Germany

Germany is the largest economy in the European Union and one of the world leaders in terms of living standards. Germany is a member of the G7, NATO, and the Schengen Area, and ranks highly in international rankings for the quality of its education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Life in Germany attracts Ukrainians with its stable economy, ample employment opportunities, and a well-developed social safety net.

In this article, we explain why Ukrainians choose Germany as a destination, the pros and cons of living there, the cost of supporting a family, the available pathways to emigration to Germany, and which cities migrants most often choose.

Why do Ukrainians choose to live in Germany?

The standard of living in Germany is one of the highest in Europe. According to Numbeo, the country ranks 8th in the world for quality of life, while Ukraine ranks only 68th. The average monthly salary is €4,323, which is many times higher than the Ukrainian figure. This difference is a compelling argument for those considering a move to Germany as a long-term step.

Germany is attractive to Ukrainians not only from a financial standpoint. The country provides a high level of social security—according to the Global Peace Index, Germany ranks 15th among 163 countries. Healthcare in Germany is recognized as one of the best in Europe: approximately 87% of the population is covered by mandatory health insurance, and clinics are equipped with modern medical equipment. The education system is also among the top ten most developed in the world, and education at public universities is accessible to foreigners as well.

In addition, the German government actively supports the integration of migrants: language and adaptation courses are available, and social services assist with finding housing and employment. German laws protect the rights of foreign workers on par with local citizens, and mandatory insurance provides coverage even in the event of an accident. The Ukrainian diaspora, which numbers nearly four million people, also helps newcomers adapt by providing informational and financial support.

Cons of living in Germany

Despite the many advantages, the downsides of living in Germany should also be considered in advance. One of the most common complaints is the complex and extensive tax system. The country has a progressive tax scale, where the maximum income tax rate reaches 45%, and the minimum is 14%. Additionally, contributions for health insurance (14.6%), pension coverage (18.7%), unemployment insurance (3%), and long-term care insurance (2.55%) are deducted from earnings. For migrants accustomed to lower deductions, this represents a significant blow to their budget.

A major problem is the long wait times to see specialists: sometimes you have to schedule an appointment 3–4 months in advance. A similar situation exists regarding spots in daycare centers and caregiver services for the elderly. Basic health insurance does not cover dental services—you’ll have to pay for those separately.

Everyday life also takes some getting used to. Public and rail transportation is significantly more expensive than driving your own car. Despite their excellent quality, highways are often disrupted by roadwork, requiring kilometer-long detours. Mobile service and internet connectivity are unreliable in some regions, and cashless payments are still not accepted everywhere. Changing careers in Germany is difficult: previous experience and achievements are often not recognized when switching to a new job, and you effectively have to rebuild your career from scratch. Leisure time on weekdays and weekends is low-key—wild parties aren’t the norm here, and Germans prefer to spend their free time with family or in hobby clubs.

Cost of living in Germany: housing, groceries, and transportation

The cost of living in Germany depends on the city and lifestyle, but overall, the country ranks 24th in the world by this metric—meaning it is more affordable than Switzerland, Norway, or Austria. On average, expenses per person amount to about 977 euros per month, excluding rent. A family of two will spend approximately 1,580 euros, and a family with a child—from 2,250 euros per month.

The largest expense is rent. A small apartment in a provincial town can cost as little as €300, while in major cities, rent for a three- or four-bedroom apartment ranges from €700 to €1,000. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment nationwide ranges from 700 to 925 euros, and a three-bedroom apartment from 1,300 to 1,720 euros. When moving in, it is customary to pay a security deposit equal to 1–2 months’ rent. Utilities cost approximately 4–5 euros per square meter, and in Berlin, gas, electricity, and waste disposal for a two-bedroom apartment will amount to about 200 euros.

Food in Germany is reasonably priced, especially at discount supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Penny). A basic basket of groceries (bread, milk, eggs, chicken, vegetables, and fruit) will cost significantly less than in many other Western European countries. Eating out at a café costs from 5 euros for breakfast to 20 euros for dinner, and at restaurants—from 8 to 28 euros, respectively.

Public transportation costs an average of 4 euros per trip within a single zone, but a monthly pass is a more economical option, with the price varying by city.

How to Move to Germany: Options for Long-Term Residence

Emigrating to Germany involves obtaining a visa, a residence permit, and, eventually, citizenship. The process begins by contacting the German diplomatic mission in your country of residence, where you must submit an application, your passport, photographs, proof of financial means, and an insurance policy. The consular fee is 75 euros for adults and 37.5 euros for children. After entering the country, you must contact the Foreigners’ Office to obtain a temporary residence permit, and after 5 years of legal residence, apply for permanent residence (PR) at a cost of approximately 150 euros. German citizenship is granted after 8 years of residence, provided you have B1-level language proficiency, pass the naturalization test, and have no criminal record.

