I plan on moving to Germany. Can someone help?

Question

OK, I plan on taking German in college, so I'll know the language. The problem is I don't know what to do before I go and when I arrive. I don't think I have any relatives in Germany, so housing will be difficult. I plan on moving to Leipzig and it's supposed to be big. I'm sure I'll find a job, right? Is there any paperwork I need to fill out? What about citizenship and all that? Are there any websites in English where you can find apartments and houses in Germany? Is Germany an expensive place to live?

Answer 1

This sounds like something you plan on doing in a couple of years (since you plan on taking German in College and, I guess, move to Germany after you're done with college). Right now, it is difficult even for many Germans to get jobs in Germany, especially, though not universally so, in the former east of Germany, where Leipzig, the city you plan to move to, is located.

Why do you want to move to Leipzig? With the vague plans you have, I would first look for a job for your degree anywhere in Germany, and than move where my job was. That's how most Germans do it after they graduate, anyway.

There will be tremendous amounts of paperwork to fill out, and citizenship will only be granted if you have lived in Germany, having a job and supporting yourself, proofing you know the language (yes, even though you have already worked there, you will have to proof that you have learned the language to the authorities)... for several years (something about 10 years, I think). There are, to my knowledge, no websites in English for people looking to rent places. Only in German.

And last but not least: Yes, Germany is a pretty expensive place to live (energy, waist disposal, water etc. is pretty expensive, and rising), but no-one will be able to tell you how much it will be in a couple of years.

I would recommend you visit Germany before making that final decision about your move, and get more information from the German embassy near you.