🇩🇪 Germany, Here We Come!
- Mar 28
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 29
From world-leading engineering hubs to vibrant cultural cities, Germany offers strong career opportunities and a high quality of life for individuals, families, and professionals starting a new chapter abroad. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your relocation from Japan to Germany smooth, informed, and stress-free.
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1. Preparing for the Move to Germany
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🛬 1. Preparing for the Move to Germany
Visa & Immigration Requirements
Before relocating to Germany, securing the correct visa or residence permit is essential. The type of visa depends on your employment, qualifications, and length of stay.
Common visa categories for relocating individuals and families include:
EU Blue Card: For highly skilled professionals with a qualifying job offer
Work Visa: For individuals with confirmed employment in Germany
Job Seeker Visa: Allows entry to search for employment
Student Visa: For academic study at German institutions
Family Reunion Visa: For spouses and dependents
Freelancer Visa: For self-employed professionals in eligible fields
Permanent Residency: For long-term settlement after meeting eligibility requirements
Germany’s immigration system is structured and documentation-focused. Momentum works with immigration advisors and destination partners to ensure your application process is well-prepared before departure.
Pre-Move Planning Checklist
Relocating to the Germany requires careful preparation. Starting at least 2–3 months in advance is recommended.
Your pre-move checklist should include:
Valid passports for all travelers
Visa approval and supporting documents
Certified Japanese versions of birth/marriage certificates (with German and English translations)
Vaccination and medical records
Driver’s license and international driving permit
Financial records and proof of funds
School records for children
Cancel or transfer services in Japan (utilities, mobile phone, bank accounts)
Momentum helps align your documentation, shipment, and move timeline for a smooth transition to your new home in Germany.
Language Considerations
German is the official language, although English is widely spoken in major cities and international workplaces.
Useful tips:
Basic German is highly beneficial for daily life and administrative processes
Many government offices operate primarily in German
Integration and language courses (Integrationskurse) are widely available
Momentum can connect you with partners offering bilingual or language support services.
🏠 2. Housing & Living Arrangements
Renting a Home in Germany
Germany’s rental market can be competitive, especially in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Key points to understand:
Lease Terms: Typically open-ended contracts with notice periods
Application Process: Includes proof of income, SCHUFA credit report, and references
Deposits: Usually up to three months’ rent
Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Most rentals are unfurnished and may not include kitchens or lighting
Useful Platforms: ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht, and local agents
Momentum’s destination partners can assist with housing searches and lease processes.
Utilities & Home Setup
Once you’ve secured a rental, you’ll need to arrange utilities. Unlike in Japan, many services in Germany are organized individually and may require separate contracts with different providers.
Common setup services include:
Electricity and Gas: Providers include E.ON, Vattenfall, EnBW, and various regional suppliers. Tenants typically choose their own provider.
Water & Waste: Usually managed through the landlord or building management and included in additional monthly costs (Nebenkosten).
Internet: Providers include Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, 1&1, and O2, with DSL and fibre options available depending on location.
Mobile Phone: Major carriers include Telekom, Vodafone, and O2, along with various MVNO providers.
Tip: A German bank account and address registration (Anmeldung) are often required to set up utility contracts. Deposits may be requested if you do not yet have a local credit history (SCHUFA).
Neighborhoods & Commute
Germany has an efficient and well-connected transport network, but commuting patterns can vary depending on the city and region.
Key considerations:
Proximity to work or school
Access to public transportation
Urban vs. suburban or smaller town living preferences
Lifestyle factors such as proximity to parks, green spaces, and business districts
Public transport is highly developed in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, while suburban and rural areas may require a car.
Momentum helps match housing options to your lifestyle and practical needs.
🏫 3. Daily Life & Integration
Transportation & Getting Around
Germany offers one of the most efficient and reliable transport systems in Europe.
Key points:
Public Transport: Extensive networks of trains (Deutsche Bahn), U-Bahn (metro), S-Bahn (suburban rail), trams, and buses are widely used.
