If you are thinking about moving to Munich, a city where the river Isar accompanies your whole life like the most loyal friend, you’re not the only one. More than 30,000 people are deciding to make it a home every year. Let’s see all the reasons why!
Living in Munich: Things to Know Before Moving to the Secret Capital of Germany
Relocating to Munich successfully will depend on several key elements: documents needed to travel abroad, your nationality, duration of stay, as well as the reason why you’re doing it. However, relocating overseas usually requires a long-term visa since people deciding to leave a home country usually means building a happier life somewhere else – for good, or at least for some time. And to stay longer than 90 days, all non-EU or Swiss citizens have to apply for a German residence permit because a short one enables you to visit Germany for three months or less.
Working Conditions Are Great
Although thinking of Bavaria will probably bring the gigantic Alps, kettles, and cows to your mind, Munich is quite different. It is a thriving economic center, not thanks to agriculture but mechanical engineering, environmental technologies, ICT, life sciences, ICT, and tourism.
However, sometimes, living overseas can be a daunting task, like staying in Bavaria’s capital for work because, in addition to your visa, you’ll need a residence or work permit. Also, a job offer alone will not do without proof that there wasn’t a German or EEA national skilled enough to occupy a role. So, make sure you have relocation questions to ask your employer because you’ll certainly need all possible answers.
Living in Bavaria’s Capital: Learn About Blue Card Scheme
However, being a highly skilled non-EU citizen qualifies you to apply for a Blue Card. Still, you’re not immediately eligible for it unless you meet all the requirements:
- University degree and a competitive job offer,
- Salary for shortage occupations around $52,000 a year,
- Salary for non-shortage occupations is around $67,000 a year.
English Is Handy, but You Have to Learn German if You Want to Integrate
Striving for a high quality of life means integrating yourself into the community. For starters, you can get in touch with expat communities in Germany that can guide you further into the local scene. Still, keep in mind that to live abroad happily, you can’t just stick to English. You’ll have to break the language barrier at one point or another. Remember all the tips for learning a new language you’ve ever come across and there won’t be a problem. Also, Goethe Institut may be of much help with the language classes.
Check out the video below to encourage yourself to speak a bit more German and a bit less English.
Is Munich Expensive to Live In?
Depending on where you are from, your new home may be pretty affordable or a bit pricey for living, but the funny thing is it will never be neither cheap nor too expensive. For the sake of comparison, cities like NY or Paris have almost 100% higher expenses.
As an American Moving to Munich, You Need A Healthcare Plan
We understand how long your moving abroad checklist might be, from hiring professional packing to other moving services needed to go through with your plan. Still, there are other important things to consider, too. Maybe a healthcare system doesn’t seem like a vital aspect at the moment, but gathering all the information in advance can not hurt you.
It’s vital to remember to register with their health insurance scheme once you become a German resident. There’s even a guide to help you understand it better, but the whole point behind it is to choose between private and public insurance plans. Then again, being a full-time employee means your employer will sign you up with a health insurance company.
The Best Way for an Expat to Get Around Bavaria
With public transportation so well connected, getting from A to B shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your day. People can choose according to their needs – buses, trains, trams, or metro – and the cost for the inner zone of the city is $4 per person. There are also weekly/monthly IsaCard passes, with $74 a month for four city zones. On the other hand, cyclists account for 18% of all traffic in the city, so make sure you get a bike when you get there.
Is Munich Safe Enough to Start Your Life Afresh There?
Narrowing down your search to that one place you love might be a tough call with a city so vast and livable. It also stands out as the safest place in the country, with the low crime compared to other cities in Europe, making it one of the most coveted locations. Yet again, when looking for a specific neighborhood to live in, identifying your own needs will be the best compass to follow. Check out some of the neighborhoods around the area that attract newcomers:
- Lehel, one of the most prestigious areas in the heart of Munich, but a pricey one.
- Bogenhausen is full of parklands and timeless architecture.
- Schwabing is recognized for its buzzing nightlife, bars, and restaurants.
- Nymphenburg-Neuhausen and Alt-Harlaching are there for you if you’re in search of a bit more peaceful life within the quiet streets.
- Thalkirchen is an ideal spot if you’re raising a family.
There’s So Much More to Love Than Oktoberfest
We’re not saying that beer and pretzels are not enough, but the truth is Munich has much more to offer. For starters, it’s an ideal spot for all the cinema, theater, and music lovers. With no skyscrapers in the city center and with endless green spaces spreading around, you’ll quickly forget how huge your new home actually is.
In case you’re relocating with your dog, this southern portion of Bavaria will be a perfect place to call home. Not to mention the Alps are only a drive away, and Vienna and Zurich even closer. Replanting your roots here is like having the best of both worlds in the palm of your hand.
Moving to Munich Will Reward You With an Excellent Quality of Life
Is Munich a good place to live? Should I move to Munich? Will I be able to make the most out of my life there? We hope we have answered your most essential questions and gave you reasons to fall in love with this part of the world.
To finish appropriately, we want to give you one more. According to the Mercer Quality of Life Survey, Munich is ranked 3rd for its quality of life in the entire world, and it jumped up to the 2nd spot, becoming the most desirable place for students.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags.
