Finding Affordable Health Insurance in Germany to Work, Study, and Live

Germany boasts a highly praised and well rounded health insurance system that is essentially comprised of three different parts. There is the Public Health Insurance System (GKV), the Private (PKV) and the Expat Health Insurance System. To qualify for either of the three options, you have to meet certain requirements. These can be anything from your visa status,  your job situation, as well as the amount of money you earn.

Regardless, health insurance is absolutely mandatory for all residents of Germany. 

Figuring out your best option is an important task! We’ve put together an article highlighting some of the best insurance options within Germany.

Public Health Insurance

If you are a regular employee earning under €62,550 per year, a student under the age of 30, or an EU citizen that is a freelancer/self-employed then we strongly recommend TK as your health insurance provider.

TK is regularly awarded as the No. 1 healthcare provider in Germany and it is clear why.

A quick, online sign-up process can get you insured within two days. All service and documentation is performed completely in English. And most importantly, it meets all the requirements for a Work Visa, EU Blue Card and the Student Visa.

Students benefit from a reduced price and can expect to pay roughly around €105 euros per month depending on their age. Employees can expect the standard 14.6% of their salary, with half paid by the employer.

Use our sign-up link and get insured today!

For those looking for an alternative, check out Barmers as an equally high-quality provider in Public Health Insurance.

Private Health Insurance

For employees earning a high salary and for freelancers failing to qualify for Public Health Insurance, Private Health Insurance is also a great option to consider.

Ottonova doubles as a private health insurance provider, meeting all the requirements for a Freenlance Visa and providing full support in English 24/7.

Feather’s also has a brokerage service where they play matchmaker with you and a trusted Private Health provider.

In both cases, the cost will be dependent on your overall risk profile in respect to your health. Factors such as how old you are or any existing health conditions.

Expat Health Insurance

Those just recently moved to Germany as a Job Seeker, a Working-Holidayer, Non-EU Citizens who are freelancers/self-employed, MiniJob employees, and German-Language school students do not qualify for the Public Health Insurance system. This leaves Expat Health Insurance as the best option.

Feather’s is an extremely affordable option that meets all visa requirements while providing a high standard of medical care. Everything is also done in English, making it the perfect choice! The monthly fee comes out to just about €70 a month.

Other up-to-standard options to consider are Ottonova and Foyers.

Need Help?

Choosing a suitable insurance provider in Germany is an important choice! It can be overwhelming at times, so feel free to contact us with any questions or consultation needed.

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Berlin’s most desirable neighborhoods to live in

Ah, to live in Berlin. The capital of Germany is a bustling metropolis welcoming any and all who dare to call her home. Known for an open mentality, a top-notch nightlife scene, and home to a thriving start-up atmosphere, Berlin is an enticing choice to settle down in.

One of the key steps in doing so? Finding a place to live. The housing shortage in Berlin combined with the intricacies of German bureaucracy can make house hunting a headache. In an attempt to alleviate some of the stress, GLOBALS Homes features some of the best apartments in the city.

Choosing just where to live in Berlin is an important choice! The charm of Berlin is the different worlds that can be found depending on the neighborhood you happen to be in. Read on as we highlight three of Berlin’s most desirable neighborhoods – and the apartments that will let you call them home!

Lichtenberg

Just East of Mitte lies the quiet district of Lichtenberg. At first glance it can seem far removed from the vibrant and historic center of Berlin but don’t let that fool you!

In just 15 minutes you can arrive at Alexanderplatz. Strolling through this quiet suburb, its free from the broken glass and hipsters that crowd Kreuzberg and Neukölln’s busy streets.

Within 20 minutes from the Lichtenburg S+U station you can travel back in time and visit the historic former Stasi Headquarters, or travel to Vietnam and step inside the Dong Xuan Center, an Asian market with over 150 stalls. You can also visit one of East Berlin’s most famous attractions, Tierpark, a large zoo where animals have free roam and gives residents an amazing green space in the center of the district. Lichtenberg is a trending gem in Berlin, get here fast!

Mitte

Mitte means “center” or “middle” in German and you can bet that if you live in Mitte you can reach anywhere in Berlin’s city limits very easily. Not only are you well connected with transit, but the multiple bars, restaurants and cafes are not just there for the tourists.

