Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Germany often means checking many boxes at once: high quality of life, a solid economy, excellent medical care, vibrant cities, and tranquil countryside. But the question that consistently comes up before packing one’s bags remains the same: Is it a safe country, and how do you feel secure day-to-day when arriving from abroad?
Germany is one of the safest countries in the world, but it’s wise to remain vigilant about the recent increase in certain crimes, a sense of insecurity in train stations, and the persistent terrorist threat. For a smooth expatriation, the country offers a robust legal framework, including protective tenant rights, mandatory health insurance, an efficient emergency response system, and strong regulations regarding cybersecurity and data protection.
This article provides a concrete overview, informed by statistics and on-the-ground reality, to prepare for your move to Germany without naivety, but without unnecessary anxiety.
A Statistically Safe Country, Despite a Resurgence in Crime
The first thing to keep in mind is that, according to experts, Germany is “fundamentally a safe country” and ranks among the world’s safest countries. Surveys among the population also show that the overall feeling of safety has increased over the past thirty years.
However, police statistics reveal a more nuanced trend. In 2023, the police recorded nearly six million criminal offenses, up from around 5.4 million in 2022. Since 2021, the annual volume of offenses has increased significantly, breaking with the downward trend observed before the pandemic. Some more recent data even reports a significant drop in the total number of offenses in a given year, but alongside a continued increase in violent and sexual crimes.
A Mostly Non-Violent Crime Rate
The majority of detected crime still consists of non-violent offenses: theft, drug law violations, property damage, or fraud. Truly violent acts—those involving assault, armed threats, or physical attacks—represent a minority of cases.
In 2023, approximately 214,100 violent acts were recorded in Germany, marking the highest level since 2007.
A criminologist like Dietrich Oberwittler from the Max Planck Institute emphasizes several key points to put these numbers in perspective. First, police statistics only capture part of reality, as they are based on reported offenses, not all committed acts. Second, society has become much more “aware” of violence, particularly sexual violence, leading to better reporting of incidents that were less frequently denounced in the past. Finally, according to him, the number of “dangerous areas” has not actually increased in recent years, even if shocking, highly publicized cases can fuel disproportionate fears.
Perceptions Among Residents and Expats
Perceptions gathered from thousands of people over several years offer an interesting counterpoint. A participatory index like Numbeo assigns Germany a perceived crime level around 40 (out of 100), classified as “moderate.” Respondents judge overall crime as moderate, consider violent assaults a “low” problem, and deem attacks motivated by origin, religion, or gender to be relatively rare.
While the majority of people feel safe walking alone during the day, they perceive an increase in crime over five years, confirmed by official data for certain offenses. Confidence decreases at night, and main concerns relate to drugs, vandalism, and petty theft, judged as problems of moderate scale.
For an expat, this translates very concretely into a fairly simple reality: you can walk, use public transport, or bike in the vast majority of neighborhoods, especially during the day, with a level of vigilance comparable—or even lower—to that expected in other developed countries. But you must take risks of opportunistic theft seriously, particularly in transportation hubs or during large events.
Where Do You Feel Most (and Least) Safe?
Not all German cities are equal in terms of perceived crime. Again, safety indices, built from thousands of contributions, provide useful benchmarks when choosing an expat city.
Comparison of Some Major German Cities
The table below summarizes the perceived crime and safety indices for several major cities. The lower the crime index, the safer the city is considered; the safety index is its exact inverse.
| City | Crime Index | Safety Index |
|---|---|---|
| Bremen | 48.1 | 51.9 |
| Hanover | 45.4 | 54.6 |
| Frankfurt | 45.4 | 54.6 |
| Berlin | 44.6 | 55.4 |
| Cologne | 44.5 | 55.5 |
| Leipzig | 43.1 | 56.9 |
| Hamburg | 41.1 | 58.9 |
| Bonn | 39.1 | 60.9 |
| Karlsruhe | 36.5 | 63.5 |
| Düsseldorf | 34.7 | 65.3 |
| Nuremberg | 34.5 | 65.5 |
| Freiburg im Breisgau | 32.9 | 67.1 |
| Stuttgart | 32.8 | 67.2 |
| Dresden | 29.8 | 70.2 |
| Munich | 21.1 | 78.9 |
Munich clearly stands out as the major city where residents feel safest. It combines a very low crime index with a police force considered highly effective, well-maintained neighborhoods, and strong resident involvement in local life. It’s also a strong argument for families or women traveling alone, for whom Munich is regularly presented as a particularly reassuring destination.
