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The benefits of living in the German border region
Are you looking for an alternative to living in the Netherlands? And are you considering living in the German regions bordering the Netherlands as an alternative, the German border region? In this blog, you will find information about living in the border region with Germany and what to consider. Hopefully, it helps you in your considerations.
Living in the German Border Region: The Different States
Just across the border from the Netherlands are two large German states. First, bordering Limburg, is the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. In North Rhine-Westphalia, with the German imperial city Aachen, cathedral city Cologne, or the capital Düsseldorf, the majority of Dutch people live. Additionally, there is the more northerly located Lower Saxony in the German border area with the Netherlands, with its own city-state Bremen.
But other states, such as the prosperous Bavaria, also attract Dutch residents to live in the German border region. This is not surprising given the benefits of living in Germany, and specifically the border region in Germany.
Why live in the German border region? The benefits
Turn your dream of moving to Germany into reality. You may have visited the German border region with the Netherlands during a day trip and are considering permanently living in the Germany-Netherlands border region.
Besides the well-known advantage of cheaper fuel prices, what are the benefits of living in the border region between the Netherlands and Germany? Here are some of them:
- Houses are significantly cheaper than in the Netherlands.
- Many new homes are being built in Germany.
- Driving is cheaper due to lower road taxes.
- More space to live.
- Peacefulness with more nature.
- Groceries are cheaper in the German border region than in the Netherlands.
Living in the border area with Germany: the drawbacks
When you choose to live in the border area between the Netherlands and Germany, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Of course, there are also drawbacks to living in the border region of Germany:
- Knowledge of the German language is necessary for communication.
- Changes in your healthcare provisions.
- Banks may be more reluctant to provide a mortgage.
- Bureaucracy
Living in the German border region: is it allowed?
You might be wondering: can I, as a Dutch citizen, simply live in the German border region? The answer: yes, you certainly can. It is even relatively straightforward as an EU citizen. However, to live across the border in Germany, you will have to adhere to Germany's rules, including those related to taxes, healthcare, or allowances.
How does it work to live in the German border region and work elsewhere? Different rules apply when:
- You live in Germany and work in the Netherlands.
- You live in Germany and receive benefits or a pension from the Netherlands.
- You live in the Netherlands and work in Germany.
For more information tailored to your specific situation, you can visit the website https://www.grensinfo.nl/.
Have the benefits of living in the German border region been weighed?
Does the idea of living just across the Dutch border in Germany appeal to you, and have you already sorted out all your affairs? If so, De Haan Verhuizingen is happy to take care of your move to Germany for you. Our own moving trucks are almost weekly in Belgium, Luxembourg, or the lower part of Germany. We would be delighted to help make your dream come true.