Moving from Taiwan to Germany: everything you need to know in 2026

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for Taiwanese nationals — the combination of a strong job market, English-friendly workplaces, and a clear path to permanent residency makes it attractive. But the practical steps are dense and the cost leaks are real. This guide covers the key decision points and the biggest places where movers leave money on the table.

Visa & right of residence

Taiwan nationals can enter Germany visa-free for 90 days (Schengen), but staying to work requires either a Job Seeker Visa (applied for in Taiwan) or a Work/Blue Card Visa (applied for once you have an offer). Most people apply for the Job Seeker Visa first — processing at the German Institute in Taipei takes 6–10 weeks. Start 3 months before your target arrival date.

Agency cost to watch: Visa agencies in Taipei charge $150–$300 for assistance that is entirely optional. AHV (Allgemeiner Haupt-Versicherungsverband) and the official BAMF guides cover every step. Most people who use an agent later wish they hadn't.

FX — your biggest quiet leak

Transferring NT$ to EUR through a Taiwanese bank typically costs 2–3% in margin. On a NT$300,000 transfer (~$10,000 USD), that's $200–$300 quietly removed. Wise transfers at the mid-market rate for a flat fee of 0.3–0.5% — the same difference you'd notice on your quarterly phone bill, except it applies to every large transfer you make.

Open a Wise multi-currency account before you leave Taiwan. Send 2–3 months of living costs upfront rather than transferring piecemeal under pressure.

Anmeldung — the step nobody warns you about

Within 14 days of arriving in Germany you must register your address (Anmeldung) at your local Bürgeramt. This requires a lease agreement signed by your landlord — which means you need a permanent address before you can legally register. Most newcomers stay in an Airbnb for 1–4 weeks while flat-hunting, but Airbnb hosts cannot provide Anmeldung. You need a private landlord to provide a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation form).

Solution: join local expat Facebook groups (e.g. "Expats in Berlin") and look for temporary rooms with Anmeldung permission. Budget €800–1,200/month for a furnished room with this option included.

Health insurance — GKV vs PKV

Germany has two insurance tracks: public (GKV, around €200–450/month) and private (PKV). If you're employed, your employer will likely enrol you in GKV. If you're self-employed or freelancing, you choose. SafetyWing covers the period between arrival and your first German insurance policy — important if there's any gap.

The tax refund most Taiwanese never claim

When you leave Taiwan mid-year, you've typically overpaid income tax and National Health Insurance contributions. The NHI refund in particular is one that almost nobody files for — it requires a form submitted through the local tax office or an authorised agent. Taxback.com handles Taiwan exit-year claims and can file up to 4 years retroactively. Average recovered amount from Taiwanese claims: NT$18,000–NT$60,000 ($600–$2,000 USD). Most people leave this entirely unclaimed.

All cost figures in this guide are indicative estimates based on documented fee ranges. Actual costs depend on your specific corridor, transfer amounts, and provider pricing at the time of your move. Arxak shows current estimates before you take any action.