Living in Germany
Europe — Expat guide for moving and living abroad
Country overview
Capital
Berlin
Currency
EUR
Continent
Europe
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Entry requirements
Check if your passport needs a visa for Germany.
Check visa requirementsPopular passport access to Germany
| Passport | Status | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Visa Free | 90 days |
| India | Visa Required | 90 days |
| United Kingdom | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Austria | Visa Free | — |
| Belgium | Visa Free | — |
| Bulgaria | Visa Free | — |
| Croatia | Visa Free | — |
| Cyprus | Visa Free | — |
| Czechia | Visa Free | — |
| Denmark | Visa Free | — |
Detailed visa guides for Germany
Monthly costs
Berlin
Rent (center)
1,200 EUR/mo
Groceries
280 EUR/mo
Transport
86 EUR/mo
Est. Monthly Total
1,816 EUR/mo
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Work permits
Germany offers a Digital Nomad / Freelance visa option.
-
EU Blue Card
Duration: Up to 4 years, renewable
Non-EU professionals with a recognized degree and job offer meeting salary threshold
-
Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfteeinwanderung)
Duration: Up to 4 years, renewable
Workers with recognized qualifications or practical experience
-
Job Seeker Visa
Duration: 6 months (non-renewable, no work allowed)
Qualified professionals looking for employment in Germany
-
Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler)
Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable
Self-employed professionals in liberal professions (IT, consulting, arts, etc.)
Salary & tax
Income Tax Range
0% – 45%
Social Security (Employee)
0.207%
Approximate. Excludes church tax and solidarity surcharge. Social security includes pension, health, unemployment, and care insurance.
Calculate your net salaryUseful services
Insurance
SafetyWing
Nomad health insurance for your stay in Germany. Monthly subscription, cancel anytime.
Get a SafetyWing quote →Connectivity
Airalo
Germany eSIM data plans from $4.50. Activate before you land — no SIM swap.
Get an Airalo eSIM →Language
iTalki
Book 1-on-1 video lessons with native tutors before you move. 150+ languages.
Find a tutor →City guides in Germany
More Countries in Europe
Related guides
Moving to Germany
Skilled Worker, Blue Card, Chancenkarte (2024).
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