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Live in Germany: Advantages, disadvantages & costs
Ready to live in Germany for a while? Find out what their quality of life is like and how you can access services as a foreigner.
Do you want to live in Germany? Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale your business, a student gearing up for university life, a remote worker chasing new scenery, or just curious to experience the country in depth, this guide will give you a clear picture of what Germany has in store. With its strong economy, top-tier education, reliable healthcare system, and excellent quality of life, Germany stands out as one of Europe’s most attractive places to live and work.
That said, if you’re new to the country, figuring out how to access all these services can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need so you can focus on packing your bags and getting excited for the journey ahead. Willkommen in Deutschland!
Quality of life in Germany
If you’re considering a move to Germany but still have questions about what life there is really like, here’s some good news: the quality of life is genuinely high. Whether you’re coming to study, join a local company, work remotely, launch your own venture, or even just take an extended break, Germany offers top-notch services that will make your stay smooth, comfortable, and rewarding.
Germany’s health care system
Germany’s healthcare system is known for its high quality and is built around a mandatory health insurance model, which all residents are required to have. Unlike in Spain, healthcare in Germany isn’t free. Instead, you’ll pay monthly contributions to your insurance provider, which will cover most of your medical expenses. Here’s a breakdown of how the system works and how you, as a foreigner, can access healthcare in Germany:
- Public insurance (GKV): It’s mandatory for employees earning less than $77,361 per year before taxes. The contribution rate is 14.6% of your gross salary, split evenly between you and your employer. This insurance also covers your dependents.
- Private insurance (PKV): Available for high income earners with a fee depending on age, medical history and contracted services, but does not cover the family.
- Citizens of the European Union (EU): If you’re planning a short stay in Germany (under 90 days), you’ll need to request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the healthcare authority in your home country. This will give you access to Germany’s healthcare system during your visit.
- Citizens from outside the EU or for long stays: You must purchase health insurance in Germany, this is also mandatory if you are applying for a student or work visa.
Germany’s hospitals are highly regarded for their skilled medical professionals, cutting-edge research, and quality of care. Some of the country’s top institutions include Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Heidelberg University Hospital, and LMU Klinikum in Munich.
Education in Germany
If you’re thinking about studying and living in Germany through one of the student visa options offered by the German government, it’s worth knowing that the country has a top-tier education system. In fact, German students consistently perform above average in international assessments. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a study by the OECD, German students scored an average of 500 points in reading, science, and math (compared to the international average of 488).
German universities enjoy a strong international reputation and offer a wide range of programs across various fields. As an international student, you can apply for scholarships and enroll in some of the country’s top institutions. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, some of the best include:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM): Ranked 28th worldwide.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU): Ranked 59th.
- Heidelberg University: Ranked 84th.
- Freie Universität Berlin: Ranked 97th.
- RWTH Aachen University: Ranked 99th.
Economies and salaries
The cost of living in Germany is generally moderate compared to other European countries. Of course, this varies depending on the city: Munich is the most expensive, while cities like Leipzig and Dresden are much more budget-friendly. According to the Federal Statistical Office (2024), the average gross monthly salary is around $4,576.
Germany is Europe’s biggest economy and ranks fourth globally, behind the USA, China, and Japan. Its strength comes from a strong export market across Europe, America, and Asia, plus heavy investment in innovation, industry, and education. If you’re thinking about moving here to work, the country is actively seeking skilled professionals to keep up with its growth. The German Economic Institute estimates that over 400,000 qualified immigrants will be needed each year to fill key job openings in:
- Engineers (mechanical, electrical, civil, industrial)
- IT professionals (software developers, system administrators, data analysts, cybersecurity)
- Doctors and health personnel (nurses, physiotherapists)
- Skilled technicians (electricians, plumbers, welders, industrial technicians)
- Teachers and educators (especially for primary and technical secondary)
- Logistics and transport
- Natural sciences and mathematics
Germany, a safe country
Living in Germany is very safe, ranking 16th out of 163 nations in the 2023 Global Peace Index. With a crime rate of just 33.29 out of 100, Germany experiences relatively low crime compared to the global average. The most common offenses tend to be minor thefts, scams, online fraud, and occasional incidents related to nightlife or racism.
