How to Move to Germany: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re considering an international relocation and wondering how to move to Germany, you’re not alone.

Germany is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for expats thanks to its strong economy, excellent public services, and high quality of life. But moving to the country — especially from outside the EU — requires planning and preparation.

This guide offers everything you need to know about navigating Germany’s visa requirements, finding housing, and securing health insurance in one helpful place.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll talk you through:

How to choose the right visa for your move
What documents you need and how to prepare them
How much money to save and moving costs
What type of health insurance is required
How to find housing and understand rental contracts
How to register your address and open a German bank account
Germany integration tips: language, community and liability insurance

And if you’re relocating from the UK or the US to Germany, we’ve got you covered with tailored guides:

With that out of the way, let’s get started.

How to choose the right visa for your move to Germany

The first and most crucial step in your relocation is understanding Germany’s visa requirements. Your visa type will depend on your reason for moving.

The German Federal Foreign Office provides official visa guidance based on your nationality and purpose. In most cases, you must apply at the German embassy or consulate in your home country before your move.

General employment visa

The general employment visa is a popular choice for expats moving to Germany to work for a German company. To qualify, you typically need:

A formal job offer from a German employer
A salary that meets the minimum threshold (varies by profession, typically between €45,300 to €58,400 per year)
Proof of relevant professional qualifications or university degrees recognised in Germany
Private or statutory health insurance that meets German requirements

This visa allows you to live and work in Germany while enjoying full employee rights. Processing can take several weeks to months, so it’s wise to apply well in advance.

Student visa

If you’ve been accepted to a German university or educational institution, the student visa allows you to live in Germany for the duration of your studies. You’ll need:

Proof of university enrollment (admission letter)
Proof of sufficient financial resources: usually around €11,208 per year, often shown through a blocked bank account
Comprehensive health insurance valid in Germany

Students may also work part-time (up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year) under this visa.

Freelance visa (freiberufler)

The freelance visa is ideal for independent professionals, including creatives, IT specialists, and consultants. To qualify, you should prepare:

A viable business plan or proof of sufficient freelance contracts with German clients
Evidence of financial self-sufficiency, generally showing projected annual income of at least €30,000
Proof of relevant qualifications or previous work in your field
Health insurance that meets German requirements

This visa is well-suited for freelancers, remote workers and self-employed individuals who wish to establish themselves in Germany.

Job seeker visa

The German job seeker visa allows qualified professionals to enter Germany and search for employment for up to six months. You’ll need:

Proof of academic or vocational qualification recognised in Germany
Proof of sufficient financial resources
Comprehensive health insurance valid in Germany

During your stay with a job seeker visa, you are permitted to attend interviews and explore job opportunities, but you cannot work in a permanent position until you secure a proper work visa or residence permit.

Family reunification visa

If you are moving to Germany to join family members who are already legal residents or citizens, the family reunification visa is typically required. To apply, you will need:

Proof of your relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates)
Confirmation that your family member in Germany has sufficient income and appropriate living space to support you
Comprehensive health insurance coverage

For spouses, basic German language skills (A1 level) may also be required before entry. Specific conditions can vary based on your family member’s residence status.

Prepare all necessary documents

Once you know which visa you need, you must gather the supporting documents well in advance. Germany is known for its strict documentation requirements, and incomplete applications often cause delays.

Paperwork required typically includes:

Your valid passport
A recent biometric photo (35mm x 45mm)
A job contract or university letter
Proof of accommodation from landlord or primary tenant (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
Comprehensive health insurance

If you’re moving with a spouse or with dependents, marriage and birth certificates will also be needed.

How much will moving to Germany cost?

Moving to Germany involves a range of expenses. Visa fees vary between €75–€100 depending on the type and processing location, while flights from the US or UK vary hugely depending on the season and how flexible you are willing to be.

The biggest upfront cost is usually rent: expect to pay a security deposit of up to three months’ rent, in addition to your first month’s rent, before moving in. If you plan on living in beloved cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, competition can be high, and prices may be very steep. Smaller cities and towns such as Cochem, Bamberg, and Quedlinburg can provide more affordable options and a more relaxed pace of life.

