Moving to Germany from The United States

Choosing to up sticks and move locally can be a stressful ordeal – but moving to a completely different country introduces new levels of unease.

If you are considering making the move from The United States to Germany, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Germany Facts:

Population: 83.2 million (2021 estimate)
Official Language: German (de facto), with 95% of the country speaking German as their first language
GDP Per Capita: $51,203 USD (2021 estimate)
Random Fact: There are thought to be at least 20,000 castles in Germany, with the potential for there being as many as 25,000!
Currency: Euro (€). As of late 2023, £1 = €1.15, $1 = €0.92, $1 CAD = €0.67, $1 AUD = €0.60

Sections

1. Moving Costs to Germany from The United States

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from different locations in the States and shipping it to a range of cities in Germany:

Origin Port	Destination City	20FT	40FT
Charleston	Berlin	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,700 - $5,200
	Cologne	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,800 - $5,300
	Frankfurt	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,900 - $5,400
	Hamburg	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,400 - $4,900
	Munich	$2,900 - $3,200	$5,000 - $5,500
Houston	Berlin	$3,000 - $3,300	$5,000 - $5,500
	Cologne	$2,900 - $3,200	$4,900 - $5,400
	Frankfurt	$3,000 - $3,300	$5,000 - $5,500
	Hamburg	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,600 - $5,100
	Munich	$3,100 - $3,400	$5,200 - $5,700
Long Beach	Berlin	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,500 - $5,000
	Cologne	$2,500 - $2,800	$4,500 - $5,000
	Frankfurt	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,600 - $5,100
	Hamburg	$2,400 - $2,700	$4,200 - $4,700
	Munich	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,800 - $5,300
Los Angeles	Berlin	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,500 - $5,000
	Cologne	$2,500 - $2,800	$4,500 - $5,000
	Frankfurt	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,600 - $5,100
	Hamburg	$2,400 - $2,700	$4,200 - $4,700
	Munich	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,800 - $5,300
Miami	Berlin	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,600 - $5,100
	Cologne	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,600 - $5,100
	Frankfurt	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,700 - $5,200
	Hamburg	$2,500 - $2,800	$4,300 - $4,800
	Munich	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,900 - $5,400
New York	Berlin	$2,500 - $2,800	$4,400 - $4,900
	Cologne	$2,400 - $2,700	$4,400 - $4,900
	Frankfurt	$2,500 - $2,800	$4,500 - $5,000
	Hamburg	$2,300 - $2,600	$4,100 - $4,600
	Munich	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,700 - $5,200
Oakland	Berlin	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,600 - $5,100
	Cologne	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,600 - $5,100
	Frankfurt	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,700 - $5,200
	Hamburg	$2,500 - $2,800	$4,300 - $4,800
	Munich	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,900 - $5,400
Savannah	Berlin	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,700 - $5,200
	Cologne	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,700 - $5,200
	Frankfurt	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,800 - $5,300
	Hamburg	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,400 - $4,900
	Munich	$2,900 - $3,200	$5,000 - $5,500
Seattle	Berlin	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,600 - $5,100
	Cologne	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,600 - $5,100
	Frankfurt	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,700 - $5,200
	Hamburg	$2,500 - $2,800	$4,300 - $4,800
	Munich	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,900 - $5,400
Virginia	Berlin	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,700 - $5,200
	Cologne	$2,700 - $3,000	$4,700 - $5,200
	Frankfurt	$2,800 - $3,100	$4,800 - $5,300
	Hamburg	$2,600 - $2,900	$4,400 - $4,900
	Munich	$2,900 - $3,200	$5,000 - $5,500

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (June 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Germany from The United States?

There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to moving from America due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of the move time to Germany’s main airport, Frankfurt.

New York to Frankfurt – 7 hours, 35 minutes – $660
Los Angeles to Frankfurt – 15 hours, 40 minutes – $840
Minneapolis to Frankfurt – 12 hours, 5 minutes – $765
Dallas to Frankfurt – 18 hours, 30 minutes – $810

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to Germany from The United States

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.

You will need to ensure you have health insurance in place before travelling to keep yourself covered in the event of a medical emergency – if you are taking up employment in Germany, your employer may enrol you into health insurance, but it’s important to carry personal cover in the event this isn’t the case. You will need to iron out your accommodation while in Germany to include in your residence permit application before travelling.

For those wishing to travel with pets across the border, you’ll need to ensure your cat or dog is sufficiently vaccinated and microchipped – which we will cover in more detail in later sections. It’s prudent to check any items you’ll be bringing across the border to make sure they’re legal in Germany – such as some specific medications – before arriving at the airport.

At the time of writing, there are currently no COVID-19 restrictions between Germany and The United States, but this should be checked at your time of travel to ensure your information is as up-to-date as possible.

4. Visa Requirements to Germany from The United States

Alongside a valid passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into Germany if you are planning on staying for three months or more. For those wanting to visit for a short stay – of three months or less – a visa is not required.

