The Global Expat Hub
Germany
Europe's largest job market and excellent healthcare, held back by paperwork and a hard language.
Your plan for Germany checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Germany
Costs and character vary significantly within Germany. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Europe's creative capital — affordable for a major city, diverse and artsy
Bavarian capital with high quality of life — expensive but superbly livable
Northern port city with a maritime feel and strong international community
Financial hub and most international city — easy flights everywhere
Germany by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Temperate; cold grey winters, warm summers. Berlin drier and colder than the Rhineland; the south gets Alpine snow.
Mean temperatures for Berlin.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 600 mm (24 in) a year.
Snow Regular winter snow, heavy in the south.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationGesetze im Internet (Federal Ministry of Justice) ↗
OverviewLaw of Germany on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Grundsteuer ~$500–1,500/yr, reformed 2025.
Local & regional income tax None regional; church tax 8–9% of income tax if registered.
🎓 University
Public university tuition-free for everyone (small semester fee); Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU ~$3k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Telekom, Vodafone, O2.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $20/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Free public university
- Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) job-seeker visa
- EU Blue Card with fast-track PR
- Freelance visa in Berlin
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Germany embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Germany faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Germany: remote work you can do from Berlin, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Germany and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Germany safe for expats?
Germany scores 82 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 66 out of 100 for liveability — #38 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Germany?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Germany from around $2,150 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Germany?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Germany include: Free public university; opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) job-seeker visa; EU Blue Card with fast-track PR; freelance visa in Berlin. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Germany for expats?
The top cities for expats in Germany profiled on this page are Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. Berlin is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.