Moving to Germany from India

Visa Pathways for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens need a visa to enter Germany for any purpose beyond transit ^[1]. Short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period require a Schengen visa ^[1]. For employment, you apply for a national visa (Type D) at the German embassy or consulate in India before departure.

EU Blue Card.

This is the most common pathway for Indian professionals moving to Germany. It requires a recognized university degree and a job offer with a minimum gross annual salary of EUR 50,700 (or EUR 45,934 for shortage occupations and recent graduates as of 2026) ^[2]. Shortage occupations include STEM fields, IT, healthcare, and engineering. The card is issued for up to four years ^[2].

Skilled worker visa.

If you have a recognized vocational or academic qualification and a job offer from a German employer, you can apply for a skilled worker residence permit ^[3]. The Federal Employment Agency must approve the employment. For workers over 45 entering Germany's workforce for the first time, the job must pay at least EUR 55,770 gross per year ^[3].

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte).

The Opportunity Card under Section 20a of the Residence Act allows qualified individuals to enter Germany for up to one year to search for employment ^[4]. You need either a fully recognized qualification or at least 6 points in the points system, which awards points for professional experience, language skills (German and English), age under 40, and prior residence in Germany. Part-time work up to 20 hours per week is permitted while searching.

IT specialist visa.

Germany offers a dedicated pathway for IT professionals without a formal degree but with at least three years of professional experience and a job offer meeting the salary threshold. This is particularly relevant for Indian tech workers whose qualifications may not map directly to German recognition frameworks.

Qualification recognition.

Indian degrees must be evaluated for German equivalence. The anabin database (maintained by the KMK) assesses academic qualifications. For regulated professions (medicine, engineering, nursing), you need formal recognition before you can practice. The recognition process takes several months. Start it before applying for your visa.

Settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis).

EU Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residency after 27 months of employment with A1-level German (or 21 months with B1-level German) ^[5]. Skilled workers can apply after three years. Requirements include pension contributions, financial self-sufficiency, and language proficiency.

Naturalization.

German citizenship is available after five years of legal residence, B1-level German, passing the naturalization test, and financial self-sufficiency ^[6]. Germany permits dual citizenship ^[6], but India does not. Under India's Citizenship Act, acquiring foreign citizenship terminates Indian nationality. You can apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status after naturalizing, which grants visa-free travel and certain work rights in India.

Tax Obligations

Once you establish tax residency in Germany (by maintaining a dwelling or spending more than six months there), you are subject to German income tax on your worldwide income ^[1].

India-Germany Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).

India and Germany have a comprehensive DTAA that prevents double taxation on most income types ^[1]. Employment income earned in Germany is taxed by Germany. Any Indian-source income (rental income from Indian property, interest from Indian bank accounts, capital gains from Indian investments) may be taxable in both countries, with the DTAA providing relief through credit or exemption methods. The specific treatment depends on the income type and the relevant DTAA article.

Indian tax exit.

India taxes residents on worldwide income. Once you become a non-resident for Indian tax purposes, India taxes only Indian-source income. The transition year requires careful planning. Consult a cross-border tax advisor in both countries for your first filing year after moving.

German income tax.

Germany uses a progressive tax system with rates rising steeply at higher income levels, plus a solidarity surcharge. Church tax (Kirchensteuer) applies only if you register a religious affiliation during your Anmeldung. Register as "konfessionslos" to avoid it.

Social security.

You contribute to German social insurance (health, pension, unemployment, care, accident) from your German employment. Any Indian provident fund or pension contributions are managed separately under Indian law, as there is no bilateral coordination mechanism between the two countries' social security systems.

Indian investments.

If you maintain Indian mutual fund investments, PPF, or NPS accounts, the income from these may be taxable in Germany as part of your worldwide income. The DTAA determines whether India or Germany has primary taxing rights on each type of investment income, with the other country providing a credit.

Healthcare and Insurance

Mandatory health insurance.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany and required for your residence permit. Germany operates two systems: public (GKV) and private (PKV).

Public insurance.

Employees earning below the threshold (approximately EUR 69,300/year in 2026) must enroll in public insurance. Premiums are shared between you and your employer. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs (with small copays), mental health treatment, maternity care, and rehabilitation. Non-working spouses and children under 25 are covered free through family insurance (Familienversicherung), which is a significant benefit for Indian families relocating together.

Private insurance.

Available to employees above the income threshold and to self-employed individuals. Premiums are based on age and health status, not income. Private insurance offers shorter wait times, but premiums rise with age and each family member needs a separate policy. For most Indian employees, public insurance is the practical choice, especially for families.

No social security coordination.

Indian nationals do not benefit from social security coordination agreements with Germany. Your Indian health insurance does not provide coverage in Germany. You start fresh with German health insurance upon employment.

Finding doctors.

Germany has excellent healthcare infrastructure. In major cities, you can find English-speaking doctors, though most general practitioners operate in German. Indian community networks in cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt often maintain lists of recommended physicians. Specialist referrals are required for most non-emergency care.

Prescription continuity.

Bring documentation from your Indian doctor listing generic names (International Nonproprietary Names) and dosages for any medications you take regularly. Many medications available over the counter in India require a prescription in Germany. Stock up on any specific Indian pharmaceutical brands before you move, as German pharmacies carry European equivalents.

