Expat Life in Germany: Housing, Transport, Healthcare, Work Culture, and Everyday Essentials
Germany is one of the most structured and well-organized countries in Europe, offering a high standard of living, excellent public services, and strong tenant and employee protections.
Whether you are moving for work, studies, or a fresh start, understanding essential aspects like finding an apartment in Germany, grocery shopping, public transport, the German healthcare system, work culture, banking, and education will make your transition smoother.
This guide provides in-depth insights into daily life in Germany for expats.
Finding an Apartment in Germany: Rental Market, Housing Types, and Tenant Rights
Germany’s rental market is competitive, particularly in large cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. A significant percentage of the population rents rather than owns property, as homeownership rates in Germany are among the lowest in Europe. Renting is highly regulated, with strong tenant protection laws in place, making it difficult for landlords to evict tenants without legal cause.
Types of Housing in Germany
Germany offers various types of housing to suit different needs:
- Apartments (Wohnungen): The most common form of housing in cities, typically ranging from studio apartments to large multi-room flats. Most are rented unfurnished, meaning tenants may have to buy everything, including kitchen units and light fixtures.
- Shared Flats (Wohngemeinschaft or WG): A popular option for students and young professionals, a WG allows individuals to rent a single room while sharing common areas like the kitchen and bathroom. It is one of the most affordable housing options.
- Single-Family Homes (Einfamilienhaus): More common in suburbs and smaller towns, single-family homes often include gardens and are ideal for families.
- Furnished Rentals and Short-Term Apartments: Expats or business travelers often prefer furnished rentals for short-term stays. At KUMMUNI we provide furnished apartments with flexible lease terms and a discrimination-free rental process.
- Social Housing (Sozialwohnungen): These are government-subsidized apartments for low-income residents, but they require specific eligibility and often have long waiting lists.
How to Rent an Apartment in Germany
Renting an apartment in Germany requires specific documents and preparation:
- Schufa Credit Report: A credit score check that landlords use to assess financial reliability.
- Proof of Income: Usually the last three months’ pay slips or an employment contract.
- Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung: A document from your previous landlord confirming no outstanding rent debts.
- Anmeldung (Residence Registration): Required for most long-term rental contracts.
Rental costs are usually divided into cold rent (Kaltmiete), which is the base rent, and warm rent (Warmmiete), which includes heating and utilities. Deposits are typically three months’ rent.
In high-demand cities, competition is fierce, and landlords often receive hundreds of applications for a single listing. It is recommended to be well-prepared with all documents and to act quickly when finding a suitable place.
Food Shopping in Germany: Supermarkets, Grocery Stores, and Food Laws
Food shopping in Germany is structured, with a variety of options ranging from discount supermarkets to organic stores and specialty food markets. Unlike in some other countries, most supermarkets are closed on Sundays, so planning ahead is essential.
Best Supermarkets in Germany
Grocery stores in Germany can be divided into different categories:
- Discount Supermarkets: Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto offer budget-friendly groceries with a focus on affordability.
- Mid-Range Supermarkets: Rewe and Edeka provide a wider selection, including international products.
- Organic and Health-Focused Stores: Alnatura and Denn’s Bio specialize in organic and sustainable food.
- Specialty and International Shops: Many cities have Asian, Middle Eastern, and American grocery stores catering to international residents.
Prices at discount supermarkets can be significantly lower than at premium grocery stores, making them a preferred choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Food Laws and Quality Standards in Germany
Germany enforces strict food safety and labeling laws:
- Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law): German beer must contain only water, hops, malt, and yeast.
- EU Organic Certification (Bio-Siegel): Strict quality control ensures food labeled as “Bio” meets EU organic standards.
- Food Labeling Laws: All food packaging must clearly display ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information.
Germany also has deposit-return systems for bottles (Pfand), where consumers pay a small deposit when buying bottled drinks, which they get back upon returning the bottle. This system encourages recycling and environmental sustainability.
Dining out in Germany is regulated under hygiene and safety standards, ensuring that restaurants meet strict inspection criteria.
Public Transport in Germany: Trains, Buses, and the €49 Ticket
Germany boasts one of the best public transport systems in Europe, with an extensive network of trains, buses, and trams. It is reliable, well-maintained, and widely used by both locals and expats.
Best Ways to Get Around Germany
- Deutsche Bahn (DB): The national railway operator provides regional and intercity train services.
- S-Bahn & U-Bahn: S-Bahn trains connect urban areas to suburbs, while U-Bahn trains operate as city metros.
- Trams and Buses: Efficient in most cities, offering extensive coverage.
- Bicycle-Friendly Infrastructure: Germany promotes cycling with dedicated bike lanes, especially in Berlin and Hamburg.
Deutschlandticket – Unlimited Public Transport in Germany
Germany introduced the Deutschlandticket for unlimited travel on local and regional public transport for €58 per month. This includes:
- Buses, trams, and metro lines
- Regional and suburban trains (excluding high-speed ICE & IC trains)
It is an excellent choice for daily commuters and students in Germany.
Car Sharing and Ride-Hailing Services in Germany
For those who do not own a car, alternative transport options include:
- Car-sharing services: ShareNow, Miles, and Sixt offer rental cars for short-term use.
- Ride-hailing services: Uber and Bolt operate in some German cities but are less widespread than in other countries.
- Long-distance buses: FlixBus provides affordable travel between cities and neighboring countries.
Germany has well-developed highways (Autobahns) with no speed limits on certain sections, but for city travel, public transport remains the most efficient option.
Healthcare System in Germany: How to Get Health Insurance as an Expat
Germany has one of the most well-regulated and efficient healthcare systems in the world. However, for expats, understanding the health insurance system in Germany is essential, as health insurance is mandatory for all residents. Whether you are an employee, student, freelancer, or self-employed, you must be covered by either public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV) or private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung – PKV).
