Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Germany is a dream for many working professionals, both from within and outside Europe. An economic powerhouse, attractive salaries, a generous social system, an ideal geographical location at the heart of the continent… on paper, the country ticks many boxes. However, surveys among expats paint a much more nuanced picture: in 2024, Germany ranked only 50th out of 53 countries in InterNations’ Expat Insider report, and just 54% of expats there say they are generally happy, compared to a global average of 68%.
This article provides an objective analysis of the main pros and cons of moving to Germany. It covers essential aspects like the job market, cost of living, housing, bureaucracy, the healthcare system, social integration, taxation, education, and the environment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview to help make an informed decision about this expatriation opportunity.
An Economic Powerhouse Full of Opportunities… But Not for Everyone
One of the major assets of expatriation to Germany remains its economy. The country is the leading economic power in the European Union, the world’s fourth-largest economy, and the planet’s third-largest exporter. It also has one of the world’s most dynamic job markets, with a low unemployment rate and a structural shortage of skilled labor.
A Dynamic and Diverse Job Market
Germany attracts many foreign professionals every year, and for good reason: almost all sectors are hiring, and companies struggle to meet demand. The fields with the most urgent needs are particularly numerous:
– Technology (IT, AI, software development, cybersecurity, data science, cloud)
– Engineering (mechanical, electronics, civil, automotive, aerospace, chemical)
– Healthcare (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists)
– Green energy and the green transition industry
– Logistics, transportation, supply chain
– Education, research, and higher education
– Skilled trades in the Mittelstand (electricians, metalworkers, maintenance technicians, mechatronics technicians, etc.)
The average gross annual salary in France is around 45,000 to 50,000 euros.
Major metropolitan areas play a key role:
| Area / City | Key Sectors | Average Salary Level | Language Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin / Brandenburg | Startups, tech, culture, tourism | Medium-High | Very English-speaking in tech |
| Munich / Bavaria | Automotive, engineering, biotech, IT | High | English in tech, German often required elsewhere |
| Frankfurt / Rhine-Main | Finance, banking, IT, logistics | High | International vibe, but German useful |
| Hamburg | Logistics, port, aviation, IT | Medium-High | Rather mixed |
| Stuttgart | Automotive, engineering, industry | High | German strongly recommended |
| East (Leipzig, Dresden) | Growing tech, industry | Medium | German almost indispensable |
This dynamism is accompanied by stiff competition for the best positions, fueled by a large pool of highly educated local workers. Even though there is a real thirst for talent, the competition is real, especially at senior or managerial levels.
A Structured and Protective Work Culture
The German work world is often cited as an example for its balance between performance and quality of life. The standard workweek is between 35 and 40 hours, with hours regulated by law (Arbeitszeitgesetz): a maximum of 8 hours per day in principle, up to 10 hours provided the average remains 8 hours over six months. Germany is among the OECD countries with the fewest hours worked per year, around 1,340 hours.
In Germany, employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid leave per year for a five-day week, although many companies offer 25 to 30. Public holidays are added, the number of which varies by state (Land). The system is also generous for sick leave and parenthood: maternity leave is at least 14 weeks, and parental leave of up to three years is possible, accompanied by a monthly allowance ranging from 300 to 1,800 euros.
Job protection is robust. After the probationary period, often six months (Probezeit), dismissal becomes legally regulated by the Protection Against Dismissal Act (Kündigungsschutzgesetz). Works councils (Betriebsräte) also play an important role in defending employees’ interests.
On paper, working in Germany therefore means enjoying a rare combination: decent salaries, job security, reasonable hours, substantial vacation, a strong social system.
The Downsides for Careers
However, this flattering picture hides several difficulties that weigh heavily on the expat experience.
The vast majority of jobs in Germany require a good command of German, especially for positions involving contact with the public (healthcare, education, HR, etc.) where levels B2 to C2 are required. 99% of job ads mention at least a minimum of German, and 67% of expats find the language difficult to learn, despite the use of English in some sectors like tech.
Secondly, career progression can seem slow and very structured. Hierarchies are often pronounced, decisions are made after many discussions and approvals, and promotion sometimes relies more on seniority and degrees than on individual initiative. For a foreign manager accustomed to more flexible environments, this can create an impression of rigidity and a “glass ceiling.”
Finally, despite anti-discrimination laws, several studies report discrimination in hiring and career advancement, especially for non-European or non-white foreigners. Management positions remain predominantly held by nationals, and the recognition of foreign degrees in regulated professions (medicine, law, teaching, technical trades) often requires a lengthy Anerkennung (recognition) process that can cost several hundred euros.
