Introduction: The Dream of Living Abroad
In this era of global connectivity, more and more Germans are dreaming of a fresh start abroad. The reasons for this desire are diverse: better climate, lower cost of living, more relaxed lifestyle, or simply a thirst for adventure. However, the decision of where to emigrate is complex and depends on numerous individual factors.
In this comprehensive guide, we examine the ten most popular emigration destinations for Germans and analyze their advantages and disadvantages. We pay special attention to Cyprus, an often overlooked but extremely attractive destination for expatriates. You will also learn why it's essential to thoroughly get to know your potential new home country before taking the big step.
Factors in Choosing the Right Emigration Country
Before we delve into individual countries, we should consider the most important factors that play a role in deciding "where is best to emigrate":
Quality of Life and Cost of Living
- Housing costs: Rent and property prices compared to Germany
- Food and everyday items: What does daily living cost?
- Healthcare system: Quality and cost of medical care
- Education system: Especially important for families with children
Climate and Environment
- Average annual temperatures: Do you prefer warmth or a temperate climate?
- Hours of sunshine per year: Major impact on quality of life
- Natural disasters: Risks such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods
- Environmental quality: Air pollution, water quality, access to nature
Legal and Bureaucratic Aspects
- Visa regulations: How easy is it to obtain permanent residency?
- Taxes: What is the tax burden? Are there double taxation agreements?
- Health insurance: How does the local system work? What does private insurance cost?
- Pension regulations: How are foreign pensions treated?
Cultural and Social Factors
- Language: How significant is the language barrier?
- Expatriate community: Is there an active German-speaking community?
- Cultural differences: How much does the mentality differ?
- Safety: What about public safety and political stability?
The Top 10 Emigration Countries for Germans Compared
After these basic considerations, let's take a detailed look at the ten most popular destinations for German emigrants.
1. Spain: Sun, Sea, and European Familiarity
Advantages:
- Mediterranean climate with 300+ days of sunshine per year along the coasts
- Uncomplicated immigration for Germans as an EU country
- Well-developed infrastructure and high level of security
- Large German-speaking communities, especially on the Costa Blanca and the Balearic Islands
- Cost of living about 20-30% lower than in Germany
Disadvantages:
- High unemployment and difficult job market
- Language barrier outside tourist areas
- Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating
- Extremely hot in many regions during summer
- Popular regions can be overcrowded with tourists
Particularly popular with: Retirees, digital nomads, sun-seekers, and families who value a more relaxed lifestyle.
2. Portugal: The Rising Hidden Gem
Advantages:
- One of the safest countries in Europe
- Friendly, open-minded population
- Lower cost of living than in Spain
- Advantageous tax regulations (NHR program for new residents)
- Mild climate, especially in the Algarve and on Madeira
Disadvantages:
- Lower wage levels than in Germany
- Less well-developed healthcare system in rural regions
- Portuguese is more difficult to learn than Spanish or Italian
- Bureaucratic processes can be lengthy
- Property prices are rising sharply in popular regions
Particularly popular with: Retirees, self-employed individuals, IT professionals, and anyone seeking authentic Southern Europe.
3. Austria: Familiar Yet Different
Advantages:
- No language barrier
- High quality of life and excellent healthcare system
- Cultural similarity to Germany
- Breathtaking nature and leisure opportunities
- Political and economic stability
Disadvantages:
- Similarly high cost of living as in Germany
- Very high real estate prices in cities like Vienna and Salzburg
- Sometimes conservative society in rural regions
- Competitive job market
- High tax burden
Particularly popular with: Skilled professionals, families, and nature lovers who don't want a major cultural adjustment.
4. Switzerland: Highest Quality of Life at the Highest Prices
Advantages:
- One of the highest wage levels worldwide
- Excellent education and healthcare systems
- Political stability and low crime rate
- Breathtaking nature and central location in Europe
- Multilingual environment (German, French, Italian)
Disadvantages:
- Extremely high cost of living
- Difficult immigration regulations for non-EU citizens
- High requirements for professional qualifications
- Reserved mentality, difficult social connection
- Expensive healthcare system with mandatory insurance
Particularly popular with: Highly qualified professionals, especially in finance, pharmaceuticals, and technology.
5. Canada: Vast Nature and Multicultural Cities
Advantages:
- Open immigration policy through points system
- High quality of life and social security
- Multicultural society with minimal language barriers (English)
- Breathtaking nature and vast landscapes
- Good education and healthcare systems
Disadvantages:
- Harsh winter climate in many regions
- Great distance to Europe and family
- High cost of living in cities like Vancouver and Toronto
- Long and complicated immigration processes
- Dependence on cars outside major cities
Particularly popular with: Young families, nature lovers, and professionals in technical and scientific fields.
