Is it difficult to live in Germany? Complete guide 2025
Dreaming of living in Germany doesn't have to be just a distant dream! Although many Brazilians believe that moving to Germany is a complex process, the reality is that there are structured and accessible paths to make this experience possible. With the right opportunities and proper guidance, you can transform that goal into a planned and successful journey.
Why Germany is an attractive destination for Brazilians
Germany has become increasingly popular among Brazilian professionals, and the numbers prove this trend. According to recent data from the Institute of German Economics, Brazilians are among the 10 nationalities with the highest salaries in the country, with a full-time monthly average of €4,565, even exceeding the average salary of the Germans themselves.
The country offers unique advantages that justify this choice:
- Robust economy: Third largest economy in the world with over 2 million vacancies available
- Competitive minimum wage: €12.82 per hour in 2025, ensuring quality of life
- Free educational system: Public universities with no tuition fees for international students
- Exceptional quality of life: Modern infrastructure, security, and work-life balance
- Strategic location: Easy access to the entire European Union
How does the Study and Work in Germany program work
O Study and Work in Germany it is one of the most structured ways to start your life in the country. This program allows you to combine quality education with practical professional experience, creating a solid foundation for your international career.
Key features of the program:
- Flexible duration: From 1 year onwards, adaptable to your goals
- Work permit: 20 hours a week during the course and full time during the holidays
- Areas of study: Technology, Business, Engineering, Health, Data Science
- Requirements: From 18 years old with intermediate proficiency in English or German
- Post-study extension: Up to 18 months of full time work after completion
Available job opportunities
The German market is hot for qualified professionals, especially in strategic sectors:
Information Technology
- Developers and programmers
- Cybersecurity experts
- Software architects
- Data Analysts
engineering
- Industrial automation
- Renewable energy
- Mechatronics
- Industry 4.0
Cheers
- Nursing professionals
- Medical technology
- Physiotherapy
- Geriatric care
Services Sector
- Multilingual customer service
- Tourism and hospitality
- Logistics and supply chain
How German institutions receive international students
German universities have developed robust structures to welcome international students, recognizing the value of cultural diversity. The process is well organized and includes:
Pre-arrival support:
- Online guidance on living in Germany
- Assistance with documentation and visas
- Information about housing and living costs
- Connecting with other international students
Support during studies:
- Personalized academic support
- Free German courses
- Mentoring programs with veteran students
- Specialized career centers
Cultural integration:
- Welcome and networking events
- Cultural exchange programs
- Diversified extracurricular activities
- Psychological and adaptation support
Essential requirements for change
To ensure a successful transition to Germany, you'll need to meet some specific requirements:
Basic documentation:
- Valid passport valid for at least 6 months
- Diploma and transcript translated and apostilled
- Certificate of language proficiency (German or English)
- International health insurance valid in Germany
- Criminal record certificate Apostilated
Blocked Account: your financial guarantee
O Blocked Account is one of the most important requirements and represents your financial guarantee for the first year in Germany. It works like a special bank account where you deposit €11,904 (amount for 2025), which are released monthly in installments of €992.
How to open your locked account:
- Choose an authorized bank (Expatrio, Fintiba, Deutsche Bank)
- Submit documentation (passport, university acceptance letter)
- Make the deposit via international transfer
- Get confirmation to apply for a student visa
Proof of language proficiency
Depending on the program you choose, you will need to prove knowledge in German or English:
For courses in German:
- TestDaF (minimum TDN 4)
- DSH (level 2 or 3)
- Goethe-Zertifikat (minimum C1)
For courses in English:
- IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5)
- TOEFL iBT (minimum 80 points)
- Duolingo English Test (accepted by some institutions)
Minimum wage and cost of living in Germany
The German minimum wage of €12.82 per hour in 2025 it guarantees a solid financial base. For a 20-hour week job (allowed for students), this represents approximately €1,100 per month, enough to cover a good part of the living costs.
Average monthly costs by city:
How to get accommodation in Germany
Finding housing is one of the biggest concerns of those planning to move to Germany. The process varies depending on the city and type of accommodation chosen:
Available housing options:
Student housing (Studentenwohnheim)
- Lowest cost: €200-400 monthly
- Multicultural environment
- Competitive selection process
- Application 6-12 months in advance
Shared apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaft)
- Average cost: €350-600 monthly
- Authentic cultural experience
- Contract flexibility
- Selection process by current residents
Studios and small apartments
- Highest cost: €500-900 monthly
- Greater privacy and independence
- Long-term contracts
- Requirement of financial guarantees
Tips for getting housing:
- Start the search in advance (3-6 months before arrival)
- Prepare documents in German (Schufa, proof of income, references)
- Use specialized platforms (WG-gesucht, Studenten-WG, Uniplaces)
- Consider initial temporary housing (hostels, hotels) to pick up in person
- Have a deposit budget (2-3 months' rent as security deposit)
Differences by city:
Berlin: Competitive market but with more options. WGs popular with students.
Munich: Most expensive city, very competitive market. Student housing is essential.
Hamburg: Moderate prices, good offer of WGs. Efficient public transport.
Colonia: Affordable costs, strong university environment. Easy access to other cities.
Dresden: More economical option, less competition. Excellent quality of life.
Documents required for the visa
- Completed application form
- Valid passport with photos
- Acceptance letter from the German institution
- Blocked Account Voucher
- International health insurance
- Certificates of language proficiency
- Translated diplomas and histories
- Criminal record certificate
Career opportunities and progression
Germany offers excellent career prospects for international students. Upon completion of your studies, you are entitled to a job search visa of 18 months, a period during which you can work full time and seek permanent opportunities.
Sectors with high demand:
- Tech: Startups and large corporations seek international talent
- engineering: Expanding automotive industry and renewable energy
- Cheers: Population aging creates demand for qualified professionals
- Research: Universities and institutes offer positions for postgraduates
Paths to permanent residence:
The German system facilitates the transition from student to permanent resident through:
- Blue Card EU: For highly qualified professionals
- Residence permit: After 5 years of regular contribution
- German citizenship: Possible after 8 years (6 with integration course)
Cultural and linguistic preparation
Adapting to German culture is fundamental to the success of your experience. Germans value punctuality, efficiency, and direct communication. Investing in language learning, even if your course is in English, significantly expands your professional opportunities and facilitates social integration.
Many universities offer free German courses for international students, in addition to mentoring programs that connect new students with veteran students. These resources are valuable for accelerating your adaptation and creating a local network of contacts.
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we transform dreams of living in Germany into reality through expert guidance and full support. Our experienced team offers personalized advice to choose the ideal program, prepare documentation and facilitate your adaptation to the country. Contact us today and discover how we can help you start your international journey in Germany safely and with peace of mind!
