Moving to Krefeld

Unless you're an EU citizen, the first thing you'll need to think about is getting a visa - closely followed by improving your language skills. Those considering expat life in Krefeld should be prepared to learn at least a smattering of German; while English language education is strong, the city's inhabitants are generally often less comfortable speaking English than those in more touristy cities such as Munich. While you're still brushing up on those language skills, get in touch with fellow expats - the InterNations forum is a great place to start. Expatriates moving to Krefeld will find that good quality housing shouldn't be too difficult to come by. Whether you're renting or looking to buy, there are a number of options (houses, flats, villas etc.) all of which are generally pretty affordable by German urban standards. Any expatriate in Krefeld aiming to buy a house should nevertheless think about renting initially to give themselves time to find a suitable place, as there can be considerable variation between the different districts.

Working in Krefeld

The 'Velvet and Silk City' is so named for the textile industry that put it on the map in the 18th century, and which is still a major player - 80 per cent of all neckties are made here. The cultural sector is another strong employer, with a number of major theaters and museums based in the town. As mentioned, fluency in English is less common than in many other cities, so the English teaching sector is healthier than elsewhere in Germany. Commuting to Düsseldorf for work is also manageable - Krefeld has excellent rail links, with several local stations served by the Deutsche Bahn network, the main one being Krefeld Hauptbahnhof. Income levels and quality of life in Krefeld are high, making it attractive for an expatriate relocating to or within Germany.