranged according to the checklist.
When your application is complete, you will have to leave your passport and application form with the embassy for some time. Taking your passport would mean a termination of your initial visa application, and you would need to re-apply.
Here, your data will be uploaded to the German Consulate’s website or portal, and a printed copy of your personal information will be given to you to confirm that your name and other information are correct. After that, you will be asked to sign the form, but your parents or guardian will have to sign if you are a minor.
You can now make visa payments, and a receipt will be issued to you to confirm payment and enable you to retrieve your passport after the entire process.
Your fingerprint will be scanned. Ach du meine Güte! Your visa application is complete and will be forwarded for processing at the consulate the next working day. However, you still need to keep the receipt to collect your passport.
Germany ranks #25 in the world for the best healthcare. This indeed gives you, an American moving to Germany from USA, a variety of healthcare options. But since 2007, every resident of Germany is expected to get health insurance.
So, since healthcare in Germany is 100% free, you might decide to get public-regulated health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV).
However, you have two other options: private health insurance from a local or international health insurance corporation (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV).
The last option is to get a combination of public and private health insurance.
The transportation system In Germany is quite affordable and straightforward. On average, a single ticket costs €2 ($2.45), which is relatively cheaper than the $2.75 single day pass in New York.
There are five major public transportation modes in Germany: S-Bahn, Tram (Straßenbahn), U-Bahn, Bus, and Regional trains. Here is a detailed description of the five major modes of transport in Germany to fully understand what these transport systems mean.
Germans also know this mode of transportation as Untergrundbahn. It is the same as the US metro or subway. Most U-Bahn in Germany usually operate above ground and are represented by a broad white letter “U” on a blue sign.
The S-Bahn, commonly known as Schnellbahn, is the fastest form of transportation in Germany. It is simply the suburban or urban rail system that you might already be used to in the US. The S-Bahn is represented by a big letter “S” on a green sign.
Germans commonly know tram as Straßenbahn, and it is what most Americans call the streetcars. Trams operate on regular roads, rails and have several stops in different cities. Tram is visually depicted by the word “Tram” on a red surface.
Deutsche Bahn manages the regional trains in Germany. Deutsche Bahn manages most train stations in Germany.
If you intend for moving to Germany from USA, you have to use buses to transport yourself, your family, and your pet if you don’t own a car. Buses are the most common form of transportation because they run into the night when other modes of transportation have stopped operating.
Immigrating to Germany from US for employment purposes is one of the most common reasons Americans moving to Germany. But can moving to Germany without a job?
Yes, you can move to Germany from USA without a job. However, you have to obtain a job seeker’s visa after confirming that you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, enough funds to cover all your expenses, and at least five years’ experience in your field of study.
You will also need to have medical insurance covering you throughout your stay until you obtain the Work Permit.
Note that the job seeker’s visa lasts for six months and only allows you to search for a job. You are not permitted to work with the job seeker’s visa.
If you are interested in working in Germany, here is a list of some professions and their salaries available to you as an American. But note that most jobs in Germany require that you understand German.
You might be excited about moving to Germany from USA, but you have to know that as an American moving 3000 miles away, there are certain things you might not like or enjoy in Germany.
It isn’t always beautiful, but it is worth immigrating to Germany from US to taste all the beautiful events, history, culture, and nightlife.
| Pros of Living in Germany | Cons of Living in Germany |
|---|---|
| Free healthcare | Public health is usually slow. |
| Free education | The difficulty level of German grammar is high. |
| Reduced work hours | Customer service is not as good as it is in the US. |
| Low cost of living | Houses are costly |
| Attractive Christmas market | Excessive tax deduction (40% of one’s income) |
| Lots of job opportunities | German is the most used language, hence language barrier |
| Excellent beer | Tasteless food |
| Numerous public occasions | Germany doesn’t have so many beaches. |
| 22nd peaceful country, 2019. | Germany still has its fair share of insecurity. |
| Germans are punctual | Germans are not nice and friendly. |
Owing to Covid-19, the global pandemic that struck the world, Germany has placed some travel restrictions to curb the virus’s spread. Here are some of the travel restrictions.
Moving to Germany from USA entails that you consider the best place to live as an American to enjoy all the wonders of Germany. So, check out this list of the five best places to live in Germany as an American.
Moving to Germany as an American is relatively straightforward, but it involves several steps. The most common pathway is obtaining a visa for work, study, or family reunification. If you have a job offer from a German employer, you can apply for a work visa. Students accepted into German universities can apply for a student visa. While the visa application process is structured and transparent, it does require gathering necessary documentation, such as proof of income, health insurance, and a place to stay in Germany. Once the visa is secured, moving to Germany is generally considered manageable.
The amount of money needed to move to Germany from the USA depends on several factors, including your lifestyle, location, and whether you have a job lined up. Initial moving costs, including flights, shipping, and setting up your home, can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. It’s advisable to have savings to cover at least three months of living expenses, which can vary depending on the city. On average, a single person may need around €1,500 to €2,500 per month to cover rent, food, transportation, and other living costs. Having sufficient funds to cover these initial expenses is crucial when moving to Germany.
Yes, it is possible to move to Germany without a job, but you will need to apply for a visa that allows for this. For example, if you are a student, you can apply for a student visa. If you are a freelancer or self-employed, Germany offers specific visas that cater to these categories. Additionally, if you have sufficient financial resources, you can apply for a residence permit based on self-sufficiency. However, it’s important to ensure that you have adequate funds to support yourself, as living in Germany without employment can be expensive.
Moving to Germany can be a great idea for those seeking a high quality of life, excellent public services, and strong job opportunities. Germany is known for its robust economy, well-functioning healthcare system, and high standard of education. The country is also culturally rich, offering a mix of modern amenities and historical sites. Additionally, Germany’s central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring other countries. However, it’s important to consider factors such as learning the German language and adapting to a different cultural environment. Overall, many expatriates find Germany to be a rewarding place to live.
The cost of living in Germany is generally lower than in many parts of the US, particularly when compared to major US cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. Housing, healthcare, and education are often more affordable in Germany, and public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced. However, the cost of living can vary depending on the city or region in Germany. Cities like Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas tend to be more affordable. Overall, many find that they can maintain a comfortable standard of living in Germany for less than in the US.
Most Americans living in Germany are concentrated in major cities with strong international communities and job opportunities. Popular cities include:
These cities offer a range of amenities, job opportunities, and cultural experiences, making them popular choices for Americans moving to Germany.
To ensure that you actualize all your plans of moving to Germany from USA, you have to follow all the steps in this guide to help you obtain your visa, ship your belongings, move your pet, and ultimately, get yourself in the beautiful financial center of Europe, Germany. Good luck!
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