Living in Berlin: the ultimate expat guide

Germany's labor crisis:  What should foreign workers expect?

Germany is grappling with a sluggish economy, declining employee morale, and the fears of foreign workers and prospective expats for political reasons. The outlook includes a GDP barely surpassing 0% and a plummeting birth rate. Nevertheless, the government relies on immigration reform to reverse this trend and attract foreign professionals.

Moving to Germany without a work contract soon a reality for skilled expats

With the Skilled Immigration Act of 2023, Germany has been enacting new immigration reforms to make immigration easier for highly-skilled expats. Applications for the Opportunity Card will start from June 2024. This visa allows skilled expats who pass a points test to move to Germany for one year without any work contract. They can use that year to look for a job in the country itself.

Dual study-work programs in Germany: A unique opportunity for international students

Dual work-study programs are distinctly German qualifications, although there do exist industry-oriented degrees elsewhere that are similar to them. As the name says, they are Bachelor's and Master's degrees, which include practical experience at a company in conjunction with academic classes on campus. They are particularly useful for subjects that are in themselves very vocational, such as business, design, engineering, technology and social work. 

Owning an eco-house made easier for expats in Germany

The government of Germany has developed this new program in association with Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) bank to support homeowners concerned about the environment. Named the “Climate Friendly New Build", the credit plan grants credit facilities to owners buying or building a house. Let's have a closer look at it and how expats can benefit from it.

Why is Germany struggling to retain foreign talent?

In early March, the German federal government officially introduced its new bill to attract international talent and, more importantly, to retain them in Germany. Because while they enjoy living in the country – especially students who love Germany – expats usually don't stay in the long run. Germany has a severe shortage of international talent. The country's growth is threatened by labor shortages and an aging population. But why don't foreigners settle in Germany permanently, and how can the government make the country more attractive?

Jay in Karlsruhe: "this is a small city and it is indeed charming"

Jay is originally from Richmond, Virginia. After living and working in three other countries, he has finally settled in Karlsruhe, Germany, where he works as an imbedded Business-English trainer for a multi-national corporation.

Garrett in Frankfurt: "I find that Germans are extremely nice"

Garrett grew up in New York, USA. After spending a few years in North Carolina and in Wyoming, he moved to Germany four months ago. Garrett particularly enjoys flying and writing.

Tom : "Stuttgart is one of the most prosperous areas in Germany"

19 years have gone by since Tom, US expat, settled in Germany. Being a professional clown and juggler, he spent much time in Europe before deciding to move there permanently. He managed to adapt to his new environment and is pretty happy with his lifestyle in Stuttgart.