Cost of Living, Salaries, and Taxation: A Tight Balance
Living in Germany is neither cheap nor exorbitantly expensive: the country is in the upper mid-range of Western Europe, but remains cheaper than metropolises like London, Zurich, Paris, or Amsterdam. It all depends on the city, salary level, and lifestyle.
Housing: A Real Problem, Especially in Big Cities
Housing is one of the main complaints of expats. In the InterNations ranking, Germany is near the bottom for ease of finding housing (51st out of 53). Only 16% of expats find an apartment easily, and 64% find rents hard to afford.
Rents vary enormously by city:
| City | Avg. Rent 1-Bedroom City Center (€/month) | Avg. Rent 1-Bedroom Outside Center (€/month) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munich | ≈ 1,446 | ≈ 1,213 | Country’s most expensive city |
| Frankfurt | ≈ 1,283 | ≈ 939 | Major financial hub |
| Berlin | ≈ 1,220 | ≈ 881 | Cheaper than London or Paris, but rising fast |
| Hamburg | ≈ 1,097 | ≈ 785 | Major port metropolis |
| Cologne | ≈ 1,027 | ≈ 791 | Rhenish metropolis |
| Stuttgart | ≈ 1,115 | — | Very expensive, especially downtown |
| Saarbrücken | ≈ 486 (from) | — | Among the cheaper major cities |
On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 892 euros per month, and 675 euros on the outskirts. But in Munich, rents reach about 22 euros per square meter; in Berlin, over 18 euros. At the other extreme, cities in the East like Chemnitz are around 5.60 euros per square meter.
In Germany, most apartments are rented ’empty,’ meaning without a fitted kitchen, without lighting, and often without furniture. It’s therefore common to have to buy and install a full kitchen, light fixtures, and all furniture yourself. To manage this extra cost and logistics, expats often turn to the second-hand market, especially via mutual aid groups where other expats leaving the country resell their equipment, or turn to affordable furniture stores.
The bill doesn’t stop at the rent. Utilities (Nebenkosten), covering heating, water, electricity, waste, can represent 200 to 500 euros per month for an 80–85 m² apartment, depending on consumption and region. In 2023, the average bill for these utilities was around 300 euros. Add to this internet at around forty euros per month, a mobile plan between 10 and 40 euros, and the famous Rundfunkbeitrag, a mandatory broadcasting contribution of about 18 euros per month per household.
To give a rough estimate, several assessments place the total monthly budget, including rent, around:
| Profile | Small / Medium Cities | Expensive Large Cities (Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg) |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | ≈ 1,800 – 2,000 € | ≈ 2,200 – 2,500 €+ |
| Family of 4 | ≈ 3,500 – 4,000 € | ≈ 4,500 – 5,000 €+ |
Housing can easily absorb 30 to 40% of net salary, or even more in economic hotspots.
Daily Cost of Living: Reasonable but Rising
Excluding housing, the cost of living remains generally reasonable compared to other developed countries. Basic purchases – food, clothing, internet, electricity – remain affordable, especially if one frequents the widespread discount supermarket chains.
Grocery expenses at home for one person are usually between 200 and 300 euros per month, climbing to 350 euros in the most expensive cities. National statistics indicate that in 2022, households spent an average of 417 euros per month on food, beverages, and tobacco.
Overview of average prices for meals, drinks, and entertainment, helping to budget for daily expenses and outings.
A simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs about 15 €. A kebab is around 7 €.
A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about 65 €.
The price of a draft beer is generally between 3.50 € and 5.50 €.
A cinema ticket costs on average between 12 € and 13 €.
Public transport, on the other hand, is fairly well positioned: a single ticket costs around 3 euros, and a monthly subscription like the Deutschlandticket is about 58 euros, valid on all regional and local networks across the country. On a European scale, owning a car remains relatively expensive: between the annual tax, mandatory insurance (260 to 360 euros per year minimum), fuel (about 1.70–1.90 euros per liter of petrol), and maintenance, the bill easily exceeds 1,000 euros per year.
Heavy Taxation, But a Generous Welfare State
This is one of the major shocks for many newcomers: the tax and social security deductions on the payslip. Germany is among the OECD countries with the highest “tax wedge” – the share of taxes and social contributions on total labor costs. For a single person without children, the overall burden (measured income tax + employee and employer social contributions) exceeded 47% of labor costs in 2022, the second-highest level in the OECD.
