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Europe · WorldSimple country guide

Germany

Germany is best planned around the exact city and residence purpose. Berlin, Munich and Hamburg have very different housing pressure, and Germany does not rely on one generic 'digital nomad visa'.

Build a budgetAll countries
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Start withBerlin vs Munich vs Hamburg
Residence lensPurpose-specific permits
Self-employmentDedicated residence permit exists
Best forPublic transportFreelance and business routesRail-connected citiesLong-term relocation

Choose your base

Where to start in Germany

Berlin

Best for: International community, creative work and broad transit coverage.

Watch: Rental competition is intense; neighborhood choice should follow your U-Bahn/S-Bahn pattern.

Munich

Best for: High-income economy, corporate roles and access to Bavaria.

Watch: Housing cost is the key constraint; a longer commute may materially change affordability.

Hamburg

Best for: Port economy, northern Germany and strong urban transit.

Watch: Weather and neighborhood-to-station distance matter for daily quality of life.

01

Housing is the first filter

Germany-wide averages are less useful than current city-level listings. Munich can require a radically different housing strategy from Berlin or Hamburg, and furnished short-term rentals may carry a large premium.

For relocation, prepare a housing file early. German landlords often care about proof of income, identity and financial reliability, so the practical challenge is not only price but also being application-ready.

02

Use the permit that matches the work

Germany's official skilled-migration portal describes separate residence paths for employees, freelancers and self-employed founders. For self-employment, commercial founders must show economic interest or regional demand, positive economic effects and secured financing; freelancers face a different test.

The self-employment residence permit can initially be issued for up to three years. Remote workers should not assume that tourist status or a generic 'nomad' label replaces the correct residence and work permission.

03

Transit can reduce housing pressure

Berlin, Munich and Hamburg all have strong local transport. Comparing rent with monthly transit and door-to-door commute time often reveals better-value districts that look distant on a map but are highly practical by rail.

Checked 2026-10-08

Sources & checks

Rules change. Use these references as a starting point and recheck time-sensitive information with the competent official authority.

Make it in Germany — visa for self-employment ↗Deutsche Bahn ↗

Use anywhere

Planning guides for Germany