An introduction to Germany: Essential Guide for Expats

Germany offers strong economy, progressive values, high quality of life, and ample job opportunities, it's home to 13.4 million foreign residents (16% of population). With Europe's largest economy by GDP, rich cultural traditions, comprehensive social security, and natural beauty from Alps to forests, there are compelling reasons to consider moving to Germany.

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Quality of Life in Germany

Germany scores highly for life satisfaction, safety, and work-life balance on the OECD Better Life Index. For expats, Germany rates as tough country for settling basics but good for jobs, security, sustainability, and infrastructure. The German passport places equal second in world on 2022 Global Passport Index.

Geography and Main Cities

Germany is Europe's seventh-largest country with 357,588 km² area. It shares borders with nine nations: Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, Austria, and France. With variety of landscapes, you're never far from change of scenery, excellent skiing in Alps, forests covering third of country, spas and trekking, and cycling routes through flatlands.

Berlin: Sprawling, laidback, party-friendly capital awash with cultural experiences. Cheap rent and carefree spirit. Jobs in creative industries, healthcare, energy, and higher education.

Munich: Known for Oktoberfest. High-quality infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sporting facilities. Over 28% of population is foreign-born. Service sector accounts for 78% of jobs. Most expensive German city for expats.

Frankfurt: Fifth-largest German city doubles as business and financial hub. Nearly one-third of residents are foreigners. Jobs in IT, logistics, media, and research.

Economy and Living Standards

Germany has one of strongest economies in world, fourth-largest by nominal GDP (around $4.26 trillion per year) and largest in European Union. Average household net-adjusted annual disposable income per capita is $38,971, higher than OECD average of $30,490. In 2022, German households spent average of €2,623 per month with housing and energy accounting for 37% of total.

People and Society

Just over 84.3 million people live in Germany (2023). Over 16% were born overseas and more than one-quarter have migrant backgrounds. Biggest immigrant populations are from Turkey (1.49 million), Ukraine (1.16 million), Syria (923,805), and Romania (883,670). Standard High German is country's official language. Although rooted in conservative Christian values, Germans are characterized by liberal, progressive, and inclusive attitudes. Family and community are highly valued.

Healthcare and Social Security

German healthcare is of good quality and places highly in international comparisons. Germany ranks eighth out of 195 countries on Global Healthcare Security Index. Germany spends 12.8% of GDP on healthcare, highest in EU (2020). Life expectancy is 81 years, above EU average of 80 and global average of 71. Germany has dual public-private healthcare system funded by statutory insurance contributions, ensuring free healthcare for all residents.

Education System

German education system is structured differently from many countries which can be difficult for expats to understand. Each state (Länd) runs its own education program and there are five different types of German secondary school. Compulsory schooling generally lasts from age six to 15, although most students continue until age 18. German public primary and secondary schools are free for expat children. Overall, system scores highly on international measures with Germany ranking 16th out of 41 countries for education in OECD Better Life rankings.

Work and Business

You can work in Germany if you're from EU or EFTA country or if you have German work visa. With strong economy and many international companies based in country, Germany is good place for expats to look for work. Germany has one of lowest unemployment rates in EU at 2.9% (April 2023), well below EU average of 6%. Strongest sectors include automobile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

Rights and Freedoms

Germany is one of world's strongest democracies ranking 14th globally on 2022 Democracy Index and 18th on 2022 Human Freedom Index. Germany has global freedom score of 94 out of 100. Basic law enshrines human dignity along with inviolable and inalienable human rights. Germany is one of world's most liberal countries in terms of social freedoms. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2017 with same-sex couples enjoying full marital and adoption rights.