COST Of Moving To Germany - [How Much Money Do You Need? 💸]
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- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
- If you are planning a move to Germany, you need to know what the cost of moving to Germany is. This will help you prepare your budget accordingly and not get any surprises when you start settling in.
SERVICES IN ENGLISH FOR EXPATS:
Feather Expat Health Insurance 🪶
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Getsafe Private Liablity Insurance 🚦
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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION in Germany [Explained] 🚍🚊
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Grocery Shopping in Germany [Explained] 🛒
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Best SIM Card in Germany [Mobile Options Explained]
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⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:30 - Cost of Visa
00:41 - Cost of Health Insurance
01:25 - Cost of Rent
03:25 - Cost of Public Transportation
03:42 - Cost of a Taxi Ride from the Airport
04:15 - Cost of Grocery Shopping
04:50 - Cost of Mobile Plan
05:25 - Cost of Home Internet
05:55 - Cost of Residence Permit
06:17 - Cost of Private Liability Insurance
07:45 - Cost of Flight
08:10 - Total Costs 🥁
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We know how frustrating and painful it might be to move to a new country, especially if you don't fully speak the language. That's why we created Simple Germany.
Simple Germany provides tips & information in English about living in Germany as an expat. We talk about services that are friendly and easy to use to beat German bureaucracy. We also cover the cultural aspects of living in Germany. All of this brought to you from the eyes of an expat and a German duo. We want to help you settle in Germany more smoothly.🍻
🍿 Visit our website for more in-depth information on life in Germany:
www.simplegermany.com/
☕️ 💜 If this video was helpful to you, and saved you time of research, please consider buying us a coffee as a small donation.
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#expats #germany #expatsingermany #lifeingermany #expattips
Keep in mind, that in germay is a concept of "Mietaval", which means, your bank gives a credit to your landlord and you pay for this credit, which is usually cheap, about 50€ a year, if you cant provide the "Kaution" at the beginning. Ask your Bank for a Mietaval, if you have sufficient credit history in the german banking system.
What I also remember as quite an important cost in the first month of living in Germany was the "touristic" prices I was paying for my AirBnB before I actually found a flat to rent...
I’m loving your channel, it’s very helpful
You guys are really making good informative videos thank you 👍 👌.
Another great video... You guys are doing a wonderful job.. keep going 😊
Vielen Dank!!! Siempre ayudan un montón con sus videos super buena onda! Massive Thx!
Alles interesante. Das hilft uns sehr viel. Danke vielmals.
sidenote i love how how two look at each other when the other person is talking. signs of a healthy relationship
Smoothly is so sweet to listen... ❤️❤️❤️
U guys make super clear and clean content to understand...
This is great, there are so many videos on culture shock, which is good, but i really needed this info
You always put a lot of effort into researching the videos. I really hope you don't just produce this for the bin, but that your channel will somehow benefit from it.
Hey Girls !!!
Really like your videos... :)
Would be great if you can make a video on - how to plan accomodations for a vacation in Germany. Example different examples like hotels, pensions , Airbnb etc..
Looking forward to it :)
Keep rocking.
Love you both. Such good vibes
Hello
So convenient! I will officially be moving from Puerto Rico (Yvonne might find it interesting that I met Daddy Yankee and we used to live in the same neighborhood lol) to Germany in February and your content and knowledge has been essential during the process. Thank you so much!
Super cool - DY!! 😅All the best for your move! 😊
Kaution is not mandatory by law nor is there a maximum rate by law. Kaution was declared legal by courts because it's part of the freedom of contracts, where you can agree on terms if they don't violate the law. It became a custom and is really not required by law. The maximum rate is set by court ruling as well which is rather a rule of thumb and is about thrice the cold rent.
A Kaution is a security deposit to cover for damages after you have moved out. You get it back if there are no damages are claimed by the landlord. The landlord has to deposit the amount to separate bank account, it's not the landlord's money! To warn you ahead, there are landlord's that try to screw you for the Kaution, when you move out. That's why the Übergabeprotokoll is so important! Let the landlord add all damages that are noticeable before moving in. When you think you get screwed, then you will need lawyer.
