Are you moving to Germany from India? In this article, we’ll go over the things you should consider before booking your flight tickets to Germany, so you’re fully prepared for your big international move, right?
Before moving decide where to live in Germany
We all know that Berlin is a cultural centre, an astonishing city full of amazing festivals and exciting art scenes. Germany has plenty of great options, from Frankfurt, a financial centre usually compared to Manhattan, to Munich. Germany is home to the best beer gardens and to the iconic Oktoberfest, this country is full of wonderful choices.
At the end, where you decide to live will depend on your preferences. Are you looking for a cosmopolitan city? Then you may want to go to Frankfurt, where a quarter of the population is made up of foreigners. Are you looking for a quiet life in contact with nature? Then you should buy a cottage in the Alps.
If you want to compare the quality-of-life indicators including housing, cost of living, perceived crime rates, and access to healthcare, you may want to look at.
Get the Appropriate Visa
Thinking about moving to Germany from India?
Do you wish to study in Germany? If that’s your case, you can apply for a German student resident permit. You can either apply to a university before getting a visa or apply for a residence permit that allows you to find a university program once you arrive in the country.
Have you been offered a job in Germany? Awesome! If you have a work contract, you’re eligible for the German contracted work residence visa. In that case, your company will help you out with the immigration process.
So, is company sponsorship the only way to work legally in Germany? Not at all. If you’re an independent professional, you can apply for a freelance permit, which has two distinctions: Freiberufler: self-employed people who have their own company VS Selbständige: freelancers who do small projects for German clients.
Other German Visas and Permits to Consider:
- Au pair visas: which are 12-month permits for 18-26-year-olds who have learned German and can communicate in German.
- Artist visas: a specific type of freelance permit specifically created for those moving to Berlin
- Job seekers visa: which allows you to stay in Germany for 6 months to apply to jobs that match your professional profile.
Start Learning German
Learning German will be essential for your new life in Germany. While most Germans have a prominent level of English, so learn German if you’re moving to Germany from India, you can’t expect them to use your language all the time. In fact, it is estimated that 44% of the German population does not speak any English at all!
This means that, once you have decided to move to Germany, the first thing you’ll need to do is learn German online in Noida.
At Sprach-Aktiv German Language Academy, German language classes are offered in both private courses and group lessons, and you can opt for online German language courses or offline classes. What’s more, we work exclusively with native German teachers who’ll be able to help you to improve your pronunciation and fluency in less time.
If you’d like to get started, then study German from Sprach-Aktiv Academy to brighten your future with good career opportunities.
Registering in Germany
Indian citizens need a visa to enter Germany as tourists, but this doesn’t mean you can stay there forever. If you plan to spend more than 3 months in the country, you’ll need to present your documentation at the nearest Einwohnermeldeamt, i.e., the Residence Registration Office. This process needs to be done within 14 days of your moving to Germany from India and, of course, the papers you’ll need to submit will vary depending on your reasons for immigrating and the type of visa you have got.
However, there are a few things that everyone moving to Germany from India must have:
- A valid reason for immigrating
- Proof of financial stability
- Health insurance
- A valid German Visa
Look for a Place to Rent
Finding the best place to rent requires some research on both your budget and the property you would potentially be moving into. The most important factor to consider, of course, is its location. But you’ll also have to consider move-in expenses. Are you financially prepared for up-front costs? When you rent an apartment in Germany, you’re often required to pay a security deposit as well as administration fees and even pet fees. So, before making a final decision, make sure you have reviewed the move-in fees carefully.
Of course, once you’ve found the place of your dreams, you’ll need to provide a few documents that everyone moving to Germany from India should have at this point.
Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Germany is an essential part of your moving process.
Without a bank account, you won’t be able to do such basic things as getting a job or signing up for internet service. What is more, you will have to pay a hefty fee every time you get cash at a German ATM from your Indian bank account.
For all these reasons, finding the best bank should be among your priorities as soon as you arrive in Germany.
Get a German Phone Number
How can you get a mobile phone contract in Germany? You can either sign up online or by visiting a nearby office. Are you moving to a small town? Don’t worry. Even villages have at least one telecom store. To register for a mobile phone contract, you will have to present the following things:
- Personal ID
- Address information
- Details of your German Bank Account
Alternatively, you can get a prepaid SIM card, which is more expensive when it comes to making phone calls but gives you a lot more freedom in terms of changing providers whenever you want.
Knowing German Healthcare
If you’re moving to Germany from India, your Health Insurance card won’t do. In order to be fully covered whilst living in Germany, you’ll need to hire a German health insurance company and get a social security number.
If you go to Germany with a job offer, you will normally get signed up with a Health Insurance company through your employer. So, that’s it. You have come to the end of your step-by-step guide for Indians who want to move to Germany.
As you can see, most of the procedures mentioned above require that you know basic German. Whether you want to hire a phone service, find the house of your dreams or register your German address with the authorities, feeling confident about your language is the best way to start off on the right foot!
