Many people are attracted to Germany by the opportunity to live in a country whose economy and GDP are among the top 3 most developed countries in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Numbeo’s quality of life ranking gives the state a score of 190, which means “very high”. Among the country’s strengths are developed medicine, good salaries, and a well-designed social system. The state has an effective immigration policy, which makes it easier for foreigners to adapt after moving.

You can quickly and easily immigrate to Germany with the support of international law specialists. Specialized lawyers will draw up a personalized relocation plan for you, taking into account your intentions, budget and personal situation.

Reasons to choose Germany for relocation

You can move to the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) for the following advantages:

• Excellent employment prospects.
  The average annual salary in Germany is 45,800 EUR. This is much higher than in many other countries, including Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time, there are plenty of vacancies on the labor market; the unemployment rate in the country is 6%, which is the world average. Highly qualified specialists – engineers, mechanics, programmers, doctors, financiers – are in particular demand.
• Business development in the European market.
  The Federal Republic of Germany is a member of a number of important international unions, including the EU, the WTO, the OECD and the G7. Residents can represent their companies abroad, including the Single Market of Europe, the largest on the planet. Germany has many private and public programs to support small and medium-sized businesses – AVGS, Gründungszuschuss, KfW and more. Businesses can receive non-refundable grants and subsidies, seed capital for startups, low interest loans.
• Personal and public safety.
  The security index in Germany, according to Numbeo, is 60 points, which is high. The country prohibits any form of discrimination, including on national, racial and religious grounds. Law enforcement agencies work harmoniously and efficiently, protecting the rights and freedoms of local residents. It does not matter in what status you are in the state – the rules apply to both residents and citizens.
• Access to advanced health care.
  Emigration from other countries to Germany gives you the opportunity to use the services of modern clinics on favorable terms. You can apply for EU health insurance on your own or your employer can do it for you. Health care in Germany is actively developing, innovative solutions in this area are being introduced. The cost of most consultations, surgeries and medicines is fully covered by your policy.
• Getting a prestigious education.
  Germany offers students a well-developed educational system that includes vocational schools (colleges) and universities. Tuition may be partially or fully paid for by the state or by special scholarship grants. Diplomas of German universities are recognized all over the world, in particular the nostrification of them is not required in the European Union.
• Visa-free travel around the world.
  As a German resident, you can travel freely within the Schengen area, which includes 29 European countries. You can stay in these countries for up to 90 days for a total of six months. With an FRG passport you have even more opportunities, including visa-free travel to the USA, Canada, China, Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
• Comprehensive state assistance.
  Germany is a country with an excellent social support system. Residents can apply for financial assistance, such as unemployment benefits or rent subsidies. It is also possible to attend integration and vocational courses for quick adaptation to society. Specialized bodies help with the retraining of workers, job search, and support for people with special needs.
• Developed infrastructure.
  Even small towns in Germany have everything necessary for life – banks, pharmacies, stores, doctor’s offices. The road infrastructure is well developed, including an extensive railroad network. Large cities have everything you need for comfortable work, study, entertainment, active and passive recreation.

The main stages of moving to Germany

To move to Germany, you first need to decide on the basis on which you will be able to obtain a long-term visa or residence permit. Then you prepare the necessary documents, apply to the diplomatic mission, get an entry permit to Germany. Next, you need to organize the move itself, and upon arrival – apply to the local migration authorities.

Choosing the grounds for moving

To move to Germany, it is necessary to have one of the reasons listed in the local law “On the stay, employment and integration of foreigners in the federal territory”. Popular reasons for immigration include:

• concluding an employment contract with a German employer (depending on the duration of the contract, a visa and/or residence permit will be issued);
• obtaining an EU Blue Card for highly qualified specialists in case of employment;
• reunification with family members who are legal residents of the Federal Republic of Germany (usually spouse, children, parents);
• education at an accredited university (only full-time education is allowed);
• official self-employment (relevant, for example, for artists, teachers, translators, doctors in private practice);
• starting a business, registering as an individual entrepreneur or managing an existing company;
• other types of employment, such as participation in scientific research, intra-corporate translation or long-term business trips;
• humanitarian status, in particular for recognized refugees, victims of trafficking or applicants for subsidiary protection.

