living abroad

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Member since 14 August 2011

jhowellMember14 August 2011 20:58:01

I have never lived outside the USA. I am planning to retire to Berlin in about eight months. Can anyone fill me in on the challenges i will soon face?
Thanks Jim

Harmonie ViP

Member since 13 June 2011

HarmonieViP15 August 2011 07:31:20

19273

Hello Jim and welcome to Expat.com!

I hope that other members will advise you soon.

Harmonie.

PS: Have you gone through the posts on the Berlin forum?
This may give an idea to you.

john g. Active member

Member since 15 January 2010

john g.Active member27 August 2011 15:36:48

Well, good luck with the move to Berlin for your retirement! I don´t know your age and I´m presuming you´re American! Please be warned: You may ( or may not ) have Medicare or whatever from the States as a retiree. This is NOT enough for the German authorities. You must have fully comprehensive health insurance within the German framework or you will not get a residence permit. This is difficult to obtain and can be very expensive.

You MAY also be asked to prove that you have a sufficient pension to pay your way here.

I would recommend you google around to find a professional advisor in Germany who can guide you through the process. You need to look for an independent insurance broker specialising in expats and an English speaker. No " normal " German insurance agent has the know how for this.

Best regards!

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