Beautiful castles, delicious wines, vast landscapes and flammkuchen… There is a lot to experience in Germany. And despite challenges such as the German language, the country is one of the most accessible in the world for international students and expats. Discover everything you need to know about living and working in Germany as an expat in this article.
Living as an expat in Germany
Are you moving to Germany for a while to work there? That can be for various reasons. For example, there may be someone needed from the company in the German department, or you may opt for a completely new challenge. Regardless of the reason for your (temporary) move, it is a good idea to read up on German habits before you start working in your new working environment.
Since Germany is an EU country, it is relatively easy for residents of the European Union to get started. The only thing you need to work in Germany for a maximum of three months is your passport or identity card.
Apart from the practical aspect, there are some things to keep in mind as soon as you start working. For example, Germans in the workplace treat each other relatively formally. They use the German polite form 'Sie' to address each other, also among colleagues. It's a way to show respect.
Furthermore, Germans prefer to keep work and private life separate. Going for a drink after work is rare, and private life is rarely discussed during work either.
As for hierarchy in German companies; these are generally quite obvious. The manager makes decisions after hearing the advice of his employees. Employees are not expected to discuss decisions made by supervisors or management.
You hear it; working in Germany may require some adjustments.
If you temporarily work in Germany as an expat, you will most likely have to move, with or without your family. Luckily, living in Germany has many advantages. For example, a number of things are a lot cheaper than in other European countries, such as buying a car and refueling. Houses are generally cheaper than in the rest of Europe as well. However, houses, both in the countryside and in the cities, have a very specific style that is not to everyone's taste.
Renting a house in Germany
Is your move to Germany only temporary? Then renting an apartment or house is a good idea. You don't have to make the investment that buying a house entails. Houses on the rental market in Germany are numerous, and there are also homes that are rented out furnished, which is especially useful as an expat.
Around the cities there are many homes available (and affordable) that you can rent for a shorter term. In the countryside, finding a good rental property can be more challenging, but renting a country house in Germany is very nice if you are moving with your family.
Buying a house in Germany
Are you planning to stay in Germany for a number of years? Then buying a home is also an option, especially because bringing in a mortgage is interesting for your taxes in Germany. In addition, there is a good chance that you can sell a home for a better price after a few years. Investing in a house in Germany is therefore a good option for expats who will spend several years there.
Furnishing your house in Germany
Buying or renting? That is one of the first questions you should ask yourself when you move abroad. Furnishing your temporary home in Germany is the next step; you can choose to rent or even buy a furnished apartment or house. Unfortunately, you cannot choose in which style the house is decorated.
If that is very important to you, renting furniture for short or long term is a good solution.
Renting furniture as an expat
Renting furniture as an expat in Germany allows you to choose a house or an apartment that fits your budget and requirements, without having to take furnishments in account at that point.
In short, furniture renting has tons of advantages for fulfilling a temporary need.
- It offers flexibility for both short and long term
- Furniture packages are available in different styles. Also electrical devices are rentable. This way, you will not have to buy any of these essentials.
- Thanks to furniture rental you can enjoy high-quality products in a sustainable way.
- It allows you to focus on your new professional challenge in Germany, without spending time and money on furniture, decoration and electrical devices.
At In-Lease, we help expats in Germany feel at home with furniture packages and appliances for rent on the short and the long term. Our furniture is available in different styles and will be delivered in your new home in Germany at the agreed date and time.
Discover our rental plans
Is your (temporary) move to Germany already in sight? Then you may already be busy with the preparations to steer your adventure in the right direction. You should definitely have arranged the following things before departure to ensure that everything runs smoothly:
Healthcare
Healthcare in Germany is known as one of the best in the world. There are no long waiting times if you want to see a doctor and the quality of healthcare is very high. In the cities, you will always need to wait a bit longer to get a doctor's appointment, especially for specialist doctors. In addition, various health insurance policies are available; private and private insurance."
Banking
Living in another country means that you also have to monitor your banking affairs there. Opening an account is the first step. To open a bank account in Germany you need an address, proof of identity and money to put into the account of course. You can visit a branch or you can apply online.
Daily Life
Germany is part of the Eurozone, so that means you pay with Euros. Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere. Shops are open from Monday to Saturday mostly between 10am and 8pm. Furthermore, Germans are very punctual and the same applies to their public transport."
Moving with children
Are you going to live in Germany for a longer period of time and is your family moving with you? Moving abroad is also a real challenge for your partner and children. Provide adequate guidance with practical matters, but also with learning the language and finding a good school.
Hello Germany
As an expat in Germany, the world is at your feet. After all, Germany is one of the most accessible countries for foreigners worldwide. So it is definitely worth taking up the challenge and fully immerse yourself in German culture. Just make sure you have a pleasant home during your adventure. With the right styling and the right furniture, you can create your perfect home away from home.