The income tax scale is highly progressive: after a tax-free allowance around 12,000 euros, rates rise from 14% to 42%, then 45% for very high incomes (above approx. 277,000 euros for a single person). Sometimes added to this are:
– A solidarity surcharge (5.5% of the tax due, above certain thresholds)
– Church tax (8 or 9% of the tax due, for persons registered as members of a recognized church)
In addition, there are social security contributions: health, pension, unemployment, and long-term care insurance, which together account for nearly 40% of gross salary, split roughly half-and-half between employer and employee. Concretely, an engineer earning 55,000 euros gross per year as a single person might end up with a monthly net income around 3,200 euros.
In return, these deductions finance a range of protections that are hard to match: near-universal health insurance, public pension, unemployment benefits, parental leave, child benefits, childcare support systems, etc. For an expat who stays for several years and integrates into this system, the trade-off can be worthwhile; for a shorter stay or for people accustomed to lighter taxation, the shock can be harsh.
Healthcare and Social Protection: A Real “Plus” of Expatriation
One of the great advantages of life in Germany lies in the quality of its healthcare system and the extent of its social safety net.
Modern and Effective Medical Coverage
Germany was one of the first countries in the world to introduce compulsory health insurance, as early as the late 19th century. Today, over 90% of the population is covered by public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), and 10% by private insurance.
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including expats. The system works on a solidarity principle: contributions (approx. 14.6% of gross salary for the health part, plus a supplementary contribution) are proportional to income. It covers a broad range of care: general medicine, specialists, hospitalization, reimbursed medication, maternity, preventive care, and rehabilitation. Non-working spouses and children can be covered for free under the public scheme.
German hospitals are renowned for being modern, well-equipped, with staff often speaking English, especially in major urban centers. The World Health Organization ranks the German system among the best in the world, and expats generally report good experiences, even if wait times can be longer for certain specialists when insured publicly.
Holders of private insurance generally benefit from shorter wait times, a wider choice of doctors, and sometimes private hospital rooms. However, the premium is calculated based on age, initial health status, and level of coverage, which can lead to a steep increase in costs over time. It’s also important to note that switching back to the public scheme becomes very difficult after a certain age.
A Protective Welfare State
Beyond healthcare, Germany offers an impressive array of social protections, which also benefit foreign residents who meet contribution requirements:
– Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosengeld) covering a significant portion of the last salary for a duration linked to contribution history
– Housing benefits in certain situations
– Child benefits (Kindergeld)
– Parental leave of up to three years per child, with job protection maintained
– Parental allowance (Elterngeld) of 300 to 1,800 euros monthly for several months
This generosity comes at a cost, but constitutes a safety net not to be underestimated in case of hardship, something many expats appreciate after a few years in the country.
Culture, Integration, and Social Life: The Emotional Rollercoaster
It’s clearly in the area of social integration that Germany gets its worst scores in international surveys. InterNations’ “Ease of Settling In” Index places the country at the bottom of the pack: 51st for ease of making friends, 50th for social life, and 53rd (last) for the “Expat Essentials” dimension (administration, digitalization, language).
A Relational Style Perceived as Cold, But Enduring Bonds
Many expats highlight the contrast between the hospitality they imagined and the daily reality. In numbers, 65% of them say they find it difficult to make local friends, compared to a global average of 41%. 41% say they don’t feel “at home” in Germany, and nearly a third don’t feel truly welcome.
Social interactions in Germany are characterized by reserve, formal politeness, and respect for privacy. The use of the formal ‘you’ (‘Sie’) and last names is common initially, invitations to people’s homes are rare at first, and ‘small talk’ is less common, especially in professional settings. This attitude, sometimes perceived as coldness, is actually rooted in established cultural norms.
However, many testimonies converge: once a friendship is established, the bonds are deep and lasting. Germans then show themselves to be loyal, reliable, and present over the long term. The key often lies in the time spent in the country, learning the language, and getting involved in local life (associations, clubs, classes, neighborhood activities).
Language: The Pivot of Integration
The numbers are unequivocal: about 70% of expats feel that daily life is difficult without German. Even though a good portion of the population speaks English – and some Germans even prefer to switch languages to practice – administrative, social, and professional reality is lived in German.
Many expats discover with surprise that:
The majority of official procedures (town hall, taxes, insurance, health funds) are conducted exclusively in German, with complex legal jargon. Administrations rarely communicate in English. In daily life, informal conversations at work, medical appointments, and interactions with daycare or children’s school also require a command of German.
Learning the language thus becomes almost an indispensable condition to hope to move beyond the circle of other expats and access real integration. Yet German is not known for being easy: four grammatical cases, three genders, syntax with verbs often pushed to the end of the sentence, specific pronunciations… Enough to be discouraging. On average, it’s estimated that it takes 750 to 900 hours of serious study to reach a professional level.
