For many years, Germany has been on of the most popular destinations in Europe for expats, but living in Germany comes with its challenges too. The country has plenty of job opportunities and excellent infrastructure. On the other hand, some expats can experience some culture shock when first moving to Germany owingto the language barrier and the sometimes conservative culture. Below are some of ourbiggest pros and cons of moving to Germany. Overall the cost of living in Germany is on par with the rest of Western Europe. Basic needs such asfood, electricity, internet and clothing are all relatively affordable. Barring the city centres of Munich and Frankfurt, even accommodation is relatively cheap depending on where one chooses to live. Compared to coastal cities in the US and other major European countries, Germany is relatively affordable. The biggest con of living in Germany is the high amount of tax that is deducted from a worker’s pay. Depending on an expat's salary, income tax can be as high as 40 percentof their income. The upside of these high taxes is the fact that itallows many subsidies, free education and free healthcare. Working in Germany comes with a good work-life balance. Munich, Hamburg and Berlin are frequently ranked in the top 10 'most livable' cities in Germany. Germans tend to negotiate for more flexible working hours and often put their families above work. Since Germany has such a large pool of highly educated workers, competition for top positions can be fierce. Rising through the ranks can be hard for many workers, but it's especially true for foreigners. There's a definite glass ceiling in workplaces in Germany that only a few get to break through. Expats are often surprised at the Germans’ punctuality and discipline. But, once acclimatised, expats find it refreshing, and work culture, and life in general, ismuch improved because of it. Many expats report that, initially, they find Germans to be not the most welcoming. Thiscan be intimidating for newly-arrived expats, but once they start settling in they usually deduce that this brusque attitude isn’t personal. Generally speaking, Germans can be tough to engage with, but once expats make an effort to immerse themselves in local culture and perhaps learn the language, they’ll find that the locals will warm up to them. Though most Germans speak English well, there's a general reluctancefrom their side to speak the language. Germans often won’t speak English in certain situations out of embarrassment or simply because they don’t want the exchange to last too long. The German language can also bepretty hard to learn, but for long-term expats it is certainly worth it. Many expats enjoy living in Germany as it’s easy to travel to other European countries. One can simply get on a bus, train or even rent a car and experience a completely different environment within a few hours. This proximity makes weekend trips to countries such asFrance, Belgium and the Czech Republic eminently possible. Though Germany is known for its excellent beer and delicious pretzels, the restof the local cuisine can be rather limited. Though expats from otherEuropean countries may not notice it as much, those from more exotic countries may struggle with daily meals consisting of bread and potatoes. The healthcare system in Germany is highlymodern and well developed. Most hospital workers can speak English, so expats won’t experience a language barrier. Hospital staff, in general, tend to be friendly and efficient, and hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. At times, the government can take a long time to pay medical providers. This can then lead to making an appointment or finding a new doctor with state insurance a challenge. There's a noticeable difference between how those with private medical insurance are treated in comparison to people on public insurance. Germany has a great public transport system. One can easily get across the country and even travel to neighbouring countries by train and bus. Cities are also well serviced by local bus, train and tram systems, so much so, that many expats don’t feel the need to own a car. Many strict rules need to be followed when cycling in a German city. Not following these rules will anger other road users and can result in fines. Vehicles also tend to use bicycle lanes for their own purposes which can make it difficult getting around on a bike.Cost of living in Germany
+ PRO: Low cost of living
- CON: Extreme tax deductions
Working in Germany
+ PRO: Good work-life balance
- CON: Rising through the ranks can be tough
Culture shock in Germany
+ PRO: Locals are disciplined and punctual
- CON: Locals aren’t particularly friendly
- CON: Language barrier
Lifestyle in Germany
+ PRO: Easy access to other European countries
- CON: Bland food
Healthcare in Germany
+ PRO: High standard of healthcare
- CON: Public health insurance can be slow
Getting around in Germany
+ PRO: Excellent public transport options
- CON: Cycling not that straightforward
FAQs
Pros and Cons of Moving to Germany (and living here)| Expat Arrivals? ›
The country has plenty of job opportunities and excellent infrastructure. On the other hand, some expats can experience some culture shock when first moving to Germany owing to the language barrier and the sometimes conservative culture.