Cities like Bremen, Hanover, or Frankfurt show higher crime indices, often linked to local issues with drugs, vandalism, or theft. This doesn’t necessarily make them “dangerous” in the strict sense, but requires increased vigilance, especially around certain train stations, busy streets at night, or marginalized neighborhoods.
Train Stations, Trains, and Transport: A Specific Point of Vigilance
For most expats, public transport is the main mode of getting around, at least initially. Germany has a very dense rail and urban network—U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses, regional and long-distance trains—that is generally safe and reliable. However, train stations are also one of the places where violence statistics are rising fastest.
A Marked Increase in Violence in Stations and Trains
According to the 2024 report by the Federal Police, acts of violence committed in train stations and on trains increased by 6% in one year and by over 50% since 2019. In total, 27,160 violent offenses were recorded in 2024 at these locations, averaging 74 per day. At the same time, the overall number of offenses in this perimeter fell by about 10%, partly due to a decrease in immigration law violations.
Key facts about violent incidents recorded at major German train stations, based on Federal Police data.
Berlin Central Station is at the top, followed by cities like Dortmund, Hanover, or Cologne.
Mostly men (nearly 8 out of 10), with over half under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A slight majority of perpetrators do not hold German nationality.
Assaults against federal police at a historically high level, with several hundred officers injured each year.
Authorities have not left these figures unanswered. Patrols and checks have multiplied, weapons-free zones have been defined in some stations, and over 11,000 surveillance cameras have been installed. For an expat, this means your daily commute is still protected by significant security measures—but it’s essential to adopt a few safety habits, especially at night or in the busiest railway hubs.
Reducing Risks in Daily Transport
Overall, less than 1% of reported incidents in Germany involve violent crime, and nearly 80% of offenses are petty theft. On transport networks, the incidents that most affect travelers are bag and wallet theft, and increasingly, passport theft on heavily trafficked lines.
For your safety, always keep your belongings under control and avoid displaying valuables or large sums of money. On public transport, choose occupied cars, stay near the driver or cameras, and use well-lit entrances, especially at night.
Emergency numbers are easy to remember: 112 for any medical emergency or fire, 110 for the police, and 116 117 to reach an on-call doctor when your regular practice is closed. Operators answer for free, even without a SIM card, and most can switch to English if needed.
Terrorist Threat and Extremism: A Real but Controlled Risk
Like most European countries, Germany lives with a terrorist risk described as “persistent.” Recent attacks have involved knives, firearms, or vehicles used as projectiles, targeting crowded public places: bars, places of worship, shopping streets, train stations, markets. Several attacks or serious incidents in recent years—in shisha bars, near a synagogue, on regional trains—remind us that this risk is far from theoretical.
German security services regularly foil plots and strengthen surveillance of Islamist and far-right networks. Preventive measures are applied in sensitive locations, and authorities offer alert apps like NINA and KATWARN to immediately notify citizens in case of a threat or disaster.
For an expat, it’s less about living in constant fear of an attack and more about integrating this risk as a contextual element: avoiding aggressive gatherings when possible, keeping an eye on emergency exits in large enclosed spaces, staying informed of safety instructions issued by local authorities and embassies, and reporting any truly suspicious behavior on transport or around places of worship.
A Legal Architecture Designed for Personal Security
The safety of an expatriation is not just about the absence of street assaults. It also depends on the strength of institutions, personal data protection, housing stability, or the quality of care if problems arise. On all these fronts, Germany offers a particularly protective framework.
