Germany remains one of the most popular destinations for emigration among Ukrainians thanks to its stable economy, social benefits, and high standard of living. The relocation process requires an understanding of visa procedures, the tax system, the real estate market, and many other aspects. Learn more about how to organize your move to Germany and what to consider at each stage

Germany consistently ranks among the most popular countries for emigration thanks to its high standard of living, well-developed social system, and abundant employment opportunities. However, moving to this country requires careful preparation—from applying for a visa to finding housing and adapting to local conditions.

We’ll cover visa procedures, the cost of living, the labor market, the healthcare system, education, and cultural nuances in this article.

Planning to move to Germany and don’t know where to start with the paperwork?

An immigration lawyer from the Visit World portal will help you choose the best path to legalization, prepare the necessary documents, and avoid rejections.

Visas and residence permits in Germany

There are two main types of visas for entering Germany. The Schengen Category C visa is intended for short-term visits of up to 3 months—tourist, business, or guest trips. The National Category D visa allows for a long-term stay in the country and is suitable for those planning to study, work, or conduct business. This visa permits a stay of up to six months.

To apply for a visa, you must submit the following documents:

– a valid passport with copies of all pages;

– two 3×4 cm photos;

– two visa application forms, completed in German and printed online;

– health insurance;

– a letter from your employer or educational institution;

– flight reservations;

– a copy of the housing lease agreement;

– a bank statement confirming sufficient funds;

– a receipt for payment of the visa fee.

Documents are submitted to the German consulate or visa center in your country of residence by appointment.

How to obtain a residence permit and permanent residency in Germany?

A residence permit in Germany can be obtained on several grounds: employment, study, starting a business, family reunification, marriage to a German citizen, or refugee status. A temporary residence permit (TRP) is issued for a period of 1 to 3 years with the possibility of renewal.

To obtain a residence permit, you will need:

– an application form in German;

– two 3×4 cm photos;

– a foreign passport;

– a passport from your country of birth with copies of all pages;

– bank statements;

– an employment contract or a certificate from an educational institution;

– a rental agreement or proof of property ownership;

– a certificate of no criminal record;

– a receipt for payment of the consular fee;

– health insurance.

We discussed in more detail how to obtain a temporary residence permit in Germanyin a previous article.

It is also worth mentioning the EU Blue Card—a special type of residence permit for highly qualified professionals. Graduates of German or other prestigious universities worldwide, professionals with a higher education degree and over 5 years of work experience in the relevant field, as well as employees with a contract from a German company worth at least 55,000 euros per year (the threshold is lower for IT specialists—starting at 44,304 euros) are eligible for this card.

Permanent residence (PR) is granted to individuals who have legally resided in Germany for at least 5 years, worked, and paid all required taxes and contributions. To apply for PR, you will also need a language proficiency certificate and proof of completion of an integration course. All documents must be translated into German, copied, and notarized.

German Citizenship: Eligibility Requirements

You can obtain a German passport after legally residing in the country for at least 8 years. This period is significantly reduced—to 3 years—if you successfully complete a German language integration course. This course involves learning the language and familiarizing oneself with the legal, cultural, and social foundations of life in the country.

German citizenship opens up extensive opportunities within the European Union: its holder can freely live, study, and work in any EU country without needing to apply for a separate residence permit. This makes a German passport one of the most attractive in the world in terms of freedom of movement.

Jobs and Salaries in Germany

The German labor market offers decent pay. The minimum wage starts at 14 euros per hour—one of the highest rates in Europe. Unskilled workers can expect an income of €2,800 per month, while educated professionals can earn €3,500 or more. A significant perk is paid vacation, which amounts to about two months per year, including public holidays.

You can search for jobs through the labor exchange, specialized websites (jobcenter-ge.de, europa.jobs, stellenanzeigen.de), as well as through social media and themed Facebook groups. Knowledge of German significantly simplifies the job search and increases your chances of securing better positions. However,English-speaking foreigners can also find employment in Germany. For students and those looking for part-time work, there are dedicated platforms—part-time jobs, seasonal work, or positions for recent graduates.

The complete 2026 guide to finding employment in Germany for foreigners—here.

Germany’s Tax System

The main mandatory payments are income tax and social insurance, which includes health insurance. A German resident is required to pay taxes on all their worldwide income, and banking secrecy effectively does not exist in the country. The income tax rate is progressive and depends on income level: it ranges from 14% to 45%.

For example: for an annual salary of up to 40,000 euros, the rate is approximately 20%, and for an income of 60,000 euros, it is already around 28%. Income up to €9,168 per year is tax-free. The final tax amount also depends on marital status, the number of children, and other factors. It is important to understand that high taxes are offset by a well-developed social infrastructure—including unemployment benefits, child allowances, and health insurance.

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How much does it cost to live in Germany?

The average monthly budget for a single person ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 euros, and for a family with two children, from 2,500 to 4,500 euros. These figures vary significantly depending on the city and lifestyle. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg costs €800–1,500 per month, while in smaller cities and suburbs, it ranges from €400 to €800. Food costs €200–400 per month per person.

Transportation costs amount to €70–100 for a public transit pass (the pass itself costs €49), while maintaining a private car averages €200 per month. Health insurance costs €80–400, utilities €230–250, and internet and TV around €50. Additional expenses for clothing, entertainment, and education can amount to another €100–300 per month.

Useful resources and services in Germany for expats — can be found here.

