Ready to go for Saxony

The Goethe-Institut supports you at many of its locations in your home country with pre-integration programs to prepare you as well as possible for living and working in Germany. This includes, for example

• Regional and intercultural training
• Individual advice
• Learning support programs to prepare you for life in Germany

The free self-learning online course Mein Deutschlandkurs is particularly helpful. It provides you with basic information on topics such as work, family life and leisure time in Germany.

Compared to other regions in Germany, Saxony has a good supply of apartments at affordable prices. Nevertheless, affordable apartments are harder to find in Dresden and Leipzig. You will find better offers outside the big cities, although the bus and train connections are often very good.

You should therefore start looking for accommodation in your home country, e.g. via the online portals of the Saxon housing cooperatives. You should also contact your employer or the regional Welcome Center - they will be happy to help you find accommodation.

A furnished temporary or interim rental apartment may be a good idea to start with. This will give you enough time after your arrival to find suitable permanent accommodation.

Further information on housing and renting can be found here.

In Germany, statutory health insurance is compulsory for most employees and covers visits to the doctor, hospital stays and many medications. It is often possible to register with a German health insurance company before entering the country, especially if you already have a job or have been admitted to university. Many health insurance companies offer online registration and require documents such as passport, proof of employment or studies and the planned start date in Germany.

Please note that health insurance valid in Germany is usually a prerequisite for the visa.

You can find more information on health and health insurance here.

The official currency in Germany is the euro (€). Although card payment is widespread, you can sometimes only pay with cash in very small stores. You should therefore bring some cash in euros with you for the first few days - for trips, food or accommodation, for example, until your German bank account is active.

Customs dutieswhen moving from non-EU countries

If you are moving to Germany permanently, you may bring personal items (furniture, clothing, car, etc.) with you duty-free under certain conditions. These count as so-called household effects. The following conditions must be met:

• Your place of residence is being permanently relocated to Germany.
• You have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months.
• You have used the items yourself for at least 6 months (proof required, e.g. invoices).
• Your car was registered in your name in your home country.

Important: You may not sell, lend or give away these items for 12 months after importation. If you move again within this period, the customs office must be informed.

Further information on registration and requirements can be found at the customs office.

Bringing pets with you

If you wish to bring a pet to Germany, the following regulations apply:

• The animal requires a microchip for identification.
• You must be able to provide proof of a valid anti-rabies vaccination.
• You will need a veterinary certificate with a microchip number, vaccination records and, if applicable, a confirmed blood test (rabies antibody test).
• You must travel together with the animal or give written permission to take it with you.

Please note: Some dog breeds are banned in Germany. You can find more information on the regulations for pets from non-EU countries at Customs.

Relocation services

Professional relocation service providers offer fee-based support for all steps involved in the move. This includes

• the organization of the move
• Apartment search and rental contract
• Orientation at the new place of residence
• Dealing with the authorities
• Opening a bank account
• Support for accompanying family members