Driving: Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and Germany’s Autobahn network is well-developed.
License Conversion: Japanese driver’s licenses can often be exchanged without a full test, depending on local regulations.
Cycling: Very popular in many cities, with dedicated bike lanes and strong infrastructure.
Health Insurance & Medical Services
Germany has a high-quality healthcare system, and health insurance is mandatory for all residents.
Healthcare must-knows:
Public Health Insurance (GKV): Covers most residents and provides access to a wide range of services.
Private Health Insurance (PKV): Available for higher earners and certain groups.
Registration with a doctor (Hausarzt) is common for primary care and referrals to specialists.
Appointments may be required for specialists, with varying wait times.
Momentum’s partners can guide you through health insurance setup and healthcare registration.
Schools & Education
Germany offers a structured and diverse education system.
Options include:
Public Schools: Free and administered at the state (Bundesland) level.
Private Schools: Fee-based with alternative curricula.
International Schools: Available in major cities, often offering English-language or IB programs.
Kindergartens (Kita): Widely available but may have waiting lists in some areas.
Enrollment requires registration documents, proof of address, and academic history.
Momentum supports families with school selection and transition planning.
🧩 4. Culture, Customs & Etiquette
Everyday Social Etiquette
German culture values structure, punctuality, and directness.
What to expect:
Greetings: Handshakes in formal settings
Punctuality: Extremely important in both business and personal life
Communication: Direct and clear, often without small talk
Tipping Culture: Typically rounding up or 5–10% in restaurants
Cultural Differences to Be Aware Of
Strong respect for rules and procedures
Separation between work and personal life
Quiet public environments compared to many countries
Formal tone in professional interactions
Work Culture for Japanese Expats
Germany’s business environment is structured and professional, with strong expectations around efficiency, planning, and clear communication.
Key workplace norms:
Collaborative but role-defined workplaces with clear responsibilities
Hierarchical structures are more defined than in some Western countries, though less rigid than in Japan
Strong emphasis on planning, precision, and accountability
Work-life balance is respected, with clear boundaries between working hours and personal time
Communication is direct and factual, with feedback delivered clearly and without ambiguity
Momentum can provide cultural orientation and guidance for professionals adapting to German workplaces.
📦 5. Shipping & Settling In
What to Bring vs Buy in Germany
Shipping household goods from Japan to Germany requires careful decisions, especially considering space, costs, and European housing standards.
Recommended to bring:
Personal electronics and devices: Laptops, tablets, and phones are generally compatible with German voltage (230V), but you will need plug adapters (Type C or F).
Favorite kitchen tools or appliances: Japanese rice cookers, donabe pots, and specialty kitchen items are often preferred by expats, but check voltage compatibility.
Specialty clothing and footwear: German sizes and styles may differ, especially for children or petite adults.
Japanese books, learning materials, or toys for children adjusting to the new language environment.
Medications and health supplements not available or difficult to find in Germany.
Better to buy locally:
Large appliances: Most homes do not include all appliances (sometimes even kitchens), so purchasing locally ensures compatibility and easier installation.
Furniture: Local dimensions and styles may suit your space better. IKEA, home24, and local furniture stores are commonly used options.
Cleaning supplies and household goods: These are inexpensive and easy to purchase after arrival.
Seasonal clothing: It’s often better to buy locally to match Germany’s colder seasons and climate conditions.
Momentum helps optimize your shipment based on practicality and cost.
Customs & Import Procedures
Germany requires accurate documentation and clear declarations when importing household goods, with customs processes managed by German Customs (Zoll).
Key points:
Transfer of Residence (Übersiedlungsgut) Relief: Individuals relocating to Germany can import used household goods and personal belongings duty-free under relocation provisions.
Application Process: Documentation must confirm that goods have been owned and used prior to arrival and are intended for continued personal use.
Used household items are generally duty-free, provided they meet relocation requirements.
