What are the benefits and challenges of living in Germany?

Nationwide Visas
[Published 22 Aug, 2024 | 12:10 PM]
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Germany boasts of a high quality of living beyond its famed cultural attractions and natural serenity. It is thus evident that thousands of applications are filed every year to immigrate to Germany from India.

Typically, Germans demonstrate a high level of admiration for the environment. It is evident in governmental policies and penchant to sustain natural areas and forests.

Quality of Life

Pros

Germany is an advanced nation that is systematic and clean. Punctuality is the norm, the environment is held in high esteem and the nation boasts of good infrastructure.  Cities usually have simple navigation and commutation is eased with the highly organized transit network. The people are educated.

You can have a firsthand experience of the lifestyle in Germany on the Germany Job Seeker Visa and even look for employment for 6 months. If you own a Dog, your furry friend will endorse your move to Germany owing to the freedom of movement to it. They are however not permitted in butcher shops or grocery stores.

Cons

The Customer Service in Germany is not as robust as you may experience in a nation like the US. However, this applies to other nations too.

Further, rules in Germany can be at times overwhelming. But if you have ever resided in a nation with minimal rules and witnessed the resultant chaos and discomfort, you will appreciate the orderliness in Germany.

Cost of Living

Pros

The cost of food in Germany is reasonable. The nation has a diverse choice of grocery stores and thus the food prices are competitive. The standard VAT - Value Added Tax in Germany is 19% which is lower than the other EU nations like Greece – 24%, Portugal – 23%, Italy 22%, Spain – 21% and France – 20%.

The absence of toll roads in Germany enables a smoother driving experience.

Cons

The cost of housing can be higher in Germany, specifically in key cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart.  Further, Electronics like Mobiles and Computers, Gasoline, and Cars are expensive in Germany in comparison with the US.

Safety and Security

Pros

The 2023 Global Peace Index ranks Germany 15th among 163 nations globally in terms of overall peacefulness level. Ownership of Guns is allowed but the right to bear arms is absent.

Germany has one of the highest rates of ownership of guns globally as per GunPolicy.org but it also has some of the stringent gun laws globally. Germans have to get a license to obtain a gun, pass background checks, and take a test.

Cons

Germany like any other nation is not fully immune to crime and other security issues. So exercising common sense is advisable.

Medical Care

Pros

The cost of healthcare is significantly lower than in the US. For instance, for an emergency room visit in Munich, you will have to make payment of a standard pre-pay fee of Euros 200 (around $220). After a few weeks, the Hospital will contact you to make a refund of a part of this bill. However, the same ER bill in the US is around 20 times this amount!

Further, prescription medications are also less expensive than in the US. When you seek medical care, you will discover that several providers have a great command over English language.

A Universal, multi-payer healthcare system exists in Germany. It is often acknowledged as among the best globally.

Cons

A few medical professionals specifically in smaller cities do not speak English.

Language

Pros

Schools in Germany teach German to students from a young age and consequently, several Germans speak English very well. You will discover that fluency in English is normally higher in larger cities, tourist destinations, and university towns.

You can choose from several language schools in case you decide to learn the German language.

Cons

German Grammar can be tough and quite challenging. This was observed by Mark Twain also when he wrote the comical essay – The Appalling German Language. Nouns in German have three genders grammatically – feminine, masculine, and neuter. The cases are also four – accusative, dative, genitive, and nominative.

If you are keen to immigrate to Germany to study, work, or look for a job, contact Immigration Experts at the Top Immigration Consultant in India - Nationwide Visas.

Read more:- Understanding the German Work Visa: Requirements and Process