If you become member of a Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft which is required if you want to rent an apartment from them, then you likely don't pay any Kaution but the member one time share.
You won't find a law for the Kaution nor its maximum rate.
Ahhh we just moved to Germany today!! Thank you both so much because your videos have helped a ton. Still feel so unsure about so much though.
Hey Roam from Home! Welcome to Germany! We’re glad our content has been helpful! Sorry to read you’re still so unsure about so much. Would you mind sharing? Maybe we can help you out ☺️
@@simplegermany Hi! Well our biggest hurdle is we don’t have our Anmeldung appointment for 2 more weeks so I guess my first hurdle is getting us phone numbers before our American phone plan runs up while we are here. We were supposed to have our appointment today but it got pushed out right before we left. I feel
Like without our Schufa, etc from registering we are stuck for 2 weeks and can’t get stuff moving along
Ah, we feel your pain. There are some providers though that take new customers without an Anmeldung or Schufa. Most of the online banks do. You can check them out here: www.simplegermany.com/best-german-bank-english-speakers/
And regarding a phone number, your best bet is getting a prepaid or flexible postpaid SIM card. You can check them out here: www.simplegermany.com/best-prepaid-sim-card-germany/
You will have to verify your ID in an online call for both services, but your American passport should suffice.
Let us know how it goes! 🤞🏼
Hi Jen & Yvonne
My name is Ravi and I am from India.
I am living with my wife Shreya in Tokyo, Japan.
I have seen many videos from your channel and really you guys nailed it.
Hopefully I will relocate Germany in next 2-3 months from Japan.
More interesting part is that my company location is in Dusseldorf.
I hope we will meet soon .
YOU ARE GOLD!
Yes, the Kaution, with 3 times Kaltmite is mainly what's still holding me back from just arriving already and process the job search on-site, or fast-forcing whatever ideas I might have for Düsseldorf within my current company. Thanks to you, however, spending and saving plans are into action!
Residing in the EU (please other viewers, don't envy me too much on that), the plane ticket and initial residence permit are for the time being my least of worries.. But this part too will be put into action like, the minute I have a clear date or timeframe for desirable arrival. I really really can't wait for things to start getting exciting, and this week is going to be quite important, so have fingers crossed! 🇩🇪 🎰 🍻
Good luck 🤞
🤞🏼 - if you do want to move things up, a WG is always an option to start. It is cheaper, you directly connect with people and your Kaution is usually a bit less. 😉
@@simplegermany Thanks for reminding me of that, indeed! I somehow think of that, but then I read and jump on other same stuff, I forget at moments about the WG, which is perhaps the most practical start option! ✨
I want to say this, recently i got a router with a Sim card which works surprisingly well. I think this could be a really good alternative for someone on the rush, its a little bit pricey at the beginning if you want the chance to cancel with a month notice but the plan itself cost the same as the rest of the options and you will get in a couple days at most! I know o2 and vodafone have this type of service but it may be other options aswell
What's the name or specification of router and company for internet
Thank you for the efforts and interesting continuous content!! ☺️ You mentioned: "not allowed to use your mobile internet at home for long term", that's exactly what I was planning to do, take an unlimited sim card (vodaphone or O2) and hotspot to Chromebook when needed. Could you please explain what you meant by "not allowed" :) vielen Dank
It is a grey area and depends on your provider and tariff. So check the terms and conditions of the vodafone or O2 tariff you would like to get and see whether tethering (hotspot) is allowed.
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHA the “hitting me va” at the end of the video 😂😂 super chapin
Hey, thank you so much for your efforts in putting in to share such a piece of useful information. Can you share your experience in the nearby city of Munich which is friendly to expats and not that expensive, like not that big and not like a town as well. I am planning to move to Germany and am confused about choosing a city. Thanks in advance!
A very nice student town closer to Munich is Augsburg. Maybe that could be an option 😊
Could it be that you forgot electricity, which is not part of the rent over here ? - As a single it's about 35 Euro per month.
