Moving to Germany from India – Guide for Study & Settle
Moving to Germany is a big change for those students or tourists from India who are willing to relocate since it’s the start of a new life in a country. Germany is known for its strong economy, affordable education, good quality of life that attracts many individuals to choose it. To make this happen, you need to plan and get some expert advice from top consultants for a smooth transition. This guide will take you through the main things: permits, taxes, living costs and choosing a place to live in Germany.
Step-by-Step Guide for Indians to Settle in Germany
Entry and Residence Permits
Do you need a visa?
- Yes. Indian citizens need a visa to enter Germany. Even for study or work, you’ll need to apply before traveling.
Which permit should you choose?
It depends on your purpose:
- Student Visa / Residence Permit: For studying at a German university or language school. Valid for your course duration.
- Job Seeker Visa: Lets you stay in Germany for 6 months while you search for work.
- Work Permit: For those with a job offer. Linked to your employer, renewable.
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled professionals. Easier path to permanent residency.
- Family Reunion Visa: For joining your spouse or family living in Germany.
General process for non-EU citizens:
- Get a university admission, job offer or valid reason to move.
- Apply for the right visa in India.
- After arriving, register your address and apply for a residence permit.
- After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Permit Types for Non-EU Citizens
Germany offers different residence permits depending on how long you plan to stay and why you are moving.
- Temporary Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis):
For study, work, or family reasons. Usually valid for 1–2 years and renewable. - Permanent Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis):
For long-term residents. You can apply after living in Germany for 5 years with a residence permit. - EU Blue Card:
For highly skilled professionals with a job offer and minimum salary. Easier to get permanent residency after having EU Blue card - Family Reunion Permit:
For joining your spouse or family in Germany.
Work Permits
Non-EU nationals need a valid work permit to be employed in Germany. This is usually linked to your job contract. Without this, you cannot take up employment.
The Relocation Process: How an Indian citizen applies for a residence permit
- Choose your immigration route. Study, work or family reunification are the common options.
- Apply for your entry visa at the German Embassy in India.
- If you are already living in a Schengen country, you may not need a new entry visa to move to Germany.
- Once you arrive in Germany, you must register your address within 14 days.
- Apply for your residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Office. The first permit is usually valid for 1–2 years.
How to Relocate from India to Germany
- Pick your route / Visa:
Study, work or family reunification. - Apply for visa:
Once you have admission or a job offer, apply at the German Embassy in India. - Register in Germany:
Within 14 days of arrival, register your address and apply for a residence permit. - Permanent residency:
After 5 years with a residence permit or Blue Card, you can apply for PR. Citizenship is possible after 8 years.
Becoming a Permanent Resident
- After living in Germany for 5 continuous years with a residence permit, you can apply for a Niederlassungserlaubnis / Permanent residency PR.
- With having an EU Blue Card, you may qualify sooner in 33 months or even 21 months with good German language skills.
Planning Your Budget: Cost of Living
Germany is more affordable compared to Switzerland. Living costs are lower, and rent is the biggest difference. A city center apartment is about €1,418 per month, while in Switzerland it’s more than €3,000.
Average salary is around €2,343 per month. Public transport is reliable, and healthcare is accessible. Living expenses are balanced, which makes Germany a popular choice for students and professionals.
Here is a quick comparison with Switzerland:
Germany vs Switzerland: Extra Cost of Living Insights
Category | Germany | Switzerland | Difference |
Overall Monthly Cost | USD 1,778 | USD 3,189 | Switzerland ~44% more expensive |
Rent (1 person) | USD 937 | USD 1,815 | Switzerland ~2× higher |
Total Cost with Rent | — | — | Switzerland ~73% more expensive |
General Cost without Rent | — | — | Switzerland ~65% more expensive |
Restaurant Meals | 100% | 175% | Switzerland ~75% more expensive |
Groceries | 100% | 164% | Switzerland ~64% more expensive |
Entertainment (Gym, Movies) | 100% | 172% | Switzerland ~72% more expensive |
💡 Budget tip: Use the 50/30/20 rule.
