Cost to Move to Germany

1. Moving Service Costs
2. Costs for Import Taxes and Permits
3. Have Money Saved for Your Arrival

Anyone making plans to move internationally would of course be concerned over how much it will cost them. Fortunately, moving services are known for their cost efficiency and are actually quite affordable. Letting movers care for the shipping process of your belongings will prove invaluable. However, there will be other costs to prepare for. Before you move, make sure you have all the money you need so that you can pay for everything that arises during the process of relocation.

Moving Service Costs

Moving to another country can easily cost upwards of $10,000 or more. It all depends on how much you plan to move and how much it all weighs. Other factors also partake in the total of your moving costs including the current cost of fuel, what services you chose, what equipment and haulers are needed by the movers, how much labor and time it will take, as well as other details of your move.

It is nearly impossible to assume what your moving services will cost until the movers give you the final bill. Most movers will want to perform an evaluation of your current home and what you would like to move before they determine the total cost of services. Otherwise, you can get a rough estimate by calling the movers for a quote over the phone or by using the online calculators that most moving companies offer on their own website.

There are ways to cut the cost of moving. By opting to pack your own things, you can save some money. Although it’s easier, less time consuming and more convenient to let the movers pack your belongings for you, by packing the stuff on your own you can skip paying for hourly labor wages and for the mover’s packaging materials. Of course, you’ll need to buy boxes and other supplies to ensure everything is packed according to the mover’s requirements, but you can skip out on buying some of the materials that are often used to fill the empty spaces in boxes. For instance, you can use linens, clothes, paper plates and newspaper to pack up any glass or fragile items such as dishes, table lamps and porcelain decor.

Costs for Import Taxes and Permits

When you move to another nation, you’re expected to pay taxes on imports and any fees associated with the permit you choose to apply for. The import tax percentages can change at any time, so make sure you call the German Embassy for the most current import laws and tax rates. In general, the VAT tax rate in Germany is around 19% but there is a decrease in the tax rate for selected items entering the country. There’s also a flat rate duty of 17.5% according to the value of the product, unless your goods meet certain criteria in which case the tax rate may be reduced by 2.5%. Aside from flat rate duties and VAT, you’ll likely have to pay customs duties and excise duties.

Usually when it comes to applying for visas and permits for residency and work privileges in Germany, you’ll be asked to pay some fees. However, if you meet the following requirements, you may be exempt from these particular fees.

• Children under 6 years old
• Students, undergraduates, postgraduates and accompanying teaching staff
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences or other sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations
• Researchers from 3rd world countries traveling within the European Community for the sole purpose of carrying out scientific research

What you’re anticipated to pay for your permits and visas is dependent on what permits and visas you apply for. The costs vary and until you know what you’re applying for, there isn’t a way to know what you’ll have to pay. Try to set up your permits and visas before you even get into the country if it is at all possible. If not, have money set aside to pay these fees once you arrive there and start applying for your rights as an expat.

Have Money Saved for Your Arrival

When you arrive in a new nation, it is always smart to have money set aside. You never know what you may need to spend money on. So, not only should your bank account be set up and in functional order, but you should have money put away for your relocation to Germany. The cost of living in Germany is different than that of the U.S. It is best to be prepared for any expenses that might come up. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to bring at least a couple thousand euros with you to the country. Remember, 1 euro in Germany is $1.17 in U.S. currency. Therefore, as you convert your money, you’ll see that U.S. dollars are worth more than euros.

Once you’re in Germany, you’ll want to be sure that you have money for food, housing, public transit, and anything else that you may need to pay for. As an expat, you just never know what might come up. You should always have money ready and prepared for your move. This will make it easier to get around and explore your new surroundings without worry of what it might cost you.