What are disadvantages of living in Germany? ›The pros and cons of living in Germany are many and varied. It's a country that offers a high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and a strong economy. However, it also has its challenges like language barriers, unpredictable weather, and a somewhat reserved social culture.
Is Germany a good place to live for expats? ›The quality of life in Germany is fantastic. Germans put a lot of emphasis on work-life balance, there's high job security, a robust social welfare system, and a very social society. But as any traveller knows, there is more to living in a country than what is seen on social media or written about by the local press.
Am I too old to move to Germany? ›The optimal age for acquiring this visa is generally between 25 to 43 years, although some employers may accept older individuals in certain professions. The age requirement for migration to Germany for obtaining a work visa may even extend to 50 years or more, depending on the nature of the job.
Is Germany welcoming to migrants? ›Migrants (Not Always) Welcome
According to research from the Berlin-based Expert Council on Integration and Migration, the majority of people in Germany express solidarity with refugees. "Three out of four people are ready to donate money," says Nora Storz, a researcher at the council.
Germany's Real Challenges are Aging, Underinvestment, and Too Much Red Tape.
Why do expats leave Germany? ›Better job opportunities and higher salaries abroad attract emigrants. Desire for a different lifestyle or climate motivates relocation. Family reasons, such as joining relatives abroad, influence decisions.
Where do most Americans live in Germany? ›As Germany's largest city, Berlin is generally the first choice for most Americans. It's young and vibrant but doesn't offer many opportunities to experience traditional German culture. Munich, on the other hand, is not only wealthier but far better preserved.
How much money is needed to live comfortably in Germany? ›What is the cost of living in Germany? It would be hard to get by for less than €1,000 a month in Germany, and this rises to around €1,500€ - €2,000€ in the cities where rents are higher. Students can usually cover living costs for around €850 a month.
What is the most foreigner-friendly city in Germany? ›- Berlin is an obvious choice because it is the largest city in Germany. ...
- Munich is another great city for expats. ...
- Hamburg is an excellent option for internationals. ...
- Dusseldorf is one of the best-underrated cities in Germany for expats.
Is 70 too old to move abroad? ›
You are NEVER too old to move abroad.
Because whatever stage of life you're in, single or with a family, we strongly believe, that you should never let your age put your off fulfilling that dream of moving to another country. However, there are also some things to consider.
Retirement age in Germany
The German retirement age is 65 years and 10 months, but this is set to rise over the next few years. From 2024, the retirement age will increase by two months each year until it reaches 67.
Yes, expats can retire in Germany if they have a valid long-term residence permit. To retire in Germany, you need to keep in mind the following steps: Apply for a residence permit. Prepare to move.
How do Germans feel about migrants? ›Historically (as in: 'recent decades'), Germans, and especially young Germans, have been very welcoming of immigrants. Partly due to a strong rejection of the bad parts of German history. Due to the economic, social, financial and criminal impact of immigration, there is a growing dis-satisfaction with immigrants.
What is Germany's attitude towards immigrants? ›Although German society has never been hostile to immigrants, it is fair to say that Germans have not viewed their society as being open to immigration and that there has been a strong perception of alienation and cultural differences, especially toward some groups of immigrants.
What is the new immigration law in Germany in 2024? ›The new Naturalization Act 2024 comes into force on 27.06. 2024! How will Naturalization be made easier for children born in Germany? Children born in Germany are more easily granted German citizenship if at least one parent has lived legally in Germany for five years and has a permanent right of residence.
What disadvantages has Germany faced? ›Final answer: Germany faced severe economic, military, and social disadvantages after World War I, including harsh reparations, restricted military capabilities, and widespread grievances such as the "Stab in the Back" myth.
Is it hard to live in Germany as a foreigner? ›It is just about possible to live in Germany without knowing much German. But in order 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.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Germany? ›What is the cost of living in Germany? It would be hard to get by for less than €1,000 a month in Germany, and this rises to around €1,500€ - €2,000€ in the cities where rents are higher. Students can usually cover living costs for around €850 a month.
How is Germany's location a disadvantage? ›Germany's location in Europe proved to be a disadvantage in launching an offensive war due to the French-Russian alliance. This alliance meant that Germany would have to fight a two-front war, with enemies on both the eastern and western borders.