Moving to Germany from the US: Everything you need to know

Germany is an EU country that offers Americans thinking of relocating there a lot of economic opportunity, a better work-life balance, and cultural richness in the heart of Europe.

Moving to Germany from the US is achievable with the right preparation, but it isn't as simple as booking a flight and finding an apartment. You'll need to navigate visa requirements, understand the cost of living, secure health insurance, and handle banking logistics.

This guide covers everything you need to know to make your transition as smooth as possible.

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Table of contents
Quick facts about Germany Moving to Germany from the US: can you do it? Immigration and visas in Germany for Americans Cost of living in Germany Opening a bank account in Germany Getting accommodation in Germany Healthcare in Germany⁷ Best cities to live in Germany as an expat Is it safe to move to Germany?

Quick facts about Germany

Germany is a federal republic with 16 states, each with significant autonomy. The government prioritizes social welfare and environmental sustainability, and the country boasts one of the strongest economies in Europe.

Capital	Berlin
Language	German
Population	83.9 million¹
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Government type	Federal parliamentary republic
Religion	Mixed (Christianity, Islam, non-religious)
Weather	Temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons
EU member	Yes
Tax treaty	Yes²

Moving to Germany from the US: can you do it?

Yes, Americans can move to Germany, but you'll need an appropriate visa to live there long-term.

The most common paths are through your job, study, or family connections. For example, if you have a job offer from a German company, you can apply for a work visa.

There are also a few other options, such as the EU Blue Card, which is designed for highly skilled professionals with university degrees. Germany's Opportunity Card allows job seekers to enter Germany to look for work. Lastly, freelancers and entrepreneurs can apply for self-employment visas.

💡 One important thing for US citizens to consider is that while many Germans speak English well, especially in cities and international companies, daily life happens in German. You'll also need German language skills for most job opportunities.

Immigration and visas in Germany for Americans

Americans can visit Germany for up to 90 days without a visa.³ If you want to stay longer or move permanently, you need a visa that matches your reason for coming, whether that's work, study, or joining your spouse.

Here are a few visa options that a US citizen can qualify for:

Student visa

If you've been accepted to a German university, you can get a student visa. Germany is popular with international students because of its high-quality, low-cost education and strong career opportunities after graduation.

However, keep in mind that you'll need at least 11,904 EUR in a blocked account to prove that you can support yourself during your studies.⁴ Some programs also require German language proficiency.

Employment visa

If you get a job at a German company, you can relocate to Germany on a work visa. You'll need recognized qualifications (academic or vocational) and a job offer that matches your education level.

Basic manual or administrative jobs usually don't qualify for this type of visa. It's for skilled workers.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly skilled professionals. Typically, this means having a university degree and a high-paying job offer. Your job will need to pay you at least 48,300 EUR per year, and it must match your academic background.⁴

This visa offers a faster path to German permanent residence than regular work visas.

Opportunity Card⁴

With the Opportunity Card, you can live in Germany for up to 1 year and look for work. You can take trial jobs up to 2 weeks or part-time work up to 20 hours weekly.

You need basic German (A1) skills, at least 2 years of vocational training or a university degree, and 1,027 EUR per month to support yourself. You must also score at least 6 points based on factors like experience, language skills, age, and qualifications.

Freelancer or self-employment visa

Freelancers can move to Germany if they can prove demand for their services, have enough funding for projects, and hold necessary licenses. Entrepreneurs need to show economic interest in their business idea, prove it will benefit the economy, and have sufficient funding or loans.

If you're over 45, you must also show adequate retirement savings.⁴

Family reunification visa

If you're married to a German citizen or legal resident, you can join them in Germany. If your dependent children are German citizens or legal residents, this family reunion visa can also apply.

For spouses, you'll need to prove that your relationship is genuine. Marrying someone just so they can get a German residence permit is immigration fraud.

Applying for your residence permit⁵

Once you are in Germany, you need to apply for a residence permit within the first 90 days of your stay.

First, register your address (Anmeldung) at the local registration office. Then, apply for your residence permit at the Foreigners' Office. You'll provide your fingerprints and pay fees ranging from 100 EUR to 400 EUR, depending on your permit type.

Your initial permit will typically last 1 to 3 years, and you'll be able to renew it as long as you have a legal reason to be in Germany or eventually convert it to permanent residency.

Cost of living in Germany

Generally speaking, Germany isn't the cheapest country to live in. The cost of living is comparable to that in the US, but your salary may be lower, and your taxes higher.

