Germany An Expat’s Guide

By Tess Downey

If you’re thinking about relocating to Germany, you should prepare yourself for lots of fantastic experiences! From great dining and shopping places to the good times at various bars and night clubs, Germany will surely make you feel alive! The tragic past of the nation will make you feel as if you’re part of history, and the future drive of the country will let you celebrate and be hopeful for what’s to come. Often dubbed as the capital of Europe, Germany is definitely a country that any potential expat like you should consider. Start anew and thirst your wanderlust as you socialize with the locals, visit famous sites, and discover hidden treasures of the country. This book will provide you with plenty of information about how to settle in Germany as an expat.

German Expat Immigration, Housing and Living Options, Work & Business, Education, Marriage, Retirement, Taxes & Banking, Health Care, and Much More!

• Language: English
• Publisher: NRB Publishing
• Release date: Feb 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781957367330

Tess Downey

When Tess Downey was a little girl, she was allowed to take one suitcase on family vacations. Her mother packed all of her daughter's clothes and toiletries, but Downey was allowed to take anything she liked in her small blue case."I look at that suitcase today," she says, "and it's not even as big as a laptop case, but I managed to cram it with toys and books -- things I thought were too essential to leave at home. I learned to pack almost before I learned to walk!"Born into a family of travelers, Downey's adventures did indeed start young. "It was great," she says. "I was taught not to be afraid to try things or to meet new people. My folks weren't the kind of Americans abroad who tried to make themselves understood by just speaking English louder."Downey writes about travel as the ultimate educational experience. Her books offer her readers more than just packing trips and booking advice. "To really get the most out of going some place new, you need to learn before you go, learn while you are there, and learn when you get back.""One of my favorite travel writers is Tim Cahill," Downey says. "His book 'Pecked to Death by Ducks' is just classic. He goes out to these dismal, remote, exotic places, sees amazing things, and then laughs at all the outrageous stuff that happens. That's the attitude we all should take on the road with us! Laugh it off and just get into the experience."Good-humored, practical,and insightful, Downey's travel books offer useful information in an easily accessible format. "I want readers to come away from one of my books thinking about where they want to go next and actually planning how to get there," Downey says. "It's great to dream about travel, but it's even better when you make it happen!"

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Germany

An Expat’s Guide

German Expat Immigration, Housing and Living Options, Work & Business, Education, Marriage, Retirement, Taxes & Banking, Health Care, and Much More!

By Tess Downey

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Foreword

Germany is one of the must – see countries in northern Europe because of its diverse culture and beautiful nation. There’s something for every traveler and potential expats in Germany, with its ancient palaces, medieval -looking villages, glorious sceneries, amazing castles, and rich history, all within easy reach of the bustling towns and vibrant cities.

Take in all the spectacular sights and sounds of major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich that offers everyone with a great taste of the German culture.

If you’re thinking about relocating to Germany, you should prepare yourself for lots of fantastic experiences! From great dining and shopping places to the good times at various bars and night clubs, Germany will surely make you feel alive!

Explore the wonderful regions of the country and taste world – class food and wine, stroll through the cobble – stoned streets and half – wooded houses, breathe in the scenic view of the Bavarian Alps, tour the famous River Elbe, and be treated as one of them royals as you pass through the many ancient and majestic looking palaces and landmarks. Start anew and thirst your wanderlust as you socialize with the locals, visit famous sites, and discover hidden treasures of the country.

This book will provide you with plenty of information about how to settle in Germany as an expat, provide you with amazing opportunities you can take advantage of, and guide you to the beautiful places you can explore whether you’re a young adventurer, a retired senior citizen, an exchange student, or someone looking to start and raise a family. This book will ensure your smooth relocation to one of the most significant countries in human history!

Table of Contents

Welcome to Deutschland!

Chapter One: An Overview of Germany

Social Norms, Etiquette and Customs

Customs and Etiquette

Chapter Two: Immigration Requirements

Visa vs. Residence Permit

German Citizenship

Chapter Three: Expat Hubs and Cost of Living in Germany

The Expat Hubs in Germany

Cost of Living in Germany

Chapter Four: Renting vs. Buying a House

Renting in Germany

Buying a House in Germany

Financing Your House or Apartment

Chapter Five: Utilities and Communication Services in Germany

Internet Providers and Basic Plans

Relocation Services

Chapter Six: Work and Business in Germany

Finding a Job in Germany

Doing Business in Germany

Chapter Seven: Education System in Germany

Chapter Eight: Taxes & Banking in Germany

German Tax Classes

Tax Returns for U.S. Citizens

Banks and Banking in Germany

Chapter Nine: Healthcare and Retirement in Germany

Public Insurance System

Retirement for Expats in Germany

Health Care for Retirees

Chapter Ten: Getting Married in Germany

Relocation Tips

PHOTO REFERENCES

REFERENCES

Welcome to Deutschland!

Known for their efficiency and commitment, the Germans sure know how to create a country! A stunning combination of historical significance and futuristic drive, it is still one of Europe’s powerhouse in the modern era. Any expat will surely enjoy the modern city life as well as the hidden treasures of the country. You’ll get to explore romantic lanes, delicious national and international delicacies, historical museums, high – end shopping malls, cozy café bars among others that will surely make you crave for more! The towns and cities of Germany is filled with cultural events like no other; there are various conferences and trade fairs, operatic and theatrical plays, local and international concerts from world – class artists, open – air fests, city tours, sporting events and many more!

Any potential expats and tourist will surely get inspired by the power of Germany’s capital, Berlin as well as the passionate vibe of Munich, and the festive culture of Germans all over the country.

You will soon find yourself as one of them Germans as you interact with the locals in various bars, restaurants, and flea markets. The mouth - watering German sausages and pretzels as you walk along the medieval villages and cobble – stoned streets will surely become part of your daily life!

The tragic past of the nation will make you feel as if you’re part of history, and the future drive of the country will let you celebrate and be hopeful for what’s to come. Often dubbed as the capital of Europe, Germany is definitely a country that any potential expat like you should consider.

Chapter One: An Overview of Germany

The name Germany came from the Latin word Germania. During the time of the Gallic War around 58 to 51 B.C.E., the Romans designated the term Germania to the people living in the eastern region of the Rhine. The area formerly known as Deutschland (Germania/ Germany) came from the root word Volk which means people. The Deutschland territory was ruled under the Roman Emperor or German king up until the 10th century. The locals retained the name of some of the older territories, and they designated it as the name of the federal states today; this includes Bavaria, Saxony, and Bradenburg among others.

Germany, officially known as the