Preparing for entry to Germany requires not only organizational planning, but also a realistic assessment of the costs involved. Expenses for visas, documents, and travel preparations arise already in the home country and can quickly add up. This article provides a clear overview of all important cost points from travel preparation in the home country to arrival in Germany.
Consideration of individual circumstances
Before planning to immigrate, one’s own financial situation should be assessed realistically. Fundamentally, moving to Germany is worthwhile in the long term for international healthcare professionals, as salaries in German healthcare are comparatively high, cost of living can generally be covered by income, and immigration costs balance out within a reasonable timeframe.
Costs before entry
Language acquisition and language examination
For entry and subsequent qualification and a professional recognition, German language skills at least at B1 level are generally required. The language can be learned through private or group lessons as well as independently. Costs can be significantly reduced through independent learning or online formats. Taking a certified language examination is required. This can be taken at the following providers: Goethe-Institut, telc GmbH, Austrian Language Diploma (ÖSD), TestDaF-Institut, or ECL examination centers. The fees currently range between 150 and 200 euros but can vary and be higher depending on the examination center and country.
Translations and certifications of documents
Additionally, costs arise for obtaining, certifying, and translating documents required for entry and recognition. This includes, for example, university certificates and birth certificates. These documents must be translated for a fee by sworn translator and certified according to the requirements of the responsible licensing authority – such as through an apostille stamp of by the German mission abroad in the respective country, if available.
Visa and embassy costs
When applying for a visa at the German embassy, an interview is conducted and application fees apply. Depending on the visa type, application costs vary and currently range between 75 and 90 euros. If the applicant must travel to a neighboring country because there is no German embassy in the home country, additional costs for flights and accommodation arise.
Furthermore, the German embassy generally requires proof of registration for qualification measures in the visa procedure for language course and recognition visas. This incurs the registration fees of the respective institution. Additionally, proof of sufficient financial means for the entire duration of stay is required as part of the visa application. This proof is generally provided through a blocked account or a declaration of commitment from a person residing in Germany. Further information on the different visa types and their respective costs is explained concisely here.
During entry
After clarifying all formalities, the actual travel costs arise first. These include, among other things, flight costs as well as additional local transport costs. Depending on arrival location and accommodation, additional costs for taxi, Uber, or travel by bus and public transport from the airport to the accommodation can arise. These costs should be factored into travel planning to avoid financial difficulties on-site.
After entry
Blocked account and ongoing payments
Ongoing costs after entry can be covered through the previously established blocked account, provided this was required as part of the visa procedure. Detailed information on opening a blocked account can be found here.
Accommodation and cost of living
As soon as one arrives in Germany, costs for accommodation arise. If no apartment is available yet, hotels and temporary accommodation must be paid for. Otherwise rental costs apply. Furthermore, general living costs such as groceries, mobile phone contracts, and other personal expenses should be planned for. More detailed information on cost of living can be found here.
Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany for everyone who has their residence in Germany, is working here, or staying in the country for longer than three months. Those immigrating to Germany must take out private insurance. Insurance costs can vary greatly. All information on health insurance can be found here.
It is recommended to take out liability insurance after arriving in Germany, as this can be very important in everyday life. The costs for this are low and amount to 5 – 10 euros monthly.
Course and continuing education costs
If no course has been booked or paid for in advance, additional costs for language courses or continuing education can arise after entry.
