Top 3 cities to live and work in Germany for Expats
Top 3 cities to live and work in Germany for Expats
With over 83 million, Germany is Europe's largest economy, and if you're serious about living and working in Germany, there are some exciting aspects to consider first.
You don't need to be fluent in German to find work here either; the job market is most inclusive in language support. There are plenty of English speaking jobs in Germany that even require an international relocation package if you're not a native German speaker.
For those looking to dip their toes into the European job market, or experience another country for a few years before returning home, work in Germany can be a good and exciting choice. All of the major German cities are good options for expats, but some are better than others. With this in mind, here's a rundown of 3 beautiful cities that will make an excellent choice for any expat.
Jobs in Germany
Jobs in Germany for expats are plentiful, and the same is true for those who speak English. So if you're an expat looking to apply your skills in Germany, there are plenty of language friendly jobs on offer. Whether you're a teacher, scientist, journalist or project manager, there are plenty of options in Germany for those who speak English.
German is the native language in many parts of Germany, and it's also widely spoken outside of its borders, thanks to German expats out all over the world. However, if you're keen to live and work in this beautiful European country, but English is your native language, there are plenty of jobs in Germany for expats looking to work or live within the EU.
As one of the top cities to live and work in Germany, many jobs are available at all levels. Here is an overview of some key sectors where you can find work and some salary information.
Engineering jobs are well-paid and in demand with the biggest employers, including Robert Bosch, Daimler AG and PTC.
If you have a trade such as plumbing, tiling or electrical work, there are plenty of opportunities to find a job locally. As one of the top cities to live and work in Germany, salaries tend to be higher than average.
Accounting is another popular profession, so it's easy to find work if this is your chosen career path. The best places to look include PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte and KPMG; all are located within Frankfurt city centre, making it very convenient for their staff living in the area around the office.
Financial services are trendy for expats, so it pays to have top-level banking, business development, or risk management skills. Salaries tend to be high, but you will need excellent German language skills to get ahead as most work is conducted in this language.
The most critical expats looking for work are IT and engineering, with many well-paid jobs available if you have the right qualifications and experience. Top employers include IBM, Siemens AG, SAP AG and Oracle Germany GMBH.
If English isn't your first language and you'd prefer to work with people from your own country, it is still relatively easy to find work in Frankfurt. There are plenty of jobs available for native speakers who can offer global sales and marketing, legal services and economic consulting. Top earning roles include consultant, financial analyst and management consultant.
Jobs in Germany for English Speakers
Many jobs in Germany require a high level of German language skills. But there is plenty that doesn't require any knowledge at all, especially if you're already bilingual and looking to make a move abroad. If you have little or no German language skills, you might want to look closer to home for your next job opportunity, as some jobs in Germany will require a high level of German language skills.
And because it's such an inclusive and diverse country, there are ample opportunities for internationals to find work within the EU even if they're not familiar with another language. Many jobs in Germany offer English speaking positions for native or bilingual English speakers.
Most of the top 10 economies in Europe are impressively bilingual, and if you speak multiple languages, this can be a solid asset for your CV as you look for work in both countries. There are many jobs in Germany available for immigrants and expats worldwide, but it's usually best to start your job search in a familiar location.
Salaries in Germany
Some jobs in Germany offer salaries so high that you can live on them alone. These are usually more senior positions, such as engineers and IT professionals, fierce competition. But most expats working in German companies will be assigned to a salary band between €32,000 and €46,000 per year.
The biggest issue working professionals face in Germany isn't their jobs but paying rent: one-bedroom apartments may go up to €1 700 per month depending on your location! However you decide to proceed (by car or by public transport), the cost of living in cities like Bonn, Frankfurt, and Munich will be significantly higher than in Berlin.
The cost of living in Germany is very reasonable, and the average salary is €3 341. If you're a skilled worker with relevant experience, you could earn up to €4 963 per year.
It's important to remember that if you're from outside the EU/EEA area, there may be specific working conditions and regulations regarding how much money your employer can pay or what benefits they must provide for you as an employee.
