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Moving to Germany From Canada

A Complete Guide including Costs, Tips, and a Checklist

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Moving from Canada to Germany is very exciting, especially for the first time. Germany is famous for its strong economy and its devotion to stability. We understand how difficult this moving process can be, and so we created this guide, including moving and living expenses, requirements, and more.

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; 

  

 

 

  

Request Moving Quotes  

It is always beneficial to weigh your options, especially when moving to another country on a different continent. 

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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 

  1. Read more about Moving Abroad to get more information about this process. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Prepare your documents in time and store them somewhere safely, to have them ready for when you depart. 
  5. 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. 
  6. 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! 

Frequently asked questions

Is Germany a nice place to live?

Is Germany safe?

Do Canadians need a visa for Germany?

Can you drive in Germany with a Canadian license?