Comprehensive Guide: Living in Munich as an Expat

Thinking about living in Munich as an expat? With our tips and tricks, you'll be well prepared for your new life in the Bavarian capital.

Table of contents

About Munich
How to find & register an apartment
Opening a bank account
Making friends
Paying & tipping
Learning German
Money saving tips
TL;DR | FAQ

About Munich

Munich is one of the economic powerhouses of Europe and has a strong international community. Around 30% of Munich's 1.6 million inhabitants come from abroad. However, it is not only the good job opportunities that make the Bavarian capital so attractive for expats. Places like the English Garden, the Olympic Park, the cozy beer gardens in the heart of the city and the numerous cultural offerings make for an excellent work-life balance. At the same time, Munich is the safest city above 100.000 inhabitants in Germany - 2023 for the 48th time in a row. Real no-go areas do not exist.

All this and more makes Munich one of the most liveable places for expatriates worldwide. This, at least, is the conclusion of a study conducted by management consultancy Mercer in 2023, which assessed the quality of life of expats based on 39 factors in 241 major cities around the world. The result: Munich ended up in seventh place.

Munich's strong appeal to people from all over the world also has its disadvantages, however. These include, in particular, the tight housing market and the high price level.

How to find & register an apartment

Finding a suitable apartment in Munich often requires patience, perseverance, frustration tolerance and the necessary budget. The Bavarian capital may not be as expensive as New York or London, but it is still by far the most expensive place to live in Germany! According to a study conducted by “Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft” in 2023, housing costs in Munich are 80% higher than the German average.

It is possible to save a little in the suburbs, where housing costs are “only” 50% above the national average. Things get even more affordable in the northern district of Freising, for example, at +20%.

Temporary accommodation

Since private landlords in particular as well as members of shared apartments usually insist on an inspection in person, it is advisable to wait until arrival before looking for a long-term accommodation. This way you don't have to incur too much risk and make too much of a commitment. The decisive factor is that you already have a safe place to stay when you arrive and can then make flexible appointments to view other properties at your leisure.

Boarding houses, (apartment) hotels or furnished apartments with fixed-term rental contracts are suitable as temporary accommodation for the first few months. Platforms such as Apartmentservice, myroom24 or Mr. Lodge can facilitate the search.

Tip! Online platforms often charge very high commissions, so direct bookings are usually cheaper. Furthermore, many accommodations, such as boarding houses, are not listed on these platforms. A brief internet search might be rewarded with better prices.

Note: In the UK, the term boarding house is often associated with low-cost student accommodation. In Germany, however, boarding houses cater to a broader clientele. The offer ranges from spartan rooms with shared kitchen to high-quality apartments for business travelers.

e.g. Boardinghaus Eching (rental period > 1 month)

Boardinghaus Eching - Serviced Apartment 3 - Cover — Boardinghaus Eching – Apartment 3

Long-term accommodation

Temporary, furnished accommodation is not directly tied to the official rent index (Mietspiegel). This is why prices are significantly higher compared to open-ended, unfurnished rentals. For long-term stays in particular, it is therefore advisable to look for a regular (open-ended, unfurnished) tenancy or a room in a shared apartment ("Wohngemeinschaft") as soon as possible.

According to the rent index, the average monthly rent for a conventional 30 m² rental apartment in Munich is currently (2024) around €28/m², however, this is heavily dependent on the respective borough and neighborhood. Generally speaking, the more central, the more expensive.

Where to live in Munich: Find your ideal borough!

There are a number of much-used online search portals where you can both search for apartment listings and post a search ad yourself. Here you can search according to personal preference and budget and contact the landlords or brokers of the apartments directly.

As is so often the case, first impressions count. Housing providers are very keen on finding the right tenant for their property. This applies in particular with regard to your personal and financial situation. In your response to an advertisement, assure the landlord that you will treat the apartment with care and will pay your rent reliably. Also explain your professional situation. A proof of income or employment attached to your application can also do no harm.

As already mentioned, the search is very difficult; it is not uncommon for 100 applicants to apply for a publicly advertised apartment! What's more, many apartments that become available are passed on under the table and don't even find their way onto public housing portals. As everywhere else in the world, contacts are invaluable when looking for an apartment. Also take advantage of the opportunities offered by social media. For example, there are several groups on Facebook where current tenants are looking for a successor.

If you are still having difficulty finding accommodation or have very specific ideas about your future home, it may be a good idea to hire a real estate agent to help you find accommodation. If he or she is successful, an agency fee (broker's commission) will be payable.