Here are some salary sample figures for German companies:
Finance Director: €220,000 - €250,000
Company Car Manager: €70-200K
Managing Director: €150-180K
Accountant/Auditor (Big company): €40-60K
Software Developer Associate Programmer/Software Engineer (Big IT firm): €35-67K
Office Assistant/Receptionist (4 years or higher degree): €25-40K
Automotive jobs: The motor vehicle industry is a significant employer in Germany, providing work for over 800,000 people, so if you have experience in this industry, your employment opportunities are vast. Your salary will be around €45,800 per year.
IT jobs: Information technology and software development is a booming sector in Germany, with 180 000 IT workers employed. Salaries can reach up to €80 000 per year depending on experience and qualifications.
Education jobs: If you are a qualified teacher, you can find work in Germany with an annual salary of €36 000 per year. You'll need to provide evidence of your teaching qualifications, speak German fluently and have at least three years of experience. Teachers from EU/EEA countries are not required to meet any of these requirements.
Other jobs: If you have a university degree, you can find work teaching English in a secondary school with an annual salary of €33,000 per year. Jobs at this level also require you to speak German fluently and have at least three years of experience in teaching positions.
Salaries are benchmarked annually against the cost of living and inflation rates so that they remain consistent. This is particularly helpful for expats moving on to their next job or accepting additional responsibilities by advancing their careers. All salaries include insurance and pension plans unless otherwise stated.
Top Universities in Germany for Expats
Munich's higher education system is one of the best in Europe, with around 170 institutions of higher learning, such as LMU-Ludwig Maximilians University, which is ranked among the top universities in Germany.
Germany's higher education system is considered one of the best globally and offers numerous opportunities for international students. If you're planning to study here, it's a good idea to check if your university is accredited by an accreditation agency such as AQAS (the international association of quality assurance agencies in the field of study programmes). This will ensure that your degree will be accepted widely when you return home.
Germany is popular with students from Europe, America and Asia, and other countries because it offers world-class facilities at affordable rates. Tuition fees are also very high, and there's no limit on how much you can charge for a course.
Benefits of Moving to Germany as a Job Seeker
Perhaps the most critical part of working in Germany is getting a job that you love. But if you're planning to relocate your family, then a good salary can help too. Fortunately, many jobs in Germany pay very well and offer excellent benefits for employees such as healthcare insurance, pension plans and competitive holiday allowances.
If you're looking for a job in Germany, it's always beneficial to connect with the right people on Linkedin. The business network is perfect for combining with expats and hiring managers within German companies, and it's worth investing time here as you look for work.
This will give you access to several German companies looking to hire English speakers from around the world. This is a healthy option for those with little or no German language skills, and it's also a great way to advance your career as an expat in Germany.
Some of the top companies offering jobs in Germany include Daimler, BMW and Siemens AG. If you speak fluent German or are willing to learn on-site, these can be some of the best companies to work for in Europe.
Germany has a robust economy and excellent working conditions, so if you're looking to work for an international company, it's a good idea to check the job boards regularly as new positions are posted often.
Several large companies offer work-from-home positions in Germany for expats with fluent German skills, and this is the perfect opportunity to live and work in Germany if you're already bilingual.
Cost of Living in Germany
Germany has the 7th highest cost of living index globally, but it's still very affordable for any expat who can live off an annual salary of around €40,000 a year.
As far as accommodation goes, there are many choices for those looking to rent a home or condo in Germany, including apartments and townhouses. And if you're planning to relocate your family here, this is one of the most important factors when choosing a place to live.
Plenty of public transportation available such as buses and subways, making travelling throughout Germany relatively easy. Some areas are connected by train (though it can often take much longer than by car). To give you an idea of how much things cost, the average price of a pint of beer in Germany is €3, and you'll pay around €4.50 for a sandwich at lunchtime.
When it comes to utilities such as gas and electricity, many apartments come with these included in the rent, but it's never a bad idea to check before you sign on the dotted line.
Berlin
As the largest city in Germany, with over 11 million inhabitants and an international airport, Berlin is a great place to live if you're interested in international affairs or culture. The housing market is reasonably cheap compared to other major German cities, making it a desirable option if you're thinking about moving with your partner or family.