The effort is well worth it. Not only does it open doors employment-wise, but it radically transforms the perception of the country: smoother interactions with neighbors, understanding of local media, access to implicit cultural codes… and a strong signal sent to Germans, who generally appreciate foreigners making the effort to speak their language.
A Safe, Structured Society… Sometimes Too Rigid
One of the great strengths of daily life in Germany is the feeling of safety. The country has relatively low crime rates, declining over the last decade, and the majority of expats – especially women – report feeling safe in public spaces, including in the evening. Trust in the police and institutions is high.
German society places great importance on respecting common rules, such as quiet hours, strict waste separation, the absolute priority of bicycles on their lanes, relative quiet on Sundays, and the prohibition of noisy activities in the evening. These habits, while possibly surprising initially, contribute to a peaceful, clean, and orderly living environment.
At the same time, a rise in populist and far-right currents, driven notably by the AfD party, worries some foreigners. Hostile rhetoric towards immigration is becoming normalized in some regions, especially in the less prosperous East, and expats report more discrimination in finding housing or employment. This is still far from the reality of most multicultural major cities, but is part of the developments to watch for those considering long-term expatriation.
Bureaucracy and Administration: The Great Test of Patience
The legend is true: German bureaucracy can be trying. Germany ranks last (53rd out of 53) in InterNations’ digitalization index, and 66% of expats report difficulty dealing with authorities, well above the global average.
A Culture of Paper, Appointments, and Deadlines
The German administrative structure is based on a multitude of specialized offices – Bürgeramt for address registration, Ausländerbehörde for residence permits, Finanzamt for taxes, Krankenkasse for health insurance, Jobcenter, Gesundheitsamt, etc. – each with its sometimes limited hours, its forms, its queues, and its own rules.
Several characteristics strike newcomers:
Administrative procedures in Germany have several specificities to be aware of: paper mail (sometimes registered) remains important for key procedures, websites can be incomplete or not very user-friendly, and forms are rarely available in English. It’s common to have to present originals, certified copies, or even official translations. Appointments, especially at the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Registration Office), often have to be booked weeks or even months in advance. Finally, being late can have serious consequences, such as fines, rejection of an application, or loss of a right.
The first procedure, Anmeldung (registering your address at the town hall), is emblematic: it must be done within 14 days of moving into a new residence, requires a certificate from the landlord, a form, a passport… and is a prerequisite for obtaining a tax number, a bank account, health insurance, even a mobile phone contract.
For many expats, learning the administrative system takes several years. Some describe the experience as “overwhelming,” “discouraging,” or even “absurd” when comparing it to the level of digitalization in other countries. But over time, with good document organization and, ideally, German-speaking help, the workings eventually become familiar.
Expats in Germany
Tools and Support Networks to Survive
Faced with this complexity, a multitude of resources have developed: multilingual government sites, expat guides, Facebook groups, forums, platforms like InterNations or Meetup, relocation services, even chatbots dedicated to navigating the bureaucracy.
Online banks like N26 or energy and internet platforms also make opening accounts and signing contracts easier. But the reality remains: without a dose of patience, diligence, and a minimal understanding of German, administrative procedures remain one of the main drawbacks of expatriation in Germany.
Education, Family Life, and Children: A Generally Favorable Environment
For expats with children, Germany offers a rather attractive environment despite some challenges.
An Accessible and High-Quality Education System
Education, both primary and higher, is largely state-funded. Compulsory schooling in public schools is free, and higher education is too in most states (Länder), including for EU foreign students. Non-Europeans sometimes pay tuition fees, but at levels that remain incomparable to the UK or USA. For example, in Baden-Württemberg, some universities charge around 1,500 euros per semester to students from non-EU countries.
Children born in Germany to immigrant parents perform better in international assessments than their peers in other major host countries.
The cost of student living, however, remains substantial: the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) estimates the necessary budget for a student at around 850 euros per month (housing, food, transport, leisure), excluding potential tuition fees.
For international families, childcare and schooling options are varied but sometimes expensive:
– Public daycare at sliding-scale fees, between 15 and 400 euros per month
– Private kindergartens and daycare averaging around 400 euros per month, can exceed 1,000 euros
– International schools charging between 8,600 and nearly 24,000 euros per year
Access to a daycare or school spot can also be a struggle in major cities.
Specific Challenges for Expat Families
Expat families face several difficulties: children’s language adaptation, possible career conversion for the trailing spouse, distance from grandparents, managing two education systems if children change countries mid-schooling, etc. Non-working spouses can suffer from loss of bearings and isolation, especially if they don’t yet speak German.
