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If you’re considering relocating across the world and settling in one of the cities in Germany, Munich will undoubtedly be on your shortlist. Obviously, you will ask yourself – is it worth moving to Munich from the US? The short answer would be – definitely, but we will explain in a bit more detail what makes it so extraordinary and a desirable location for expats.
Europe, and Germany in particular, have plenty to offer, so it would make sense to ask yourself – why is Munich a good place to live? Why should I choose it over, let’s say, Berlin? Although you won’t regret relocating to Berlin, choosing Germany’s so-called Secret Capital could be an even better option for an American relocating to Germany. So, what makes this city with 1.5 million residents so special? Keep reading to find out.
Munich, Germany, Is a Great Spot for Starting Your Life Anew After Moving Overseas
Although only the third-largest city in the country (after Berlin and Hamburg), the Secret Capital is considered to have the best quality of life in the whole country. It excels in all aspects, from well-organized public services to a quality educational system. And honestly, would you expect anything less from Germany? Trust us when we tell you that the stress of moving overseas is a small price to pay for living in such a jewel of a city.
Is It Easy to Live in Munich as an Expat Moving Internationally?
Many people wonder – is Munich a good place for expats? But that’s not something you should worry about. Living here will feel like you’ve never lived anywhere else – about a quarter of residents don’t have German citizenship, which means this is a very diverse place, and finding your expat community shouldn’t be a challenge. There are people from the UK, France, the United States, Eastern European countries, and many others. Even if you are relocating abroad alone, fitting in won’t take much time.
Should You Learn German, or Is English Enough to Get By After International Moving?
Is it enough to know only English? Well, you don’t necessarily need to speak German to live here. Still, people genuinely appreciate it if you put in the effort and try to communicate in their language, instead of just forcing English. So, if you want to adjust to a new country more quicker, we must say that breaking the language barrier is one of the ways to do so.
Of course, no one can blame you if you’re worried about learning another language – it seems hard at first, but with a few good tips for learning a new language and some classes, we’re sure you can become the master, and prove that learning a language abroad is possible to accomplish. Besides, you will quickly realize that German and English have plenty of similarities.
Visa and Other Documents Required for an American Moving to Munich With an International Moving Company
Before you start packing to move, you will have to figure out an important question – do you require a visa to reside here? As an American moving to Munich, there is a crucial document required for relocating abroad – you will need to obtain a long-term visa if you plan to stay here longer than 90 days – all non-EU and Swiss citizens require a residence permit. That will allow you to stay in Germany and travel to the countries around you.
You Will Need a Work Permit for Working and Living in Munich
If you are a highly-skilled professional in your field, and your reason for relocating is work, you can qualify for a Blue Card. Still, to get it, you also require a university degree, a competitive job offer with a salary that’s at least $52,000 for shortage occupations or $67,000 for non-shortage occupations.
What Is the Cost of Living Like in the Secret Capital?
Residing in this “cosmopolitan village” will ask of you to balance finances well. For those who are moving internationally, it might not be such a big problem, considering that Bavarian capital usually doesn’t make it in the top 50 of the most expensive expat destinations on the annual Mercer Cost of Living Study. Still, it’s one of the most expensive cities in the country, and it’s considered a pretty fancy destination – even more so than Berlin or Frankfurt.
Real Estate Market Is Competitive – You Might Need Time to Find the Best Accommodation for You and Your Family
One of the rare cons of relocating across the world and settling here is a challenging real estate market. Although the options are excellent, and there are many lovely houses in great neighborhoods, the fact is that the competition is strong. The population is constantly on the rise, and all of those new residents will be looking for a lovely home, just like you are.
The average rent has grown a bit in recent years as a response to high demand, so we hope you’re not relocating on a low budget and that you’ll be able to find a new home that has everything you need.
The Neighborhoods You Want to Live in
Although the city is considered the safest in the country, it has excellent and not-so-great areas, just like any other metropolis. It’s essential to do your research so you don’t end up in an undesirable neighborhood – do not let the relocation stress make you overlook that. So, where should you, as a future Münchner or Münchnerin, look for a home? We suggest checking out these neighborhoods:
- Lehel,
- Alt-Harlaching,
- Thalkirchen,
- Schwabing,
- Bogenhausen,
- Haidhausen,
- Maxvorstadt.
As an Economic Hub, the City Offers Excellent Job Opportunities
Bavaria’s capital is considered one of the country’s economic centers, so you can be sure that you won’t lack job opportunities. Did you know that many big companies are headquartered here? Some of them are BMW, Flixbus, Siemens, and Audi. Secret Capital is famous for its engineering scene – if you’re an engineer, you will thrive here in no time.
IT Industry Is Thriving in Germany’s Secret Capital
Are you a software developer? If the answer is yes, we suggest you start preparing your relocation checklist because you’ve found a destination perfect for your career. IT specialists will get to enjoy the best working conditions, possibly in the whole world. The most demanded programming languages are Python, PHP, and Java – if you specialize in one of these, don’t think twice. It’s time to move overseas and experience all the benefits of life in Europe as an American.