Grab a craft beer around Torstrasse, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial or catch a show at Babylon Berlin or the Volksbühne and discover that thriving Mitte is the heartbeat of the city and one of the best districts to live in.

Schöneberg

Discover all the colours of Berlin within one district. Famous since the 1920s for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, Schöneberg really has something for everyone.

You can browse the latest trends at the famous KaDeWe (Kaufhaus Des Westens), one of the largest department stores in Europe. For nature lovers there is the protected biological park Schöneberger Südgelände, a nature reclaimed WWII rail yard and just in the district limits is Templehofer Field, the airport-turned-public-park, where you can catch the best sunsets in the city.

The 30 Best Cities to Live in for Expats 2020

International life is becoming a norm nowadays as more and more people are moving abroad each year. In a survey put together by InterNations, some 20.000 expats ranked which cities in 2020 are the best for relocation. 

Aspects considered include general features of life in a new city, such as living expenses, medical costs, the working conditions as well as the ease at which one makes new acquaintances with locals.
Barcelona notably has been ranked 7th by the 20,000 expats. If you’re thinking of relocating there, know that we have a Club GLOBALS community waiting to connect with you there, as well as our very own Barcelona guide to help you get familiar with, we believe, one of the most beautiful and artistic cities of Europe.

So, all the all the more reason to join our community today!

Discover which cities are best ranked:

30. Brussels, Belgium

29. Melbourne, Australia

28. Muscat, Oman

27. Miami, Florida, US

26. Tokyo, Japan

25. Panamá city, Panamá

24. Tallinn, Estonia

23. Vienna, Austria

22. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

21. Manama, Bahrain

20. Bangkok, Thailand

19. Calgary, Canada

18. Budapest, Hungary

17. Madrid, Spain

16. Sydney, Australia

15. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

14. Mexico City, Mexico

13. Prague, Czechia

12. Doha, Qatar

11. Aachen, Germany

10. Basel, Switzerland

9. The Hague, Netherlands

8. Zug, Switzerland

7. Barcelona, Spain

6. Lisbon, Portugal

5. Montréal, Canada

4. Singapore

3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

1. Taipei, Taiwan

Source: Insider

How to get a work visa in Germany

As March 2020, the new Skilled Immigration Act came to effect to improve and facilitate the arrival of international labor into the German market. The laws for qualified professionals with university degrees are now more flexible. More importantly, expanded to workers with vocational non-academic training.

To help you pursue your dream career, here you will find a complete guide of how to get a work visa in Germany.

To start: what makes a qualified professional?

Is considered in this category, any candidate with a tertiary education degree (concluded within the country or abroad) or with vocational training of at least two years of length. In both cases, you will need to obtain official recognition of your professional qualification, before applying for the work visa.

This procedure is mandatory for regulated professions, such as engineer, teacher, lawyer, doctor, nurse and other health related occupations. In this case, a written permission to exercise your profession can also be asked by the German mission abroad. The recognition prerequisite does not apply to non-regulated careers. Such as chefs, artists, managers and athletes; but is encouraged to assist employers in the moment of hiring. Same rule applies for candidates who have completed their professional training or higher education in Germany.

At the Anerkennung In Deutschland website, you can find the complete list of regulated and non-regulated professions, as well as the step by step to get your recognition. Your visa application will not be processed if your qualification has not been officially recognised yet. So that should be your priority.

Job Seeker Visa and the saga for a job opportunity

One of the biggest additions brought by the new Skilled Immigration Act is the suspension of priority for EU members. That means that the Federal Employment Agency no longer checks if the position could be occupied first by a German or European citizen; giving equal opportunity for qualified workers. The new law also states that international job opportunities are no longer restricted to occupations experiencing shortage.

If that is not already a big help, the Job Seeker Visa comes to facilitate even more for you to find your dream job. This type of visa, allows qualified professionals to enter the country and stay up to six months to get a full time contract with an employer. All you need is to have your qualification recognized (if it is the case), proof that you can financially support yourself during the period, and present level B1 of knowledge on the German language. With the Job Seeker Visa, you are authorized to work up to 10 hours per week on a trial basis.