You’ll also need to budget for daily living expenses. A realistic monthly estimate ranges from €1,000 to €1,500, depending on your location and lifestyle.

Don’t forget health insurance premiums, which are mandatory and vary depending on whether you choose public or private coverage; private policies can cost anywhere from €400-€600, while expat and short term health insurance can be yours for as little as €72.

Set up your health insurance

One of the most important — and legally required — steps for moving to Germany is securing health insurance before you arrive. Without proof of valid insurance, your visa or residence permit can be denied.

Germany offers two types of health insurance: public (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private (Private Krankenversicherung). There are pros and cons to both public and private health insurance. If you’re employed and earn under €73,800/year, public insurance is usually required. Students, freelancers, and higher earners may be eligible for private plans. However, setting up either option can be complex and sometimes expensive, especially before you have a job offer or official residence.

In these cases, expat health insurance is often the simplest solution. It’s designed specifically to meet visa requirements and can be arranged quickly from abroad.

Feather helps make this process easy with fully digital sign-up, English-language support, and instant confirmation certificates accepted by German authorities. Whether you need short-term visa coverage or long-term insurance, Feather facilitates the process for all types of health insurance, so you can get covered in minutes.

Compare your health insurance options.

Find housing and understand rental contracts

Finding a place to live is one of the biggest hurdles for new arrivals.

Popular platforms like Immobilienscout24, WG-Gesucht, and Kleinanzeigen.de are great starting points. Be prepared to submit a rental application file that may include your passport, proof of income, SCHUFA (credit report — we've got tips on how to improve your SCHUFA score too) and — in some cases — a letter from your employer confirming your job and salary. While not strictly required, this letter can significantly strengthen your application, especially when landlords are comparing multiple candidates. Another strong bonus is renters’ insurance alongside liability insurance, which help show you’re ready to reimburse any damages to the property when you’re liable.

Once you secure a rental, you’ll need your landlord to sign a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — a confirmation of your residence. This form is required for registering your address in Germany.

Rental contracts in Germany are typically long-term and favour tenant rights. Make sure you understand the notice period, deposit conditions, and whether utilities (Nebenkosten) are included in the rent before you sign on the dotted line.

Register your address and open a bank account

Within 14 days of moving into your new German home, you’re required to register your address at the local citizens office (bürgeramt). This process, called Anmeldung, is vital. Without it, you won’t be able to open a bank account, get a tax ID or sign up for services like internet or mobile plans.

To complete the Anmeldung, bring your passport, rental contract and your signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Some cities require you to book an appointment weeks in advance, so always check the website of your local Bürgeramt in advance.

You may consider setting up an international money transfer service like Wise or Revolut to access funds in Germany initially so that you don’t find yourself in a tricky financial spot once you touch down. But you’ll need a German bank account for essential aspects of daily life, such as receiving your salary, paying rent and utility bills, obtaining health insurance, signing up for a mobile phone plan, and even registering for local services.

Many institutions and employers in Germany only work with domestic bank accounts, making it a critical step for long-term residency and financial integration. Opening a German bank account is straightforward once you’re registered your address. Digital banks like N26, DKB, and Commerzbank are popular with expats and often offer English-language service.

Integration tips: language, community and insurance

While Germany is one of the best places to retire, study, or live in, it's not just about more than applying for a visa. It’s about navigating a new system — often in a different language — and understanding the rules that support everyday life. With the right preparation and trusted partners like Feather, your move doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Adjusting to life in Germany takes time, but there are steps you can take to ease the transition.

Start learning German before or shortly after you arrive — even basic skills make a big difference. Free apps like Duolingo or structured courses from Goethe-Institut are great places to start.

Finding a local community really helps too. Meetup groups and city-based Facebook groups for expats are great ways to meet people and get insider tips.

Finally, consider taking out personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). It’s not legally required but it is highly recommended — and sometimes necessary for renting apartments. Feather offers affordable English-language liability insurance, which covers everyday accidents and damage, like spilling coffee on a friend’s laptop.

You now have a roadmap to get started. And when you’re ready, Feather is here to help you tick off one of the most important boxes: getting covered for your new adventure in Germany.