Do you have plans or aspirations of moving to Germany from the US? This step-by-step guide outlines how American citizens can move to Germany in a simplified list.
I had the pleasure of moving to Germany at the end of 2020 to start a graduate program, and boy, was it a lot to take in! There were so many documents and application forms, and everything I read online was vague and not really geared toward Americans.
So now that I’ve gone through the whole process and made it out the other side, I thought I would share the exact steps you can take to move to Germany from the United States!
**This guide is for Americans moving to Germany. But it’s also somewhat applicable for citizens from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and recently the UK (countries who also enjoy visa-free entry to Germany).
↠ Read More: How much does it cost to study in Germany?
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!
Things to Do Before Moving to Germany
If you’re at the beginning stages of planning your big move to Germany, this guide is great to get you started.
1. Make Sure You Qualify For a German Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstiel)
First things first, you must have a valid reason to move to Germany! That valid reason can be any number of things. Maybe you’re applying to be a student, or you’re looking for a job. Or perhaps you want to move to Germany to learn German – there’s a visa for that too!
A quick note specifically for Americans: you’ll often see the word “visa” thrown around, but technically these are German residence permits – not really visas. Visas are travel permits needed for entry into a country, but US citizens can enter the EU/Germany visa-free for up to 90 days.
Americans who wish to stay in Germany longer than the 90 days must apply for a residence permit. I mention this because most online guides are geared towards international citizens (makes sense!), many of whom must apply for an entry visa at their local German embassy before leaving for Germany.
Americans do not need an entry visa, and it can cause confusion if you don’t know this little tidbit!
This list outlines a few of the different German residence permits – called an Aufenthaltstitel in German.
German Student Resident Permit
If you wish to study in Germany, you have a few options. You can apply to a university before leaving home and get a visa with admission. Or you can apply for a residence permit without school admission that allows you to find a University program while in the country. There’s also a Ph.D. visa and language learner visa for those enrolled in a German language course.
When living in Germany as a student, one special condition is that you must prove financial means, usually with a blocked account at a rate of €934 for every month you intend to stay in Germany. I’ll get more into it below.
↠ Read More: 15 Free Universities in Germany for International Students
German Work Resident Permit
If you’ve been offered a job in Germany and have a contract, you’re eligible for the German contracted work residence permit. Your company should help out with the immigration logistics. But essentially, on top of the main permit application docs, you’ll need proof of a job offer and a company sponsorship.
Freelance Permit
Germany has two distinctions when it comes to self-employment: freelancers (Selbständige) vs. self-employed (Freiberufler).
It can be confusing, but this guide details the Selbständige v Freiberuflers German standard nicely. Essentially, Selbständige do small projects for German clients and are often hired as contractors, vs. Freiberufler typically own their own firm and specialize in certain fields of work such as science, education, and art.
Freelancers/Selbständige typically work remotely as photographers, marketing consultants, graphic designers, web developers, content writers, etc.
Self-employed/Freiberufler typically have a physical business locale and provide services as a doctor, tax consultant, architect, etc.
Other German Residence Permits to Consider:
- Au Pair visa: 12-month permit for 18-26 yr olds, must prove basic German ability
- Artist visa: a subcategory of the freelance permit only available to those moving to Berlin
- Job seekers visa (academic or vocational): 6 months to apply to jobs in Germany that match university degree or vocational training
The German immigration office has a helpful tool called the Visa Navigator, where you can learn more about the permit that will work best for your needs.
Do I Have to Know German to Move to Germany?
No, probably not – but it depends entirely on your visa conditions and your exact situation. Certain work contracts or university programs may require some level of German understanding and will want to see proof via a test score or certificate.
The Au Pair visa, for example, does require an A1 level of German. But most permits, such as the ones for artists and language learners, do not require proof of German knowledge.
↠ Read more: 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Germany for Immigrants + Expats
2. Fund Your Move + Have Proof of Financial Means
Germany is home to a comprehensive national welfare system that takes good care of its citizens. So unsurprisingly, the German government wants to ensure that visiting third nationals come to Germany financially prepared.
Part of the required documentation for the residence permit application is proof of financial well-being – can you support your stay in Germany? Here are the different acceptable ways to prove financial means.
