Moving to Germany from the USA

Checklist for Americans moving to Germany — Freelance Visa (Freiberufler), EU Blue Card, job-seeker visa, Anmeldung, health insurance (TK or private), and your first 30 days.

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Visa & legal right to stay

Choose a route: Employment, EU Blue Card, Freiberufler (self-employed), Job Seeker, or Family Reunification
Must
Blue Card threshold is roughly €48,300/yr (€43,759 for shortage occupations) in 2026.
Americans can enter visa-free and apply for the residence permit in-country at the Ausländerbehörde
Must
Book your Ausländerbehörde appointment immediately on arrival — slots are scarce

Paperwork to gather before you fly

Apostilled birth + marriage certificates with certified German translations
Must
University transcripts/diplomas (Blue Card)
Freiberufler portfolio + letters of intent from 2+ German clients
Proof of health insurance valid in Germany from day one
Must
Proof of accommodation (lease or Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
Must

Money & banking

Open a German account (N26, DKB, or Sparkasse)
N26 opens online; Sparkasse needs in-person Anmeldung.
Get a Steuer-ID (sent by post automatically after Anmeldung)
Must
Register with the Finanzamt if freelancing — needed to invoice German clients
Must
Keep US accounts open for FBAR + retirement contributions

Housing

Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are extremely tight — expect a 30+ application search
Must
Search ImmoScout24, WG-Gesucht, and Immowelt
Prepare a Bewerbermappe: Schufa, passport, last 3 payslips, employer letter
Expect 3-month cold deposit (Kaution) plus 1 month rent upfront
Get the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord — required for Anmeldung
Must

Healthcare

Pick between public (TK, AOK, Barmer) and private (e.g. ottonova, DKV) insurance
Must
Public is mandatory if employed under ~€69,300/yr. Private can be cheaper for young high earners but hard to leave.
Get an expat plan (Care Concept, Mawista) for the first weeks if neither has started
Register with a Hausarzt (GP) once insured

First 30 days on the ground

Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in
Must
Attend your Ausländerbehörde appointment to receive the residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
Must
Open the bank account in person if you went the Sparkasse route
Get a German SIM (Telekom, Vodafone, O2, or congstar)
Buy a Deutschlandticket (€58/mo nationwide transit)
Exchange your US driver's license — reciprocity depends on the state you held it in

FAQ

Do I need German to move there?

Not for the Blue Card or Freiberufler visa, but daily admin (Ausländerbehörde, leases) is largely German. A1–B1 dramatically reduces friction.

How does the income threshold for the Blue Card work?

It's gross annual salary. Shortage occupations (IT, medicine, engineering, teaching) have a lower threshold.

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NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.