Getting your skills developed

In specific cases, the German authorities might conclude that your qualification does not meet the position’s requirements. For that situation, there is the visa for Training and Skill Development. The documentation prerequisite is to present level A2 of knowledge on the German language, and it gives the candidate a residence permit valid for 18 months, extendable for another 4 months. During this period, you will be able to apply for a study or work permit within the country.

How to speed up the process?

If you already found a job opportunity, you can get in touch with your employer to submit a fast-track application. In this procedure, the professional needs to authorize the future employer to send the documentation for the local foreigner’s authority. They will be the ones responsible for obtaining the approval from the Federal Employment Agency. Once you receive the preliminary approval, you can make a visa application appointment at your local mission abroad office. This option costs 411 euros and can take up to six weeks.

Can my family come along?

The visa procedure also covers the candidate’s spouse and minor unmarried children. For the approval, all the applications (including all the members) should be submitted at the same time. The applicant must also provide proof of financial means for the entire family’s living and housing cost, without any support from the German state.

Important to mention: this condition does not extend for the Job Seeker kind of visa.

What are the exceptions?

The visa rules apply differently for members of the EU freedom of movement regime; including all European Union member states, as well as citizens of Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein; who can enter the country without a visa and are not required to obtain permission to take up employment. Changes also affect citizens from United States of America, Canada, Israel, Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. In their case, they are allowed to enter Germany without a visa and submit an application for residence within the country.

Especial rules also apply to candidates over 45 years old. If that’s your case, your gross annual salary for the position you’re about to take should be of at least 45,540 euros and you must provide proof of old age pension provisions as well.

Here you are: a complete guide to start your work immigration! And don’t forget; you can always count on us to help you make your international life easier.

For further information, visit the Federal Government portal for foreign skilled workers: www.make-it-in-germany.com

The 5 Happiest Countries

The World Happiness Report is a landmark survey of the state of global happiness that ranks 156 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. The World Happiness Report 2019 focuses on happiness and community. Let`s see the 5 happiest countries list below. Let us know whether or not you agree with this ranking

1-Finland

2-Denmark

3-Norway

4-Iceland

5-Netherlands

Top 10 Countries that Speak English the Best!

Education First identified the top 10 countries that speak the best in English. The research was conducted on the countries that their main language is not English. In today’s interconnected world, English proficiency is a valuable asset, driving business, education, and culture. For tech leaders and entrepreneurs, understanding which countries excel in English can influence decisions on market expansion, partnerships, and talent acquisition.

Germany’s emphasis on English education and its role in global business contribute to the high proficiency levels among its population. For tech entrepreneurs, Germany offers a robust market with a skilled, English-speaking workforce.

Slovenia has a high level of English proficiency, attributed to its strong educational system and the widespread use of English in business and tourism. The vast majority of Slovenians are multilingual and entrepreneurs will find a well-educated and linguistically skilled population.

English proficiency in Finland is driven by its education system and the integration of English into various aspects of daily life. For entrepreneurs and tech companies, Finland provides a skilled workforce fluent in English, essential for international collaborations and business growth.

Luxembourg stands out with its multilingual education system, where English is a key component. This proficiency supports the country’s status as a financial and technological hub, attracting entrepreneurs and tech leaders from around the world.

South Africa’s unique position as a multilingual country with English as one of its 11 official languages results in high English proficiency. The country’s diverse and dynamic economy, combined with a significant English-speaking population, makes it an attractive destination for tech entrepreneurs and international businesses.

Denmark’s high English proficiency can be attributed to its robust education system and the widespread use of English in daily life. Danish professionals are known for their strong command of English, making the country an attractive hub for multinational companies and tech innovators.

Norwegians excel in English thanks to their educational system and the prevalence of English media. This linguistic capability positions Norway as an ideal environment for tech entrepreneurs seeking to establish a presence in Northern Europe.

As a global business hub, Singapore’s population exhibits exceptional English proficiency. The country’s bilingual education policy and its role as a major economic center in Asia make Singapore a strategic location for tech companies aiming for a foothold in the region.