However, this isn't always the case, and rent in Germany is also significantly cheaper than in the US. On average, rental prices are 38.8% lower.⁶

Typically, a single person will need 1,189 USD, excluding rent, to live comfortably every month. A family of 4 should plan on spending around 4,060 USD, plus rent, in monthly expenses.⁶

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect for daily and essential spending:

Expense	Approximate cost (USD)⁶
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	18 USD
Meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant	79 USD
Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city centre	1,024 USD
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city centre	1,899 USD
Basic utilities	355 USD
Internet	51 USD
Phone plan	28 USD
International school (yearly for 1 child)	16,304 USD
Toyota Corolla Sedan (or similar new car)	38,372 USD

Public education in Germany is free, but classes are taught in German. If your children don't speak German fluently, you'll likely need to consider international schools, which come with significant costs—around 16,300 USD per year per child.⁶

Opening a bank account in Germany

You can open a German bank account if you're staying in the country long-term with a proper visa.

You'll typically just need a valid passport, a registration certificate from the local municipal office as address proof, and your residence permit or visa. Depending on the bank, they may ask for additional documents to prove your financial stability, such as an employment contract.

Commerzbank, DKB, N26, and Deutsche Bank are some of the most popular banks in Germany. Once you settle down, you may consider applying for a credit card to start building a local credit history.

Getting accommodation in Germany

The rental market in Germany is competitive, especially in big cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt. However, it's still possible to find a good rental.

Some of the most popular real estate platforms in Germany are:

• Wunderflats
• ImmoScout24
• WG-Gesucht

You may also consider asking your employer or school to help you find good accommodations. For example, universities may be able to pair you with a roommate, which can reduce your housing costs.

City-specific Facebook groups can also be very helpful, since many people post direct listings there. However, especially when renting through social media websites like Facebook, make sure to watch out for signs of fraud, such as:

• Unusually low rent prices compared to market rates
• No in-person apartment viewing (with excuses like being abroad at the moment)
• High-pressure payment tactics to pay a deposit immediately

Never pay in advance, and never send a deposit without being absolutely sure you can trust the landlord and that the accommodation is real.

💡 You can also buy property in Germany as a foreigner, but getting a mortgage isn't typically easy for a foreigner.

Healthcare in Germany⁷

Everyone who lives in Germany has to get health insurance, including expats.

There are 2 types of health insurance: public (statutory) and private. Which one you get depends on your job, income, and situation.

Most people get public health insurance. If you earn less than 73,800 EUR per year working for a German company, you'll get public insurance. You're also eligible for it if you're an international student under 30 or working as an apprentice or intern.

Freelancers, self-employed individuals, and high-income earners (if you earn over 73,800 EUR per year) can choose to get private or public health insurance. International students over 30 and those in language courses can only get private insurance.

The price for private insurance can start at 100 EUR and go over 500 EUR per month.

Best cities to live in Germany as an expat

Berlin

Germany's capital is a magnet for expats because of its vibrant cultural scene and international atmosphere. There are many jobs here, and the city is known for its excellent nightlife, world-class museums, and fun lifestyle.

You'll meet large expat communities from around the world here, but it can also be quite hard to find affordable housing.

Munich

Munich is Germany's tech hub, with many international companies having offices there. The public transportation is great, and it's close to the Alps for weekend skiing or hiking.

However, the downside is that Munich is one of the most expensive German cities, with high rent and living costs. So, you'll need to budget carefully for a comfortable lifestyle.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt attracts many international professionals working in banking, finance, and consulting. The city has an international feel, with English commonly used in business settings. There's also an international airport, which makes travel quite easy.

Frankfurt is a smaller city than Berlin and Munich, but the cost of living is still pretty high (although good salaries help offset it).

Hamburg

Hamburg is one of Germany's largest cities, and it has a strong media and logistics industry, plus a growing tech scene. The city offers an excellent quality of life with lots of green spaces and cultural attractions. However, the weather can be rainy and grey, especially in winter.

Is it safe to move to Germany?

Yes, Germany is a pretty safe country. Violent crime is rare, and petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen in tourist areas and major cities, but this is typical for any urban environment.

Overall, Germany has excellent healthcare, clean drinking water, safe food standards, and reliable infrastructure. Natural disasters are minimal, and you'll likely feel quite safe living there.

The bottom line

You can move to Germany from the US, but it's important to consider the pros and cons of an international move like that and find an appropriate visa for your situation.

The pros of moving to Germany include a high quality of life with excellent public transportation and infrastructure, a great work-life balance, and the opportunity to experience a new culture. There's also a strong education system with affordable universities.

However, if you don't know German, you might experience a language barrier, and it can be hard to find a job. That said, some German companies actively recruit American talent, especially in tech and international business. So, your move may unlock new career opportunities for qualified professionals.

Overall, Germany is a great place to live, as long as you're open to new experiences.

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Sources

1. Worldometer - Germany Population
2. IRS - Convention between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany
3. US Department of State - Germany
4. Germany Visa - Immigration to Germany
5. Taxes for Expats - Moving to Germany from the US
6. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Germany
7. Germany Visa - Health Insurance for Expats in Germany

Sources checked 09/29/2025