How to prepare for moving to Germany? 

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for economic emigration. All this is due to good salaries, good social and health policies and opportunities.

The decision to go abroad is a very important and difficult step. Whether the reason for leaving is financial, educational or any other reason. You are leaving a familiar environment, so it is normal to be accompanied by anxiety and all sorts of fears.

So here are our tips on how to prepare for your move to Germany in 5 steps.

 1. Gathering information

Before you go abroad, you can search the internet for information about what your new life might be like. This will reduce your stress as much as possible and prepare you mentally for this important step. You can often find all sorts of guides, blogs or articles. From these, you will be able to draw your first conclusions about what life abroad is like. We recommend you take a look at these:

https://www.welcome-hub-germany.com/blog/how-to-move-to-germany

https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/german-expat-news/moving-to-germany-step-step-guide

On these sites you will find a lot of useful information. There are also lots of youtube channels where people who have emigrated to Germany talk about their experiences working abroad. They have already taken the step, so their knowledge can be extremely useful to you, especially in the beginning, before you find yourself in a new reality. If there are people in your circle of family and friends who are already familiar with Germany, it is definitely worth talking to them. They know very well what you are going through now. Talking to such people can help you prepare better for your trip, both mentally and practically.

 2. Check the agency/company and try to choose a job offer 

A good employer is one of the most important elements for a favourable and verified job in Germany. Legality, job security and working conditions - including support during your stay abroad - depend on the employer, the workplace. We therefore recommend a thorough check of the company's website and social media. The opinions of current and former employees are also important. Remember that the more you know about the agency/company and its offer, the more informed your choice will be. At nice.partners we are interested in a long and beneficial cooperation, so from the very first contact with us you can rely on a simplified recruitment process, constant support during your stay in Germany, a German employment contract and safe and comfortable accommodation.  


 3. Bring all necessary documents 

The decision to leave is often made overnight if you find a favourable job offer. We recommend that you meticulously prepare all documents to avoid complications once you are in Germany. Lack of necessary documents can lead to stressful situations. Below is a list of the most important documents you should take with you: 

• Current identity card 
• If you are travelling in your own vehicle, bring your driving license, insurance, vehicle registration certificate, and technical inspection certificate (ITP). 
• Certificates and certificates of completion of school, training courses and courses certifying your qualifications 
• Your work card or previous contracts, if you have them 
• Copies of your marriage certificate, translated by a certified translator and legalised, and, if you have copies, your birth certificates, which are important for assigning your tax class and for receiving the allowance.

If you have already worked in Germany in the past, please also bring: 

• Tax identification number (Steuer ID)  
• German national insurance number (Socialversicherungsausweis) 
• Health insurance card (Krankenkassenkarte), if you have one 
• Certificate of last residence in Germany (Meldebescheinigung) 

 4. It is also important to check that you have prepared everything you need.

Below is a list of essentials that should be in your suitcase:

• Mobile phone with charger 
• Notebook with your most important contact numbers in case you lose your phone 
• Clothing for different weather conditions and, depending on what you have discussed with your employer, work clothes and footwear
• Cosmetics or whatever you need for personal care
• Towels 
• Basic groceries in case you arrive too late to do your shopping 
• Money; it is important to have a budget before your first paycheck

 5. Beginnings can be tricky and sometimes it can be hard to put aside a large  amount of money, but we recommend taking about a thousand euros in cash with you to live on for the first month. This money should be enough for food, rent and fuel until you get your first salary.

Many employers offer advance payments. We at nice.partners work with an instalment system. You are paid in two instalments - once at the end of the month (60% of your salary) and the rest by the fifteenth day of the following month.  This way, you won't need so much money to start with, as you will already receive the first instalment of your salary shortly after you start work.