In Frankfurt there are Lufthansa Shuttle busses which are really cheap. (Unless this has changed. I suggest to ask at the information for it, and whether it goes to your destinstion. - You dont have to fly with Lufthansa to be able to take that service. (10 years ago it cost about 20 Euro from Frankfurt to Heidelberg.)
Hi Jen and Yvonne. I’m living in Germany through you since the train has left the station as far as me moving to Germany (I’m 82). The closest I’ve gotten is layovers (I was a flight attendant). One question, I haven’t gotten through all of your videos but was wondering if you’ve covered “Integration Classes” which seem to be required of some expats. Sounds like an interesting subject since this woman said she said the German gov’t said she had to take 600 hours. Whew!
Hey Marlene, yes some foreigners have to take an integration course. The local Ausländerbehörde informs you about it or not. We touch it briefly in our guide: www.simplegermany.com/how-move-to-germany/#9_Take_An_Integration_Or_German_Language_Course. An integration course is a language course combined with a cultural/societal course.
Hey! thank you for the content!! super usefull and interesting. Do you get the deposit back at the end of the contract? (asuming everything is in order and in good condition)...Here in Argentina you do, but I've heard in some countries there is always an excuse to not give it back so most renters asume you won't get the deposit back.
Yes, you do. Just like you say, when everything is in order and taken care of 😊
You get your deposit back and may even gain some of it since your landlord is obligated to save the money on a s called „Kautionssparbuch“ which generates a low rate of interest.
Still, you may also lose parts or even your full deposit if you leave the place in a bad or even damaged condition.
@@FlorianGuitar85 thank you!
I love the videos, very helpful. I am a single Expat from the US (retired) looking to move (soon) to Berlin. Outside of the city center but not super far. I’ve been trying to look up true cost of living per month for mid-slightly upper lifestyle. Most of the videos I find are student or frugal/budget based. Great info, I’m not looking to spend a ton of money! But I’m still looking for the monthly income needed for mid/comfy living. Nothing crazy, staying with public transportation, etc. But I did retire young, so I’m looking for what it really costs/income needed to actually enjoy the early retirement. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 🙏🏾
Our guide on the cost of living gives you a better impression: www.simplegermany.com/cost-of-living-germany/ It is of course all lifestyle dependent. Add another 20% due to the recent price increases and you have a good starting point.
Great info ! Thank you ! Can I take my savings in cash into Germany ?
Dank
I wanna move to Germany to go to university out there but very unsure on how to do so? What websites should I be using? What visa would I need? Do you guys do any one on one consultations for questions and advice?
What about buying furniture (and kitchen!) or electric appliances, if the apartment is empty? This can double the amount, no?
Yes, most definitely! We are planning a video on this for the future 😊
Hello Jen and Yvonne. I have been following your videos lately and I like them. Thank you for making it easy for expats like us to make our way in Germany. I have a small request may be you can make a video about it. I have been trying to buy an e-bike (electric cycle) but I am afraid I should register it. I am not sure what kind of ebikes must be registered in Germany. I googled a lot but I can not find any suggestion. Can you please help me out. ?
Hey Sai! Thanks for the feedback and request! That is an interesting topic for sure! At the moment I cannot answer your questions. However, we will add this to the list for our videos to research and record and hope to provide you an answer soon 😊
@@simplegermany thank you so much Jen and Yvonne. Looking forward for the video with thousand eyes 👀. And all the best for you too. Take care!
One point you haven't covered is someone moving with pets. That's a whole separate bag of worms. First, you'd have some local expenses that depend on the country, like a vet would have to assess if your pet is healthy enough for transportation, a pedigreed pet might need a certificate that it's not essential for breeding in the country (which might or might not be free, depending on your club), etc. Then you'll need a carrier that is approved for your type of transportation, you'll need to somehow get a EU vet certificate, you'll need to chip your pet (and you might need to order chips from abroad if appropriate ISO chips aren't available locally, which might be a problem on its own), then you'll need to vaccinate your pet (which you should do annually anyway, but you are required to have a vaccination after chipping), and then comes the fun part. If you're not from EU or one of the developed countries, 3 months after the latest vaccination you'll need a rabies antibody test that can only be made in an EU approved lab, which means sending frozen blood samples abroad. Which could be hellishly expensive (I'm so "looking forward" to that part...). Then there's the transportation itself, the cost of which depends on your way of transportation, the provider, and other options. For a rough estimate, currently Lufthansa changes €50/kg (including carrier) for transporting your pet in heated cargo.