There are also other programs for moving to Germany, for example as an au pair, seasonal worker, vocational trainee, intern or volunteer. However, these residence permits are usually issued for a period of up to 6-12 months and are not renewable. This means that you will not be able to apply for a permanent residence permit and a German passport. However, you can move on a short-term basis, and already in the FRG to search for other reasons for legalization of stay.

Preparation of necessary documents

To move to Germany, you will need documents that prove your social status, financial situation and grounds for immigration:

• biometric recent color photographs measuring 35 x 45 mm;
• a valid travel passport (or its equivalent);
• proof of residency (for example, certificate of enrollment in a university or deeds of incorporation in the case of business immigration);
• receipts for payment of administrative fees;
• metric documents (birth, marriage or divorce certificates);
• health insurance policy with coverage of thirty thousand euros or more;
• proof of a place to live in the Federal Republic of Germany (e.g., landlord agreement);
• proof of sufficient income for self-support (e.g., bank statement or salary information).

The complete dossier depends on the chosen program for emigration from another country to Germany. For example, students of professional courses usually need to know German at level B1 or higher and to prove it with a certificate. Highly qualified specialists must have a specialized education and a diploma of a university recognized in Germany (or undergo the procedure of its nostrification).

Issuance of a visa and residence permit

To immigrate to Germany, you first apply to the diplomatic embassy for a long-term visa. With this visa you need to get to the republic, register at your place of residence, and then issue a residence card at the migration service.

The embassy considers requests for a D visa to move to Germany within three months (longer – if information from other institutions, such as the Employment Agency, is required). Address registration is processed on the day of application, but municipalities accept by appointment. The waiting period for a resident card is between 4 and 8 weeks. Also take into account the time for preparing documents and waiting for an appointment with the authorities. In total, the entire immigration procedure usually takes six months.

Regardless of how you move to Germany, you will need to pay certain fees (current as of 2025):

• long-term visa – 75 EUR;
• consideration of a residence permit request – 100 EUR.

In addition, you will have to pay for the services of a notary and an interpreter, as well as legal assistance in emigrating from other countries to Germany. Funds will also be needed when organizing the move – to buy transport tickets, organize a shipment of personal belongings, rent or purchase real estate.

Visa and migration specifics

If you want to go to Germany for a period of more than 90 days, you will in any case need a national visa. It is granted for free entry into the country and gives you the right to apply for a residence permit. The visa application must be submitted to the diplomatic mission in the place of your residence. The consul passes the information to the German immigration authorities, and then with their approval grants an entry permit.

You can visit Germany without a visa or with a short-term Schengen visa. However, in this case you do not get the right to stay in the state longer than three months and apply for a residence permit. This is only allowed in exceptional cases, usually for humanitarian reasons (for example, for refugees).

After arriving in Germany with a national visa, you have to apply to the municipality for an address registration. You will then apply to the migration office in your place of residence to open a residence card. You will need to make an appointment in advance, and on the appointed day, you will need to submit a dossier, be fingerprinted and photographed. The authorities will review your request and inform you by letter of the date of a second appointment to receive your completed residence permit.

Obtaining German permanent residence and citizenship

A German residence permit is usually issued for 1-2 years, after which it can be renewed if the type of document allows it. Renewal is allowed if your reason for staying in Germany is still valid, for example, you live here with a close relative, work or run a business.

After 5 years of continuous residence in Germany, you can apply for a permanent residence card (in general). You must be financially secured, have health insurance and housing in the country (bought, rented or provided), know German at level B1, successfully complete an integration course. A residence permit is granted to those who have been economically active for all five years and have transferred contributions to the pension and social security fund.

In 2024, Germany’s new citizenship law came into force. Now immigrants can apply for a passport by naturalization 5 years after moving to the country. The general requirements are the same as for those wishing to apply for a local residence permit. Faster citizenship is granted to foreigners who demonstrate success in social integration, in particular, have a high level of German, participate in volunteer activities or have a positive impact on the economy of the state.

It is faster and easier to obtain all the rights of a German citizen with a passport of any other EU country. Some EU countries have simplified programs that allow you to obtain citizenship without having to pass language and integration exams, provide income information, or reside with a residence permit. Learn more about these programs by signing up for a free legal consultation.

