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.
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.
Checklist for expatriates
Moving to a foreign country is an exciting but also challenging time. Good preparation is the key to a stress-free start. This checklist provides an overview of the most important things to do before and after your arrival in Munich. We will address many of the points mentioned in more detail below.
- Take out health insurance 🔗
Health insurance is required by law in Germany and proof of coverage must generally be provided when applying for a visa. - Book temporary accommodation 🔗
The Munich housing market is extremely tight! It may be best to book temporary, furnished accommodation for the first few months and then look for a long-term place to live once you've arrived. Proof of accommodation (booking confirmation, invitation letter from your host) is required when applying for a visa. - Apply for a visa (if necessary)
If necessary, apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate general in your home country. Please note that processing a visa application can take many months, depending on the country and type of visa. - Acquire basic knowledge of German 🔗
Most people in Munich speak English. However, knowledge of German facilitates integration and navigating German bureaucracy. - Open a German bank account 🔗
Do this to ensure that all transactions are processed smoothly. With some german banks, this can already be done from abroad. - Get a confirmation of residency (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
After arriving in Munich and moving into your new apartment, ask your landlord for a so called "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung" as soon as possible. You will need this document, among other things, to register your residence. - Register your residence 🔗
Usually required within 14 days of moving in. - Apply for a residence permit (if necessary)
Generally, all individuals who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland (third-country nationals) require a residence permit in order to live and work in Munich. - Getting mobile 🔗
Purchase a bicycle and a ticket for public transportation; if necessary, have your driver's license transferred. - Making friends 🔗
Use networks to get in touch with other expats and locals and make friends.
Health insurance
Since 2009, everyone in Germany is subject to compulsory health insurance. If you come to Germany from abroad, health insurance coverage is therefore necessary from day one. Proof must usually be provided when applying for a visa.
Since a permanent residence is required to take out regular German health insurance, temporary insurance is necessary for the initial phase. EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa and are usually covered for the first 90 days by their domestic health insurance in combination with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For a Schengen visa, travel health insurance that meets certain minimum standards is sufficient. For a national visa, proof of so-called expat (incoming) health insurance is required. German insurer Hanse Merkur is often recommended for this purpose.
Best expat health insurance
Hanse Merkur (Visum Travel Insurance)
When you start a job in Germany, you usually have to join the German health insurance system. In most cases, statutory health insurance (GKV) is mandatory, but you can choose which provider to join. You must inform your employer of your decision within 14 days after starting work.
Some health insurance providers, such as Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) or BARMER, offer English-language services and are therefore a particularly good choice for expats.
If you earn above a certain amount, are self-employed or work as a freelancer, you can also opt for private health insurance (PKV) instead.
Finding accommodation
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.
Apartmentservice (1 day – 6 month)
Wunderflats (rental period > 6 month)
myroom24 (1 – 6 month)
Mr. Lodge (rental period > 6 month)
HomeCompany (rental period > 3 month)
Flathopper (rental period > 3 month, commission-free)
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.
Long-term accommodation
Temporary, furnished accommodations are convenient but relatively expensive. For long-term stays in Munich in particular, it is therefore worth looking for an unfurnished accommodation with open-ended lease – be it a conventional rental apartment or a room in a shared apartment.
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.
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.
Immobilienscout24
Immonet
WG-gesucht.de (shared apartments)
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.
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.
As a rule, a rent 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.
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.
Facebook group: Nachmieter / Wohnung gesucht!
If you still have difficulty finding accommodation, or have very specific ideas about your future home, it is advisable to hire a real estate agent to help you find a place to live. If he or she is successful, a fee (broker's commission) will be payable. In addition to estate agents, there are also numerous providers of so-called relocation services, who not only help with the search for accommodation but also provide advice and assistance with administrative procedures.
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.
Find a citizens' office nearby
Make an appointment for the Citizens' Office
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, always check whether you can apply for an exemption or reduction due to social or health reasons!
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.
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.
Language schools in Munich
Volkshochschule (face-to-face courses)
VHS Lernportal (free online courses)
Goethe-Institut
A word of caution: even if you have a good grasp 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!).
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.
kleinanzeigen.de
Flea markets in Munich
If you make more than two trips per day using public transportation, a day pass ("Tageskarte") is usually the right choice. If you make many trips within a week or a month, the IsarCard (available as weekly or monthy pass) is usually cheaper than several day passes.
If you want to explore not only Munich but all of Germany, the Deutschlandticket, which has only been available since 2023, is usually the cheapest option. With this pass, you can use all local and regional public transport throughout Germany. Merely long-distance trains (IC, EC, ICE) can't be travelled on.
We recommend using the MVGO App when traveling on public transport. It provides timetable information, digital mobile tickets, and other functions and information, partly in real time. You can also easily purchase the Deutschlandticket with this app. You simply need to show the QR code stored in the app during ticket inspections.
If you rely on your own car, please check whether you need to have your driver's license transferred. As a general rule, foreign driver's licenses are only valid in Germany for six months and must be transferred after this period in order to continue driving legally. Exceptions to this rule are (unlimited) driver's licenses issued in an EU or EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway).
Driver's License Office Munich
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.
Munich Expats
Meetup (Events & Groups)
Reddit (r/Munich)
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.
Speaking of beer gardens, they not only offer Bavarian delicacies at affordable prices, but it is also an unwritten rule that you can bring your own food. Only drinks must be purchased!
FAQ
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 residence combines the advantages of a rental apartment (kitchen, privacy) with the comfort of hotel-like services – the ideal choice for business travelers, commuters, expats, temporary employees and anyone seeking a home-away-from-home feeling on extended trips.
Disclaimer
This article was created with utmost care. However, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the content.