Open a Blocked Account
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account that can be used to prove financial means for people coming to Germany to study. As mandated by the German government, students must deposit €934/month for their first year of studies as a lump sum into this special account (i.e. €11,208 or about $12,500) plus monthly bank fees (usually not more than €5-€10/month). This amount must be renewed for each year of the program.
The blocked account is similar to a savings account and doesn’t come with a debit card. Instead, once a month, the blocked account automatically transfers the mandated €934/month to your personal German checking account to cover living expenses.
This dollar amount is non-negotiable and is a set number by the German immigration office. They have calculated that the average student needs about €934/month to cover rent, food, insurance, enrollment fees, and other expenses, an amount recently increased as of January 2023.
Some of the most popular blocked accounts for Americans are Deutsche Bank, Coracle, and Expatrio (who I went through for its easy online application and low fees). Unfortunately, Americans aren’t eligible for Fintiba or others for tax reasons specific to the US.
It’s worth mentioning that many of these blocked account providers also have packages international students can choose that includes the blocked account and a recognized health insurance plan. A one-stop shop for people studying in Germany.
↠ Read More: A Review of the Expatrio Blocked Account
Work Contract, Pay Stubs, Business Plan
Another way to prove financial means is with your work contract or with pay stubs if you’re working in Germany. This is probably already taken care of for you if you’re coming on a work visa.
Freelancers must prepare a comprehensive business plan, and financial projections based on previous work or pledged clients to prove financial means.
Students are allowed to work part-time on a German student residence permit, up to 20 hours per week. I don’t have personal experience with this, but if you have a part-time job. you may be able to get the required €934/month decreased with proof of pay stubs.
Sponsorship from a German Resident
Another option is sponsorship from a German resident. The immigration office will most likely request documentation of income from the person sponsoring you to ensure the resident has the financial means to support your stay in Germany. It doesn’t need to be a relative.
For exact documentation needed with this route, you should reach out directly to the embassy or the local immigration office where you’re moving.
Proof of Parent Support
For students, you can submit documentation of your parents’ income and financial assets if they’re supporting you during your studies in Germany. When filling in the application, be prepared to show proof of your parents’ monthly wages, and possibly proof of their reliable, gainful employment.
Scholarships
Lastly, you can apply for scholarships as a way to fund your studies in Germany. If you win one that covers the €934/month, you just need to provide a document with your residence permit application showcasing the amount.
If your scholarship doesn’t cover the full €934/month, you’ll have to find a way to cover the difference either with a blocked account or one of the options in this list. DAAD is a great place to start when searching for German scholarships.
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Germany?
As discussed above, a student coming to study in Germany for the year needs at least €11,208/year. Freelancers and the self-employed need to prove substantial financial well-being via detailed business plans and proposals.
Aside from government-mandated amounts, single people without dependents should also come with at least €2,500-€5,000+ in the bank to cover start-up costs and the security deposit for a new place.
3. Get German Health Insurance
Having health insurance is mandatory by law in Germany, and it’s a main requirement for obtaining a residence permit.
Navigating the different options out there for German health insurance can be a little complicated. There are public and private companies and different rates depending on your age and work status. I recommend doing extensive research to find which option is best for you and your specific situation before committing to a provider.
As a graduate student under the age of 30, I qualified for a public program and chose to get health insurance coverage from Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). They have English-friendly services and an online application process. I pay about €108/month.
If you’re coming over for work or you’re above the age of 30, your rate will be a bit more expensive, more like €160 – €200+ per month. Anyone above the age of 30 must also take out private health insurance.
4. Fly to Germany!
This one needs no explanation – book your flight, enter Germany (remember no-entry visas for Americans!), and get started on the next steps 🙂
Christmas in Germany is oh so magical
Things to Do After Moving to Germany (In-Country Steps)
After you officially arrive in Germany, you still have a few things left to do to get your residence permit and set up your new German life.
5. Get a Temporary SIM Card
You can’t actually get a phone contract until you have a bank account and valid address in Germany. But if you’re looking for a place to live, having a working phone is probably going to make that process a whole lot easier.
You can pick up a prepaid SIM card at any phone shop. They come with various data options ranging from 2GB, 6GB, 8GB, and more. You can top up these SIM cards easily on your phone or by purchasing data cards at grocery stores. You’ll need your passport to initially purchase a SIM card.
I personally recommend Vodafone, but you can also go with ALDITalk, Telekom, O2, etc.