Germany is known for keeping its people safe, especially in busy tourist spots where police are always around. The country’s political stability also means people generally trust and respect their government. Curious about which cities are the most peaceful places to live in Germany? Take a look:
- Munich: Very low crime rate, excellent quality of life.
- Freiburg: University town, quiet environment ideal for families.
- Heidelberg: Popular with students, safe and multicultural.
- Hamburg: Good security in residential areas.
- Leipzig: Inexpensive, emerging and with reinforced surveillance.
Internet connection in Germany
Despite being an economic powerhouse, Germany’s digital infrastructure hasn’t always lived up to expectations. Internet coverage can be patchy in certain areas, and average speeds around 50 Mbps are still being improved. According to the European Commission’s 2023 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), Germany ranks 13th out of 27 EU countries when it comes to connectivity.
The main providers in Germany are Telekom, Vodafone, and O2, offering 4G coverage across 98% of the country. To boost your internet experience, especially if you’re working remotely, we recommend monthly plans from Holafly. With them, you get reliable 5G coverage nationwide, unlimited data, a secure and stable connection, plus the ability to connect two devices at once (all for $64.90 per month).
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
What are the advantages of living in Germany?
On top of all the perks we’ve already covered—like a world-class education system, excellent healthcare, a strong and stable economy, and a high level of safety—living in Germany can also be incredibly rewarding on a personal level. When you’re off the clock or taking a break from your studies, you’ll have the chance to enjoy everything the country has to offer, especially its deep connection with nature and the outdoors:
- Green spaces: Getting a dose of nature is easy, even if you’re living in a big city. Whether it’s Berlin’s Tiergarten, Munich’s massive Englischer Garten (yes, it’s bigger than Central Park!), or Hamburg’s Stadtpark, there’s no shortage of green spaces to unwind, clear your head, or even take your remote work outside.
- Respect for the environment: Germans are highly environmentally conscious, and their cities reflect that. Urban planning prioritizes eco-friendly ways of getting around, with well-designed bike lanes, efficient public transport, and plenty of pedestrian-friendly areas.
- Leisure offer: Germany offers a lively cultural scene with thousands of museums, theaters, famous festivals like Oktoberfest, charming Christmas markets, and concerts throughout the year.
- Outdoor activities: If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or skiing, Germany has well-marked trails across national parks, rural areas, and natural reserves—from the Black Forest to the Alps and the northern lakes.
- Central location with Europe: Thanks to Germany’s central location in Europe, you can easily and affordably visit nearby cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Prague, Zurich, or Vienna.
Disadvantages of living in Germany as a foreigner
The main challenges of living in Germany are things you can adjust to over time, so there’s nothing here that should make you rule out moving to the country. It’s important to weigh all the benefits we’ve discussed alongside a few downsides, like these:
- German language: German can be quite challenging if you’re not familiar with Germanic languages. While you’ll often get by with English in many cities, knowing German is essential for qualified jobs and handling official paperwork.
- High rent in big cities: Major cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin tend to have high rental prices. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Munich can start at around $1,562 per month.
- Gray and cold climate in winter: Winter in Germany can be tough if you’re used to a Mediterranean or tropical climate. During this season, the skies are often gray and temperatures can drop as low as -4 °C.
- Difficulty in socializing: It can take a while to build friendships with Germans, as they tend to be a bit reserved and distant at first. So if you’re moving there alone, joining group workshops and activities is a great way to meet people and make friends.
Frequently asked questions about living in Germany
No, but for certain skilled jobs it is essential to have at least an intermediate level of German.
The cities of Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Leipzig and Freiburg are good destinations to live in because of their quality of life, job opportunities, safety and community of foreign residents.
If you’re from an EU or EEA country, you don’t need a visa to live and work in Germany. Citizens from places like Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. For anyone from other countries, you’ll need to apply for a study or work visa.
Getting around Germany by public transport is convenient, fast, and safe. Monthly regional passes start at around $67, though prices vary depending on the city.
Beyond the language barrier, German culture tends to be more reserved and formal compared to other places. While Germans are respectful, organized, and highly value punctuality, they usually take their time before forming close friendships with outsiders.
