Germany as a "retirement" option???

Question

I'm in love with Bavaria, and would like to move there, but it isn't really feasible now or anytime in the near future... I am thinking, though, in about 10 to 20 years of trying to move there, when I'm in my 50s. But I'm really not sure about so many things..

1) Assuming I live in a suburb or smaller town (i.e. Garmisch), how expensive would a decent sized apartment run?

2) Do I really need a car?

3) How difficult would it be for stay, either as a resident alien or by obtaining German citizenship? Both my mom's parents & my Dad were naitve Germans.

4) What kind of job could I get??? All I'd like is something to get by...

5)I speak German, but not very well. That said, when I'm actually using it, I pick it up pretty quickly. How much would that hurt me in getting a job???

Any help would be much appreciated-- I know Germany as a tourist, but there's so much more involved with actually moving there...

Answer 1

Germany is a wonderful place to retire.   They have these wonderful camps and the trains are always on time!

Answer 2

Garmisch is nice. There is not really cheap, because so much tourism.

- Apartment will be cost I think so round 600-700 Euro.

- You need car, if you want to go around.

- If your parents was German, I think there is any problems for you to stay here.

-Jobs you can work in some hotel.

-You can learn German right now buy a book and study you have time.

I wish you good luck for the future, just want to tell you Germany is a nice place to stay.

Answer 3

Excellent questions

It sounds like you have some time to do good research.

I would suggest that you visit a few times and spend a couple weeks or more.  See how it feels - try to imagine that you are already living there when you visit.

You really should take some courses and learn the language.

Answer 4

If you are American you could get a job with the military working at the Hotel or at the PX then you would have a ID card to go on all Bases in Germany & once you have a ID card you do not have to worry about Visa, taxes,  a good site for jobs is CHRMA just type that in the search engine I have been living in Germany as a civilian since 99 having logistic support threw the military here is a maijor plus

Answer 5

Although I love it there, I would not recommend trying to retire there unless you are going to retire with a very good pension or 401k/IRA payout.  It is very expensive to live there.  However, if you are bent on moving there, you might want to consider looking at purchasing a small apartment near Garmisch now.  There are actually small vacation apartments for sale that come furnished and you should be able to find something under 150k Euro.  The financing I believe is somewhat similar as in the States and you could probaby rent it out as a vacation rental and get it paid for while you are not using it.  This way, you would be building equity in the German housing market and it might make things a bit more affordable by the time you actually retire.

Answer 6

Moving to Germany as a retired person is a bit difficult, because the German residency permit law currently doesn't accomodate for such people. There is no "purpose of stay", so the Foreigners offices are stumped when you apply for a residency permit.

If you are coming there to work, it also can be difficult. It all depends upon your previous job experience and qualifications. The best option is usually to get some training as a "Teacher for English as a Foreign Language" beforehand and then do free-lance work. (Note that this is only a solution for a limited amount of time. To get a "real" job, you need to be fluent in German and hold a qualification that lets you pass the priority screening for a work permit.) It is also a good idea to open up a business in Germany, if you need to make a living but cannot get a work permit.

BTW, you should also enquire with the nearest German consulate whether you might be eligible for German citizenship.

Answer 7

I recommend going to Germany.....hey take me with ya. It gorgeous there.

Answer 8

1. a 3room-apartment (inlcuding kitchen and bathroom) might cost you around 600 - 700, as said above, in suburbs and small towns.I hope you know that most apartments in germany are unfurnished, though?

2. Depends on where you live.If a small bavarian town is your desired place to live in, yes.In bigger cities (>300000 inhabitants), no.

3. Usually, americans have no problems obtaining residence and work permit in germany, since their country of origin has quite a good ranking in the immigration office.

4. Depends on your degrees and language level.Germany is a country of bureaucrats - your job experience doesn't count much compared to the degrees and certificates you hold.Don't expect to find a job outside of your original field easily.

5. Again, depends on the job really.Nobody will hire you as a salesperson without perfect german.Learn german, looks like you've got plenty of time.

Look into websites that might help you, heres one :

http://www.toytowngermany.com/forum/

You' ve got plenty of time, so you should be able to do some research.Good luck.