Choosing a federal state (Bundesland) for relocation: where are the best conditions?

Choosing a new home in Germany is a challenging task. It’s not just a point on the map, but a decision that will determine your career, social circle, and even your monthly expenses. Why? Because Germany’s 16 federal states differ from each other as much as borscht differs from Bavarian sausages. Somewhere, you’ll find sky-high salaries and equally high housing prices, while elsewhere, you’ll find a peaceful life and available spots in kindergartens.

Let’s clarify right away: if you arrived in Germany as a refugee, including under §24, you likely won’t be able to choose a state at the start. The system will assign you. But this article is your strategic compass for the future. As soon as you get on your feet, you’ll have the opportunity to move to where it’s truly better for you.

So, let’s figure out where to direct your dreams and career plans.

Section 1: Let’s start with ourselves. A short priority test

Before exploring Germany, let’s look within ourselves. Answer these questions – it will be easier to understand which sections of this article are most important to you.

1. What is my priority?

• A) Career and high salary, even if I have to pay a lot for rent.

• B) Low cost of living, even with a more modest salary.

• C) Good conditions for family: schools, kindergartens, safety.

• D) Vibrant social life, culture, multilingual environment.

2. What is my profession?

• IT specialist, engineer, scientist.

• Doctor or healthcare worker.

• Service, logistics, construction worker.

• Creative professional, student.

3. What kind of city do I prefer?

• A huge metropolis where life buzzes 24/7.

• A cozy medium-sized city where everything is within reach.

• A small town in nature.

Remembered your answers? Great, let’s move on.

Section 2: Work, money, and other important things

Work and career: where is the money?

Germany is a country with a powerful but uneven economy.

• “Rich South” (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg): This region has the lowest unemployment (around 3-4%) and the highest salaries. It’s home to BMW, Mercedes, Bosch, Siemens. If you are a highly skilled engineer or IT specialist, this is the place for you. But be prepared for fierce competition.

• “Industrial West” (North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse): A vast number of medium and large enterprises. Hesse is home to Frankfurt – the financial capital of Europe. There are many job opportunities in various sectors, from logistics to banking.

• “Creative and Affordable East” (Berlin, Saxony, Thuringia): Salaries here are lower, but the cost of living is also cheaper. Berlin is the European startup capital. Leipzig and Dresden are growing industrial and logistics centers. If you are looking for a job in the creative sector, media, or are starting your career, this is an excellent option.

Cost of living: rent is the main budget killer

The difference in rental costs is simply colossal. This is what will primarily determine your standard of living.

Family and children: where to find a spot in kindergarten?

Historically, the kindergarten (Kita) infrastructure in the eastern states is better developed, and it’s easier to find a place for a child there. In the western states, especially in large cities, the wait can take months, if not years.

Bureaucracy and mentality

• Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office): Appointment waiting times can vary significantly. Berlin is notorious for its months-long queues. In small towns in the East or in Bavaria, things often move faster.

• Dialects: Be prepared that in Bavaria or Swabia (part of Baden-Württemberg), you won’t understand half of what the locals say at first. This is not the German from the textbook! In the North, they speak a more “pure” High German.

Section 3: A brief guide to the regions

Southern Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg)

• For whom: For ambitious careerists with a financial cushion.

• Pros: High salaries, low unemployment, incredible nature (Alps, lakes), safety.

• Cons: The most expensive cost of living in Germany, sky-high housing prices, the local population can be quite conservative and reserved.

Western Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate)

• For whom: For those seeking diversity, not afraid of hustle and bustle, and wanting to live in a multicultural environment.

• Pros: Many cities to choose from, excellent transport accessibility, a large Russian-speaking diaspora, jobs in various industries.

• Cons: Very high population density, not the best environmental conditions in industrial areas.

Northern Germany (Hamburg, Bremen, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein)

• For whom: For connoisseurs of reserved northern beauty, specialists in logistics and international trade.

• Pros: Hamburg is one of the most beautiful and international cities, outside of it – moderate prices, proximity to the sea.

• Cons: Changeable and windy weather, the economy is less diversified compared to the South and West.

Eastern Germany (Saxony, Berlin, Brandenburg, Thuringia, etc.)

• For whom: For students, freelancers, young families, and anyone who wants to save on housing.

• Pros: Lowest cost of living, many available apartments, Berlin is the cultural and creative center of Europe, Leipzig and Dresden are rapidly developing.

• Cons: Salaries are generally lower, there may be fewer job opportunities in rural areas, and a more cautious attitude towards foreigners.

Section 4: Special case. If you arrived under §24

So, you arrived in Germany and were assigned, say, to Thuringia. But you are an IT specialist dreaming of Berlin. What to do?

You are subject to the so-called Wohnsitzauflage. In simple terms, this is a “residency permit” that obliges you to live in a specific city or district. It is introduced to evenly distribute the burden on social services.

Can you move?

Yes, but under certain conditions. You can apply to have this restriction lifted if:

• You have found a job with a salary sufficient to support yourself (currently around €810-€850 net per month per person) in another state.

• You have been admitted to a university or a vocational training program (Ausbildung).

• You are moving for family reunification with close family members (spouse, minor children).

The algorithm is simple: find a basis (e.g., an employment contract), contact your current Ausländerbehörde, get permission, and only then move and register at your new location.

Conclusion

There is no “best” state in Germany. There is a state that is right for you, your goals, and your wallet. Go back to the test at the beginning of the article. If you chose “career” (A) and you are an engineer – look to the South. If your choice is “low cost of living” (B) and you are a freelancer – consider Saxony. If the main thing is “family” (C), study the situation with kindergartens in small towns in the East and West.

Germany is large and diverse. Don’t be afraid to explore, read forums, and, of course, ask questions. The Nodia team is always ready to share their experience and help you find your place under the German sun. Good luck!