Renting and Buying Real Estate in Germany

The rental market in Germany is characterized by high demand and fierce competition. A two-bedroom apartment can cost between 500 and 750 euros per month, depending on the location. Important detail: apartments are usually rented unfurnished, without a kitchen, appliances, or even light bulbs. To rent, you’ll need: a personal information form, a copy of your Schufa credit report, proof of income for the last 3 months, a copy of your passport, and a residence permit. You can find housing on websites such as Immobilienscout24, Immowelt.de, Immonet.de, and eBayKleinanzeigen.de, as well as through social media groups.

The cost of purchasing real estate depends on the city and neighborhood. On the secondary market, a two-bedroom apartment starts at 60,000 euros, and in new developments—at 240,000 euros. Many German citizens buy homes thanks to the well-developed mortgage lending system. Living with pets is permitted in Germany, but the animal must be microchipped, have all vaccinations (including rabies), a health certificate, and an EU passport. Significant fines are imposed for failure to comply with hygiene regulations.

Healthcare in Germany

The standard of healthcare in Germany is among the highest in the world. The country has numerous specialized clinics and specialists, and hospitals—even public ones—are equipped with modern facilities. Health insurance is mandatory, with premiums deducted from wages. Insurance costs range from 100 to 200 euros per month and depend on age and the presence of chronic conditions. The entire family can be insured under a single policy. Free insurance is available to retirees, low-income families, and refugees.

At the same time, the system has its drawbacks. Getting an appointment with a specialist can take up to six months due to a shortage of highly qualified doctors. Additionally, patients do not always have the option to choose their own doctor or tests—decisions often depend on the referral system. Preventive medicine and early-stage diagnosis, as in many other European countries, are not as well-developed.

Who is eligible for free health insurance for family members in Germany — we explain here.

Education in Germany: from kindergarten to university

Kindergartens accept children aged 3 to 6, and daycare centers accept children from 8 weeks to 3 years old. There are few spots in preschools, so it’s best to register as early as possible—ideally right after the child is born. In public preschools, the fee is 70–200 euros per month per child, though attendance is free in Berlin and Hamburg. Some institutions charge only for meals, while others base fees on family income. A private kindergarten costs from 1,000 euros per month. School education in public schools is free—parents cover only the costs of school supplies and field trips. International schools for the children of diplomats and employees of international companies cost between 15,000 and 20,000 euros per year.

Higher education at public universities can be free if you have a C1-level language proficiency certificate (DSH, TestDaF). You only need to pay administrative fees: €100–250 for a bachelor’s degree and €200–320 for a master’s degree. Before enrolling in a university, international applicants complete a year of study at a Studienkolleg—a pre-university preparatory program. Tuition-based programs at private and specialized universities start at 5,000 euros per semester. Germany has a well-developed scholarship system: the DAAD funds approximately 150,000 scholarship recipients annually, and there are 20 other scholarship organizations besides it.

Advantages and Challenges of Living in Germany

Among the main advantages are a convenient geographical location (just a few hours’ travel to Prague, Amsterdam, or Vienna), a well-developed environment, a low crime rate with a crime clearance rate of about 94%, the best roads in the EU, a well-developed transportation network, and a robust social safety net.

German education is considered one of the best in the world, and salaries are among the highest in Europe.

Challenges include high taxes, the high cost of services and mobile communications, strict laws with heavy fines for violations, and weather conditions that aren’t always pleasant—winters are rainy, and the climate is generally temperate continental with regional variations. The German language is essential for full integration: although about 90% of the population understands English, all everyday and official matters are resolved much more quickly in German.

Germans are known for their law-abiding nature, thriftiness, and love of order—qualities instilled from early childhood. Saving money and spending less than you earn is considered a virtue here, on par with honesty and modesty. Family traditions, caring for nature, and a love for animals are an integral part of everyday life. Germans tend to be quite open in their communication, yet they respect personal boundaries.

Among the interesting traditions are Sunday as a day of complete rest, when most shops and restaurants are closed, Christmas markets featuring handmade goods, the Schultüte (a large cardboard cone filled with sweets and gifts given to children on their first day of school), and the Polterabend—a wedding tradition of smashing objects to bring good luck to the newlyweds. Children in Germany also enjoy special protection: corporal punishment is prohibited, and violations of a child’s rights can lead to the child being removed from the family. Parents are obligated to support their child until the child completes their first vocational education.

Banking Services and Financial Infrastructure in Germany

German banks offer a wide range of services: international transfers, loans, mortgage programs, insurance, and deposits. All major banks have online banking and mobile apps, making financial management convenient and accessible. There are also banks in Germany that operate exclusively online, with cash withdrawals available through a network of partner banks.

The availability of financial tools allows immigrants to quickly adapt to the local system: open an account, get a card, and set up automatic payments for rent and utilities. This is an important step in the integration process, one of the first things you should do after moving.

Moving to Germany is a multi-step process in which it is important to properly prepare documents, choose the optimal path to legalization, and avoid common mistakes. The Visit World portal offers the services of a qualified immigration lawyer who will help you navigate visa procedures, prepare documents for a residence permit or permanent residency, and guide you through every stage.

Book a consultation with an immigration lawyer on the Visit World portal—get a personalized relocation strategy and professional support in resolving all immigration issues!

Reminder! Planning to move to Germany? Learn about the pros and cons of living in Germany: high standard of living, career opportunities, education, social security, and challenges for immigrants.

Photo: Freepik

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice on business issues in Germany;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Medical insurance around the world.

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