Then you have to consider that flats that allow pets tend to cost more than flats that don't allow pets, which would increase both the rent itself and the deposit.
I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from bringing their pets with them, but people have to be aware that it's going to cost. A. Lot. And prepare accordingly.
Yes, you are absolutely right. Moving with pets is another adventure on its own. We have a guide that covers all the dteails: www.simplegermany.com/moving-to-germany-with-pets/
We would disagree that a flat that allows pets is more expensive. We believe it has nothing to do with price. However, needing a flat that allows pets, decreases your options, as not all landlords allow pets. Best of luck for your move!! 😊
I will be paying over 4000 euros just for rent kaution and the official, so 6000 euros for me
The cost of the deposit + the rent + furnishing the apartment + internet connection costs. And they pay you at the end of the month.
This is actually curious what they said. 🙂 I thought the salary date would depend and would vary from employer to employer... Several years ago when I started job with my current employer, it was the very beginning of a month, the accountants only process the timetables in the END of each month and pay accordingly in the middle of NEXT month, so for a whole month and a half I went without any money. If that happens to me in Germany... I'll be as good as dead. 😂
Oh nooo! A month and a half is a long time 😬 hopefully that won’t be the case for you in Germany! 🙂
@@simplegermany That's why I paid close attention to Jen's story of starting off at a moment of mid-month or even past mid-month. 😉 And the information about salaries always in end mo. It is crucial that a company would be mindful of how to treat that first timesheet of a newcomer, especially of an expat. 🤠
Hey , great Videos btw . I just had to ask when you talked about the internet you said something about not being able to use my phone as a hotspot , can you explain why. I have been usibg my phone as my main internet for 7 months in germany consuming well over 300GB every month (i have an unlimitid contract with O2 for 30€/month)
Good point, O2 is actually allowing the hotspot. More and more providers are now allowing it (there was a recent verdict in the EU court about this topic). But depending on your contract/SIM card, some providers don't allow constant tethering.
I’m moving to Stuttgart on Monday….bummer to hear it made the most expensive list. Out of curiosity what is the best cell service provider?
All the best for your move! 😊 Please check the availability of the 3 telecommunications providers for your address to find out the best one for you. We have the links in our guide: www.simplegermany.com/best-mobile-network-germany/
Can you please make video on investment? Of course, not the financial advice but just sharing the possible options and HOW TOs in Crypto, Stock Exchange, Real Estate (buying on Bank Loan and then renting it) or anything else, would help a lot to an expat like me. Thank you!
We talk about the best online brokers in this video: czcams.com/video/iHnW3lje8Nw/video.html Hope that helps 😊
Me and my partner are planning to move to Germany in a couple years and we are going to save 24,000 (USD) not including flight tickets is that a good base to start with, it'll take a little bit of time to find a job but I'm studying German so I'm hoping it'll be alright
That sounds like a great amount. Obviously it depends on your lifestyle on how long it will last 😊
I come from Netherlands and I’m 14 my parents lost their job in Netherlands and now we are moving to germany and we are trying to find a affordable price for us
Not sure if you have mentioned it in another video, but an important bit of information about the REGISTRATION when you settle in Germany:
The form asks for your religious affiliation. ENTER "NONE", because otherwise you will be required to pay CHURCH TAX. Seriously!
We talk about it in detail in this video: czcams.com/video/u-w82t4tqPE/video.html 😉
A church tax?? What on earth😶😶😶
How can we book auslandebehörde appointment? In how many days is a student suppose to do this?
Guten Abend die Damen
Which rural area can I stay by paying low rent, as I will be working in Munich?Is there any 3rd party insurance that you can suggest for physical damages? Is rent deposit refundable at the end of contract?