6. New Zealand: Dreamlike Nature at the Other End of the World
Advantages:
- Spectacular and diverse landscapes
- Relaxed lifestyle and friendly population
- Political stability and low crime rate
- Good healthcare and education systems
- Low population density and clean environment
Disadvantages:
- Extreme distance from Europe (24+ hours flight time)
- High cost of living
- Limited career opportunities in some industries
- Strict immigration regulations
- Isolated location can be burdensome in the long run
Particularly popular with: Outdoor enthusiasts, families with children, and people seeking a fresh start in a safe environment.
7. Thailand: Exotic Paradise at Affordable Prices
Advantages:
- Low cost of living
- Tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round
- Friendly population and relaxed lifestyle
- Excellent cuisine and low price level
- Developed tourist infrastructure and international environment
Disadvantages:
- Complicated visa regulations for long-term stays
- Cultural and linguistic challenges
- Limited work opportunities for foreigners
- Political instability and different legal concepts
- Quality of healthcare varies greatly
Particularly popular with: Retirees, digital nomads, and adventurous individuals with remote jobs.
8. USA: The American Dream with Hurdles
Advantages:
- Diverse landscapes and climate zones
- Career opportunities in many industries
- Multicultural society with many German-speaking communities
- Business-friendly environment
- High dynamism and innovation capacity
Disadvantages:
- Extremely difficult immigration policy
- Expensive and complicated healthcare system
- High social inequality
- Strong regional differences in quality of life and safety
- Cultural differences greater than often assumed
Particularly popular with: Highly qualified professionals, especially in IT, research, and finance.
9. Italy: Dolce Vita with Bureaucratic Hurdles
Advantages:
- Excellent cuisine and quality of life
- Rich cultural heritage and impressive landscapes
- Temperate to Mediterranean climate
- Relatively uncomplicated immigration as an EU country
- Lower cost of living outside major cities
Disadvantages:
- Complicated bureaucracy and slow administration
- Difficult job market and high unemployment
- Economic instability and high government debt
- Language barrier (Italian is prerequisite for integration)
- Infrastructure not always at German standards
Particularly popular with: Art and culture lovers, connoisseurs, and retirees.
10. Cyprus: The Underestimated Mediterranean Paradise
Advantages:
- 340 days of sunshine per year and mild Mediterranean climate
- Strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Low crime rate and high personal safety
- English widely spoken as a business language
- Advantageous tax regulations for businesses and retirees
Disadvantages:
- Political division of the island (Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)
- Limited size and thus restricted opportunities
- Water shortages in summer months
- Higher prices for imported goods
- Small job market with limited opportunities in some industries
Particularly popular with: Retirees, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and sun-seekers.
Cyprus in Detail: An Underestimated Emigration Destination
Since Cyprus is often overlooked as an emigration destination, it's worth taking a closer look at this fascinating Mediterranean island. The special situation of political division offers interesting possibilities for potential emigrants.
South vs. North Cyprus: Two Options on One Island
Cyprus has been de facto divided into two parts since 1974: the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, recognized only by Turkey. This division brings both challenges and unique opportunities.
South Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus)
Advantages:
- EU membership with corresponding rights and benefits
- International recognition and legal security
- Well-developed infrastructure and high standard of living
- Tax advantages for retirees and businesses
- Large expatriate communities, especially of British origin
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost of living than in the north
- More expensive real estate prices
- Stronger tourist character in coastal regions
- Bureaucratic hurdles in dealing with authorities
- Popular areas overcrowded during high season
North Cyprus
Advantages:
- Significantly lower cost of living (30-40% cheaper than in the south)
- Considerably cheaper real estate prices
- Less touristy, more original landscapes
- More relaxed atmosphere and slower pace of life
- Growing expatriate communities in regions like Kyrenia
Disadvantages:
- Lack of international recognition can lead to legal uncertainties
- Limited international flight connections (only via Turkey)
- Less developed infrastructure in some areas
- Complex legal situation for property purchases
- Language barrier (Turkish as official language)
The Best of Both Worlds: Utilizing the Unique Situation
A particularly interesting option for emigrants is the possibility of benefiting from the advantages of both parts of Cyprus. Since the opening of border crossings, it has become easy to commute between north and south.
