Title: Nomadic Diaries: Living and Working Remotely in Germany
Hey there, fellow digital nomads! Noah Smith here, and I’m writing to you from an amazing café in Berlin, one of my favorite remote working spots in Germany. The journey of working remotely from this striking land of beer, castles, and sausages has been exhilarating. I thought I’d share my experiences with you and offer some tips if you’re considering Germany as your next destination.
Living in Germany has been a blend of surprises and pleasures. The cost of living is pretty affordable compared to other Western European countries. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Berlin or Munich costs around €700-€1000 per month. For groceries, I spend about €200-€300 monthly. Expect to pay around €100 for utilities, and the public transportation pass is about €60-€80 per month.
Eating out isn’t too expensive either, with meals at casual restaurants ranging from €8-€14. You’ll find Doner Kebabs and Currywurst around every corner, and they’re a delicious bargain at €3-€5. And let’s not forget the beer, which is cheaper than water at about €3 for a pint.
As for co-working spaces, Germany is a digital nomad’s paradise. Berlin, in particular, is brimming with cool co-working spaces like Factory Berlin, Betahaus, and St. Oberholz. They offer high-speed internet, coffee, networking events, and even relaxation areas. The prices vary, but you can get a monthly pass for around €200, while a day pass costs around €20.
Speaking of internet quality, Germany ranks fairly high, with an average speed of 24.64 Mbps. I’ve rarely had connection issues, even in public spaces. Most cafés, restaurants, and even parks offer free WiFi. Just remember to ask “Haben Sie WLAN?” (Do you have WiFi?)
Now, let’s talk about the visa situation. If you’re an EU citizen, you’re free to work in Germany without any additional paperwork. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need a work visa. There’s no specific digital nomad visa in Germany, but you can get a freelancer visa, which allows you to work legally in Germany for up to three years. The process involves providing proof of health insurance, sufficient finances, and potential clients or work contracts.
Living in Germany has been a seamless experience for me. The Germans are friendly, helpful, and most of them speak English, which makes it easier for nomads like us. The public transportation is efficient, and the cities are bike-friendly. The country is also environmentally conscious, which is something I deeply admire.
Here are some tips for you:
1. Learn Basic German: English is widely spoken, especially in big cities. But learning basic German phrases will go a long way in making your experience more enjoyable. Plus, the locals appreciate it!
2. Get Insured: Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, even for freelancers. Check out expat-friendly insurance companies like Feather and Coya.
3. Embrace the Culture: Germans love their rules and they respect their quiet times. Avoid making noise on Sundays – it’s considered rude.
4. Travel Around: Germany’s central location makes it easy to explore other European countries. Take advantage of the excellent rail network or the budget airlines.
5. Enjoy the Outdoors: Germany is a country of stunning natural beauty. From the Black Forest to the Baltic Sea, make sure to step away from your laptop and explore.
6. Keep Receipts: Many stores in Germany have a strict return policy, requiring the receipt for any returns or exchanges. So, keep your receipts!
In conclusion, Germany has been a delightful destination for my digital nomad adventure. It’s a country that respects work-life balance, which I believe is essential for us nomads. The work culture, infrastructure, affordable living, and endless opportunities for leisure make it a perfect choice for remote workers.
Bis zum nächsten Mal! (Until next time!)