Important terms when looking for accommodation

SCHUFA credit score

Landlords often ask for a so-called SCHUFA credit report, which confirms a person's financial reliability and solvency. However, this report is not available for foreigners who have not yet lived in Germany. But there are other ways of proving your solvency. For example, you could bring a letter of reference from your foreign bank. Another option is to voluntarily offer a guarantee from a friend or relative. A letter of recommendation from your employer could also be helpful.

Kalt- vs Warmmiete

It is important to understand the difference between the terms "Warmmiete" and "Kaltmiete" to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Kaltmiete refers to the part of the rent that is only due for the use of the living space. Unlike Warmmiete, it does not include operating costs such as heating or hot water. In most cases, the tenant pays the estimated operating costs each month in addition to the Kaltmiete and receives a detailed annual statement from the landlord at year-end. In case of elevated consumption, an additional payment may be due, whilst a refund for economical use of water and heating is also conceivable.

Security deposit

As a rule, a deposit must be paid to the landlord in advance, which usually amounts to 3 net rents. The deposit serves as security for the landlord in the event that the rent is not paid or damage is caused to the apartment by the tenant. At the end of the tenancy, the entire deposit plus interest will be returned to the tenant, if the rent has been paid in full and there are no damages or other claims. If rent is owed or there is damage, the landlord may withhold part or all of the security deposit temporarily or permanently.
Be careful: If you are booking or renting accommodation directly from abroad, only transfer a deposit in advance if you can be sure that the apartment exists and that the provider is reputable! Please be especially careful when you are asked to transfer money abroad (IBAN not starting with DE)! It may be a case of fraud.

Residence registration

If you plan to stay in a new accommodation for more than 3 months, registration is mandatory within 14 days of moving in. In Munich (city), registration is possible in one of currently 6 citizens' offices (Bürgerbüros), where an appointment is generally needed first. The registration process may differ slightly in the suburbs. Information can usually be found on the website of the respective city or municipality.

To register a residence, you will require a filled in and signed registration form (available online or at the citizens' office), your identity card and/or passport (for identification as well as to change your address), if available your eID card (to change your address on the chip) and a confirmation of residence (“Wohnungsgeberbestätigung”) which you will receive from your landlord.

After successful registration you will receive an official registration confirmation. Keep it stored in a safe place, as you will need it for health insurance, residence permits and much more. If you have never been registered in Germany before, you will also automatically receive a letter from the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) with your personal tax identification number. This number is required by your employer in order to be able to deduct income tax.

Important to know in connection with registering a residence is, that every household in Germany must pay broadcasting license fees (Rundfunkgebühren) - even if there are no radios, televisions or mobile devices. If you live in a shared apartment, you can share these fees with your roommates, as the costs are only charged once for the entire household and not per person. After registering a residence, the “ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice” (hard to believe, but yes, that's the real name) is automatically informed. They will subsequently send you a letter asking you to register your new home. It is therefore not strictly necessary to take action yourself immediately after registering a residence. Also, check whether you can apply for an exemption or reduction due to social or health reasons!

If you are leaving Germany for good, you must deregister your residence. If you are registered in Munich, simply fill out the deregistration form and book an appointment as you did when you registered your apartment.

Deregistration is possible no more than one week before moving out.

Opening a bank account

After arriving in Germany, it usually makes sense to open a German bank account, as most payments are made electronically - rent, electricity, internet, salary. In theory, an account with any European bank should be sufficient. However, to avoid any problems with payments, it is recommended that the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) of your account starts with DE. If you do not have a bank account with an IBAN, it is essential that you open one as soon as possible, as an IBAN is mandatory for all domestic and international transfers in Germany.

You have the choice between a classic account at a branch bank with various account models or at one of the many online banks. Nowadays, many people no longer need the onsite service of branch banks and opt for an online bank so that they can carry out their financial transactions quickly and flexibly, especially while on the go via App.

To open a bank account, you usually need the following documents: valid passport, residence permit, registration certificate. If you encounter problems with branch banks, you can opt for online banks, which sometimes have less stringent requirements. It may also be possible to open an account from abroad with these banks. Examples include the expat-friendly online banks N26 or bunc.

Making friends

Now that the first hurdles have been overcome, it's time to “arrive” in Munich, integrate, get to know the local habits and traditions and enjoy life.

Making friends quickly in a new country is always a great enrichment. Not only is it fun to meet people from all over the world in your free time, but it also allows for an exchange of experiences that can make everyday life in Munich easier. Fortunately, Munich has been a popular destination for people from all over the world for decades, so it shouldn't be a big problem to make friends and exchange ideas with other expats.

One of Munich's largest expat communities are the "Munich Expats", who organize regular meetings and whose Facebook group alone has over 55,000 members. You can also get in touch with other expats on platforms such as Meetup or Reddit, where you can ask questions or arrange meetings in your free time to explore Munich together.