The museums, theatres and galleries are well-established here, with the opera house being particularly famous. There is also a wide variety of people to meet in Berlin, making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe. Berlin is an excellent choice if you're looking for work because of the many multinational companies based here.
The only drawback to living in Berlin is that it can be pretty hard to get around and public transport isn't as advanced as other major German cities like Munich or Frankfurt.
Cost of living in Berlin
It is good compared to other European cities, and housing in Berlin is remarkably affordable. But there's still a high demand for rental property, which can drive up prices. In general, living costs are very reasonable throughout Germany, though the minimum wage is comparatively lower.
The cost of living in Berlin is the lowest in Germany, making it an excellent city for expats. Despite its low cost of living, Berlin is popular with many tourists and students. Berlin is relatively average compared to other major German cities, with the real estate cost being 20% lower than the national average.
Quality of life in Berlin for Foreigners
The quality of life in Berlin is excellent, and the city is considered one of the most tolerant in Germany. Many different cultures are represented here, including individuals from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, so it's an excellent opportunity for a multicultural living if you want to meet people from different backgrounds. Quality of life is very high in Berlin, particularly for expats looking to work in the technology or media industries.
Berlin is a great place to live if you're looking to immerse yourself in German culture, and there are many different options for restaurants, including Turkish, Asian and Mexican cuisine. There are also many parks where you can go jogging or relax outdoors if you're looking to keep active in Berlin.
For expats, one of the best things about living in Berlin is that English speakers tend to stand out and are more likely to be noticed walking down the street. This makes it easier for you to make friendships with locals and can also help with your career if you're working in Germany.
Top Companies Hiring in Berlin
Some of the best places to work in Germany are located here, including Siemens AG, Deutsche Bahn, Volkswagen Group and Daimler AG.
Berlin has a meagre unemployment rate of around 5%, so it's pretty easy to find work.
If you are looking for the best places to live in Germany, Berlin is undoubtedly one of them. It's a vibrant city with plenty going on socially and culturally, making it an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy their lives.
If you want to live and work in Berlin, there's plenty of jobs available. The key employers include Deutsche Post DHL, Siemens AG, Volkswagen Group and Allianz SE.
The city is also a popular base for many IT jobs, often well-paid with some of the best companies, including T-Systems, SES and T-Mobile.
Working in Berlin gives you access to excellent transport links. The city has a great rail network which makes it easy to travel around the rest of Germany, with many InterCity trains passing through the capital every hour. Also, several motorways, including A10 leading south to Munich and A11 north toward Hamburg, make travel within Germany a breeze.
With its historical significance and a powerful attraction to artists and musicians, Berlin is a great place to enjoy European life for an extended period.
Berlin also benefits from being one of the most important financial centres in Europe and is a hub for international trade.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is the largest city in the federal state of Hesse and the fifth-biggest in Germany. Due to its central location, many locals know it as the "Gateway to Germany". Frankfurt is also an important financial centre and home to major banking giants including Deutsche Bank, Allianz Insurance and Commerzbank.
The city is also well-linked to other major European cities and has excellent transport connections, making it a convenient place to live for visitors who arrive by plane. Frankfurt's airport is one of the biggest in Europe, and there are regular flights from worldwide.
The historic centre of Frankfurt features many beautiful old buildings, and UNESCO protected parts of the city as world heritage sites.
Cost of living in Frankfurt
The cost of living in Frankfurt is higher than the national average, and accommodation options are limited. Suppose you're interested in renting a house. In that case, your only option may be to lease a flat or apartment from an owner as Germany has stringent tenancy laws heavily enforced by law-enforcing agencies.
If you want to buy property, there are plenty of excellent options in Frankfurt, and you can expect to pay quite a lot more than the national average for your accommodation.
Frankfurt is quite expensive compared to some other German cities, so Frankfurt is quite costly, so not a great option if you're on a limited budget. The cost of living in Frankfurt is 13.94% higher than in other major German cities like Berlin or Hamburg, making it even more expensive to live in compared to comfortableness and features.
