How to Move to Germany from Australia
Moving to Germany from Australia is easier than most people expect because Australian passport holders can enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit after arrival. Most Australians choose one of four paths, the Job Seeker Visa if they want to look for work on the ground, the Opportunity Card if they want a longer window to search using a points system, the EU Blue Card if they already have a skilled job offer above the salary threshold, or a general Skilled Worker permit if they have a recognised qualification and a job in hand. Whichever path you pick, you will need proof of funds of around 1091 euros per month, valid health insurance, a recognised degree or vocational qualification and a clear plan for where you want to live and work in Germany. Getting your qualifications checked early through the ANABIN database and speaking with a registered migration agent can save months of delay.
Why Australians Are Choosing Germany
Germany is Europe's largest economy and one of the few countries actively trying to attract skilled foreign workers because of labour shortages in engineering, IT, healthcare, trades and education. For Australians the appeal is a strong job market, free or low cost university education, generous parental leave, affordable healthcare and easy access to the rest of Europe once you hold a residence permit. Unlike many European countries, Germany does not require Australians to apply for a visa before travelling for most work and study purposes. You can fly in as a visitor and lodge your residence permit application locally, which removes a lot of the paperwork stress that comes with other migration pathways.
Ready to Start Your Germany Journey?
Our migration consultants can review your qualifications, match you to the right visa pathway and guide you through every step of the process.
Book Free ConsultationVisa Options for Australians Moving to Germany
Australia is on Germany's list of privileged nations along with Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK and the USA. This means you can travel to Germany without an entry visa and apply for the right residence permit once you are there, instead of applying from Australia first. Here are the four main pathways used by Australians.
Job Seeker Visa
For skilled professionals with a recognised degree who want to travel to Germany and search for a role in person. Valid for up to six months and cannot be extended.
You will need proof of funds of around 1091 euros per month, valid travel health insurance and evidence of your qualifications.
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
A newer pathway that lets you search for work for up to twelve months. You qualify by scoring at least six points based on your qualifications, work experience, language skills and age.
While searching you can also work part time, up to twenty hours a week, which helps cover living costs.
EU Blue Card
Designed for highly skilled workers with a job offer that meets the salary threshold, currently around 50700 euros a year, or a lower threshold for shortage occupations.
The Blue Card offers a faster path to permanent residency and allows family members to join you with fewer restrictions.
Skilled Worker Visa
For applicants with a recognised academic or vocational qualification and a confirmed job offer that matches their field of study or trade.
This is the most common route for tradespeople, nurses, engineers and IT professionals moving from Australia to Germany.
Which Visa Is Right for You?
If you already have a job offer above the salary threshold, the EU Blue Card or Skilled Worker Visa will usually be faster and give you a clearer path to permanent residency. If you do not have a job offer yet, the Opportunity Card generally gives you more flexibility than the Job Seeker Visa because you get twelve months instead of six and can work part time while you search. An accredited migration adviser can assess your qualifications and points score before you commit to a pathway.
Step by Step Process to Move from Australia to Germany
- Get your qualifications checked. Search the ANABIN database to confirm whether your Australian degree or trade certificate is recognised in Germany. If it is not listed, you may need a formal Statement of Comparability.
- Choose your visa pathway. Decide between the Job Seeker Visa, Opportunity Card, EU Blue Card or Skilled Worker Visa based on whether you already have a job offer.
- Arrange proof of funds and health insurance. Most pathways require around 1091 euros per month in a blocked account plus travel health insurance covering at least 30000 euros.
- Apply for your residence permit. Because Australians can travel visa free, you can often lodge your application at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) after you land, though some cities like Berlin require the Opportunity Card to be applied for before travel.
- Register your address in Germany. Within two weeks of arriving you must register at the local residents registration office (Anmeldung), which is required for almost everything else including opening a bank account.
- Search for or confirm your job. Attend interviews, network locally and once you have an offer, switch to the matching work residence permit if you entered on a job seeker pathway.
- Settle in. Set up German health insurance, a local bank account and if needed enrol in a language course, since basic German helps significantly with daily life and job hunting outside major cities.
Cost of Moving and Living in Germany
Budgeting properly before you move will save you a lot of stress once you land. Below is a general guide based on 2026 figures, though costs can vary by city and personal circumstances.
- Proof of funds: around 1091 euros per month is the standard requirement, meaning roughly 6546 euros for a six month Job Seeker Visa or 13092 euros for a twelve month Opportunity Card.
- Visa fee: typically 75 euros paid at your appointment.
- Health insurance: travel health insurance for job seekers usually costs a few hundred euros for the full period, while public health insurance once employed is usually shared between you and your employer.
- Salary thresholds: the EU Blue Card generally requires a job offer of at least 50700 euros a year, with a lower threshold of around 45934 euros for shortage occupations.
- Cost of living: cities like Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive, while cities like Leipzig and Dresden are considerably more affordable for renters.
What Australians Say About Moving to Germany
Australians who have gone through this move often share their experiences on forums like Reddit, and a few themes come up again and again. Many say the biggest surprise is how much smoother the process feels once you land in Germany compared to applying for a visa entirely from Australia, since you can sort out your residence permit locally. Several also mention that learning even basic German early, before the move, makes registering your address, opening a bank account and settling into daily life noticeably easier. A common tip shared by recent movers is to book your Ausländerbehörde appointment as early as possible after arrival, since wait times in bigger cities can stretch out for weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa to enter Germany?
No, Australian passport holders can enter Germany without a visa for stays up to 90 days and can apply for a residence permit locally once they decide to work, study or job search there.
How long does it take to move to Germany from Australia?
If you already have a job offer, the process can take as little as two to three months once your qualifications are recognised. If you are moving on a Job Seeker Visa or Opportunity Card without a job offer, plan for six to twelve months to secure work and switch to a long term permit.
Do I need to speak German to move there?
It is not always required, especially in international companies and larger cities, but having at least basic German significantly improves your chances of finding work and makes everyday tasks like registering your address much easier.
Can my family come with me?
Yes, most work and skilled worker permits allow spouses and children to join you, though the exact requirements depend on which visa pathway you use and your income level.
Is my Australian degree recognised in Germany?
Many Australian degrees are recognised, but it depends on your field and institution. You can check the ANABIN database or get an individual assessment for a Statement of Comparability before applying.
Ready to Start Your Germany Journey?
Our migration consultants can review your qualifications, match you to the right visa pathway and guide you through every step of the process.
Book Free Consultation