Many expats initially struggle to get in touch with locals. Munich residents tend to be somewhat reserved, sometimes appear distant and already have established social circles. Language barriers and cultural differences make things even more difficult. A good way to socialize with locals is to visit events such as the Oktoberfest, spend relaxed afternoons in the beer garden or attend after-work events with colleagues. These create a relaxed atmosphere in which conversations can develop more easily. In addition, countless sports clubs or cultural groups offer a great opportunity to make friends.

Paying & tipping

Many stores, restaurants and cafés accept credit card payments. However, acceptance of credit cards is still much less widespread in Germany than in many other countries. Smaller stores or street vendors in particular often exclusively accept cash. In these situations, it is always a good idea to have some change at hand. The easiest way to get cash is at ATMs, which are widespread in Munich.

Speaking of change. If you were satisfied with the food, drinks and service, it is common to tip the service staff when paying. Around 10% of the bill is considered reasonable in Germany, whereby the amount of the tip naturally also depends on your overall satisfaction. If the coffee costs €2.70, simply round it up to €3. When paying in cash, indicate to the waiter or waitress that you do not expect change by saying "Stimmt so!" or its Bavarian equivalent "Bassd scho!". If you pay by card, you can also tip by letting the service staff know in advance.

Learning German

Many people in Munich do speak at least a little English, so it's possible to get around without perfect knowledge of German. However, whilst learning a language on the job is always a challenge, it can be particularly worthwhile for longer stays, as language skills are essential for successful integration.

Language skills are also helpful when it comes to official matters such as registering a residence or preparing your tax returns. In addition, a basic knowledge of German may also be important for certain residence titles. Thus, in some cases, certified knowledge of German is a prerequisite for the issuance of an unlimited residence title (e.g. settlement permit) or the naturalization in Germany.

The numerous providers of language courses in Munich and the surrounding area also include so-called Volkshochschulen (VHS). These are non-profit institutions for adult and continuing education that offer free online courses in addition to face-to-face courses.

If a language certificate is to be acquired, it should be noted that in some cases authorities only accept certificates from certain providers. It is therefore advisable to obtain information from the relevant authority in advance. The most important and most recognized certificates include those of the Goethe-Institut and the TestDaF certificate.

A word of caution: even if you have a good knowledge of German, you may initially be a little frustrated, as the Bavarian dialect is often difficult to understand even with a good knowledge of Standard German. That's why it can't hurt to add a few Bavarian phrases to your vocabulary: Servus (hello, goodbye), Pfiat di (goodbye), Griaß di (good day), Obacht (be careful!), Bassd scho (all's well!), Pack ma's (let's go) or Schleich di (get out of the way!).

Money saving tips

Grocery shopping

Buy your groceries from discounters such as Lidl, Penny, Aldi or Netto. While they offer a smaller selection and possibly a less pleasant shopping experience, they are much cheaper than Rewe or Edeka, for example.

As a general rule when in the supermarket, expensive branded products are usually placed at eye level in the direct field of vision. Inexpensive products or private labels tend to be placed at the bottom or top and do not immediately catch the eye. So if you want to save money, you have to bend down or stretch!

You can save even more if you look out for special offers and browse through brochures, for example, or go shopping just before the stores close. Many perishable products such as fruit, vegetables and bread are then significantly reduced in price.

Beer garden instead of restaurant

Cooking for yourself is definitely the cheapest way to have a meal. However, eating out with friends is simply part of the experience every now and then. If you want to save money, visit one of Munich's many beer gardens in summer. Not only do they serve Bavarian delicacies at affordable prices, it is also an unwritten law that you can bring your own food. Only the drinks have to be bought!

It is also not uncommon in Munich to have lunch with colleagues or business partners in the beer garden. Please note: The classics of Bavarian cuisine are knuckle of pork or roast with dumplings and lots of gravy. However, these are complicated to eat, they take time, concentration and skill and still leave the occasional stain on your shirt. It is therefore advisable to opt for dishes like Obazdn (Bavarian cheese preparation) or Weißwurst!

Weißwurst Brotzeit — Bavarian veal sausage with mustard

Mobility

Munich has a modern public transportation network, consisting of subways, suburban trains, streetcars and buses, with which you can get from A to B quickly and relatively inexpensively. However, the cheapest, most environmentally friendly and sometimes even the fastest way to get around is by bicycle. The purchase of an inexpensive second-hand bike should pay for itself quickly. Have a look at the classified ads in local media, ask in expat forums or try your luck at one of the city's numerous flea markets.

