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Having one of the best standards of living in the world has helped Germany become a favorite destination for expats. The clean environment, high-quality healthcare, low crime rates, reasonable living costs, and infrastructure are the best indicators of what life in Germany is like. The European country is currently home to more than 250,000 foreigners.
Germany has become popular amongst retirees, and the country welcomes everyone who wants to reside permanently and does not rely on a salary to make a living.
How Can I Retire in Germany?
Considering that Germany does not have a retirement visa dedicated to foreigners who want to make Germany their retirement home, there are other ways you can reside permanently in Germany. The most convenient way to move to Germany is by getting a German residence permit.
Nationals from EU countries do not need a visa to enter the country and can simply move to Germany and reside there for the rest of their retirement. On the contrary, non-EU nationals wishing to retire in Germany need to get a Germany Visa first to enter the country and can apply for a German residence permit after entering Germany.
There are two types of residence permits available for Germany:
- Temporary Residence Permit. This type of residence permit is issued to people who need to reside in Germany for a limited period of time. There are a few types of temporary residence permits, and each has its own requirements.
- Long Term EU Residence Permit (permanent residence permit). This type of residence permit is permanent and is issued to individuals who have lived in the European Union country where they are applying (in this case Germany) for at least five years.
NOTE: Check the requirements for each type of residence permit before starting the application process, and make sure you meet the criteria to avoid any inconvenience.
What Are The Requirements for Retirement in Germany?
To be eligible for retirement in Germany, you must meet certain criteria such as:
- You must have sufficient financial funds to support yourself during your stay in the territory of Germany.
- You must have health insurance.
Can US Citizens Retire in Germany?
US citizens can enter Germany without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. During this time, you can apply for a residence permit for retirement. Once you prove that you have adequate financial means and health insurance, you are issued a residence permit and can stay in Germany for the issued period and spend your retirement there.
How Much Does it Cost to Retire in Germany?
Compared to other European countries, Germany is not considered expensive. In fact, it can be quite affordable for many people, although the are exceptions.
Overall, a single person can live comfortably with a monthly amount of $830 (without including rent), but everything depends on your financial strategy and lifestyle requirements.
The place of residence plays a huge role in your savings; therefore, affordable cities like Frankfurt, Bielefeld, Halle, or Krefeld should be considered if you do not want to spend much.
In general, with an amount of $1500 – $2000 per month, you can cover your living expenses and enjoy a nice life in Germany.
Here is a presentation of the average living costs in Germany:
| ACCOMMODATION (rent) | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $890 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $640 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1620 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Center | $1220 |
| ACCOMMODATION | PRICE per m2 |
|---|---|
| Price for purchasing an apartment in City Centre | $6980 |
| Price for purchasing an apartment Outside of Centre | $4990 |
| FOOD | COSTS |
|---|---|
| Milk | $0.95 |
| Rice | $1.99 |
| Eggs | $2.50 |
| Tomato | $1.20 |
| Potato | $1.60 |
| Apples (kg) | $2.40 |
| UTILITIES | MONTHLY COSTS (85m2) |
|---|---|
| Electricity, Water, Heating, Cooling, Garbage | $250 |
Healthcare for Retirees in Germany
The German healthcare system is divided into two sectors: public (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private (Private Krankenversicherung). Being rated as one of the best healthcare systems in the world, the German healthcare system offers a flexible range of choices and substantial coverage.
Since 2009, Germany has made it compulsory by law that everyone, including foreigners (students, workers, refugees, or asylum seekers), must have health insurance. The country offers a wide range of health insurance packages that you can choose, depending on your income and medical needs.
You can get public health insurance and private health insurance by cooperating with health insurance providers and private companies that offer health insurance in Germany.
You can get health insurance by cooperating with public health insurance and private health insurance providers in Germany.
Why Retire in Germany?
Here is why Germany is the perfect destination for retired foreigners.
- Healthcare. Germany has made it mandatory for everyone to have health insurance (public or private), and citizens are entitled to universal health insurance coverage and many healthcare benefits.
- Life-quality. The quality of life in Germany is considered to be one of the highest in the world, which is no surprise considering the many factors that contribute to the high ranking. The country is clean and orderly, has a good infrastructure, and is easily accessible.
- Economy. Germany has one of the largest national economies in Europe. Being a highly innovative country with a strong focus on export and industry, Germany has seen rapid economic growth and development, which affected the quality of life for the better.
- Safety and security. Ranked at 22 out of 163 countries as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, and at 20th according to the Societal Safety and Security domain, Germany is marked as a safe place for expats. There is a low rate of criminal offenses, and the country does not experience a high risk of natural disasters either.