6. Find a Place to Live
Choosing were to move is a big decision, and it’s not easy because there are many great cities in Germany to live! From well-known destinations like Berlin and Munich to smaller places like Aachen and Trier, it’s important to do a lot of research when choosing where to move to.
Not to mention, finding an actual place to live can be a struggle in Germany. I was fortunate that I moved in with my boyfriend (no apartment hunting for me), so I don’t have personal experience with this step. However, I do have some resources I can share to help you find housing in Germany.
If you’re planning on renting in Germany, you can find a private apartment or shared flat with roommates called Wohngemeinschaften or WG online on housing websites, German E-Bay, or Facebook. I recommend joining Facebook ex-pat groups dedicated to where you’re moving.
Rental Websites in Germany:
Documents Needed to Rent an Apartment in Germany:
- A copy of your ID or passport
- Application form
- Proof of financial means – either a copy of your blocked account/bank statement or pay stubs, if applicable
- Credit record of Schufa for those who’ve rented in Germany previously – if not, don’t fret.
- A co-signer – possibly needed for those without a Schufa record
- Security deposit equal to 3x monthly rent
If you’re planning on buying a house in Germany, that is an entirely different story! There aren’t any laws against non-German or non-EU citizens purchasing property, so it’s definitely possible. I recommend contacting a real estate professional in Germany.
7. Register your address with local authorities*
Once you have an address, you need to register with the local authorities. By law, everyone must register their new address with city officials no later than 14 days after arrival or moving in. If you don’t have a place to call home within those 14 days, reach out to the local registration office (Bergamot) to see how they want you to proceed.
To register, you must set up an appointment (Anmeldung) with the local Bergamot where you live. Many cities have an online appointment system, but you may have to contact the office directly to see what their process is.
Once you register your address, your German tax ID number will be mailed to you within the next few weeks. You’ll need this for opening a bank account.
Funny enough, I showed up in person to register my address without knowing I needed an appointment, and they either took pity on my cluelessness or just happened to be free (or both). But don’t be like me, and follow the proper course with a booked appointment (Germans love a properly scheduled appointment).
Documents Needed to Register your Address in Germany:
- Renter’s contract
- OR a letter from the landlord AND main tenant of the lease acknowledging your stay as a roommate if you’re not on the lease.
- Proof of valid reason to be in Germany (letter from immigration office)
- Passport
8. Apply for a German Residence Permit*
Now that you’re in Germany and have registered your address, it’s time to apply for your residence permit! You’ll have to gather your documents and go in person to the Foreigner’s Authority (Ausländerbehörde) , usually located at the district administration office (Kreisverwaltung).
Documents Needed to apply for a German Residence Permit as an American*:
- Your passport
- 2-3 passport photos (German sized)
- Fingerprint scans (done in office)
- Address registration certificate, the Anmeldebescheinigung
- Proof of financial means, the Finanzierungsnachweis (blocked account, parent support letter, work contract with salary, etc.)
- Proof of valid reason to be in Germany (work contract, Uni acceptance letter, biz plan for freelancers, etc.)
- Proof of health insurance from a German provider
- Proof of German ability (if required for visa)
- €110 fee (I paid €93, but I’ve seen figures ranging from €110-€100)
- Application form
After you apply, you’ll receive your residence permit card and pin codes in the mail 2-4 weeks later to your registered address, or you’ll need to pick them up at the immigration office.
*This is just a rough guide to give you an idea about what is generally needed to move to Germany. Every Foreigner’s Authority has a slightly different process. You should contact the immigration office where you’ll be living in Germany for exact instructions.
Heads Up – Registering Your Address + Residence Permit Issues
German bureaucracy has been known to cause a few headaches. There are no exceptions when it comes to registering your address and obtaining your residence permit. During this process, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself in a cart before the horse type of situation.
What do I mean by that?
I mean that in Germany, you legally cannot register your address without proof of being a resident or without a valid reason to have a permanent address. But you also cannot apply for a residence permit without a registered address!
Pretty bonkers, right?
Every local Bergamot will handle this situation differently. In my case, I first had to go to the residence permit office. Show them my valid reason and ready documents (my university enrollment fee, proof of health insurance, proof of financial means, etc.), and request a letter stating that I had a legal reason to reside in Germany.