There are various types of visas available:

Tourist and visitor visa – for individuals wanting to visit for leisure activities
Job seeker visa – for those wishing to find employment in Germany
Working visa – for those with employment in Germany
Business visa – for individuals wanting to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, but less than 6 months in total, while they carry out business

To obtain a visa, you will need to:

Complete an application form for the visa you require
Ensure your passport is valid at the time of travel, and for at least three months after your stay in Germany
Have a passport-sized photo for documentation purposes
Have proof of health insurance
Provide your travel itinerary, including your planned accommodation location
Give proof of your finances to cover yourself for the duration of your stay

This will usually take between 10 to 15 working days, but it’s best to leave more time before your intended trip to ensure everything is ironed out in good time.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in Germany

While this article is covering Germany as a whole, house prices will vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in Germany is 32.7% lower than that of New York, with rent being around 63.2% lower.

Monthly Rental Prices in Germany:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: €1,320+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: €930+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: €2,470+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: €1,745+

Germany Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: €8,220+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: €5,980+

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in Germany

There is a tax treaty between Germany and The United States. This means that any income you earn in Germany will only be taxed once – most likely by Germany – whereas any income you earn in The United States will be taxed by the US.

This treaty covers income from employment, as well as any business profits, interest or capital gains. If you have applied for residency in Germany, your taxation obligations may differ, which is why it’s important to enlist the help of a financial professional to ensure you are abiding by the correct guidelines.

Income tax can range between 14% and 45% depending on your salary – you will be exempt from income tax if your yearly earnings are €9,744 or less. Be aware that terms can change, so it’s best to keep up to date with any relevant changes that may affect you and your income in Germany.

7. Working Rules in Germany

Before you embark on a new job in Germany, you must have all your documentation sorted out beforehand to ensure a smooth transition. This includes having your work visa in place before you travel.

For those with an offer of employment from a German employer, the employer will likely start the visa process for you – but it is prudent to ensure this is the case, and not to assume, as this can lead to delays in your processing time or, in some cases, result in you being denied entry.

Work visas can be granted to those with the following skills:

Researchers with ‘special technical knowledge’
Scientists in specific fields
Managers or specialists within corporate fields
Teachers

The standard German work visa is one year, but this can be extended if your work placement is longer than that.

Alternatively, you can apply for an EU Blue Card – this will be valid for the period of your working contract and can last for up to four years before renewal. There are slightly different requirements to obtaining this, however:

Before applying for an EU Blue Card, you must first have a firm offer of employment from a German employer, or
You must have either a German diploma, or an academic degree that is ‘recognised’ by Germany, or
Your salary is expected to meet or exceed a gross fee of €56,400

If you haven’t yet secured a job, but wish to pursue a career in the German market, you can apply for a job seeker visa, which will permit you six months in the country to find a job.

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in Germany

Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. This will either be seen through statutory public health insurance, or via private health insurance, depending on your income.

For those with a job offer in place from a German employer, you will likely receive public health insurance as part of your job package. This will be given to you as a salary sacrifice, which is currently 14.6% of your gross salary (but this is subject to change).

You can additionally opt for accident insurance – which covers accidents happening at work or on the way to or from your workplace – or long-term care – this covers an individual if they are unable to function as ‘normal’ in their traditional daily routine.

Before you travel to Germany, you must set up your health insurance in advance to ensure you are covered in the event of any accidents or injuries, and to speak to your prospective employer if applicable to understand what is and isn’t included in your plan.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Germany

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you are needing to move to Germany with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

If you wish to bring a dog, cat or ferret into Germany from The United States, you will need to ensure that your pet:

Has a microchip fitted before their rabies vaccine is administered
Has a rabies vaccination – either ‘primary’ or ‘booster’ depending on when your pet received their original vaccination
Has an EU Health Certificate administered by an accredited veterinarian
Has their EU Health Certificate endorsed by the USDA

For other pets, such as types of birds, different rules will apply. It’s best to find out this information on a case-by-case basis as the guidelines can vary widely.

10. Similar Cities

Germany is renowned for its engineering industry, most notably automotive, as well as excellence in machinery and technology, being known for their precision. Similar to this is neighbouring country France, which also has a reputation for economic strength and their contribution to science and technology sectors in particular.

Both countries are in Western Europe, and have diverse landscapes – Germany’s Black Forest and the French Alps. Germany is the largest economy in Europe, with France following closely, and both countries have rich cultural histories.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Germany from The United States

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from The United States to Germany, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from The United States to Germany	Disadvantages of Moving from The United States to Germany
Germany offers a robust social welfare system, including universal healthcare and strong workers' rights.	The cost of living, particularly in major cities, can be relatively high, impacting housing affordability and daily expenses.
Germany is known for its efficient public transportation, well-maintained infrastructure, and commitment to environmental sustainability.	The language barrier may pose initial challenges for expatriates, and cultural differences in communication and work styles may require adjustment.
Germany boasts a high standard of education with numerous prestigious universities and a strong emphasis on vocational training.	Strict visa and residency requirements may pose challenges for newcomers.

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to The U.S. Embassy and Consulates for all the information you need.