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In Germany, life for expats - people who live and work far from home - is apparently anything but easy. A recently published survey by "Expat Insider" reveals that starting a new life in Germany comes with a variety of challenges. From bureaucratic hurdles to a lack of digitalization and difficulties with social integration - the list of obstacles is long.
The international expat community took to the "Expat Insider" report to offer insight into the lives of expats in various countries. Germany ranked 49th out of a total of 53 countries. The situation seems to be even more difficult only in some other countries. The general quality of life in Germany still reaches 18th place in the ranking. Factors such as the healthcare system, travel and commuting infrastructure and leisure opportunities are included here. Germany also does relatively well at work, with 15th place for earnings and career opportunities, work culture, and job security and wages.
However, a different picture is revealed in the social sphere, with Germany landing in 50th place, indicating a lack of friendliness, difficulties with social networking and an inadequate welcoming culture.
Expats complain in particular about the lack of digitization in Germany. The "Expat Essentials Index," which evaluates the infrastructure designed to help foreigners organize a life abroad, places Germany in last place. A lack of digitization, the tight housing market and language barriers pose significant challenges. Germans' preference for cash meets with a lack of understanding.
Expats working in Germany are often in IT, manufacturing and engineering or the financial sector. They come predominantly from the U.S., the U.K. and India. So the hurdles to a happy life in Germany appear to be high for expats, while other countries are rated as much more hospitable and livable.
The "Expat Insider" survey thus makes it clear that while Germany appears to be an attractive work destination for expats, it faces a number of difficulties in the areas of social integration and infrastructure. Improving these aspects could benefit not only expats, but also the country itself by increasing its appeal to international professionals.