Getting Around Is Easy With Excellent Public Transportation
One of the many amenities you can expect here is excellent public transport. Everything is well-connected, and you won’t have any trouble getting to your destination. Choose your preferred way of transportation – you have trams, buses, trains, and metro at your disposal. Obviously, there is also a cab as an option, but the public transport is so good – we’re sure you will be satisfied with it (although you can also decide to ship your vehicle overseas).
Just remember to buy your monthly (or weekly, if you prefer it) IsarCard pass, and you’re all good to go. Additionally, know that bikes are very popular among the residents. So if you were wondering what to pack for relocating to this beautiful Bavarian corner of the world, be sure to add your bike to the packing list.
What to Expect From Healthcare
Healthcare is an important factor to consider when relocating to another country. By the law, expats are obligated to have health insurance like any other residents. You will have to show proof of insurance when you apply for a visa. The majority of people have state health insurance here (about 90%), which comes as no surprise when you know that the German healthcare system is one of the best in Europe (and yes, this could be a reason to move here from the U.S.).
However, you can choose to have private insurance if you earn more than 60,750 euros per year – if you earn less, you are obliged to stay on the state’s insurance plan. Either way, compared to American healthcare, this system is quite efficient – so efficient that it will make you want to find packing services today and start preparing for your efficient move.
Educational System Won’t Disappoint You, so Don’t Hesitate to Employ an Overseas Shipping Company
You’ve probably noticed the pattern by now – everything is well-organized in this country. This also stands true when it comes to the educational system. However, keep in mind that education is regulated on the state’s level, not the country’s. This means that there may be slight differences in the system between states – Germany is a federal country that consists of 16 states.
Bavaria can offer your child excellent education, and it’s only a matter of choosing between the public school system and a private one. Public schools are free of charge, and the prices at private ones can go anywhere from 100 to 1,000 euros per month. But the crucial thing to remember is that, in most schools, the language spoken in the classroom is German.
Oktoberfest Is Amazing, but That’s Not All You Get To Enjoy After Shipping Overseas
Of course, the first association to this part of Bavaria is Oktoberfest – great beer, pretzels, and awesome parties. And while this is honestly something you must experience at least once, that’s not all that’s interesting about Munich. Have you heard about the amazing weather the residents here get to enjoy? When we say amazing, we mean this – hot summers without annoying rain and snowy yet still sunny days in the winter. Some people have called this place the most Northern Italian city because the weather resembles Italy.
Culture, Food, and Various Activities – If You Live Here, Everything Is Available
Anyone will find something to love here. You will undoubtedly find activities for all moods and personalities, from exciting outdoor activities such as cycling trips or trekking in the nearby mountains to drinking and eating in one of the countless beer gardens around. If you love art, you will be glad to hear that you are about to move into one of the great cultural hubs of Europe.
To paint the picture, we will say this – there are more than 80 museums you can visit and many galleries, theaters, and gardens. There is also a great selection of bars and restaurants that offer many international cuisines.
After Moving Abroad, You’ll Have Easy Access to Beautiful Nature and Other Lovely European Countries
Believe it or not, you will be only a short train ride away from the Alps. It takes about an hour to get to the beautiful nature from the hustle and bustle of the center. Even if you aren’t in the mood for a short trip, no one says you can’t enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountains from a few viewpoints in the city. Additionally, one more fantastic benefit of life in this location is that some of the most beautiful European countries are easily accessible.
Once you settle in and get through the culture shock, we suggest organizing a weekend trip to Austria, Italy, Croatia, France, Hungary, Serbia, or the Czech Republic – why not see the beauty of Europe if you can? If you don’t have the whole weekend, maybe a day trip would be a better solution? If so, check out the video below for a few of the best one-day-trip destinations.
Relocating to Munich With an Overseas Moving Company Guarantees You an Excellent Quality of Life
After you’ve read everything above, you can undoubtedly agree – it makes perfect sense that so many people choose to relocate to the Bavarian capital every year. Everything here is high-quality, and that much is pretty obvious – the public system, architecture, climate, nature, job market, economy, and so much more. No chance choosing this spot as a destination for your international move will turn out to be a mistake. So, why waste even another second? Start preparing for moving abroad to Germany and your fresh start!
FAQ
Munich is known for being one of the more expensive cities in Germany. The cost of living in Munich is higher than the national average, with prices for accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment being particularly high. Rent prices in Munich are among the highest in the country, with the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being around €1,200-€1,500 per month. Groceries and dining out can also be pricey, with the average cost for a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around €15-€20.
Finding a place to live in Munich can be a challenge, as the city has a highly competitive rental market. One way to begin your search is to check online platforms like ImmobilienScout24 or WG-Gesucht, where you can browse available apartments or shared flats (WG) in different neighborhoods. It’s also a good idea to network and ask around among friends or colleagues who may have connections or leads on available housing. Another option is to work with a real estate agent who specializes in the Munich market, although this will typically come with additional fees.
One of the most popular areas is Schwabing, known for its trendy cafes, bars, and boutiques. Maxvorstadt is also popular, especially among students and young professionals, with its proximity to universities and cultural attractions like the Pinakothek art museums. The Glockenbachviertel neighborhood is known for its LGBTQ+ scene and trendy restaurants and bars. Other popular neighborhoods for expats include Haidhausen, Neuhausen, and Bogenhausen, which offer a mix of residential areas, green spaces, and cultural attractions.
