Moving to a foreign country can be a huge challenge even when you after going through all the subtleties of the move. This could become even harder if you are moving to a land which has a different language, culture and lifestyle that is entirely different from the one you have lived with all your life.
Moving to Germany under the German Entrepreneurial Residency Program can be quite beneficial for most individuals and families as the program is fairly quick and efficient. However, considering all things, the move will still require some effort from your side to make the process very smooth.
In this blog, we will examine some of the most important things you must consider before moving to Germany to start a new life.
Learning The Essentials
Before your move, do some basic research about Germany. Take some time to get oriented by learning the language basics, culture and the way of living. Familiarize yourself with the country, the places, especially the city and neighbourhood you are soon going to call your home. While a lot of Germans do speak English, it will be quite advantageous if you could at least speak and communicate using the most German words and phrases like Ja (Yes), Nein (No), Bitte (Please) and, Danke (Thank you).
As a new German resident, you must also look into your health insurance type and ensure that you activate it. As expats who are new to the country, it is better to opt for private health insurance with full coverage. Although the German Healthcare system is quite efficient, the healthcare regulations state that every individual must have health insurance protection to avail the services at the right time.
Check the city Guides and do online research to get detailed information about the cost of living, public transport system and schools. If you have children, it is important to decide where you will enrol them, Germany has compulsory school attendance laws and does not allow homeschooling.
In short, it is highly important to read and understand as much as you can, before moving to Germany.
German Communities and Living Quarters
When moving to Germany under the Entrepreneurial Residency Program, you are required to invest around EUR 250,000 on an off-plan real estate, which will one day become your permanent home. However, during your temporary residence visa period of three years, you will be required to maintain a temporary residential address.
The standard rule for settling down in Germany is to find the right location. German communities also have better neighbourhoods for foreign families to settle down. Typically, the German residential communities are calm, peaceful and have a village vibe to them. While the Germans are fun-loving and jovial people, they respect their neighbours and strive to maintain some silence at home. This includes the “quiet hours” on Sundays, which can be quite surprising to the foreign residents at first!
Unknown to many, The Federal Republic of Germany has very specific laws and regulations to handle the import of household goods, including motor vehicles. To move into this new country, you are required to furnish documents that state your residency permits in the country. While it is not a rule for a foreign investor on the German Entrepreneurial Residency Program to stay back in the country during his/her temporary residency period, on finalizing their move to Germany, they must renounce their residence abroad and produce documents confirming the termination.
Banking, Utility And Driving License
Before moving to Germany, make sure to close your bank accounts, utilities and subscriptions in your home country. Likewise, set up your German bank account before you permanently move to the country. With many online banking opportunities, you can now easily open your new bank account in no time. Your debit and credit cards must be activated just after you move so that all monetary transactions can be easily dealt with. Other utilities like cell phone and internet connection must be done within the first week of moving to Germany.
Driving in Germany is a very personal choice, as the country’s public transport system can easily help you move around at least in the initial days. US or Canadian expats in Germany can drive using their license for around a year, but after which, a German driver’s license is a definite requirement.
Whether your country or state has full reciprocity with Germany regarding driving license or not, it is essential to learn all about German road and driving rules before getting your vehicle.
Germany is a country where people enjoy following its many rules. To be on the safe side of things, it is very necessary to read, research and understand the big and small rules and regulations that make this country a great place to live.