Quality of life in Frankfurt for Foreigners
The quality of life for expatriates is very high in Frankfurt. The city boasts all the necessary infrastructure to make your stay an enjoyable one, and it should not be difficult finding apartments or houses even on short notice.
The people are friendly and open-minded so that you will feel comfortable from day one.
Frankfurt has an international airport and is the home of two major universities. You will find yourself in a good company regardless of whether you are a student or enjoy a new cultural experience.
This German city also has quite a lot to offer in entertainment, sightseeing, shopping opportunities and recreational activities. Frankfurt's nightlife is pretty decent, with lots of bars, restaurants and nightclubs for all tastes.
Frankfurt is a top-rated tourist destination due to its historical importance as well as cultural richness. Many beautiful old buildings here will leave you breathless, and the local museums can keep art lovers busy for days. So if you have been dreaming of exploring German culture, then Frankfurt is the place to be.
The living conditions in Frankfurt are good, and the rent isn't too expensive, which is excellent news for people who want to get the most out of their city without spending a fortune.
Top Companies Hiring in Frankfurt
Many large and famous German companies have their headquarters in Frankfurt, including Deutsche Bank, Allianz SE, Commerzbank AG and Otto Group.
Like Berlin, the unemployment rate is low at around 5%, which means many jobs are available if you're looking for work here.
Frankfurt offers some of the best places to live in Germany, with plenty of attractions for visitors. It's effortless to reach other major cities from Frankfurt via the excellent transport network, so it's a perfect place for people who want to travel around Germany or Europe.
Frankfurt is also famous among students because it has 18 universities and 10 colleges with over 100,000 students. The city is also an important academic centre, hosting several high-profile universities like Goethe University Frankfurt and the German Institute for Economic Research.
Moreover, the city has been a centre of culture since medieval times with its Roman myths and legends, numerous churches, museums etc. Tourism is also quite popular in Frankfurt with many museums such as the German Museum of Technology, Goethe House, Museum of Modern Art, etc.
If you're looking for work, there are plenty of opportunities available here, thanks to its many financial institutions. Some of the leading companies based here include E.ON, Deutsche Post, BASF and Axel Springer AG. Tourism in Frankfurt brings in a lot of money, with the city hosting over 15 million visitors every year.
Munich
The capital of Bavaria and the third-largest city in Germany, Munich is well-known for its charm and has become one of the most visited cities in Europe over recent years. Many tourist attractions such as the Marienplatz, Deutsches Museum, BMW Museum and Englischer Garten are accessible.
Munich is an important media, publishing and research centre in Germany and offers many opportunities for job seekers. The unemployment rate here is among the lowest in Germany at around 5%, which means you're likely to find a job if you're looking.
Munich also has an excellent reputation for health care with numerous clinics and hospitals, making the city a beautiful destination for expats living in Germany permanently.
Cost of living in Munich
Munich is the most expensive city in Germany and one of the priciest cities in the world. The cost of living is 46.21% higher than other major German cities like Berlin or Hamburg, so it's a great place to live if you want to enjoy the best quality of life with all the necessary facilities at your disposal. Housing here is among the most expensive in Germany as well.
Munich can be pretty expensive compared to many German cities, so it doesn't make the best option if you're looking for an affordable place to live. The cost of living in Munich is also relatively high.
Top Companies Hiring in Munich
The city is home to many multinational companies, including Audi AG, Siemens and BMW, with massive headquarters. Another major employer in Munich is TUI Group, which runs several holiday companies such as Neckermann Reisen, Thomas Cook, and TUI fly.
If you're thinking of working in media, then Munich is an excellent choice. The city of Munich features large offices for many top newspapers and magazines, including the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Funke Media Group and Motor Presse Stuttgart.
If you're thinking about working in banking or finance in Germany, there are plenty of opportunities available too. The big banks have head offices in Munich, including Deutsche Bank and Postbank, which employ thousands of people.
With its rich history and plenty of attractions, Munich is one of Germany's best cities for tourists, but it also offers plenty of work opportunities and job prospects.