Many expatriates have discovered that they can live in the more cost-effective north while enjoying the amenities of the south. Border crossing is uncomplicated for EU citizens, making it easy to move between both parts of the island.
This unique constellation allows for significantly reducing the cost of living while still benefiting from all the advantages the island has to offer.
Quality of Life in Cyprus: Why the Island Captivates
Regardless of whether you choose the north or south, Cyprus offers numerous advantages that make it an ideal emigration destination:
- Climate: With 340 days of sunshine per year and mild winters, Cyprus offers one of the most pleasant climates in Europe
- Health: The clean air, Mediterranean diet, and relaxed lifestyle have positive effects on health
- Hospitality: Cypriots are known for their warmth and hospitality towards foreigners
- Safety: The low crime rate makes Cyprus one of the safest countries in the Mediterranean region
- Language: English is widely spoken, especially in the south, which facilitates communication
- Cuisine: Cypriot cuisine combines the best of Greek and Turkish traditions
- Nature: From beautiful beaches to the Troodos Mountains, the island offers diverse landscapes
Legal Aspects of Emigrating to Cyprus
Depending on whether you choose the south or north as your destination, different legal frameworks apply:
Emigrating to South Cyprus
As EU citizens, Germans have the right to settle in the Republic of Cyprus. For a stay of more than 90 days, you need:
- Registration with the local immigration authority
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Health insurance coverage
- After five years, there is the possibility of permanent residency
Emigrating to North Cyprus
Different regulations apply to North Cyprus:
- Initial 90-day visa-free stay
- Various types of residence permits are available for longer stays
- Particularly attractive: retirement visas with minimal financial requirements
- Work permits are possible but subject to conditions
Getting to Know Cyprus First: The Smart Preliminary Step to Emigration
One of the most important recommendations for anyone thinking about "where is best to emigrate" is: Get to know your desired country thoroughly before taking the final step.
Why a Trial Stay is Essential
The decision to emigrate is one of the biggest changes in life. Therefore, it's essential to get to know the potential new home country not just from a tourist perspective. A longer stay helps you:
- Experience everyday life locally, not just the tourist highlights
- Compare different regions and find the ideal place to live
- Understand and evaluate cultural differences
- Find out how you cope with the climate
- Establish local contacts and build a network
- Test the infrastructure and healthcare system
- Get a realistic impression of the cost of living
LongStay Cyprus: The Ideal Solution for an Extended Trial Residence
To truly get to know Cyprus, LongStay Cyprus offers specially designed long-term stays that are perfect for exploring the island thoroughly before making an emigration decision.
The LongStay Cyprus concept intelligently combines the advantages of the divided island:
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotels or apartments in the more cost-effective North Cyprus
- Excursions: Organized tours to highlights across the entire island, both in the north and south
- International Experience: A foreign stay, for example to Cairo to visit the pyramids
- Flexibility: Stay duration from 30 to 80 days, ideal for gaining a realistic impression
- Comfort: All logistical aspects are organized for you, so you can fully concentrate on the experience
The 30-day package from LongStay Cyprus includes:
- Accommodation in selected hotels or apartments
- 20 guided excursions across the entire island
- 1 international excursion (e.g., to Cairo with a visit to the pyramids)
- Transportation to all activities
- Support from local experts
- Information events about living in Cyprus
These comprehensive packages offer not only a wonderful long-term holiday but also the perfect opportunity to explore Cyprus as a potential emigration destination – and at a fraction of the cost that an independently organized exploration trip would cause.
Conclusion: Where is Best to Emigrate? An Individual Decision
The question "where is best to emigrate" cannot be answered in general terms. The ideal destination depends heavily on your personal priorities and life circumstances:
- Retirees particularly benefit from countries with warm climates, low cost of living, and good healthcare.
- Families with children should pay special attention to education, safety, and leisure opportunities.
- Working professionals must consider job market opportunities and income potential.
- Entrepreneurs look for advantageous tax conditions and minimal bureaucracy.
Cyprus, especially with its unique situation, offers attractive advantages for many of these groups, putting it on the shortlist of the best emigration destinations.
However, the most important advice remains: Take time to get to know your potential new home country thoroughly before making the final decision. A long-term stay with LongStay Cyprus offers the perfect opportunity to experience Cyprus not as a tourist, but from the perspective of a temporary resident.
Are you ready to explore Cyprus as a possible new home?
Take the first step and learn how you can thoroughly get to know Cyprus with a tailored long-term stay. Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean lifestyle and find out if this fascinating island is the right place for your next chapter in life.