New or high-value items may be subject to customs duties and import VAT depending on declared value and classification.
Prohibited or restricted items include: firearms (strictly regulated), certain food products, plants and seeds, hazardous materials, and counterfeit goods.
Food: Many food items are restricted, particularly meat, dairy, and fresh products. Commercially packaged goods may be allowed but must be declared.
Alcohol and tobacco: Subject to strict limits, duties, and taxes, and must always be declared.
Customs inspections: German Customs (Zoll) may inspect shipments to ensure compliance with import regulations.
Momentum’s German destination agent will guide you through documentation requirements and coordinate with customs authorities to ensure efficient clearance.
Delivery, Unpacking & Settling In
Once your goods arrive in Germany, your destination agent takes over the final delivery process.
You can expect:
Delivery arranged to match your move-in schedule
Placement of furniture in designated rooms
Basic unpacking of boxes and removal of packing materials
Debriefing on how to file claims for any missing or damaged items
Storage options if your new home is not yet ready
Momentum works closely with trusted partners to ensure a smooth handoff from Japan to your new home in Germany, keeping communication open from door to door.
🤝 6. Support & Resources
Community & Support Networks
Germany offers a growing network of expat communities, cultural groups, and professional organizations across major cities.
Popular support networks include:
Japanese Chambers of Commerce in Germany (e.g., Düsseldorf, Frankfurt), supporting business networking and community engagement.
Japanese cultural and language organizations, including the Japan Cultural Institute in Cologne and various local cultural centres offering language and community programs.
Japanese Embassy and Consulates in Germany, including the Embassy of Japan in Berlin and Consulates-General in cities such as Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich, providing passport services, consular support, and community information.
Parent groups and cultural clubs connected to Japanese schools and supplementary weekend programs across major cities.
Online communities on platforms like Facebook and Meetup for networking, family support, business connections, and cultural exchange.
Momentum’s partners can provide introductions to local networks and expat communities based on your destination.
Local Government Services & Registration
While structured and efficient, Germany’s federal and local government systems require several registrations for new residents.
Key services to take advantage of:
Address Registration (Anmeldung): Mandatory registration at the local Bürgeramt (citizen’s office) shortly after arrival.
Driver’s License Authority (Führerscheinstelle): Responsible for license exchange and vehicle registration processes.
Public libraries: Many offer free or low-cost access to books, internet, language courses, and community programs.
Local municipal offices: Provide services such as waste and recycling registration, parking permits, and local administration.
Health insurance registration: Mandatory for all residents through public (GKV) or private (PKV) providers before accessing medical services.
Public schools and local education offices: Assist with enrollment, assessments, and language support services for children.
Documentation such as your passport, visa or residence permit, proof of address (Anmeldung), and Tax ID (Steuer-ID) may be required for many of these registrations.
Momentum’s Role After the Move
At Momentum Worldwide Movers, our support doesn’t end once your shipment leaves Japan. Through our trusted network of partners in Germany, we ensure continuity of service, communication, and care on the ground both before and after your move to Germany.
Our support continues beyond your arrival:
Coordinated delivery with our destination agent in Germany
Support navigating customs procedures and insurance claims
Introductions to bilingual real estate professionals or school consultants
Follow-up check-ins to ensure everything arrived safely
Local guidance tailored to your destination, lifestyle, and family needs
Your journey may be global, but we at Momentum ensure continuity, clarity, and confidence throughout your relocation journey from Japan to Germany.
🇩🇪 Wrapping Up
Relocating to Germany offers strong career opportunities, efficient infrastructure, and a high standard of living. With the right preparation and expert support, your move from Japan can be smooth and well-organized. Momentum Worldwide Movers works with trusted partners across Germany to guide you every step of the way.
✉️ Let’s Get Moving
Have questions about relocating to Germany? Reach out to our team for personalized advice, timeline planning, or a no-obligation consultation. We’re ready when you are.