For using Munich's public transport, we recommend the MVV-App, which offers timetable information, mobile tickets, and other features – partly in real time.

If you use the public transport system more than twice a day, a single day ticket is usually the cheapest option. If plan to travel frequently within a week or a month, the IsarCard (weekly or monthly ticket) is cheaper than several one-way or single day tickets.

If you'd like to explore not just Munich but all of Germany, the Deutschland-Ticket, introduced in 2023, might be the best option. Currently priced at just €58 per month, it allows unlimited use of all public transport, including regional trains. Whether you want to hike in the Alps, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, or spend a few days in Berlin – no problem with the Deutschland-Ticket.

Leisure activities

Many leisure activities in Munich are free of charge. For example, a visit to Nymphenburg Palace Park, BMW Welt or the English Garden - one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. Highlights of the park include the Monopteros, the surfers on the Eisbach or the beer gardens at Kleinhesseloher See and the Chinese Tower. In summer, many Munich residents are drawn to the Isar River to cool off in the shallow water on hot days, have a barbecue with friends or simply enjoy the view. A particularly popular spot to meet is a stretch of the Isar at Hellabrunn Zoo called Flaucher.

Monopterus im Englischen Garten München — Monopterus (English Garden)

With the München Card, the München City Pass or the CityTourCard, you can save a lot when discovering Munich's many attractions! Not only do they grant free or discounted entry to Munich's top sights, but also include free use of public transportation in the city! Included are dozens of attractions such as a guided tour of Bavaria Filmstadt, a visit to the famous “Deutsches Museum” as well as numerous city tours on foot, by bike or by bus.

TL;DR | FAQ

Is Munich a good city for expats?

Yes, Munich is even considered one of the most liveable cities for expats worldwide. The Bavarian capital offers a strong economy, a wide range of cultural offerings and an excellent work-life balance. Many international companies such as BMW, Siemens and Allianz are based here. As a result, there is already a large expat community, which facilitates integration.

What are the biggest challenges for expats in Munich?

The biggest challenges for expats in Munich are the high cost of living and the struggle to find accommodation. Many expats also find it difficult to get to know locals and make friends. However, the large expat community helps with settling in and networking.

How much salary is enough to live in Munich?

The average annual salary in Munich is currently (2024) around 56,250 euros gross (source: kununu.com). This makes Munich the city with the highest average salary in Germany. However, the high salary also reflects the very high cost of living in the city. If you earn significantly less, you can still live well, but make sure you keep your expenses under control.

How can I save money in Munich?

Munich is by far the most expensive city in Germany in terms of housing costs. Even if it seems sensible to book temporary, furnished accommodation for the first few months, it often makes sense to look for a permanent, unfurnished apartment or a room in a shared flat ("Wohngemeinschaft") as soon as possible. These are subject to the current rent index and are significantly cheaper. You can also save some money in the suburbs of Munich.
Buy food and drugstore items cheaply from discounters such as Aldi or Lidl instead of Rewe, Edeka & co. You can also browse through the respective brochures with special offers or buy perishable, heavily discounted groceries just before closing time.
Do without your own car! To stay mobile, it's worth buying a bicycle, which will take you quickly to all destinations within the city area, and make use of the "Deutschlandticket", which offers inexpensive travel on all regional transport in Germany.

Is English widely spoken in Munich?

While it is helpful to have some basic knowledge of German, it is not essential. Most Munich residents understand and speak English (with a strong dialect), but language skills make everyday life and integration much easier.

Which neighborhoods are particularly popular?

Munich offers a variety of boroughs, each with its own charm. If you are looking for a lively neighborhood with an international atmosphere, Schwabing, Maxvorstadt or the Glockenbachviertel are just right for you.

Which boroughs in Munich are the most expensive?

In 2023, average net rents were highest in Altstadt-Lehel, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Maxvorstadt and Schwabing-West (source: statista.com). In general, prices increase with the proximity to the city center.

Where to avoid staying in Munich?

According to crime statistics, Munich has been the safest city in Germany for decades. However, there are also some areas that are considered social hotspots. Neighborhoods such as the Hasenbergl, Neuperlach and Moosach had a bad reputation in the past, but this has improved significantly in recent years.

Author: Boardinghouse Eching - Temporary Housing near Munich

With its 180 furnished and fully equipped Serviced Apartments, Boardinghaus Eching is one of the largest providers of temporary accommodation in the north of Munich. Our accommodation combines the advantages of a rental apartment (kitchen, privacy) with the comfort of hotel-like services - the ideal accommodation for business travelers, commuters, expats, temporary employees and anyone who is looking for a home-from-home feeling on longer trips.

Disclaimer
This article was created with utmost care. However, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the content.