Data Protection and Cybersecurity: A Heavily Regulated State
Germany rigorously applies the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This European text, complemented by a national law (BDSG) and sector-specific laws, strictly governs the collection, storage, and use of your personal information, whether it’s your health data, bank file, or online traces.
Each federal state has its own data protection authority, coordinated at the federal level, with powers of control and sanction. Companies must designate a data protection officer in many cases, document their processing activities, report security breaches, and integrate privacy “by design” into their services. For serious violations, fines can reach 20 million euros or 4% of global annual revenue.
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) monitors threats (including state-sponsored attacks), imposes strict standards on critical infrastructures (energy, telecoms, healthcare, etc.), coordinates the response to major incidents, and disseminates alerts via its response teams (CERT-Bund, Bürger-CERT) for the public and administrations.
For an expat, this framework translates into relative peace of mind when it comes to entrusting health data to a health insurance fund, opening a bank account, subscribing to a phone plan, or connecting to public online services. The environment is not free of cybercrime—on the contrary, Germany is a prime target—but there are numerous safeguards and active regulation.
A Highly Structured Emergency System
Another pillar of daily security: the quality of emergency services and the clarity of procedures in case of trouble. Germany relies on a highly codified organization of rescue services, with dispatch centers (Leitstellen) each covering a territory, ambulances with trained crews, specialized emergency physicians, and a fleet of rescue helicopters distributed across the country.
Emergency response times generally target 10 to 15 minutes. Ambulances are often staffed with paramedics (Notfallsanitäter), trained for several years and capable of performing advanced procedures while waiting for a doctor. For the most serious cases, rescue helicopters, managed by various organizations, allow for rapid transport to specialized hospitals.
The law obliges every citizen to provide assistance in an emergency, within their capabilities and without putting themselves in danger. Failing to intervene can be subject to criminal penalties, while those who provide aid benefit from legal protection if they act in good faith.
Expats living in Germany can also rely on an impressive network of helplines and psychological support services, often free and sometimes available in multiple languages: help for victims of violence, helplines for women, men, children, support for depression or distress, spiritual counseling for Muslim or Russian-speaking communities, etc. This network contributes both to preventing tragedies and to the rapid management of crisis situations.
Housing: A Competitive but Highly Regulated Market
One of the major stressors for newcomers to Germany is housing. The difficulty of finding an apartment, especially in major cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt), can create a sense of psychological insecurity, compounded by fear of scams and administrative complexity. Yet, once a lease is signed, the tenant is one of the most protected figures under German law.
A Competitive Market, with Many Safeguards
The German rental market is based on a very protective legal foundation for tenants. Evictions are difficult and regulated, rent increases are strictly regulated (with mechanisms like “rent brakes” in many cities), and disputes are settled based on a precise civil code (BGB).
German landlords rigorously check applications. They typically require proof of sufficient income, a history of on-time rent payments, a credit report (SCHUFA), and a certificate of no rental debt. For expats without a local history, it’s possible to provide equivalent foreign documents: bank statements, recommendation letters, a solid employment contract, or family guarantees.
The security deposit—legally limited to three months’ rent excluding utilities—is also highly regulated. The landlord must place it in a separate account and return it, including interest, unless justified deductions are made for damages or arrears. This framework strongly reduces abuse and gives tenants a clear legal basis to contest unjustified deductions.
Anmeldung: The Key to Accessing Many Rights
From a security perspective, the Anmeldung procedure—the official registration of your address with the city hall (Bürgeramt)—plays a central role. Anyone settling in Germany for more than three months is required to register within 14 days of moving in. This registration feeds population registers, serves to fund municipalities, and is a prerequisite for accessing a multitude of services: opening a bank account, signing up for health insurance, signing phone or internet contracts, applying for a residence permit, university enrollment, receiving family benefits, etc.
For an expat in Germany, registering with the authorities (Anmeldung) is a crucial administrative step. It allows you to obtain the certificate of registration (Meldebescheinigung) and, a few weeks later, the tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer), which form the foundation of administrative security. Failing to complete this procedure on time exposes you to fines, difficulties in fulfilling obligations (like paying the broadcasting fee or subscribing to insurance), and can even complicate leaving the country if you forget to deregister (Abmeldung).