For children growing up in a culture different from their parents’, adaptation requires attentive support. It is advisable to enroll them in language classes and sports or cultural activities, and to integrate parents into local networks to help navigate multiple cultural identities, school changes, and rebuilding a circle of friends.
Quality of Life, Environment, and Leisure: A Very “Livable” Country
Beyond work and administrative procedures, life in Germany holds many assets: safety, infrastructure, environment, culture, travel opportunities.
A Safe, Green, and Well-Connected Environment
Statistics confirm this impression: Germany is perceived as a very safe country, with a relatively low crime rate. Stable politics, solid institutions, respect for rules… The quality of life in major cities is considered excellent: in Mercer’s Quality of Living rankings, cities like Munich, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt regularly rank in the global top 20.
The country has a highly developed public transport system (dense rail network, buses, trams, subways, highways) often considered one of the best in the world. However, long-distance trains can experience delays, and mobile/internet coverage is sometimes limited in rural areas and on trains.
Germany also stands out for its many green spaces: over 2,500 parks and public gardens in Berlin alone, 16 national parks covering more than a quarter of the territory, and countless forests, lakes, mountains (Alps, Black Forest) and coastlines (Baltic, North Sea). Hiking, cycling, camping, skiing, and outdoor sports are part of the lifestyle for many residents.
Cities are also engaged in ambitious environmental policies, with strong attention to recycling, renewable energy, and emission reduction. Germany sets high goals for carbon neutrality, which also attracts “green tech” professionals.
A Rich Cultural Life, But Habits to Get Used To
Culturally, it’s hard to get bored: over 6,200 museums, 51 sites inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage, major theater and music stages, a wealth of festivals (Oktoberfest in Munich, Rhenish carnivals, Christmas markets, music festivals…). Berlin is renowned for its artistic and alternative scene, its clubs, its modern architecture as much as for its history.
Contrary to clichés, German cuisine is rich with over 300 varieties of bread and about 7,000 types of beer, a brewing tradition dating back to the 16th century. Expats may nonetheless find traditional cuisine sometimes heavy or repetitive. Fortunately, major cities offer an increasingly varied range of international restaurants.
Some local habits are surprising: the quasi-sacred Sunday, with most shops closed, the rarity of air conditioning even during heatwaves, or the difficulty finding films in their original language in some cinemas. The first winters, long, grey, with short days, also weigh on the morale of many newcomers, especially combined with culture shock and initial isolation.
The Major “Pros” and “Cons” of Expatriation to Germany
At the end of this overview, we can summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of expatriation to Germany for a working professional or a family.
Main Strengths
– A powerful, diversified, innovative economy, with significant needs for skilled labor
– A job market generally favorable to technical and scientific profiles, with competitive salaries and strong job security
– An accessible higher education system, including for international students, with little or no tuition fees at public universities
Main Hurdles and Difficulties
– Social integration often slow and difficult: little small talk, strong implicit social norms, initial distance in relationships
– A real language barrier, German being essential for deep integration and a large portion of jobs
– A very high cost of housing in major metropolitan areas, with a shortage of affordable offers
– Heavy, poorly digitalized bureaucracy, where procedures can be lengthy, complex, and not very accessible to non-German speakers
– High taxation and social charges that significantly reduce gross salary
– A political climate marked by the rise of populist parties in some regions, with fears of more restrictive immigration policies
– Long, grey winters and the frequent lack of air conditioning in summer, which can impact daily comfort
– Specific challenges for families (spousal employment, childcare, educational choices, distance from extended family)
How to Stack the Odds in Your Favor?
Given this nuanced assessment, the success of an expatriation to Germany largely depends on preparation and the strategy adopted.
Tackling German language learning early, ideally before arrival, is probably the most profitable investment, both professionally and personally. Anticipating housing, by researching neighborhoods and rent levels in detail, helps avoid disappointments. Understanding the broad lines of the tax and social system, as well as the main administrative procedures (address registration, health insurance, taxes, visas, degree recognition) prevents sometimes serious blockages.
For successful integration in Germany, it is advisable not to limit yourself to expat circles and to actively participate in local life via sports clubs, associations (Vereine), evening classes, or volunteering. Experience shows that after a few years (often three to five), the perception of the country evolves profoundly thanks to language progress, familiarity with cultural codes, and the creation of genuine local friendships.
Ultimately, Germany is neither a promised land nor a deterrent. It is a demanding country for newcomers, but one that offers a lot to those who accept to master its language, bureaucracy, and habits. For those seeking safety, stability, solid career prospects, and quality of life, expatriation to Germany can prove to be an extremely rewarding choice… provided one does not underestimate the price of entry.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
