Moving to Germany from Australia: The 2025 Moving Guide

Visa and Residency Options for Australians

Australians can enter Germany visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business. However, for longer stays or work purposes, you will need to apply for a residence visa before or shortly after arrival.

Popular visa types include:

• Job Seeker Visa: For qualified professionals looking for employment in Germany (valid for 6 months)
• Employment Visa: For Australians with a job offer in Germany
• EU Blue Card: A residence permit for highly skilled non-EU workers, with streamlined pathways to permanent residency
• Student Visa: For those enrolled in a recognised German university or preparatory course
• Freelancer or Self-Employment Visa: For creatives, consultants, and digital nomads with proof of income and client base

Applications can be submitted via the German Embassy or Consulate in Australia. Upon arrival, you must register your residence (Anmeldung) and apply for a residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office).

Cost of Living in Germany

Germany is generally more affordable than Australia, though costs can vary by city:

• Rent: €800–€1,500/month for a one-bedroom in a major city
• Groceries: €200–€350/month per person
• Transport: Monthly public transport pass costs €49 (Deutschlandticket)
• Healthcare Insurance: Approx. €80–€200/month depending on coverage
• Utilities & Internet: €150–€300/month depending on usage

While Berlin remains relatively affordable, cities like Munich and Frankfurt are on the pricier end. Many Germans live in smaller apartments and rely on cycling or public transport over owning a car.

Education in Germany

Primary and Secondary Education

Public education in Germany is compulsory from ages 6 to 18, and the system is well-structured and academically rigorous. After four years of Grundschule (primary school), students are streamed into one of several types of secondary schools:

• Hauptschule: Basic education until Grade 9 or 10, typically leading to vocational training
• Realschule: Intermediate track ending at Grade 10, with pathways to technical or business careers
• Gymnasium: Academic stream that prepares students for university with the Abitur qualification (Grade 12 or 13)
• Gesamtschule: A comprehensive school combining elements of all three above

All public schools are tuition-free, and curricula are determined by each of Germany’s 16 federal states (Länder). International schools and bilingual schools are available in larger cities, often following British, American, or IB (International Baccalaureate) programmes. These schools charge fees but offer smoother transitions for expat children.

Tertiary Education

Germany is one of the best countries in the world for higher education—especially for international students. Most public universities do not charge tuition fees, even for international students, though a small semester contribution fee (typically €100–€350) is required. Students must cover living costs and demonstrate financial resources (about €11,208/year in 2025) as part of their visa process.

Top universities include:

• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
• University of Heidelberg
• Humboldt University of Berlin

Many courses, especially at the Master’s level, are available in English. Application deadlines are usually in July (for winter semester) and January (for summer semester). Admissions often go through the Uni-Assist portal.

Healthcare System In Germany

Germany’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world, offering universal access to high-quality medical care. Enrolment in health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including international students, workers, and dependents.

Public Health Insurance (GKV)

This statutory insurance covers most medical needs, including general practitioner visits, specialist care, hospitalisation, maternity care, and basic dental treatment. GKV contributions are approximately 14–15% of gross salary, shared equally by employee and employer.

Major providers include:

• Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
• AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse)
• DAK Gesundheit

You can choose your provider based on customer service, reimbursement processing, and digital access. Coverage is standardised, but service levels vary.

Private Health Insurance (PKV)

Available to high-income earners, the self-employed, and students under 30. PKV offers quicker appointments, private hospital rooms, and more specialist access—but premiums are based on risk (age, health status, coverage). Not all PKV providers offer English-speaking service, so choose carefully.

What’s Not Covered?

• Over-the-counter medication (unless prescribed)
• Advanced dental work (unless you have additional coverage)
• Some vision and alternative treatments

Emergency medical care is excellent and widely available. You’ll need your health card (Gesundheitskarte) when visiting a doctor or hospital. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are well-staffed and regulated, and many speak English in urban areas.