Mandatory Health Insurance: Health and Financial Security
Another essential pillar for a smooth expatriation: the health insurance system. In Germany, everyone residing in the country must be covered, without exception, since a reform came into force in 2009. Less than 0.1 % of the population remains uninsured, a remarkably low figure reflecting the extent of protection.
A Universal and Heavily Regulated System
The system is universal, multi-payer, and rests on two main pillars: statutory health insurance (GKV) and private insurance (PKV). Approximately 90% of residents are covered by the public system, administered by independent health funds (Krankenkassen) but very closely regulated by law, while 10% have private contracts, often for higher incomes, the self-employed, or certain special categories (civil servants, students beyond a certain age, etc.).
For salaried expats in Germany, affiliation with a public health insurance fund is mandatory below a certain income threshold. The contribution, about 14.6% of gross salary plus an additional charge, is shared equally with the employer. This insurance covers basic medical care deemed “necessary and economical” (consultations, hospital stays in shared rooms, prescription drugs, basic dental care, etc.), includes pre-existing conditions, and is supplemented by mandatory long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung).
Private insurance, calculated not on income but on individual risk (age, health status, desired level of coverage), can offer more comfortable services (single rooms, faster access to certain specialists, better dental or optical reimbursements, international coverage, etc.), but requires more careful management (direct payments then reimbursement) and may exclude or surcharge for pre-existing conditions.
Protection Against Personal Catastrophes
Beyond daily life, this healthcare system aims to protect everyone from the risk of overwhelming medical bills. It is designed to guarantee access to care regardless of income or medical history, which strongly contributes to residents’ sense of security.
For an expat in Germany, proper affiliation with health insurance is crucial. It protects against exorbitant costs in case of pregnancy, cancer, or a serious accident, provided procedures are followed (declaring your insurer, presenting your eGK card). Conversely, being uninsured or underinsured can lead to large bills and the obligation to pay retroactive premiums, sometimes with penalties.
Organized Crime, Cyber Threats, and Economic Risks: What It Means for an Expat
Germany is not spared from major transnational criminal phenomena: drug, weapons, or human trafficking, foreign mafias, money laundering networks, large-scale cyberattacks, massive VAT fraud. Ports like Hamburg or Bremerhaven serve as gateways for illicit cargo from around the world, and several major metropolitan areas are anchor points for structured criminal groups.
A Complex Criminal Ecosystem but Largely Invisible in Daily Life
From an expat’s point of view, these realities are largely invisible, but they explain some observable phenomena: presence of drugs in nightlife districts, corner shops or bars run by clans, parallel flows of tobacco or counterfeits, rumors about dubious real estate investments in this or that city. They also contribute to the perception of Berlin, Bremen, or the Ruhr region as areas where crime is more present.
Authorities are strengthening their anti-money laundering apparatus, notably by preparing the creation of a dedicated agency and collaborating with Europol, Interpol, and the FATF on cross-border cases. This reinforcement follows the identification of loopholes, such as the absence of a strict ceiling for cash payments.
For an expat, the practical implications are relatively simple: avoid getting involved in obscure financial arrangements, be wary of dubious job offers, refuse to act as a “financial mule” for unexplained money transfers, and prefer standard banking channels for rent, security deposit, or salary payments.
Cybercrime and Personal Protection
Cyber threats—ransomware attacks, economic espionage, sophisticated phishing, compromise of public Wi-Fi networks—are on the rise, with potential involvement of state-linked actors. Again, the BSI and European authorities try to plug gaps through enhanced security standards, increased requirements for essential service providers, and awareness campaigns.
An expat should adopt universal digital security practices: perform regular software updates, enable two-factor authentication for sensitive services, use public Wi-Fi sparingly (and use a VPN if necessary), scrupulously check emails from banks or insurers, and perform regular data backups. Operating in a heavily regulated country does not exempt you from these basic habits.