Life in Germany: reviews and practical information

Germany is one of the few countries in the world where even residents of small towns feel comfortable. Public transportation is well developed in Germany – buses, trains, subways, streetcars. In walking distance there is always a grocery store, praxis (doctor’s office), for a child – public garden and school.

However, many immigrants still choose large cities in Germany to move to, because it is easier to find a job there and do not need to spend a lot of time to get to it. Among the most popular settlements are:

• Frankfurt am Main.
  Frankfurt is a major financial center of Germany, where many national and international corporations have their headquarters. The average salary here is about 3600 EUR per month (here and further information is given on income after tax). Most of all vacancies are presented in economic, insurance and production spheres. Expected monthly expenses per person are about 1100 EUR. It is also necessary to pay rent – on average from 900 EUR for a one-room apartment. Prices for buying real estate vary from 5000 to 7500 EUR per square meter.
• Hamburg.
  One of the largest port cities in Europe, which is an important manufacturing center of Germany and a large transport hub. The most developed industries are mechanical engineering, light industry and printing. The average monthly salary in Hamburg is 3200 EUR with the cost per person from 1000 EUR per month. Prices for renting apartments start from 800 EUR (monthly), buying – from 5300 EUR for 1 m². Major universities are located here, the most famous among them are Hamburg National and Technical Universities.
• Berlin.
  The German capital is the country’s largest city and the most populous metropolis in the entire European Union. It is a world cultural and historical center, important for the EU economy. The largest income in Berlin is generated by heavy industry, trade and services. The city is considered one of the leading scientific centers of Europe, and local universities offer a wide range of educational programs. The average salary in Berlin is 3100 EUR per month. One person needs from 1000 EUR to live here. Renting an apartment costs from 900 EUR per month, buying an apartment – from 5500 EUR per 1 m².
• Munich.
  The city in the south of Germany is considered to be the IT capital of the Republic, famous for active development of innovations and high level of education. It is the third largest city in the country with a developed labor market and high level of income of locals – on average 3300 EUR per month. To live here you need about 1100 EUR per month. Munich real estate prices are the highest in Germany – renting an apartment will cost at least 1200-1400 EUR per month, and buying one will cost from 8200 EUR per square meter.

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Advantages and disadvantages of moving to Germany

According to the reviews of people who have moved to Germany, immigration has its pros and cons. The advantages, of course, are greater, and the main one is the possibility to stay legally in a state with a very high standard of living. The income of the population in the FRG is much higher than standard spending, so even people without high qualifications can feel comfortable here.

It is worth moving to Germany for the sake of new prospects in terms of career and professional growth – the local labor market is full of various vacancies. Your children can get quality primary and secondary education here, and later – enter a university at the expense of the state. You have the opportunity to naturalize in the FRG and get one of the strongest passports in the world, which gives the right to visa-free entry to more than 160 countries.

Immigration in the FRG has its disadvantages, the main of which is the difficulty in adaptation. Living here without knowledge of German language is uncomfortable, and to learn it is quite a difficult task. To have a good chance of successful employment and business, it is worth doing it before moving here. The mentality of Germans is quite peculiar – they are pedantic, secretive and strictly adhere to all laws. These national peculiarities should be taken into account so that the move went smoothly and without unnecessary stress.

How to simplify the process of immigration to Germany

It is possible to move to Germany without hassle with the support of international law specialists. They will analyze your request and recommend the best immigration programs that do not require long waiting term and high costs. Accompanied by a lawyer, you can obtain a second EU passport within a year, without having to invest in a foreign economy or find a reason for naturalization. As an EU citizen, you will have the opportunity to live with your family in Germany for an unlimited period of time, with the right to work, study and do business.

Specialists of international law provide comprehensive assistance in moving abroad. Lawyers will perform for you the maximum tasks of the procedure, taking on the formation of a dossier, communication with the authorities, organizing the reception in the migration service, solving logistical and other issues.

Qualified step-by-step support guarantees a successful result without any risks. You can get more information by applying for a free legal consultation today. The sooner you start preparing, the sooner you will be able to move to Germany.