How to Move to Germany from the USA: Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to Germany from the USA is an exciting opportunity to explore one of Europe’s most dynamic countries — with rich culture, excellent infrastructure and a strong economy. Whether you’re moving for work, study or to join a loved one, it’s important to prepare thoroughly to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition.

This step-by-step guide breaks down the key processes involved in relocating from the USA to Germany, including:

Visa options for Americans (and how to apply)
How to register your address and apply for residency
Finding a place to live and understanding rental contracts
Setting up the essentials: a bank account, mobile phone, and more
Health insurance requirements in Germany — and how Feather can help you meet them

Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about getting your Germany visa from USA.

Visa requirements for Americans moving to Germany

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you are able to enter Germany without a visa and stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period as a tourist. However, if you plan to live, work, or study in Germany long term, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit.

Here are the most common visa types:

Work visa

The German work visa is for those who have a job offer from a German employer. You’ll need a signed work contract and proof your role can’t easily be filled by a local candidate.

EU blue card

The EU blue card is a fast-tracked residence permit for highly skilled professionals. To qualify, you’ll typically need a university degree and a job offer with a salary of at least €45,300 per year (as of 2025).

Freelance visa

The freelance visa is ideal for self-employed professionals such as artists, writers and consultants. You’ll need to show contracts or letters of intent from German clients and a sustainable income plan.

Student visa

Required for attending university or a language course. You must provide an acceptance letter and proof of sufficient funds to cover your living costs (around €934 per month).

Family Reunification

If you’re joining a spouse, child, or parent living legally in Germany, you may apply for a family reunification visa based on family ties.

Health insurance is a legal requirement in Germany

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany, including US expats. You must show proof of insurance when applying for your visa and residence permit.

There are three main options:

Public health insurance (GKV)

Typically required for salaried employees earning under €73,800/year (2025 threshold)
Contributions are based on income, averaging around 17% of your paycheck.
Covers most medical treatments, and dependents can be added at no extra cost.

Private health insurance (PKV)

Private health insurance for Americans is available to freelancers and self-employed individuals earning over €30,000, or employees earning above €73,800.
Premiums depend on age, health status, and coverage, but are generally more affordable than public health insurance.
Coverage is typically more generous than with public health insurance.

Expat insurance

Expat health insurance for Americans is perfect for bridging the gap between beginning employment or just getting started as a freelancer
It fulfills all visa application requirements and is very affordable.

At Feather, we make the process simple when applying for your Germany visa from USA. You can compare public and private insurance plans in English, get expert guidance based on your visa type, and receive a certificate for your application — all online.

Applying for a residence permit (aufenthaltstitel)

You can enter Germany visa-free, but you must apply for your residence permit within 90 days of arrival. You’ll do this at your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

What you’ll need:

A valid U.S. passport
Completed residence permit application form (can vary by city)
Biometric passport photos measuring 35mm x 45mm
Proof of housing (rental contract)
Proof of income or financial resources – you must be able to show stable and regular income and that your income is sufficient to cover living expenses
Health insurance certificate
Any visa-specific documentation (such as a work contract or university letter)

Appointments can take weeks to book, so it’s always best to start early. The BAMF Office Locator is a really handy tool to find the closest location for you.

Finding housing after moving to Germany from the USA

Germany’s rental market is competitive, especially in cities like Berlin, Munich or Hamburg. It’s common to rent an unfurnished apartment, and you may be expected to pay up to three months’ rent as a deposit, or have renters’ insurance.

We recommend these helpful websites to begin your search:

Once you secure a place, you’ll need to register your address. That’s a crucial step for everything else that will follow as you settle into your new life in Germany.

Registering your address (anmeldung)

Within two weeks of moving into a home, you must register your address at the local registration office (Bürgeramt). You’ll receive a Meldebescheinigung, a proof of address, which is necessary for your visa, opening a bank account, and more.

Be sure to bring:

Your passport
Rental contract
Signed confirmation of residence from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
Registration form (this is available at most city websites or the Bürgeramt)

You can book appointments online through your city’s official website – but if you have no luck, try calling instead. Very often, appointments are cancelled at the last minute, so you can get lucky if you’re willing to move fast and maybe go a little out of the way to make an appointment.

Setting up a German bank account

Most employers and landlords will require you to have a German bank account (Girokonto). Many digital banks now allow expats to open accounts online with an English-language interface.

Popular options include:

N26 – This is fully online with an English app
Revolut – Great alternative to N26
Commerzbank – A traditional bank with high street branches
Deutsche Bank – Widely recognised for visa-related banking.
ING – Traditional bank, great alternative to Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank.

To set up a German bank account, you’ll need:

Proof of address (Meldebescheinigung)
Passport
German phone number (usually)

Getting a SIM card and internet

Of course, once you’re in Germany, you’ll need to get online as soon as possible. And a German phone number will be essential for almost everything else you need to arrange, from banking to contracts to visa forms.

Popular telephone providers in Germany include:

Prepaid SIM cards are widely available at stores like MediaMarkt or supermarkets. You’ll need your passport and proof of address to activate it.

For home internet, contracts often require a commitment of 12–24 months, so be sure to research providers carefully.

Top tips for settling into life in Germany

Adjusting to life in Germany isn’t just about legal documents and logistics — it’s also about understanding the cultural nuances and administrative structures that shape everyday life.

Learn some German

Language can also be a barrier. While many Germans speak English (especially in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich), much of the official paperwork and communication is still in German. Learning the language — or at least key phrases — can go a long way in helping you integrate, manage day-to-day tasks, and build relationships.

Language schools like Goethe-Institut offer accredited programs.

Cultural adjustment

Germans value punctuality, directness and privacy. The country’s bureaucratic system can be more formal and rigid than what you may be used to, but rules are clear and well-documented.

Culturally, punctuality is deeply respected. Whether you’re attending a job interview or meeting a landlord, showing up on time (or early) is not just polite — it’s expected. Germans tend to be more formal in the beginning, both in language and demeanor, but this eases as trust builds.

Get liability insurance

Liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) is one of the most important types of insurance when moving to Germany. It protects you if you accidentally damage someone else’s property or cause injury, for example, spilling a drink on a laptop or scratching a car with your bike.

While it’s not legally required, it’s strongly recommended and can even support your visa application. It’s affordable and offers peace of mind.

Transportation

Germany’s public transport system is excellent. Consider getting a monthly pass (Monatskarte) for U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses— they’re especially worth it if you commute to work via public transit. Use apps like Deutsche Bahn for regional trains.

Ready to start your journey?

Moving from the USA to Germany is a life-changing step, filled with exciting opportunities — but it also involves a maze of paperwork, procedures and decisions.

With the right preparation, a good understanding of the system and support from expert partners, your transition can be much smoother and less stressful.

Whatever your reason for moving to Germany, health insurance is one of the very first things you’ll need to secure. Feather’s expat-friendly health insurance is legally compliant, fairly priced and 100% digital — so you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time enjoying your new life in Germany.