Here are some factors about Germany that we will share with you that will help you decide if Germany is good for you.
- The good news for migrants to Germany is that no tuition fees are charged in most German universities. Even when you have to pay fees, it’s still much more affordable when compared to a lot of other countries including the USA.
- Germany has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.
- The cities in Germany feature a lot of green areas which include parks and other green areas.
- Here are some benefits that the German government offers German residents and citizens:
- Excellent healthcare system: WHO ranks Germany’s healthcare system in the top 25 worldwide. Germany has made it mandatory for every resident in Germany to be insured.
- Paid sick leave: You are allowed to take paid sick days from work to rest and recharge in German companies. As an employee, you can get up to 6 weeks of paid sick leave.
- Unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld): In case you lose your job after 1 year of working in Germany, you are eligible to apply for unemployment benefits. You will receive around 60% of your last three salaries as monthly financial assistance from the German government for up to 1 year or until you find new employment.
- Maternity leave (Mutterschutz): Most pregnant women working in a German company are entitled for up to 14 weeks of maternity leave (6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth).
- Parental leave (Elternzeit): New parents are allowed to take up to 3 years off from work to take after their kids. It’s possible to split the time between the 2 parents. Though this is unpaid leave, they can apply for a parental allowance for governmental support
- Parental allowance (Elterngeld): A monthly parental allowance of €300 to €1.800 euros is granted to residents. The amount of allowance depends on the parents’ income before the child is born. This allowance is granted to new families who take parental leave or work not more than 30 hours a week.
- Owing to the job security ensured in Germany, German employers can’t lay you off from a job without a foolproof reason. Even after getting unemployed, residents in Germany are entitled to unemployment benefits.
- Any contract made in Germany is usually drafted for 12 to 24 months. Contracts usually require advance notice of a month after the first 24 months.
- Germans don’t make friends too easily and don’t care for fleeting associations.
- You have to deal with bureaucracy and this could affect your getting internet connections.
Most of the year, Germany has gloomy weather. So, be prepared to deal with the weather.