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Moving and living in Germany

Posted in Germany forum

Am planning move to Bamberg early spring next year. Looking for any information anyone has on issues (I.E. residency, health insurance, driver license, taxes etc). Will not be working but living off retirement income.

  • Go to Frank (confidential)'s profile

    posted by  in Germany forum 

    What kind of visa will you apply for?
    As there is no retirement visa, as far as I know your only options would be for work or through a close relative (spouse, parent, kid) who is already resident/citizen.
    As resident in Germany, you'll have compulsory German health insurance. In the public system (which is probably recommendable, as the private system costs more for elders) the premium depends on your income, but is a minimum of EUR170/month for a non-working person.
    You will be tax-liable on your world income. The crux here is not so much the tax itself (although that might be high), but the need to submit a yearly tax declaration. This is so complicated that, as a non-native speaker, you need a tax consultant (for a fee).
    A German driving license is required if you want to drive after your first 6 months in Germany. USA driving licenses can be converted, but depending on which state you are from, you might need to take a written test.

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