Why do 13.1 million migrant workers choose Germany for work and life?
As of 2023, the number of migrant workers in Germany constitutes 15.7 percent of the country's population. This is 4.5 times more than the previous year.

Certainly, the majority arriving in Germany in 2022-2023 are forced migrants from Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict in their country. Yet, even without these refugees, Germany remains the top destination for migrants in Europe, attracting those seeking a change of residence and employment opportunities.

But why Germany? Aren't there more highly paid countries for work?

Let's highlight four indisputable factors that make Germany attractive for foreigners.

Highly Developed Economy:
Germany's economy ranks first in Europe and fourth globally, making this geographically small European country one of the strongest and most influential in the world. With a large foreign workforce, Germany boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the European Union, standing at just 3.1%. The country's leadership in exports of transportation, chemicals, and household appliances contributes to its economic growth. Germany is also renowned for globally recognized brands such as DHL, Porsche, BOSCH, Siemens, BMW Group, Allianz, and Volkswagen.

Strategic Location:
Germany acts as a gateway to Western European countries, sharing borders with nine neighboring countries: Austria, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, France, Luxembourg, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, and Belgium. This is particularly appealing for travel enthusiasts. With so many neighboring countries, no other European country can boast such a diverse range of destinations just a few minutes away by train.

Quality of Life:
Despite high taxes, the purchasing power in Germany is sufficiently high. Frankfurt, for instance, consistently ranks among the top ten cities globally for quality of life. It leads in criteria such as stability, healthcare, culture, ecology, education, and infrastructure. This evaluation comes from the international publication "The Economist," which annually publishes a ranking of the best (and worst) cities in the world.

Employment Opportunities:
In Germany, individuals from various professional backgrounds and those without prior work experience can find suitable job opportunities. Additionally, there are plenty of job vacancies that do not require knowledge of the German language, which is particularly beneficial for newcomers from CIS countries or English-speaking backgrounds.

Based on these criteria, Germany is indeed one of the most attractive countries for employment, not only in Europe but globally.

Cons of Relocating to Germany for Work and Residence:

Shortage of Rental Housing:
The annual population growth due to foreigners has both advantages and drawbacks. One downside is the limited rental housing market, leading to rising housing costs. The search for rental apartments, hostels, and other temporary accommodations becomes challenging due to high demand. The price for renting a one-bedroom apartment in small towns and villages starts at 600-800 Euros, while in major cities, it can reach 1400 Euros per month. Planning ahead is crucial for those planning to move to Germany, especially to large cities. Employers generally provide accommodation for their employees, so this should be clarified during job interviews.

Slow Financial Transactions and Low Digital Services:
Simple tasks for non-residents of EU countries, such as swiftly opening a bank account, instant transfers between bank cards and accounts, and the ability to transfer funds on weekends, are not readily available in Germany. Financial operations in Germany involve lengthy and documentary complex procedures.

High Tax Rates:
The strength of Germany's economy lies in its well-functioning tax system, which classifies taxpayers into six classes. Numerous taxes, from VAT and income tax to corporate tax and wealth tax, are applicable to both Germans and foreigners residing in Germany.

In summary, relocating to another country is always challenging. If you are planning to work in Europe, it is advisable not to shy away from the assistance of employment agencies, which can guide you throughout your entire employment period. Relying solely on self-employment, even if you are not a first-time worker, comes with many risks, especially if you are not proficient in the German language and are not familiar with the country's labor laws.

Professional support will help you secure a job and accommodation in advance, prepare documents, and provide information to aid in your adaptation upon arrival.