🇩🇪 Move to Germany
Tech Worker Relocation Guide
Median Tech Salary
$72,000
vs US Salary
60%
Quality of Life
4/5
Safety Index
8/10
🌟 Why Move to Germany?
- ✓ Europe's largest economy with strong engineering and tech sectors
- ✓ Excellent work-life balance with 20-30 days paid vacation
- ✓ Affordable compared to other Western European capitals
- ✓ Central European location with easy travel across the continent
📄 Visa Options
EU Blue Card
Requirements: University degree + job offer above salary threshold (45,300 EUR; 41,042 EUR for shortage occupations)
Processing: 1-3 months
Duration: 4 years
Job Seeker Visa
Requirements: University degree + financial proof (approx 11,208 EUR)
Processing: 1-3 months
Duration: 6 months
Skilled Immigration Visa
Requirements: Recognized qualification + job offer
Processing: 1-3 months
Duration: 4 years
💷 Tax Overview
Income tax 14-45% progressive. Solidarity surcharge 5.5% on tax. Church tax 8-9% if applicable. Social contributions ~20% of gross.
📚 Practical Tips
banking
N26 or Vivid for quick digital setup. Traditional banks (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank) require Anmeldung (registration).
housing
ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht (for shared flats). Anmeldung is mandatory within 14 days of moving in.
healthcare
Mandatory public or private health insurance. TK, AOK, and Barmer are popular public insurers (~14.6% of salary split with employer).
phone
Telekom, Vodafone, O2. Budget MVNOs: Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect from 8 EUR/month. German bureaucracy often requires a local number.
