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 Home > Market Coverage > Europe > Germany > Munich
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Munich
Are you an IFA considering a move to Germany – more specifically, to Munich?
If so, don’t bother asking what it offers…ask what it doesn’t offer. And, the answer
to that question is – nothing!
Munich is the country’s third largest city and one of the wealthiest cities in Europe.
The city’s population is close 1.3 million – about 300,000 of which are foreign
nationals. Because of its overall popularity, quality lifestyle and abundant job
prospects, the majority of English-speaking expatriates in Germany are in Munich.
Among many other positive characteristics, Munich is known for its high quality
of life. The city consistently ranks among the world’s top ten cities in terms of
quality of life. In the 2008 survey, Munich ranked 7th, one spot up from its 2007
eighth-place ranking.
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Economy: Germany and Munich
Bordered by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the
Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland, Germany is Europe’s largest economy, and the
fifth largest national economy in the world. It is also Europe’s most populous country,
and remains a key member of the continent’s economic, political and defence organisations.
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The nation is among the world's most technologically advanced producers of iron,
steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics,
food and beverage, shipbuilding, and textiles.
Munich is a major centre for biotechnology, software and other service industries,
and serves as the headquarters for many sizeable and prominent businesses. Along
with Frankfurt, the city is a significant financial centre, home to – among many
others – HypoVereinsbank, Bayerische Landesbank, Allianz and Munich Re.
The city is also home to many publishing houses (only New York City has more), and
is the high technology capital of the country.
Doing Business in Germany
IFAs in the know cite many reasons why they find Germany an ideal locale for doing
business. Apart from having the largest economy in Europe, IFAs, investors and other
expat business people note:
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- Significant Exporter: Germany is the second largest exporter
worldwide.
- Strategic Location: The country is located in the heart of
Europe, sharing borders with every key economy in central Europe.
- Superior Infrastructure: Germany’s highly developed infrastructure
of motorways and railroads, as well as its state-of-the-art telecommunications network,
guarantee that goods and IT and non-IT services are delivered swiftly and consistently.
- Innovation: Deemed one of the most innovative nations in
Europe, more than one-fifth of European patents are held by Germans.
- Proven Track Record: With more than 22,000 foreign companies
operating there, Germany employs over 2.1 million staff, and generates trillions
of Euros in turnover.
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These aspects, combined with numerous other contributing factors, place Germany
– and most certainly Munich - high on the list of most sought after IFA destinations.
Transportation and Telecommunications
Germany is well-known for transportation and communications infrastructures that
are absolutely exceptional. All major cities and towns are connected by extensive
road systems, including the Autobahns, and rail networks. As one expat put it, “Most
of Germany is just a train ride away.”
Munich has one of the most comprehensive systems in the world, including the Munich
subways – or U-Bahn – and the suburban trains - the Munich S-Bahn.
In terms of its telecommunications, the nation’s system is among the world’s most
technologically advanced. In addition, the deregulation of the telecommunications
sector has resulted in significantly lower telecommunication costs.
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Housing
The majority of expats living in Germany – most of whom dwell in and around its
major cities – live in apartments. Many rentals are reported to be expensive…but
the would-be tenant who does his homework will likely be rewarded with a more attractive
rental deal.
Something for potential tenants to bear in mind: ‘unfurnished’ apartments for rent
in Germany most often are completely unfurnished – including no built-in cabinets,
closets or lighting fixtures. And, in some cases, the apartment does not have a
stove or refrigerator.
Pleasurable Pastimes
As with most countries with a comparable size, stature and profile, Germany offers
a vast array of pleasurable pastimes. There are plenty of great restaurants, both
Bavarian and international, featuring a broad range of prices.
An old German word for restaurant is "Gaststätte". If the restaurant has a sign
reading "gut bürgerlich" or "Hausmannskost", this means it serves a traditional
German menu. Turkish, Greek, Italian, Indian and Thai restaurants are also readily
available throughout Germany.
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Wine tasting is also a popular pursuit in Germany. Among the many venues available,
the German Wine Route is the best known tourist wine route in the world.
And for those with a sweet tooth, traditional German cafés often include a confectionery
section and serve Germany’s world-famous cakes. Most cafés and restaurants also
serve a diverse variety of coffees – including cappuccino, espresso and café au
lait ("Milchkaffee").
Frankfurt alone boasts more than 3,000 restaurants, offering the tastiest cuisine
from over 70 countries. The fare ranges from traditional German cooking to the most
exotic and exquisite dishes that rival the best restaurants worldwide.
For the traditional side of Frankfurt cuisine, try the city's inviting cider bars
and enjoy a glass of cider with your Handkäs' mit Musik (small cheeses marinated
in a vinegar and onion sauce), green herb sauce or pork chops with sauerkraut.
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Festivals
Frankfurt hosts numerous festivals and carnivals throughout the year. The most famous
is the annual Rheingau-Music-Festival, which takes place in May and features many
concerts at located castles and out-of-doors.
Another major festival in the city is the Museumsuferfest, One of the biggest cultural
festivals in Germany, this three-day festival also takes place annually - at the
end of summer.
Cultural and Leisure Activities
Germany offers a wide range of cultural activities. Almost all theatres, opera houses,
museums and libraries in Germany receive state subsidies, meaning that tax monies
go to these institutions, and ticket prices are therefore often low. Daily newspapers
often print a section on cultural events in the respective region. In larger cities
there are special magazines that list current events.
Frankfurt is home to many cultural and educational organizations, many museums and
a large botanical garden, the Palmengarten.
Germans are very family-centric, and much of their leisure time is spent at home.
However, they also partake in a wide range of leisure and sporting activities, with
exceptionally high levels of sports club membership compared to other countries.
For expatriates in Germany, there is no shortage of fun things to do. Virtually
every community has its own swimming pool, sports centre, cinema, concert hall and/or
theatre.
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Many Germans belong to clubs, either for sporting events or other pastimes. The
country offers superior skiing, hiking, cycling, and in-line skating. Among many
similar comments, one seasoned expat in Germany referred to it as “a cyclist’s,
jogger’s and in-line skater’s paradise”. And for those who prefer to while away
the time on two wheels, there are miles of bike paths.
As another expat enthusiastically stated, Germany is a “haven and heaven for people
of all lifestyles.”
The year-end holiday season is especially festive in Germany – with many markets
and festivals leading up to the Christmas holidays. The German Christmas festivals
attract locals and expats alike to ride carnival rides, eat and drink festival foods,
buy trinkets for giving, and generally share the season's joys with their countrymen.
Climate
Germany has mainly a moderate climate, with cool winters and warm summers. River
valleys such as the Rhine tend to be humid and warmer year-round, while mountain
areas are generally be much colder. The average rainfall is considerably heavier
towards the south, especially along the Alpine slopes.
Frankfurt has a temperate continental climate, featuring warm summers with intermittent
rainy days, and cold winters. Temperatures are not extreme and never severe.
Expat Community
Germany is home to a massive expat community. Of the nation’s population of close
to 82.5 million, 9% - about 7.5 million - are expats. Approximately 82% of the expat
population hail from European countries.
Germany has it all: stylish big-city charm, glorious harvest festivals, picture-postcard
towns, a wealth of culture and art, magnificent and mysterious castles and sumptuous
fare, fine wine and celebrated beer.
And Frankfurt has the very best of what Germany has to offer.
Are you packed yet?
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For further information about Munich we recommend that you visit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich where you will find many useful links
and informative articles to prepare you for your move.
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