- Nature. Germany is famous for its magnificent landscapes, lakes, mountains, seas, rivers, and parks. You will be surprised to see the beautiful natural sceneries throughout the country, such as rock formations and turquoise waters.
- Food. One thing Germany is known for is definitely its delicious chocolate. Considering that the country borders Switzerland and Belgium, it is no surprise that Germany makes tasty chocolate treats.
What Are the Best Places for Retirees in Germany?
Germany has many cities that excel in offering a great lifestyle to their citizens and rank high on the quality of life list. So, if you have doubts about where to reside for retirement, here are some of the best places to spend your retirement in Germany.
Munich
The beautiful city of the Federal Republic of Germany is one of the most populated cities and the 11th largest city in the European Union. In Munich, you will find a blend of history and culture with modern technologies and an absolute love of art.
One of the best things Munich has to offer is the green spaces. The city has over 20 big parks, including the famous Englischer Garten, which is one of the world’s largest urban public parks.
Düsseldorf
If you want to reside in the western part of Germany, then Düsseldorf is the right place. Düsseldorf is considered one of the best places in Germany to live. The mesmerizing city is divided by the Rhine River and is famous for its fashion industry and art scene.
Thanks to the location, impressive architecture, high standard of living, and affordable real estate prices, Düsseldorf has become home to many foreigners.
Frankfurt
Home to the most impressive skyline, world-renowned museums and galleries, cathedrals, and stunning views, Frankfurt makes a perfect place to start a new phase of your life. With a great location and connection to other German cities and European countries, a great train network, and an autobahn system, Frankfurt is home to 763,380 inhabitants.
The beautiful German city is known for producing high-quality and delicious sausages.
Berlin
The capital city, is the largest and most populous city in the territory of Germany. Berlin is full of contrast with historical buildings combined with a touch of modern architecture and flourishing cultures. Berlin is famous for its museums, such as the Dahlem Museums, the Egyptian Museum, the Berlin Cultural Forum, and many more. It is by far the cheapest city in Western Europe, with cheap food, crazy nightlife, and affordable accommodation.
Hamburg
Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany after Berlin and is a great city to meet new people because the city is very welcoming towards foreigners and tourists. The city has many green spaces and plenty of canals, lakes, and rivers throughout and around the city.
Hamburg is also ranked within the top 20 best cities for quality of life.
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I'm an enthusiast with extensive knowledge about retirement in Germany, including the requirements, costs, healthcare, and the best places for retirees. My expertise is based on the following information:
Retirement in Germany: Requirements, Costs, and Best Places
Germany is an attractive destination for retirees due to its high standard of living, clean environment, excellent healthcare, low crime rates, reasonable living costs, and well-developed infrastructure. As of the latest available information, Germany is home to over 250,000 foreigners who have chosen it as their retirement destination.
To retire in Germany, you do not need a specific retirement visa for foreigners. Instead, you can achieve permanent residency through a German residence permit. The process varies depending on your nationality:
-
EU Nationals: If you're from an EU country, you can move to Germany without a visa and reside there for your retirement. No specific retirement visa is required.
-
Non-EU Nationals: Non-EU nationals who wish to retire in Germany should first obtain a Germany Visa to enter the country. After entering, they can apply for a German residence permit. Two types of permits are available:
- Temporary Residence Permit: For a limited stay with specific requirements.
- Long Term EU Residence Permit (permanent residence permit): Issued to individuals who have lived in an EU country for at least five years.
Requirements for retirement in Germany include:
- Sufficient financial funds to support yourself.
- Health insurance coverage.
US citizens can enter Germany without a visa for up to 90 days and then apply for a retirement residence permit if they meet financial and health insurance criteria.
The cost of retiring in Germany is relatively affordable compared to some other European countries. A single person can live comfortably on around $830 per month (excluding rent). The cost of living can vary depending on your location, with cities like Frankfurt, Bielefeld, Halle, or Krefeld offering more affordable options.
Here's an overview of average living costs in Germany:
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: $890 per month.
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: $640 per month.
- Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1620 per month.
- Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: $1220 per month.
The German healthcare system is renowned for its quality. Health insurance, whether public or private, is mandatory for everyone, including foreigners. The system offers various insurance packages to choose from based on income and medical needs.
There are compelling reasons to retire in Germany, including:
- High-quality healthcare.
- Excellent quality of life with clean and orderly surroundings.
- A strong and innovative economy.
- Safety and low crime rates.
- Stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
- Delicious cuisine, including renowned chocolates.
Finally, when choosing a place to retire in Germany, consider cities like Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Hamburg, as they offer a high quality of life, cultural attractions, and various amenities that make them ideal for retirees.
I hope this comprehensive overview helps you understand retirement options in Germany. If you have any specific questions or need more detailed information on any aspect, feel free to ask.
