The complete checklist for moving to Germany

Do Your Homework
What pops into your head when you think of Germany? Is it those stunning fairy-tale castles? Or perhaps the lively beer gardens buzzing with oom-pah band tunes? No matter your vision, it's super important to look into what daily life is actually like in Germany before making the move. Overall, Germany is pretty welcoming and tolerant for expats. That said, because of its history, there's a lot of variation in living costs and job opportunities across different regions that you'll want to keep in mind when relocating.

Get Your Visa Sorted
Are you clear on what visa requirements apply to you and your family? Since Germany's part of the EU, folks from EU/EFTA countries can come and stay without needing a visa. If you're an EU/EFTA citizen planning to stick around for over three months, don’t forget to register with the local authorities. For those who aren’t from the EU/EFTA, getting through German immigration can be trickier.

Move Your Stuff
Thinking about how you're going to get your things to Germany? It can be a bit overwhelming, which is why many people turn to relocation experts for assistance. You've got plenty of options-from full-service movers to online logistics platforms that let you easily compare international shipping rates. Companies like Zipple can guide you through every step, from packing up your stuff to finding the perfect new home.

Get Your Finances in Check
Before heading off to Germany, make sure your finances are all set so you can support yourself and your family. It's wise to familiarize yourself with Germany's cost of living and plan accordingly-this includes short-term cash needs and long-term financial strategies:

• Bank Accounts: Look into banking options before arriving-check out retail banks and digital banking choices. You might even be able to open an account online ahead of time.
• Pensions, Taxes & Investments: Can you transfer your pension over? Will moving impact your investments? Get answers ahead of time with our guides on taxes and pensions in Germany.
• Insurance: Whatever you need covered, ensure that insurance for your family's belongings is sorted out before you leave. Our insurance guide has all the details.

To help manage short-term finances efficiently, check out some international money transfer services:

• CurrencyFair: They offer money transfers to over 150 countries at rates much cheaper than banks.
• Wise: This service allows transfers between cross-border bank accounts at rates significantly lower than traditional banks.

Transport Your Vehicle
Want to take a spin on Germany’s famous autobahn with your car? You'll need to brush up on local driving laws first. Plus, think about whether you'll really want a car once you've settled down-many cities have fantastic public transport systems and cycling paths are getting better all the time.

Look After Your Pet
Germans adore their pets! If you've got a furry friend joining you on this adventure, do some research on pet regulations beforehand-it’s best to know any restrictions early on so there are no surprises later. For more info, schedule a call with us about bringing pets into Germany.

Sort Out Health Insurance
One key thing you'll need when relocating is health insurance. Germany boasts one of Europe's best public healthcare systems; however, residents can choose between public or private coverage based on their needs. If you're worried about gaps in coverage as a newcomer, consider getting international health insurance from reliable providers like Allianz Care or Cigna Global while you settle in-these plans are great for frequent travelers or short stays but aren't substitutes for German public health insurance. Need help finding health insurance options? An insurance broker such as KL for Expats could be useful.

Find Yourself a Home
While you might not snag a fairy-tale castle upon moving here, there are tons of housing choices available! From cozy mountain cabins to city-center apartments-and everything else-you'll find something that fits your style.

Kick Off Your Job Hunt
Some expats relocate with job offers already lined up; others may arrive still searching for work. There are loads of job opportunities across various sectors in Germany; just keep in mind that what's available greatly differs by region and industry-so doing some research will definitely help! For tips on securing employment here, check out our job-hunting guide.

Learn Some German
If you're heading off to Germany, picking up the language will be super helpful! English isn’t spoken everywhere in the country; knowing German will definitely make it easier for finding work and settling in. Consider enrolling in classes tailored for newcomers or try using apps or online courses if that's more your style. Schedule a call with us!