Banking and Finances

Opening a German bank account.

A German bank account is essential for salary deposits, rent payments, and direct debits. Major banks include Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Sparkasse. Online banks like N26, ING Germany, and DKB offer faster onboarding and English-language interfaces. To open an account, bring your Indian passport, Anmeldung confirmation, and residence permit (or Fiktionsbescheinigung). N26 can be opened with just a passport and German address.

Schufa credit score.

Germany uses the Schufa credit scoring system. Your Indian credit history (CIBIL score) does not transfer. You start with no Schufa record, treated as neutral. Build your score by opening a bank account, getting a phone contract, and paying all bills on time. Landlords check Schufa when screening tenants.

Maintaining Indian accounts.

You must convert your Indian resident savings accounts to NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) or NRE (Non-Resident External) accounts upon becoming a non-resident. NRE accounts allow free repatriation of funds and earn tax-free interest in India. NRO accounts hold Indian-source income and have repatriation limits. Notify your Indian bank of your NRI status promptly.

Remittances.

The India-Germany corridor is well-served by transfer services. Wise, Remitly, and Western Union offer competitive INR-EUR rates. For large transfers, compare rates carefully, as the exchange rate markup can differ substantially between providers.

Indian retirement accounts.

Your EPF and PPF accounts remain valid as an NRI, though new PPF contributions are restricted after becoming non-resident. NPS accounts can be maintained. Withdrawals and maturity proceeds may be taxable under both Indian and German law, with DTAA relief available.

German retirement contributions.

German employees contribute approximately 9.3% of gross salary to the state pension (Rentenversicherung), matched by the employer. The minimum qualifying period is five years of contributions. Without a bilateral social security agreement, your Indian and German pension rights are independent.

Moving Logistics

Shipping household goods.

Door-to-door shipping a container from India to Germany (via sea freight to Hamburg or Bremerhaven) takes approximately 4-6 weeks. Personal belongings used for more than six months before the move are generally exempt from German customs duties under the residence-transfer provision, provided you have your residence permit and a detailed inventory list.

Customs.

Germany charges customs duties and 19% import VAT on new or commercial goods. Personal effects qualifying under the Umzugsgut (relocation goods) exemption enter duty-free. Declare all items at the German customs office. Keep receipts and an inventory list. Electronics, clothing, and household items you have owned and used are typically exempt.

Driving license.

India does not have a reciprocal driving license agreement with Germany. Your Indian license is valid for six months after establishing residency. After that, you must pass both a written theory test and a practical driving test. The theory test is available in several languages. Budget for test fees and additional driving lessons.

Apartments.

The German housing market is extremely competitive in major cities. Expect low vacancy rates and many applicants per listing. Landlords require Schufa-Auskunft, income proof, previous landlord references, and ID copies. For your first months, consider a furnished temporary rental. Indian professional networks and community groups in German cities are helpful for finding leads.

Pets.

Dogs and cats from India require an ISO-compliant microchip, valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), a rabies antibody titer test at an EU-approved laboratory, and a veterinary health certificate. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and three months before travel. Plan well ahead, as the timeline can take four months or more.

Cell phone.

German mobile carriers include Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. Budget providers like Aldi Talk and congstar offer data plans for EUR 10-20/month. Postpaid contracts require a Schufa check and German bank account. Prepaid SIM cards require in-store identity verification with your passport.

Cultural Adjustment

Language.

German is essential for long-term integration. While many tech companies use English as their working language, government offices, landlords, doctors, and daily life operate in German. B1-level German is required for permanent residency and B1-B2 for citizenship. Goethe-Institut courses are available in India before your move. Integration courses (Integrationskurs) are available after arrival, combining 600 hours of German language instruction with 100 hours of civic orientation.

Indian community.

Germany has a growing Indian community, concentrated in cities with strong tech and engineering sectors: Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Stuttgart. Indian grocery stores, restaurants, and cultural organizations are present in most major cities. Community groups provide newcomer support, housing leads, and social connections.

Workplace culture.

German workplaces are direct and structured. Meetings start exactly on time. Feedback is explicit and may feel blunt compared to Indian workplace communication. The standard workweek is 35-40 hours with 25-30 vacation days. Employees are expected to take their vacation. Working while sick is discouraged.

Food and vegetarianism.

Germany's food culture is meat-heavy, but vegetarian and vegan options have expanded in urban areas. Indian grocery stores carry spices, lentils, rice, and other staples in most major cities. Most German supermarkets stock a basic selection of Indian ingredients. Eating out as a vegetarian is easier in Berlin and university cities than in smaller towns.

Bureaucracy.

German bureaucracy is thorough and paper-based. Indian degrees, birth certificates, and marriage certificates must be translated by sworn translators (beeidigte Ubersetzer). Apostille your Indian documents before leaving India. The Anmeldung, residence permit application, and tax registration each require separate appointments at different offices.

Weather.

Germany is significantly colder and darker than most of India. Winters run from November through March with temperatures near or below freezing and limited daylight. If you are moving from a tropical or subtropical Indian city, invest in proper winter clothing before your first winter.

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