Sweden’s educational approach ensures that English is taught extensively, leading to a population proficient in the language. For tech leaders, Sweden offers a vibrant ecosystem of English-speaking talent contributing to nearly 90% of Swedes being proficient in English, perfect for expanding business operations and fostering innovation.

And the winner is…

The Netherlands consistently ranks at the top for English proficiency. With a comprehensive education system emphasizing English from an early age, the Dutch boast fluency and accent-free command of the language. Dutch people often speak English fluently, influenced by strong educational systems and widespread media consumption in English. This makes the Netherlands a prime destination for international business and tech startups looking for a linguistically skilled workforce.

Why English Proficiency Matters for Entrepreneurs and Tech Leaders

Universal Communication: English is the global lingua franca, enabling smooth communication across diverse regions. For example, the Netherlands has a 90% English proficiency rate, making it easier for any international businesses to operate.

Talent Pool Access: Countries with high English proficiency, like Germany, which has over 56% English speakers, provide a vast pool of skilled professionals for tech companies, essential for building strong teams.

Collaboration and Innovation: High English proficiency facilitates cross-border collaboration. In Sweden, where nearly 90% speak English, tech firms benefit from international partnerships and innovative idea exchange.

Global Partnerships: Effective English communication strengthens international business relationships. Singapore, with 83% English proficiency, is a strategic hub for global ventures, ensuring successful collaborations.

Understanding these dynamics helps tech leaders and entrepreneurs make informed decisions about where to invest, expand, and source talent, ultimately driving success in the global marketplace.

Tips for Tech Entrepreneurs

• Leverage Education Systems: Tap into countries with robust English education systems to recruit top talent.
• Consider Multilingual Hubs: Explore multilingual countries like Luxembourg and Singapore for strategic business expansions.
• Monitor Emerging Markets: Keep an eye on countries like Slovenia, where rising English proficiency and tech growth create new opportunities.

Join the conversation

What’s your experience with English proficiency in global business? Which country do you find has the most impressive English-speaking population? Share your thoughts and join the discussion on our social media channels.

5 Most Liveable Cities

Here are the top 5 most liveable cities in the world in terms of criteria such as health, education, stability, crime rates, and social development according to the Mercer Quality of Living Survey.

1- Vienna (Austria)

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is the most populous city in the country but also the smallest area. Due to its cultural and architectural heritage, it is now one of the most important tourism cities. But in fact, this city is great for not only to visit but also to live. A systematic functioning transportation network, properly planned living spaces, high levels of education and culture, living conditions make Austria one of the most livable cities in the world.

2- Zurich (Switzerland)

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is a very touristy city. There are many places to visit in Zurich for a tourist such as museums, historical buildings, and natural beauties. What about life? Living here should be really good. Because Zurich is one of the countries that attracts attention with its security. It is also the most developed city in terms of quality of life of the world. The traffic is flowing regularly, it is almost impossible to hear the horn sound.

3- Auckland (New Zealand)

Auckland, a New Zealand city, always ranks first in the list of the world’s most livable cities. Because there is a life far from stressful conditions in this peaceful city. Although it is located in a larger area, you can go to a great beach in 20 minutes wherever you are in the city. You can also go for a walk in a magnificent forest or enjoy your sail. In this city full of calm people, the time flows quite slowly.

4- Munich (Germany)

Munich is a German city that offers people both city life and magnificent nature. Moreover, it is one of the cities with the highest quality of life. This is a peaceful city full of joyful people, and nature life. What makes Munich beautiful to living is also its glorious history.

5- Vancouver (Canada)

One of the dream cities that maintains its innocence despite all the turmoil in the world is Vancouver. Although it is a big city, you can easily find anywhere you want, thanks to its regular streets and roads, and you can easily reach anywhere you want. With its natural beauties, it gives people the chance to live experiences that you cannot live anywhere in the world. It is well-kept, peaceful, and offers people a wonderful public service …

Which city do you think is the best to live?

Here the World’s Most Interesting and Strange Cities

8 Things you should know about the Wohnsitz Anmeldung

Moving to Berlin can be stressful when you don’t speak German and need to register your address with the city. Here you will find everything you need to know about the registration “Anmeldung” in Berlin.

Disclaimer: This is a non-exhaustive article. Click here to have the latest governmental information.