Key Takeaways
- Cost of moving to Germany: From Canada, international moving costs typically range $5,000–$17,000 CAD depending on the size of your home and departure city.
- Container shipping to Germany: Estimated at $2,000–$7,000 CAD for a 20ft or $5,000–$9,000 CAD for a 40ft container.
- Visa and relocation requirements matter, from student or work visas to family reunification permits, and should be factored into your planning early.
- Cost of living comparison: Living costs in Germany are generally lower than in Canada, but tax rates tend to be higher.
How Much Does It Cost To Move To Germany?
The cost of moving to Germany from Canada is approximately between $5,000 and $17,000 CAD.
Look at the table below for a breakdown of costs based on property size:
| Property Size |
Vancouver to Germany (CAD) |
Toronto to Germany (CAD) |
| 1-Bedroom |
$5,000 – $7,000 |
$4,500 – $6,500 |
| 2-Bedroom |
$7,000 – $9,000 |
$6,500 – $8,500 |
| 3-Bedroom |
$9,000 – $12,000 |
$8,500 – $11,000 |
| 4-Bedroom |
$11,000 – $15,000 |
$10,000 – $14,000 |
| 5-Bedroom |
$13,000 – $18,000 |
$12,000 – $17,000 |
Note: These costs are just estimates.
Factors Affecting Your Moving Costs
Many aspects influence the cost of your move, such as:
- The actual size of your household belongings
- Your destination
- Departure location
For a more accurate and efficient way to estimate the size of your move, we suggest using our Furniture Volume Calculator.
Container Shipping to Germany
Read more about Container Shipping to Europe to get a better idea of what that entails.
The table below sums up the estimated container shipping rates to Germany:
| Container Size |
Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| 20 ft |
$2,000 – $7,000 |
| 40 ft |
$5,000 – $9,000 |
Note: There are mere estimates.
International Removals to Germany
Choosing the right moving company can become confusing or even frustrating. Fortunately, we are partners with the Top International Movers in Canada.
Here are the best movers to Germany;
8.8
209
Mississauga
4 ratings as Friendly
4 ratings as "Friendly"
9.8
51
Toronto
3 ratings as Good Price
3 ratings as "Good Price"
9.2
119
Pickering
3 ratings as Good Communication
3 ratings as "Good Communication"
7.9
37
Calgary
3 ratings as Good Communication
3 ratings as "Good Communication"
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Germany Visa Requirements For Canadian Citizens
When moving from Canada to Germany, it is important to understand the kind of visa you are required to have.
These are the main types of visa you should look into:
- EU Blue Card: Meant for foreign academics and individuals with high qualifications who want to work in Germany. You must have a foreign qualification that is comparable to German standards.
- Student Visa: Required for foreign students who want to pursue higher education in Germany. You must be admitted to a higher education institution in Germany.
Visit The Federal Government of Germany for more visa types.
Are You Moving to Germany With Family?
If you are entitled to live in Germany, then your children are also allowed to benefit from that status. However, as Canadian citizens, they must also own a visa.
There are a few requirements for the Family Reunification Visa:
- Your children must not be married, divorced, or widowed.
- Their age must be under 18 years.
Documents Required For Germany Visa
The general documents required for the visa application are the following:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned stay.
- Completed Application Form: Long-stay national visa form, signed.
- Passport Photos: Recent, passport-sized, biometric format.
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, sponsorship letter, or employment proof.
Read more on the visa application process on The Federal Government of Germany.
Are You Moving to Germany With Pets?
Bringing your pets with you also requires compliance with certain requirements, therefore, you need:
- Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip must be implanted.
- Rabies Vaccination: Must be administered at least 21 days before travel and be valid at the time of entry.
- EU Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA); valid for 10 days from issue.
- Entry via Designated Points: Pets must enter Germany through approved ports of entry.
Visit the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture for further details.
Cost of Living in Germany vs Canada
The average cost of living in Germany per month is around 37% cheaper for a single person and 27% cheaper for a family of four compared to Canada.
See the following table for the monthly expenses:
| Household Type |
Germany |
Canada |
| Single Person |
$1,500 |
$3,300 |
| Family of Four |
$4,000 |
$8,000 |
Note: These costs may vary based on location or job.
Look at the table below for a comparison of costs in Germany vs Canada:
| Item |
Germany (CAD) |
Canada (CAD) |
| Monthly Rent (1-bedroom apt) |
$1,200 |
$1,500 |
| Meal at a Restaurant |
$20 |
$25 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass |
$100 |
$120 |
| Milk (1 liter) |
$1.50 |
$2.00 |
| Internet (monthly) |
$40 |
$60 |
Source: Numbeo
Living in Germany
Germany is a very structured and punctual country. Being one of the most progressive countries in Europe, Germany might feel a bit rigid to Canadian citizens.
Nevertheless, Germany is a very multicultural and vibrant environment to live in.
Taxes in Germany Vs Canada
The tax rates are higher in Germany than in Canada by 5% to 16%.
See the table below for the breakdown of tax rates:
| Taxable Income (CAD) |
Germany Tax Rate |
Canada Federal Tax Rate |
| $0 – $17,406 |
0% |
15% |
| $17,407 – $25,500 |
14% – 24% |
20.5% |
| $25,501 – $100,140 |
24% – 42% |
26% |
| $100,141 – $416,739 |
42% |
29% |
| $416,740 and above |
45% |
33% |
Sources: Federal Ministry of Finance; Government of Canada
Safety in Germany
Living in Germany as a Canadian is safe. The country is considered very safe from many points of view, such as:
- Low crime rates (one of the lowest murder rates in Europe)
- Public safety (very efficient law enforcement and medical services)
- Natural disasters (low risk)
Pros And Cons of Living in Germany
Pros
Safe and stable
Decent public transport
High quality of life
Strong healthcare system
Central location in Europe
Cons
Complex bureaucracy
High taxes
Language barrier
Expensive housing in cities
Shops closed on Sundays
Best Places to Live in Germany For English Speakers
You’re probably wondering where in Germany English is most spoken. Here are some of the best destinations that you should consider:
- Berlin is the most international city in Germany, and English is very well spoken.
- Munich offers a high-quality lifestyle, good job prospects, however more expensive.
- Frankfurt represents the financial capital of Germany, where the European Central Bank resides. There are many expat communities, and English is very common.
Moving to Germany Checklist
- Read more about Moving Abroad to get more information about this process.
- Start researching more about the culture and customs in Germany. It is important you understand whether this is the right place for you or not.
- We suggest you start going through your belongings and make decisions on what you would want to bring with you and what you will leave behind. This will save you considerable time and energy when you start packing.
- Prepare your documents in time and store them somewhere safely, to have them ready for when you depart.
- Start packing as soon as you can. It usually takes people more time than planned when packing. It will save you a lot of frustration.
- Enjoy your new journey! New beginnings are always beautiful in their way.
Are You Ready?
First of all, thank you for making it to the end of our article. We truly hope we provided you with all the information necessary to get you started on your new endeavour. Good luck!
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