We have a guide on third party insurance: www.simplegermany.com/best-liability-insurance-germany/. Yes, the deposit gets refunded, as long as you leave the flat in the same condition as you moved in. We list some areas surrounding Munich in this guide: www.simplegermany.com/best-cities-to-live-germany/#Best_place_to_live_in_Germany_for_Families
@@simplegermany Thanks for your quick response
Do we get the salary in the first month itself? As far as I have heard it takes months to get the resident permit and thus you cannot open the bank account by then. How does the company pay you the salary then?
How fast you can open a bank account dependa in your nationality (unfortunately). We created Banky, a dynamic form that tells you which banks accept your nationality so you can take care of that as quickly as possible. You can check it out here: www.simplegermany.com/best-german-bank-english-speakers/#banky
Should've briefly mentioned that people may likely need to build their own kitchen or buy over from previous tenant 😀
Yeah haha, I don't get that hey
Als ich damals für Stadt Ludwigshafen gearbeitet habe, war mein geld immer 15. Auf meinem Konto.
Hey both,
Hope both of you are well? One of my friends got scammed while house hunting in germany. He lost around 1800 euros. Can you share insights on how not to get scammed while house hunting in DE?
We are sorry to hear that. And unfortunately it does happen. Well the best way is to see the house/flat yourself, have your contract properly checked and know your rights, we would say. It always depends on what kind of scam. But you do have the option that when you gave a company a direct debit from a German bank account and the company pulls the money in, you can 'call' that money back in your online banking for up to 6-8 weeks. Hope your friend finds a trustworthy place to stay!
@@simplegermany i will keep this in mind, my friend is in touch with local cops as well and they have been very helpful as well. I agree to your approach of house hunting, will keep this in mind when I do it for myself in the future. Thank you once again :)
I am lost with the number and types of insurances in Germany can you guys may be list them ?
Thanks for your suggestion. Already on the list 🤓
Hi lady's, I'm looking to move from germany from usawith my 2 kids and put them in school and go to work / school. Is it easy to apply for an extension or permanent residency if we get established before the 90 days is up?
It usually takes up to 5 years to be able to get permanent residency, it depends a bit on what kind of visa you are coming to Germany. We write about it in our guide: www.simplegermany.com/permanent-residence-germany/ To get a temporary residency, you will need a work contract or similar.
@@simplegermany I'll check it out , thanks 😊
I'm on the central coast of California and a flight to Germany would run me around 2k 😬😬
Thanks for sharing! :)
Weird q but why arent you allowed to just hotspot your phone for internet? How would they stop you?
Some providers allow it by now, others don't. If they don't allow it and you do it continuously they might cancel your contract.
Hi a nurse did not get a registration within 2 years what will happen
She completed all exams and viva.
Still they are asked again a language couse certificate B2
For the Auslanderbehorde, is it $100 per person? I have three children and we are all coming together.
For children younger than 18 years, usually half the price is charged.
@@simplegermany Thank you so much!!!
Is there any insurance to protect your deposit
Can I bring tools for trade to Germany to work, will I have to pay an import tax on my personal hand tools?
It depends on what kind of tools you are referring to. If you mean a personal tool box thats find, but if you mean heavy machinery, we would suggest you double check with an expert.
Could you please tell me about Ride Sharing Taxi services Z.B Uber in Germany ? Thxs
Yes, we can 🙂. The two most popular services are FREE NOW (don’t let the name fool you, it’s not free 😋) and Uber.
@@simplegermany Danke Schon. Could you please make a video on this.... Thxs in advance...
@@simplegermany If possible kindly also include FlixBus service details in this video. Thxs
Regarding FreeNow and Uber, you simply download the apps, connect a payment method and use the service the same way as in any other country. 😉
The Flixbus website is available in English, where you can find all necessary information for routes, prices, and conditions: global.flixbus.com/
Well... there goes my hope. The currency in my country is so worthless that I must save up 15 months worth of salary (If I can get a job that pays the average minimum) without eating or buying anything....
Wow. 2 months to get internet service? If they’re like USA,they’ll start charging for those 2 months. 🤦🏾♀️ In USA,maybe instantly to 7 days for internet install…..
