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Location Advice: Germany

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Germany is located in Central Europe and no other European country has as many neighbours as Germany does. It is bordered by Denmark to the North, Poland and Czechia to the East, Austria and Switzerland to the South, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands to the West. The Norst Sea and the Baltic Sea are to the Northwest and Northeast respectively. Germany is the most populous country in the European Union and has a rich history, diverse culture and a strong economy.

Germany at a Glance

Capital City: Berlin

Population: 83 million

Currency: Euro €

Time Zone: CET/CEST

Climate

Germany has a temperate seasonal climate, characterised by moderate and generally moist conditions with significant variations across different regions.

Religion

Germany does not have an official state religion, as it is a secular country with a clear separation between church and state. However, there are two major religions that dominate which are Christianity and Islam.

Language

German is the official native language. Infact over 94% of the population speak German as their first language. Other languages spoken in Germany include English, French, Russian, Turkish, Polish and Arabic.

Government

There is a political structure in Germany, with their government type being a federal parliamentary republic. Their Head of State is the President and their Head of Government is the Chancellor.

Tax Rules

  • €12,096 to €68,429: Taxed incrementally from 14% to 42% 
  • €63, 430 to €277,825: 42% 
  • Over €277,826: 45% 

This is a basic overview, these brackets and percentages do change depending on your status within Germany (EU Citizen, German National etc.) as well as marital status. Please seek more information to look into the tax system in more detail. 

Working Hours/Days

Typical working hours in Germany are 8 hours a day, between 35 and 40 hours a week, 5 days a week Monday to Friday. However, this does change from job to job, company to company. 

Public Holidays

  • New Year’s Day - Jan 1 
  • Good Friday - Friday before Easter Sunday 
  • Easter Monday - Monday after Easter Sunday 
  • Labor Day - May 1 
  • Ascension Day - 40 days after Easter Sunday 
  • Whit Monday - 50 days after Easter Sunday 
  • German Unity Day - Oct 3 
  • Christmas Day - Dec 25 
  • Boxing Day - Dec 26 

Statutory Benefits

  • Social Security
  • Medical Benefits
  • Holiday Allowance
  • Sick Allowance
  • Life Insurance
  • Childcare Allowance including Maternity Allowance

Please see the Complete Guide for Employee Benefits in Germany for more information on your entitlement.

Pension Policy

Everyone is entitled to a state pension provided you have worked In Germany for more than 5 years and this will be proportional to the value of the contributions you have made. Contributions are shared between employers and employees, typically each paying 9.3% of gross wages. 

For more information on pensions within Germany, please see the Pensions at a Glance document.

Visa Requirements

To work or live in Germany you will need a Visa and a right to work. There are a variety of Visa’s and it will depend on your situation. There is the EU Blue Card, Standard Residence Permit, Settlement Permit or Permanent Residence Permit.

For more information on what visa you may need, please see the Germany Visa website.

Landmarks

Germany is home to a wealth of landmarks including Bradenburg Gate, Cologne Cathedral, Neuschwanstein Castle, Heidelberg Castle and Nuremberg Castle.

Museums and Galleries

Germany has many museums in which you can view its rich and complex history, including a variety of WWII sites, the German Museum of Technology, Museum Island, Stadel Museum, German National Museum and the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Theatre and Arts

Germany has a large theatre scene in Berlin, as well as Hamburg and Stuttgart. You can see innovative prodyctions, classical productions and even Opera and Ballet.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

There are many natural landmarks in Germany including the Black Forest, Rhine Valey, Bavarian Alps and the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Shopping and Markets – Gemany is home to one of Europes largest department stores and shopping centres, located in Berlin and Oberhausen. There are also a variety of markets in Munich and Berlin.

Shopping and Markets

Gemany is home to one of Europes largest department stores and shopping centres, located in Berlin and Oberhausen. There are also a variety of markets in Munich and Berlin.

Seasonal Activities

Germany is known for its Oktoberfest that happens every year as well as the traditional and historical German Christmas Markets. Other seasonal activities include Berlin Film Festival and Carnival.

Historical Viewings

Germany has a rich history and there are many sites you can see including Berlin Wall Memorial, many WWII Memorial sites, Charlottenburg Palace, Wartburg Castle and the city of Trier.

Getting Around

Germany has a highly developed and efficient transport system including trains, underground metro systems, buses and is suitable for both local and long-distance travel. There are many places within close distance of Germany easily travelled to via Train including: Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Czechia, Poland and Luxembourg. With a little bit of a longer journey you can get to: Italy, Hungary, United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway.

Accommodation

Germany offers a wide range of housing options from apartments, to houses, shared accommodation and temporary accommodation. The cost will vary city to city, so this is something to be aware of.

Schooling

Education in Germany is primarily the responsibility of the federal states resulting in a variation in school structures across regions. There is also a dual education system that combines school-based learning with practical training in the workplace. It is also home to some of Europes and the Worlds leading universities including, Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Heidelberg University.

Car and Fuel Costs

The Fuel costs in Germany can fluctuate however, we can draw an average.
Diesel: 1.64 Euro per litre
Gasoline: 1.783 Euro per litre

Healthcare

Germany has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides high-quality medical care to its residents. Majority of residents are covered by statutory health insurance.

Entertainment

Average cost of a Pint of Beer in Germany - €3-€5
Average cost of a Pint of Coke in Germany - €2-€3
Average cost of a 3-course Meal in Germany – Around €30-€50 excluding drinks

If you are looking to relocate to Germany, please speak to one of our recruitment experts as they can have an in-depth conversation with you regarding relocation and can assist you the best way they can. 

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