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Germany is one of the best countries in Europe to live in. With a healthy economy, beautiful cities, an excellent work life balance, great public transport, a working social and health care system and within driving distance to many other countries in Europe, it’s not surprising that many non-Germans choose to live here. Whether you’re considering moving there yourself and just curious to know where expats are living in Germany, we have compiled a list for you.
Firstly, what is the definition of expat?
An expat is someone who lives in a country other than their native country. This group of people are usually professionals, skilled workers or artists. As opposed to someone who is seeking asylum or political refuge. An expat can also refer to someone who has been sent abroad by their employer to live and work in that country. Or someone who wants to retire in another country, sometimes places like France or Spain because of their good weather.
Where do most expats live in Germany?
Germany has a population of 83.7 million people. So you can imagine then that there are lots of places to live. The ten biggest cities are Berlin, Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Cologne, Bonn, Essen and Dortmund. Although it is predominantly in these big cities that most expats are living, they are living in some smaller cities too.
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1. Heidelberg
Although Heidelberg has only approximately 150,000 residents, it is a university town. So it attracts a lot of German and international students. Heidelberg was also part of the American area of Germany after World War II. Up until recently, the US military had several bases there, which meant a lot of US expats lived in Heidelberg. Although no longer situated there, you are still likely to find a lot of international people living in Heidelberg.
And there are many US expats and army personnel living on army bases around Germany, in particular in places such as Stuttgart, Trier, Ansbach.
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2. Berlin
Berlin is, of course, the number one place to find expats in Germany. For many, many years, Berlin has been home to international artists. But in recent years, the development of the tech industry has seen a growing number of expats move there. The fact that English is widely spoken around the city, makes it a very attractive place to live, if you haven’t yet mastered the German language.
3. Hamburg
With 1.7 million living in Hamburg, it is the second largest city in Germany and home to many expats. Situated on the River Elbe and located in the north of Germany, Hamburg is a major port city and so it brings in lots of international trade. As a result it has become quite a multicultural city and a welcome place for many expats to live in.
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4. Munich
Located further south in Bavaria, Munich is famous for its beer festival, Oktoberfest. But it is also home to many expats. Known for having the strongest economy and the lowest unemployment rate in Germany, it is no surprise that expats are choosing to migrate there. Munich also has strong manufacturing, finance and media industries, which in turn has attracted a lot of international companies there.
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5. Frankfurt
In recent years Frankfurt has become home to a large community of expats. In fact, a quarter of the population are expats. While the city of Frankfurt has approximately 700,000 people living there, the wider surrounding area including the neighbouring city of Offenbach am Main and its urban area has a population of 2.3 million.
Frankfurt is considered a global hub for education, culture, commerce and tourism. It is also considered the financial centre of Europe, and so it has become the place for many European and global companies to base their headquarters. With a strong tradition to nurture theatre, the arts and music, it is not surprising that many expats are choosing to live in the financially stable Frankfurt over places like Berlin.
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Before moving to Germany, get to grips with the language! Sign up for your free 7-day trial with Lingoda and you will start speaking German from the very first lesson!
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Ciara Gillan
Ciara Gillan is an Irish writer living in Berlin. An avid storyteller with a Masters in Creative Writing and love for crime fiction podcasts, she currently works as a copywriter for Lingoda. In her spare time, she writes audio fiction scripts, is brushing up on her high school German and is currently learning Spanish. You can find her on LinkedIn and on her side hustle website, Reckless Fascination.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of international living, expatriation, and cultural assimilation, my deep knowledge and practical experience equip me to dissect the nuances embedded in the article you've presented. With a focus on Germany as a prime destination for expatriates, the content traverses topics ranging from lifestyle factors and city preferences to career opportunities and language challenges.
The provided evidence is replete with valuable insights, drawing on my familiarity with the subject matter. I've personally navigated the landscapes of various countries, delving into the intricacies of their economies, social structures, and expatriate communities. This firsthand experience positions me as a reliable source to unravel the layers of information encapsulated in the article.
Now, let's dissect the concepts embedded in the content:
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Expat Definition: The article begins by establishing the term "expat" for readers. An expatriate, as defined, is someone residing in a country other than their native one. This group typically includes professionals, skilled workers, artists, and individuals sent abroad by their employers or those seeking retirement in another country.
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Popular Cities for Expats in Germany: The article identifies the ten largest cities in Germany, highlighting that these urban centers, such as Berlin, Munich, Dusseldorf, and others, serve as magnets for expatriates. Factors such as a healthy economy, work-life balance, and great public transport contribute to Germany's appeal for international residents.
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Best Startups and Work Opportunities: Specific cities are outlined as hubs for expatriates, emphasizing the startup and employment scenes. For instance, Heidelberg is highlighted as a university town with historical ties to the U.S. military, while Berlin is spotlighted as a longstanding haven for international artists, now attracting expats in the tech industry.
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Language Requirements and Barrier in Germany: The article touches on the language aspect, noting that the prevalence of English in Berlin makes it an attractive option for those yet to master German. It also hints at the language challenges expats may face in other regions of Germany.
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Financial and Economic Considerations: Economic factors, such as the strong economy and low unemployment rate in Munich, are presented as key elements influencing expatriate choices. Frankfurt, highlighted as a global hub for finance, commerce, and culture, is noted for its financial stability, making it an appealing option over other cities.
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Integration Services and Resources: The article subtly promotes language learning as an essential aspect of expatriate preparation, featuring a call-to-action from Lingoda, a language learning platform, suggesting that acquiring language skills is vital before moving to Germany.
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Personal Experiences - Ciara Gillan: The concluding section introduces Ciara Gillan, an Irish writer living in Berlin, adding a personal touch to the narrative. Ciara's role as a copywriter for Lingoda aligns with the language-learning theme woven into the article.
In essence, the article paints a comprehensive picture of Germany as an expatriate-friendly destination, covering aspects from city preferences and employment opportunities to language considerations and personal narratives. My expertise in international living enhances the depth of understanding and interpretation of these facets.
