USA → Europe · Germany
Moving to Germany from the USA: permits, taxes and costs in 2026
Germany is one of the few countries where Americans can arrive without a visa and apply for a residence permit after arrival, within the 90 visa-free days. With a qualifying job you can get an EU Blue Card from a salary of €50,700 in 2026. Expect higher deductions than in the US, but health insurance and a pension are included.
Residence options
| Permit | For | 2026 requirement |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | University graduates with a job offer | €50,700 a year; €45,934 in shortage jobs (IT, engineering, health) |
| Skilled worker permit | Recognised degree or vocational qualification and a job offer | Job offer in your field |
| Opportunity Card | Job seekers | Points system, proof of funds; up to a year to find work |
| Freelance permit | Self-employed people | Clients in Germany, a business plan, health insurance |
Apply at the local foreigners’ office (Ausländerbehörde). Appointments can take weeks in big cities, so book as soon as you arrive.
Taxes and deductions
- On a $100,000 salary converted to euros (€89,246), a single employee takes home about $4,934 a month after income tax and social insurance.
- Your employer withholds tax by tax class; married couples can save with class 3/5 or 4 with factor. See German tax classes and the 2026 tax brackets.
- When you register your address you are asked about religion: answering Catholic or Protestant means church tax. See our church tax guide.
- Investing in European ETFs creates US PFIC problems; many Americans keep US brokerage accounts. See our tax guide for Americans.
What it costs
| Berlin | Munich | Frankfurt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom, city centre | €1,368 | €1,474 | €1,192 |
| 1-bedroom, outside centre | €967 | €1,219 | €963 |
| 3-bedroom, city centre | €2,500 | €2,702 | €2,177 |
Typical monthly cold rents from our 34-city rent calculator; heating and service charges usually add €150–300.
First steps
- Register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks of moving in. You get your tax ID by post.
- Get health insurance: statutory through your employer, or private if you earn above €77,400 or are self-employed. Proof is needed for your permit.
- Book the foreigners’ office for your residence permit within 90 days.
- Open a German bank account; some banks ask extra FATCA questions for US citizens.
Check rents in German cities →
Sources
This guide is general information based on the tax rules we could verify for 2026, not tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal situations differ, so check with the tax authority or a qualified adviser before you act. Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected].