Frequently Asked Questions

A relocation service helps companies, international professionals and their families make the move to Germany simple and smooth. Since 2009, ProExpat has supported you through every important step, from visa and entry to finding a home, dealing with the authorities, and setting up a bank account, insurance, school or kindergarten, right through to settling in locally. We are also there for you when it is time to leave again. Everything from a single source, with one personal contact throughout the entire relocation process.

For two groups: companies that send or hire international professionals in Germany and want to take the load off their HR department, and international professionals and their families looking for a relaxed start in Germany.

The greater Düsseldorf area, including Düsseldorf, Meerbusch, Neuss, Essen, Ratingen, Krefeld, Hilden and Duisburg. Beyond that, we support our clients throughout Germany via our selected network of experienced relocation partners.

We advise in German, English, Dutch and Spanish. If needed, a Japanese-speaking consultant is also available to you.

We start with a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Together we discuss your individual situation, your needs and the planned schedule. Based on this, we prepare a tailored offer. We then guide you step by step through the entire relocation process, personally, transparently and with one dedicated contact.

It depends on the scope of services you need. We prepare an individual offer that fits your situation exactly. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation.

The earlier the planning starts, the more relaxed the relocation will be. If a visa is required, it is advisable to begin the process two to three months before the planned entry date, depending on your country of origin, appointments at the German mission abroad and processing of the visa application can take extra time. In parallel, you can already prepare the home search and other organisational steps. The actual home search ideally begins once the entry date is reliably set. This avoids unnecessary vacancy periods or scheduling problems.

Yes. We advise you on choosing the right visa before you arrive and support you in preparing the visa application in your home country. After your arrival, we accompany you when applying for your residence permit and at the necessary appointments with the responsible immigration office. The decision on visas and residence permits lies solely with the authorities, we make sure your documents are complete and the process runs as smoothly as possible.

We explain the German school and kindergarten system and help you choose a suitable institution. Together we discuss the options for children without German language skills and which educational path best suits your family. We accompany you through the entire admission process, from registration and viewing appointments to conversations with schools or authorities.

That is completely normal, for many accompanying partners, the move to Germany is a big change. Coaching or individual support can help them find their feet more quickly in the new environment, build social contacts and develop new professional or personal perspectives. A partner who settles in well often makes a decisive difference to the success of the whole stay abroad.

The required documents can vary depending on the landlord or property management. In most cases you will need a valid passport or ID card, proof of income or an employment contract and, if available, a SCHUFA credit report. Some landlords also ask for a residence permit, a guarantor or additional financial evidence, especially if you have only recently moved to Germany.

Furnished apartments are ready to move into and are especially suitable for your first period in Germany. Unfurnished apartments, on the other hand, are usually handed over completely empty, besides furniture, you often have to bring or buy smaller items such as lamps and curtains yourself. Depending on the region, a fitted kitchen is not always included either.

The base rent (Kaltmiete) is the pure rent for the apartment or house. The additional costs (Nebenkosten) cover things like water, heating, waste collection and the upkeep of communal areas. Electricity and internet are often not included and are contracted separately.

Yes, a rent deposit is usually required in Germany. For furnished apartments it is often one to two months’ rent, and for unfurnished apartments typically three months’ base rent. By law the deposit may not exceed three months’ base rent and can, on request, be paid in three equal monthly instalments; the first instalment is due at the start of the tenancy.

Unless otherwise agreed in the rental contract, the statutory notice period for tenants is usually three months to the end of the month. Notice must be given in writing and signed by hand. For evidence purposes, it is advisable to send the notice by registered mail (Einwurf-Einschreiben).

Yes, in most cases this is possible. Depending on your country of origin, however, entry requirements apply, such as a microchip, valid rabies vaccination or health certificates. The landlord must also agree to keeping pets in the rented apartment.

Yes. On request, we view the apartment for you via FaceTime video. This lets you see the property in real time, clarify questions directly with the owner or agent, and make an informed decision even before you arrive.