Germany at a Glance
Moving to Germany
iStockphotoNeuschwanstein castle is one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions.
Germany is a modern, cosmopolitan, and innovative society, which may make the transition to Germany easier for many expats. When you move to Germany, you will also benefit from the regional diversity, which is an important part of German identity.
Due to its Western heritage and the fact that Germany is a modernized country, most expat newcomers in Germany don’t have all that many problems adapting to the German way of life. Still, you might want to consider the following tips on how to prepare for your relocation to Germany.
A Diverse Society
Moving to Germany is old news for a considerable part of Germany’s current population. Nearly one third of all German residents aged six years and younger have at least one parent who was born abroad. In 2011, almost 20% of the population had immigrant roots, so moving here should not give you cold feet.
If you consider being an expat in Germany, you will be adding to its population of approximately 81.8 million residents. Many among the foreign-born population come from Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Eastern European countries, making Germany the country with the third highest number of international migrants in the world.
The reasons why so many people think of relocating to Germany are all well-grounded, as Germany has a lot to offer. You may also find out that your new German neighbors are surprisingly well-travelled. Numerous Germans enjoy vacationing in different countries. In 2011, they spent a staggering €61 billion on travel.
Expatriate Destinations – Berlin
Germany is a beautiful country, and self-made expats not bound to a specific assignment might be presented with the dilemma of where to settle down. Whether you think of moving to a big city, or whether you’d prefer a smaller town, there are lots of options. The most popular cities among expats are Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt am Main.
Berlin is the capital of Germany. With its 3.53 million inhabitants, it clearly meets the requirements for being a cosmopolitan metropolis. Berlin probably offers the most jobs for expats moving to Germany.
With over 170 museums, it’s also an ideal choice for culture vultures. Neighborhoods preferred among expats in Berlin are the wealthy Charlottenburg and the exclusive Westend, the area near Kurfürstendamm and in Grunewald in the west as well as the artsy and edgy (albeit increasingly gentrified) Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg to the east.
Munich and Frankfurt am Main
Munich, although home to 1.38 million inhabitants, has more of a small-town feel, with its quaint historical center, green parks, and cozy neighborhoods. For expats moving to Germany with their children, Munich is a good location as it is a relatively safe city with many international schools. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities in Germany, offering a very high standard of living at a considerable price.
Frankfurt am Main is the financial capital of Germany, home to the largest German stock exchange, the European Central Bank, and the German Federal Bank. Due to its importance in world financial affairs, Frankfurt is home to over 180 nationalities. With its large international airport, Frankfurt also provides expatriates with a busy traffic hub.
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