With that “pre-approval” letter from the foreigner’s office, I went to the Bergamot to register my address. After I was officially registered (a process that took less than 10 minutes), they handed me a stamped and official certificate (the Anmeldebescheinigung).
Then it was back to the foreigner’s office to finally hand in all of my documentation, provide my fingerprints, and put in for a residence card.
Voila!
9a. Open a German Bank Account
Once you have your residence permit and German tax ID in hand (probably a month after applying), you can open a bank account. The best German banks are often regarded as Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, Commerzbank, and Volksbank.
I opened an account at Sparkasse, and went with their “classic” package which included about a €4/month and small little fees for each transfer. I don’t intend to use it often, so I was fine with the small fees.
Students who are under the age of 25 are eligible for student bank accounts that are fee free. You can also sign up for an online checking account with a bank like Revolut or N26 , both of which have low to no fees, and an easy opening process which takes place all online.
Documents Needed to Open a German Bank Account
- Passport
- German Tax ID (Steuernummer)
- German residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
- Address certificate
9b. Get a Permanent Phone Number
Now that you have a permanent address, it’s also time to get that permanent phone number! You can sign up for a contract if you so choose or continue to make use of that prepaid SIM card you probably got when you first arrived.
The best phone provider for you will depend on where you’re living and the coverage of the area. For my circumstances and where I live I chose to go with TKS – an American telecom company that services American military folks and English speakers in Germany. I pay €32/month for some number of minutes and 8GB of data with a pass for free data usage on social media.
Vodafone, Telekom, and O2 are often considered the best phone companies in Germany.
10. Pay German fees
I wanted to include this last step because it’s not always mentioned in other moving to Germany guides! After you register your address, you’ll most likely be contacted by Der Rundfunkbeitrag looking for a broadcasting fee of €17.50/month.
This fee covers radio and TV broadcasting in Germany and is mandatory for all households – even if you don’t listen to or watch German radio/TV. This fee helps keep the programming unbiased and available for all.
If you opt for a shared flat, someone likely has already taken care of it for you. But if you’re in a private apartment, you’ll get that letter within a few weeks of registering your address. And if you don’t pay it, you can get a fine! So as annoying as it is, it’s just one of those things to budget for.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!
There you have it! An ultimate checklist for how to move to Germany from the US! Questions, Comments? Share below!
Willkommen im Land der sächsischen Barbaren!
Dankeschön😆
Hi! I found your post more than helpful, but I have a few questions. I’m looking into moving to Germany next year with my boyfriend. He has dual citizenship in America and Germany, has a flat already, and is planning on going to uni. I, however, don’t know if I have a “valid” reason for being in Germany, according to the list in your post. I’m not planning on going to school in Germany, nor do I have work there. The main reason I want to move is my boyfriend, but I can do what I want to do (tattooing) in Germany. I guess my question is, would it even be possible for me to move there without having a job/school set up and ready? Another scenario I’ve thought of, if it would benefit me more, would be going to Germany for the 90 days, setting up a job with a tattoo shop while I’m there, coming back to the states, and THEN moving to Germany with the job already lined up. I’m not sure if that’s excessive or not lol. Any advice or ideas you could give would be greatly appreciated, thank you! 🙂
Hi Hannah! Thanks for your comment!! You could look into the “job seeker visa” option! There might be specific professional requirements, but if you’re eligible it would allow you to stay in Germany up to 6 months to look for a job. Then once you find a job you can change to a work residence permit. Many people do come to Germany on the free tourist visa for 90 days to try to get established and find a job too! Might be best to do the 90 days tourist first and then the 6 month job seeker to maximize your ability to stay/find a job. I believe Germany also has a family reunification visa you could see if you’re eligible for. It’s for German nationals who have a non-German family member or a spouse/partner. I believe it’s tough to get though and your partner would need to show financial proof that they can support both themselves and you, but it’s worth looking into! Worst case, you could also apply for the language learners visa, enroll in German classes (typically 18 hours a week) and job hunt while going to language classes. If you don’t already speak German, it would honestly help you a lot in finding a job since you’d likely be required/need to speak German with clients at a B1 level or higher!! Plus physically being in Germany to apply and interview jobs is always going to give you a better shot. I hope this helps! German bureaucracy is no joke so prepare for lots of documents, tasks, and confusing info out there!