Setting Up Life in Germany

Registering Your Address (Anmeldung)

This is your first administrative task when moving to Germany from Australia. Visit your local Bürgeramt (town hall) with:

• Passport and visa
• Rental contract
• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung(a form signed by your landlord confirming you moved in)

This registration is required for obtaining a tax ID, opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and applying for your residence permit.

Bank Accounts

To receive wages or pay rent, you’ll need a German bank account. Choose between traditional banks (e.g. Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank) or modern digital banks (e.g. N26, Revolut, DKB). Required documents include:

• Passport
• Anmeldung certificate
• Residence permit or visa

Phone & Internet

Contracts typically last 24 months, but prepaid options are also common. Providers include:

• Telekom (formerly T-Mobile)
• Vodafone
• O2

You may need a German bank account and ID to set up contracts. Mobile reception is strong, and data speeds are reliable.

Utilities & Recycling

If utilities are not included in your rent, you’ll need to register with local providers. Electricity (e.g. E.ON, Vattenfall) and gas contracts can be started online. Water and waste are managed by the municipality. Recycling is mandatory and follows a strict bin system:

• Yellow bin: Packaging
• Blue bin: Paper
• Brown/green bin: Organic waste
• Black bin: General waste
• Glass bins: Sorted by colour, located in public spaces

Public Transport & Mobility

The €49 Deutschlandticket offers unlimited use of all regional and local public transport across the country. For long-distance travel, use Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains and apps like BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, and Omio for affordable intercity travel. Cities like Berlin and Munich have efficient U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban train), buses, and trams.

Cycling is encouraged, and many cities have dedicated bike lanes and shared bike services.

Working in Germany

Employment Culture

Germans value punctuality, formality, and efficiency. Standard working hours are 35–40 per week, and contracts often come with generous holiday entitlements (20+ days per year) plus public holidays.

Finding Work

Job portals include:

• StepStone.de
• Indeed.de
• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor.de

Your CV should be clear, professional, and tailored to the German format. Cover letters are essential, and many positions require German language proficiency, even if the workplace is international.

Common Challenges for Australians Moving to Germany

Language Barriers

While many Germans speak English, especially in cities and younger generations, official documents, websites, and public service communications are predominantly in German. Learning basic German is essential for shopping, banking, making appointments, and navigating everyday life.

Bureaucracy and Paperwork

German administrative processes are known for their formality. Expect multiple appointments, physical paperwork, and long wait times. Always bring multiple copies of your documents and arrive early for appointments. Apps like Nebenan.de, Mein Elster, and expat Facebook groups can help.

Finding an Apartment

Renting can be extremely competitive. Landlords often ask for:

• SCHUFA(credit report – not available until you open a bank account and have paid bills)
• Proof of income
• Bank statements
• References

Websites like ImmoScount24, WG-Gesucht, and Kleinanzeigen are commonly used, but scams exist—never pay before seeing a place.

Integration and Friendships

Germans are polite and respectful, but may appear reserved at first. Friendships are built slowly and often through hobbies, sports clubs (Vereine), or local classes. Joining a language course is not only practical but also a great way to meet people.

Adapting to Local Culture

Punctuality, direct communication, recycling, and rule-following are highly valued. Be mindful of quiet hours (especially Sundays), keep stairwells clean, and follow recycling guidelines strictly to avoid fines.

Winter Weather

Germany’s winters can be long, dark, and cold. Daylight hours are short, especially from November to February. Investing in a proper winter coat, boots, and indoor lighting (or a light therapy lamp) can make a big difference.

Why Choose OSS World Wide Movers When Moving From Australia To Germany?

OSS World Wide Movers is Australia’s trusted partner for seamless international relocations. With decades of experience moving individuals and families from Australia to Germany, we understand the paperwork, shipping logistics, and local nuances required to ensure a stress-free transition.

Our services include:

• Full-service packing, freight, and delivery
• Door-to-door shipping with customs clearance
• Shared or full-container shipping options
• Secure storage in Australia and Germany
• Expert advice on documentation and timelines

We operate across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, delivering premium international moving services tailored to your relocation needs.