Ok, 2 months is extreme 🙈 - but it can take some weeks and the charge only happens after activation date 😉
😮 Come to think of it, I can actually imagine that. I suppose you're just putting it into perspective, but we hope such thing doesn't happen in either US or Germany. 🙂
@@simplegermany We do have 2 major internet providers,so if one does charge,you just say,’oh I think I’ll check out your competitor.’ Some ppl live in an area that only One provider services. In that case,the provider knows this,& is less likely to give you a deal or a break.
@@rickyn1135 Monopoly is only as sweet as the borders of the comfort zone, huh? 😉 People do understand that, and it creates hunger for more competition - sooner or later.
25 euro for a phone plan blows my mind. I pay 227 usd for 2 lines right now
Oh what??? That’s extreme!
Hi guys how r u... what i want to ask u is i have a ethiopia turk driver license i know germany dose not accept it but what if make it international IDP then do i have a chans
International drivers licenses only make sense while traveling and renting a car. An international driving license will not help when wanting to convert your local license to a German one.
If you already had a Hungarian work permit, couldn't you just use that to fly to Germany and just apply for the work permit from there?
Unfortunately not, as the permit was linked to Hungary and a company in Hungary and not Europe.
@@simplegermany when I traveled within the schengen area using my Italian work permit, I was able to do so. In fact, for my next job in Germany, I plan on going to a Germany using my Italian work permit and just applying for a German work permit there. Or do you think I would need to apply for a work visa before I should apply for a work permit?
That is a very good question 😅 visa and work permit processes are so individual and complex we don’t usually give our opinion on it. As far as we know, if you’re not an EU or EEA citizen, you need to have a German work contract to have a German work permit.
But like I said, we’re no experts on that specific field. You’re best bet is to do some research online and try it out. 🙂
@@simplegermany thanks for the reply. Actually, I did do some research after I saw your reply and it turns out I would need a visa too. Otherwise, even though I can enter Germany using my current Italian work permit, I won't be able to apply for a German work permit. It's indeed a pity but I guess that's the right process.
Living in Germany is not easy. If you want to move here, you should first inform yourself properly. Reasons that speak against it I list times. Of course, there are also positive reasons but I rather list points that make you think.
1. The unfair tax policy. The system is designed for the really rich and big industrialists. To
comparison Switzerland or Holland are tax many times better. If you consider that Germany belongs to the 3rd - 4th largest industrialized countries but the median net salary is about 1800-1950 euros. You don't have to be the best in math to see that there is an extreme imbalance.
2. the high additional costs which exceed in large cities over 50-70 per cent of the net salary.
3. a general conservative mood in the population and in the media.
4. generally conservative parties that govern Germany and corruption in Germany is hardly
punishable in Germany. Whereas in other countries such actors end up in prison. See various studies on corruption in Germany.
Nevertheless, form your own picture and try to understand the points.
Yes, everyone should form their own opinion and decide for themselves whether Germany is a country they would like to live in or not. No country in the world is perfect. Every country has a level of corruption and there are always compromises that need to be made. It's just about weighing the options and defining for one self which things have more priority than others ☺️.
Do eu portugeae citizens need visa to live in Germany
Nope, EU citizens have the right to live anywhere in the EU. 😊
@@simplegermany thankyou so much
Hello 😊
Just a little add: (leider in deusch:)
Mieter haben das Recht, Kaution in Raten zu zahlen. Die Zahlung muß nicht in einer Summe vor Mietantritt beglichen werden.
Oh echt? Das haben wir direkt mal gegoogelt. Das wussten wir nicht und ist eine super spannende Info. Vielen Dank!
Na klar aber wird es Hausmeister akzeptiert? Ist na kalr man kann auch in raten zahlen aber was wenn Hausmeisters (Hausbesitzer gemeint) will das nicht und gibt Wohnung zu anderen. Ich habe auch nicht gesehen das das man machen kann. Habe ich letztes mal das selbe zu Hausmeister gesagt und er hat nicht einverstanden
Are u guys dating each other?😅🧐
Yes they are. czcams.com/video/_mp6_nEvMmk/video.html