Public Health Insurance in Germany (GKV)
Public health insurance is the most common form of health coverage, covering nearly 90 percent of residents. It is financed through a payroll-based system where employees and employers share the cost. The standard contribution is 14.6 percent of gross salary, plus an additional 1-2 percent depending on the provider.
Key features of public health insurance:
- Automatic enrollment for employees earning below €69,300 per year (threshold subject to change).
- Free coverage for children and non-working spouses.
- Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and basic dental care.
- No need for pre-approval to visit general practitioners (Hausarzt).
- Top providers include TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, Barmer, and DAK.
Private Health Insurance in Germany (PKV)
Expats with high salaries, self-employed professionals, or freelancers can opt for private health insurance instead of public insurance. The benefits of PKV include:
- Faster medical appointments and shorter waiting times.
- Access to private hospitals and better healthcare services.
- Customizable coverage based on individual needs.
- Cheaper rates for young, healthy individuals compared to GKV.
However, private health insurance costs increase with age, and switching back to public insurance can be difficult. Those considering private insurance should carefully evaluate their long-term financial situation.
How to Find a Doctor in Germany
- Hausarzt (General Practitioner): This is the first point of contact for most medical concerns. In public insurance, patients are encouraged to visit their Hausarzt first before seeing a specialist.
- Specialists (Fachärzte): Specialists require a referral from a Hausarzt under most public insurance plans. However, privately insured patients can visit specialists directly.
- Apotheken (Pharmacies): Medications in Germany are only available in Apotheken (pharmacies) rather than supermarkets. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines must be picked up here.
Emergency Medical Services in Germany
Germany has an emergency number for immediate medical attention: 112. This is the general emergency hotline for ambulances, police, and fire services.
For non-emergency medical issues outside of normal hours, residents can visit the Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst (out-of-hours medical service) by calling 116 117.
Germany’s high-quality universal healthcare system ensures that all residents have access to medical treatment. Expats should register for health insurance immediately after arriving in Germany to avoid fines and complications.
Work Culture in Germany: Job Market, Salaries, and Public Holidays
Germany has a structured and highly regulated job market, with strong employee protections, competitive salaries, and a focus on efficiency and professionalism. Whether you are moving to Germany for a new job or planning to switch careers, understanding German work culture is crucial.
Average Salaries and Job Market in Germany
Salaries vary depending on the industry, experience, and location. Some of the most well-paying sectors in Germany include:
- IT and Engineering: €50,000 – €70,000 per year.
- Healthcare and Nursing: €35,000 – €50,000 per year.
- Finance and Consulting: €60,000 – €90,000 per year.
- Marketing and Sales: €40,000 – €65,000 per year.
- Manufacturing and Skilled Trades: €30,000 – €55,000 per year.
The minimum wage in Germany is legally regulated, and employees are entitled to overtime pay, sick leave, and paid vacation.
Working Hours and Employee Rights in Germany
- The standard working week is 35-40 hours. Overtime is usually compensated with additional vacation days rather than extra pay.
- Paid vacation: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 paid vacation days per year, though most contracts offer 25-30 days.
- Parental leave: Germany has one of the most generous parental leave policies in the EU, allowing parents to take up to three years of parental leave with partial salary compensation.
- Sick leave: Employees receive six weeks of paid sick leave from their employer before public health insurance covers further costs.
Public Holidays in Germany
Public holidays in Germany vary by state, but national holidays include:
- New Year’s Day (Neujahr) – January 1
- Good Friday (Karfreitag) – Movable
- Easter Monday (Ostermontag) – Movable
- Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) – May 1
- German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) – October 3
- Christmas (Weihnachten) – December 25-26
Quiet Hours (Ruhezeiten) and Work-Life Balance
Germany enforces strict Ruhezeiten (quiet hours), meaning loud noises like vacuuming or music are prohibited:
- Between 10 PM and 6 AM on weekdays.
- All day on Sundays and public holidays.
Germans take work-life balance seriously, and many companies promote flexible work arrangements, remote work, and part-time opportunities.
Finance And Banking in Germany: Opening a Bank Account and Understanding Taxes
How to Open a Bank Account in Germany
A German bank account is essential for receiving a salary, paying rent, and handling everyday expenses. Expats can choose from:
- Traditional banks: Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkasse, Postbank.
- Online banks: N26, DKB, Revolut – Easier for English speakers, with lower fees.
To open a bank account, you will need:
- Anmeldung (Residence Registration)
- Passport or residence permit
- Proof of employment or student status (in some cases)
Understanding Taxes in Germany
Germany has a progressive tax system, meaning higher incomes result in higher tax rates. The main tax categories include:
- Income tax (Lohnsteuer): Deducted from salaries, ranging from 14 percent to 45 percent.
- Church tax (Kirchensteuer): If registered with a church, 8-9 percent of income tax is paid to religious institutions.
- Solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag): A small percentage of tax for high earners.
Expats working in Germany must also contribute to social security programs, covering:
- Health insurance (Krankenversicherung)
- Pension contributions (Rentenversicherung)
- Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung)
- Long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung)
Schufa Credit Score and Its Importance
Germany has a credit rating system (Schufa) that affects:
- Apartment rental applications.
- Loan approvals and credit card eligibility.
- Mobile phone contracts.
Newcomers to Germany may not have a Schufa score initially, which can make renting an apartment challenging. Building good credit history by paying bills and rent on time is essential.
Managing banking and taxes in Germany may seem complex at first, but understanding the basics will help expats avoid financial complications and integrate smoothly into German society.