Daily Life, Social Norms, and Informal Security
Security in Germany also rests on a fabric of deeply internalized social norms. Punctuality, respect for rules, a high value placed on public order and discretion contribute to a generally predictable environment—which, for an expat, can be extremely reassuring… once the initial “culture shock” has passed.
Punctuality, Civility, and Respect for Others’ Space
Being on time—or even early—is considered natural and respectful. Arriving late to a professional, or even private, appointment can be poorly perceived. On public transport, respecting certain unwritten rules (letting people off before boarding, standing on the right on escalators, speaking at a moderate volume, giving up seats to the elderly or pregnant) contributes to peaceful coexistence.
In Germany, quiet time (Ruhezeit) and personal space are fundamental values. It’s important to avoid noise in the evening, on Sundays, and outside permitted hours for DIY work. Organizing noisy parties in an apartment building can lead to neighbor complaints and, in case of persistent conflict, police intervention. These rules, although sometimes perceived as strict, contribute to a secure and predictable living environment for everyone.
Sensitive Topics and Behaviors to Avoid
Some topics remain delicate in Germany, especially anything related to the Nazi era. Jokes, relativization, or symbols associated with the Third Reich are not only socially unacceptable but can be illegal. Similarly, ostentatious displays of nationalism outside a sports context are viewed with suspicion.
A recent study shows that 90% of residents acknowledge the presence of racism in society.
Transport, Cars, and Bikes: Safety Rules to Know
Germany’s road infrastructure is renowned for its quality, and the country has an extensive network of motorways (Autobahn), well-maintained secondary roads, and often highly developed bike paths. But this quality comes with strict rules, ignorance of which can have serious consequences.
On the Road: Speed, Alcohol, and Responsibility
On some sections of the Autobahn, no general speed limit is in force—although an advisory speed of 130 km/h is officially recommended. However, very many sections remain subject to specific limits. Stopping on the hard shoulder for any reason other than a genuine breakdown is prohibited, as is intentionally running out of gas on the motorway.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 g/l for most drivers, but it is set at zero for new drivers and those under 21. Penalties for violations are severe and can include a fine, license suspension, or even prison time in case of a serious accident.
For cyclists, the presence of many dedicated paths offers an excellent alternative to the car, but also implies adherence to specific rules (lights, right of way, road markings). Riding on sidewalks, ignoring signals, or cycling while intoxicated are all behaviors subject to fines and dangerous for oneself and others.
Tickets and Inspections
On urban networks, fare evasion is not considered a minor offense. Traveling without a valid ticket (Schwarzfahren) exposes you to standardized fines, often around €60. Inspectors, sometimes in plain clothes, can intervene at any time, and repeated offenses can lead to criminal prosecution that may impact a residence application. The famous Deutschland-Ticket, a monthly subscription allowing travel on all local and regional transport, remains an excellent option for securing daily commutes.
What Really Contributes to a Smooth Expatriation
Across these different areas, an image emerges: that of a country where crime exists, sometimes rising in certain sectors, but where the risk for an expat remains manageable, provided the right habits are adopted. What makes the difference are both the institutions and individual behaviors.
Germany has a structurally very protective environment, including mandatory health insurance, strict tenant rights, an efficient emergency response system, and a robust legal framework for privacy. The police are generally effective, with a crime clearance rate above 50%. The country actively participates in international mechanisms against terrorism, organized crime, and money laundering, and continuously strengthens its defenses against cyber threats.
For expats, security also comes from good preparation: researching the neighborhoods of your future city, understanding the logic of the Anmeldung, checking if you can register at your address, ensuring you are properly covered by health insurance, saving emergency numbers in your phone, learning a few useful phrases in German, and gradually integrating local social codes.
Criminologists remind us that a few highly publicized cases can fuel disproportionate fears. Long-term studies indicate that dangerous areas have not multiplied, the feeling of security has improved, and Germany remains, in international comparison, a safe country to live and move to, provided you combine the system’s protections with reasonable day-to-day vigilance.
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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.
