Yes or pass? Pros and cons of moving to Germany | Spoko Blog

Living in the era of open borders and information about any foreign country makes us want to shift the pattern of living in the same place forever. People tend to think more about changing the picture outside the window, trying new roles, and getting the unique experience of living abroad.

But is the grass really greener there? Today we’ll try to sort out the pros and cons of moving to one of the most secure European countries – to Germany.

Staying here has a list of significant advantages, that can majorly improve your everyday life and career.

1) High standards of life.

Germany looks after its citizens. It is a country of high salaries and a developed economy where you are sure of what tomorrow will bring and not scared to get a bank loan.

2) Everyday comfort.

Transport, that works with precision of a Swiss watch, various kids’ playgrounds, well-tended streets, and disability-friendly infrastructure (special elevators and ramps) – they all make your everyday life a bit more comfortable.

3) Social benefits.

German people aren’t scared of tough life situations, temporary job loss, or financial difficulties. The government uses a special system of subsidies and allowances to support citizens and emigrants in trouble.

4) Perfect system of pre-school, high school, and university education.

German schools and unis are fairly considered to be one of the best in the world. Moreover, education here is absolutely free (not only for the German citizens but sometimes for foreign ones as well). Furthermore, according to the immigration laws, foreign students can apply for official employment in Germany after they’ve graduated from local universities.

5) Wonderful geographic location.

Just a couple of hours in a train or a car – and you walk around the Prague, Amsterdam, or Vienna streets. You won’t even need to change the currency or endure long and complicated customs checks – everything will happen quickly and conveniently.

6) Healthcare and medical care.

All German citizens have mandatory health insurance. It might cost you around 200-300 euros a month, but instead, it will grant you free and qualified support even in the most serious and difficult situations.

Now moving on to the disadvantages of living in Germany.

Even though 90% of the population speaks English on a decent level, any everyday issue might be settled faster and easier, if you speak German.

2) Bureaucracy and formality.

Germans are extremely law-abiding, they like order and strict rules. But sometimes it reaches the absurd point of spending months trying to get another random certificate via the governmental institution.

3) Low quality of household services on high prices.

It’s really difficult to get a high-quality household service on a reasonable price here. And it doesn’t make any difference if you want your hair trimmed or your toilet fixed. Besides the longest waiting list, you will need to pay an absolute “fortune” for those.

4) Treating strangers.

Some German cities, like Frankfurt or Berlin, are more cosmopolitan – you will feel welcomed, surrounded by a lot of foreigners. On the contrary, Hamburg or Nuremberg will not give you the same feeling, as local people tend to treat strangers in a rather hostile way.

5) Complicated taxes.

Germany has high tax rates. You might want to consider it when accepting a job offer in a local company and evaluating future income. Also, take into account the fact that those rates vary depending on the actual region in Germany.

One of the greatest perks of moving to Germany is experiencing new emotions, meeting new people, and seeing new places. And the minuses could be easily proven wrong.