Illegal residence in Germany carries serious consequences: deportation, a re-entry ban, and fines. Unauthorized border crossing is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years. Legal assistance with immigration to Germany will help you avoid mistakes and choose the best path to legalization. Next, we will examine the main grounds for long-term residence.

Employment in Germany

A residence permit on this basis is issued upon presentation of an employment contract with a local employer. For certain professions (doctors, teachers), an additional permit or license is required. Temporary residency is granted for up to 3 years with the possibility of extension for another 2 years. The minimum wage in Germany is set at €8.84 per hour, but professionals with experience and language skills earn significantly more: from €2,560 for retail workers to €7,210 for doctors.

Ukrainians without qualifications or language skills can expect jobs in logistics, manufacturing, or the service sector with salaries ranging from €1,800 to €2,200. To enter the skilled labor market, knowledge of German at least at the B1–B2 level is required, and for regulated professions, diploma recognition (the procedure takes about 3 months).

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a special permit for highly qualified professionals. To obtain it, you must confirm that you have the appropriate education and/or work experience in the relevant field. The document is issued for 4 years or for the duration of the employment contract. The advantage of this status is that you can apply for permanent residency after just 21 months of work, provided you have a sufficient level of German language proficiency.

An additional benefit is the ability to move to Germany with your family: family members of a Blue Card holder are entitled to relocate and find immediate employment without a separate work permit. This makes the program one of the most attractive options for qualified professionals from Ukraine.

Studying in Germany

A residence permit for the purpose of study is issued upon enrollment in an educational institution within Germany. The temporary permit is valid until the completion of studies and is initially issued for one year with the possibility of extension. Upon graduation, the student receives a short-term residence permit (for 18 months) to look for work, which must be replaced with a corresponding work permit once employment is secured.

Studying at public universities in Germany is mostly free of charge, which significantly reduces the financial burden on migrants. Applicants from Ukraine take entrance exams and obtain a student residence permit. This allows them not only to earn a European degree but also to remain in the country to build a career.

Doing Business in Germany

A residence permit for self-employed individuals is issued for up to 3 years provided there is a business project and confirmed financial resources. During the application review, the potential impact of the business on the German economy and the applicant’s prior achievements are taken into account. A permanent residence permit can be obtained after 3 years, provided the business is successfully operated with a sufficient level of income.

Similar conditions apply to freelancers. The German government supports entrepreneurship through tax holidays and loan programs. Starting your own business is one of the paths to emigration for those who have business experience and are ready to adapt it to the requirements of the German market.

Family Reunification in Germany

Family reunification remains one of the most common ways to move to Germany with your family legally. After moving and registering, invited relatives are granted the right to work. The validity period of the residence permit for family members of residents does not exceed the sponsor’s permit, while for relatives of German citizens it is up to 3 years, after which they may apply for permanent residence.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Germany

Ukrainian citizens who were residing in the country as of February 24, 2022, can receive temporary protection in Germany, and no visa is required for this. The procedure is quite simple: register at a reception center, obtain a certificate of arrival, and submit an application for protection status. Along with this status, the person receives a residence permit, the ability to work, study, and apply for social benefits, including housing assistance.

But there is a significant caveat. Temporary protection is exactly that—a temporary status that requires returning to Ukraine once martial law ends.

It is not yet possible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship based on this status. That is why many Ukrainians who see their future in Germany are trying to switch to a different basis for residence—through employment, enrollment in an educational institution, or starting a business.

The Most Popular Cities for Relocating to Germany

Choosing a city is no less important than choosing the basis for relocation. The job market, salary levels, and daily expenses vary significantly across different regions of Germany. The largest Ukrainian communities today have formed in Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, and Dresden. In terms of quality of life for foreigners, Munich and Düsseldorf stand out in particular—here, public transportation runs like clockwork, and the cultural scene is diverse.

That said, Munich, Hamburg, and Stuttgart are among the most expensive cities in the country. Berlin looks more affordable by comparison. And among cities with moderate living costs, migrants often choose:

• Cologne — a major cultural and economic hub where housing prices are lower than in the capital and job opportunities are plentiful;
• Leipzig — a city with low rent that is experiencing active economic growth;
• Dresden—a large Ukrainian community has already formed here, and the cost of living remains moderate;
• Aachen—a great option for students thanks to its university environment and affordable housing;
• Frankfurt am Main—the financial capital of Germany, where high salaries can offset higher living costs.

Emigrating to Germany requires time to prepare, but the legalization process is transparent, and the support system for migrants is one of the most developed in Europe. How to move to Germany with minimal risks depends primarily on the chosen basis for residency, language proficiency, and willingness to live by local rules.