The job market in Munich is generally strong and diverse, with opportunities across a range of industries. The city is home to many large and multinational companies, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, finance, and healthcare. Some of the major employers in Munich include BMW, Siemens, Allianz, and the University of Munich. The city also has a thriving startup scene, with a growing number of companies and investors attracted to the area. Fluency in German is often required for many job opportunities, although there are also some positions available in English.
Summers in Munich can be warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F). It’s a good idea to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat to protect from the sun. Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It’s important to have warm clothing, including a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. It’s also worth investing in waterproof and slip-resistant footwear to navigate icy sidewalks. In spring and autumn, temperatures can be mild but unpredictable, so it’s best to pack layers and have both warm and cool weather clothing on hand.
Getting around Munich without a car is relatively easy and convenient, thanks to the city’s extensive public transportation network. The Munich transport system includes buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (commuter rail) lines that cover the city and surrounding areas. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or on the MVV app, which offers various ticket options based on travel needs. It’s also worth considering a multi-day or weekly pass for unlimited travel.
The public transportation system in Munich is efficient, reliable, and extensive, making it easy to navigate the city and surrounding areas. The system includes buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (commuter rail) lines, all of which are operated by the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV). Fares are based on zones, and tickets can be purchased at vending machines or on the MVV app. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn run frequently throughout the day and night, with trains arriving every few minutes during peak hours.
For traditional Bavarian cuisine, Hofbräuhaus is a must-visit, offering classic dishes like roasted pork knuckle and sausages alongside their famous beer. For a more modern take on German cuisine, try Atelier or Tantris, both of which have earned Michelin stars for their inventive menus. Munich also has a thriving international food scene, with options ranging from Korean BBQ at Yoso to Mexican street food at Gratitude. When it comes to bars, the city has plenty of options, from cozy pubs like Kloster Andechs and Kennedy’s to upscale cocktail bars like Schumann’s and Bar Gabányi.
One of the top attractions is Marienplatz, the city’s central square, which is home to the famous Glockenspiel clock tower and surrounded by historic buildings like the New Town Hall and St. Peter’s Church. The Munich Residenz, a former royal palace, is another popular attraction, featuring opulent interiors and a sprawling garden. The Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world, is a beautiful place to explore and relax. The city also has several world-class museums, including the Pinakothek art museums and the Deutsches Museum of science and technology.
The city is particularly known for its beer gardens, which are a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Some of the best beer gardens include Augustiner Keller, Hofbräuhaus, and Paulaner am Nockherberg. For clubbing, some of the most popular spots include Pacha Munich, Blitz Club, and Harry Klein. Live music venues like Olympiahalle and Muffathalle host concerts and shows throughout the year, while theaters like the Bayerisches Staatsschauspiel and Nationaltheater offer opera, ballet, and dramatic performances.
The Englischer Garten is a large park in the heart of the city, perfect for picnics, bike rides, and walks. The Isar River is also a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Hiking and mountain biking opportunities abound in the nearby Alps, with destinations like the Zugspitze, Karwendel, and Berchtesgaden National Park within easy reach. During the winter months, skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports can be enjoyed at nearby resorts like Garmisch-Partenkirchen and St. Anton. Additionally, nearby lakes like Lake Starnberg and Tegernsee offer scenic boat tours, swimming, and watersports.
Germans value punctuality and efficiency, so it’s important to be on time for appointments and meetings. Directness is also valued, so don’t be surprised if Germans are more blunt or straightforward in their communication than you may be used to. When it comes to socializing, Germans may take a bit of time to warm up to new acquaintances, but once they do, friendships tend to be strong and long-lasting. Finally, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with German customs and traditions, particularly those related to food and drink. For example, it’s considered impolite to start eating before everyone has been served, and beer is often served in large, shared glasses called Maßkrug.
In terms of international schools, some of the top options include the Munich International School, the Bavarian International School, and the St. George’s School Munich. These schools offer a range of international curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. For German-language education, some of the top public schools in Munich include the Maximiliansgymnasium, the Luitpold-Gymnasium, and the Maria-Theresia-Gymnasium, all of which consistently rank highly in academic performance.
The city is home to several world-class art museums, including the Pinakothek der Moderne, the Museum Brandhorst, and the Alte Pinakothek, which house collections spanning from classical to contemporary art. Munich is also known for its vibrant theater scene, with venues like the Bayerisches Staatsschauspiel and the Nationaltheater hosting opera, ballet, and dramatic performances. The city hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the famous Oktoberfest, the Tollwood Festival, and the Munich Film Festival.
Moving to a new city can be lonely at first, but there are several ways to meet new people and make friends in Munich. One option is to join clubs or groups based on your interests, such as sports teams, language exchange groups, or cultural clubs. Meetup.com and InterNations are great platforms to find such groups. Taking classes or courses, such as language classes or cooking classes, can also be a great way to meet new people. Socializing at work or school is another option, as colleagues and classmates can become potential friends.