- 50% for needs like rent and insurance.
- 30% for wants like travel and eating out.
- 20% for savings.
Cost of Living Overview
- Family of four: about €3,000/month (without rent)
- Single person: about €1,000/month (without rent)
- Utilities: about €200/month
Taxes and Personal Finance
Taxes in Germany depend on income and family status. They are taken from your salary directly.
- Average tax rate: around 30%
- For singles: about 20–25%
You also pay for social security (health insurance, pension, unemployment).
Bank account in Germany:
To manage salary and rent, you’ll need a local account. Common choices are Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, N26, Sparkasse.
You usually need:
- Passport
- Visa or residence permit
- Proof of address (registration paper)
- Job contract or university admission letter
Healthcare, Universities and Public Services
Health insurance is required:
Everyone must have health insurance. Most students and workers choose public insurance (GKV), while others may go private (PKV).
Universities in Germany:
Germany is famous for education. Public universities like LMU Munich, Heidelberg, TU Munich are well ranked. Most charge little or no tuition. Many Master’s programs are in English.
Public services:
Transport is well connected with trains, buses and trams. Local offices handle registration, taxes and visas in a structured way.
Living in Germany: Which City Is Right for You?
Each German city has a different lifestyle:
- Berlin – Affordable, diverse, and full of culture.
- Munich – Economic hub, higher salaries but also higher rent.
- Frankfurt – Banking and finance center, very international.
- Hamburg – Big port city, great for work and lifestyle.
- Leipzig, Bonn, Heidelberg – Smaller, cheaper, student-friendly.
German Culture: Practical and Straightforward
- Punctuality is important.
- People speak directly. It’s normal, not rude.
- Rules are followed, especially for recycling and traffic.
- Work-life balance is valued, with good vacation rights.
There are also many Indian communities, which makes settling easier.
Conclusion
Moving takes effort and it helps to work with Top Visa consultants like Scoutabroad. We provide guidance with your visas, universities, housing and settling in. They can make the process easier and help you choose the right city.
👉 Book free consultation: https://app.scoutabroad.com
Your dream of studying in Germany or Switzerland isn’t just possible, it’s also fundable.
Ready to make your study abroad or travel dreams come true? Contact us to book a free consultation with our visa experts and start your European journey today!
Book Now: https://app.scoutabroad.com
Book a free consultation with our Visa experts
Fill out the application on https://app.scoutabroad.com to receive expert advice and guidance in VISA Application Process.
Get in touch for step-by-step assistance and maximize your chances of success.
Our Study Abroad Services
We offer overseas education services to top countries in European mainly Germany and Switzerland. These countries offer the best place for international education.
Are you looking for education services abroad?
Scoutabroad will provide One Stop Solutions for all of your Study Abroad needs from counselling to visa. From selecting universities to applying for courses in university.
We offer services in Education, VISA and Travel.
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, Karnataka our consultancy has been a beacon of hope for countless Students and Professionals seeking to explore new international opportunities in Germany and Switzerland. Our team of Professional Consultants with client-centric approach is dedicated in providing personalized, comprehensive and efficient Visa services that cater to your specific needs while ensuring each client is receiving the highest level of service and support.
With having years of experience and a proven track record of success with clients, we are committed in helping you achieve your dreams of studying abroad or working abroad.
Why Choose Scoutabroad?
Scoutabroad Private Limited is Best Consultancy and Provides Top Student Visa Assistance, Best International Education Consulting Services, Top VISA Consulting and Guidance for Tourist Visa, Visitors Visa, Business Visa, Along with Personalized Services like Applying for Scholarships, Accommodation Support in New Country, Travel plans.
Follow Scoutabroad for more information about Studies, Jobs, Travel and Visa from Germany and Switzerland.
To learn more and for guidance, schedule a consultation; visit Scoutabroad's App Website
Free Consultation:
Book Online for 1-1 Video Meeting: https://app.scoutabroad.com
Contact Details:
Get in Touch: https://scoutabroad.com/contact
Email: support@scoutabroad.com
WhatsApp: +91 8300171444
