Your Expat Community in Cologne

There are many foreigners already living in Cologne, and the city residents are known to be some of the friendliest in Germany. Don’t be surprised if a stranger buys you a beer at a pub and starts a conversation!

The city also celebrates its diversity through cultural festivals, such as the MitAfrica and Africologne Festivals, where you can learn African dances and songs and taste food from the continent.

Finding a job in Cologne can be a challenge, especially if you don’t speak German, as most companies require at least basic German skills.

The good news is that there are still opportunities for English speakers, particularly in international companies and IT. While options may be limited, they do exist. Check out websites like Glassdoor and EnglishJobs.de. Additionally, there is a high demand for workers in the hospitality sector. Try networking on LinkedIn, attending job fairs, and applying to multinational companies and startups. While finding a job without German is possible, having some language skills and professional connections will make the search easier and less stressful.

To improve your chances of finding a job that fits your needs, learning basic German is highly recommended by expats already living there.

A friendly city like Cologne is a great place to consider for a long-term stay. This under-the-radar city is often overlooked in favor of other, more popular German cities, and people don’t know where the city is geographically!

If you’re someone who loves weekend getaways and travelling, Cologne is a great choice for a long-term stay because of its central location in Europe. It’s easy to access other major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels via high-speed trains (like ICE and FlixTrain). If you prefer driving, Cologne highways give quick access to major autobahns, making road trips convenient.

Another advantage is fewer tourists, lower costs, and a more everyday German vibe compared to a city like Berlin. Moreover, Cologne is low on heavy crime, and it’s safe to walk the streets when it’s dark; however, be mindful of petty crime like pickpocketing in crowded areas and the city center. Staying aware and careful is always a good idea.

When it comes to the costs of living in Cologne, rent is 14% cheaper than in Berlin. Cologne is also cheaper when it comes to dining out compared to other German cities.

Monthly expenses will vary individually and depend on your lifestyle; therefore, it’s always possible to save more by budgeting and choosing wisely which neighborhood to live in and where to have lunch.

In the table below, we break down the average monthly expenses of living in Cologne:

Whether you’re renting or buying, here’s what you should expect when house hunting in Cologne.

Start your search as soon as possible and act fast when you find a good listing. The unfortunate reality is that rent prices have been steadily increasing and there’s extremely high demand, especially for centrally located apartments. Expect unanswered emails from landlords or touring apartments with many other interested parties.

If you’re someone who likes taking bike rides or doesn’t mind commuting via public transport, living outside the city center will be easy on the wallet — and will save you time on the house hunt.

Since finding a permanent home can take time, it’s often best to start with a short-term rental for the first 2–3 months while you search for something long-term.

Some of the best websites for finding an apartment are:

• The Local: An English-language website with rental listings
• WG-Gesucht: A website for finding shared apartments and roommates
• Immobilienscout24: Germany’s biggest real estate platform, offering both rentals and properties for sale
• Immowelt: Another popular German property website with a wide range of listings

Don’t sleep on Facebook groups, as they’re useful for finding short-term rentals or shared flats. However, beware of scammers and never send any money before signing anything or meeting in person. And if you have any friends in Cologne, ask around if they have any leads.

If all else fails, consider hiring a real estate agent. Though keep in mind they charge a commission fee (typically around 2% of the rental price), so this option is best for those staying long-term.

Whether you need a visa to live in Cologne depends on where you’re from and what you want to do while staying there.

If you’re from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you’re in luck — you can come, live, and work in Germany without any special permits. If you’re from a non-EU country, the rules are a bit more complicated. Generally, if you plan to stay longer than three months or if you plan to work, you’ll need a visa or a residence permit.

For most non-EU citizens, you have to apply for a visa before arriving in Germany. But if you’re from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or the USA, you can enter without a visa and sort out your residence permit once you’re in Germany.

For more detailed information regarding visas check out our visa guide for Germany.

If you’re still not sure which visa you need, the German Federal Foreign Office has a handy Visa Navigator that can help you figure it out. Visa Navigator

Germany has been working on simplifying things, but it’s still not always a quick process so if you’re serious about moving to Cologne, start your paperwork early!

Cologne is divided into 9 districts that are well connected via public transport. Every district has its own neighborhoods with a diverse vibe. Whether you want a busy city life, a quiet family area, or something trendy, there’s a perfect place for you.

Here’s an overview of some of Cologne’s districts:

Altstadt/Heumarkt: Located in the city center, this district is filled with history and people from all around the globe. Expect crowds and heavy traffic, so it would bea nice location for a short duration.

Neumarkt: A busy shopping and business area with lots of stores, cafes, and public transport options. Ideal for someone who love convenience and an urban lifestyle.

Chlodwigplatz (Südstadt): A location with a mix of old and new, this district has many cool bars and restaurants and a lively atmosphere. Perfect if you enjoy a fun and social lifestyle. Many students love living in this area.

Rodenkirchen: A peaceful district by the Rhine. The area offers good international schools and family-friendly spaces like parks and playgrounds. However, living costs like rent tend to be higher.

Lindenthal: One of the most popular districts in Cologne, especially for students that study at the University of Cologne. Ideal for someone young that likes an active nightlife as the area is filled with bars, nightclubs, cafes, and other trendy spots.

Nippes: Home to many Turkish stores, supermarkets, and cosmopolitan bars and cafes. It’s close to the city center and offers many green spaces. It’s a good choice for families and the elderly as it’s calm and quiet.

Kalk: Good location when it comes to finding work, as many businesses in recent years have moved to the area. It’s not as popular among expats as other districts, but it offers affordable rent prices, and is ideal for students and young families.

Although Cologne is the 4th safest city in Germany, some areas have seen an increase in crime rates in recent years. This includes Eberplatz in Innenstadt. Keep an eye out in the city center at night, as it gets crowded and petty crime can occur.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You have the choice between public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) or a private provider, depending on your situation and income.

Public health insurance is available to everyone unless they were previously privately insured. There are over 90 public health insurance providers, many of them regional. If you have a regular job, 14.6% of your salary goes toward your health insurance, with your employer covering half of that.

Private insurance offers more flexibility. You can choose from different plans, often at a lower cost if you’re a high earner or a freelancer.

Check out our healthcare guide for detailed information about the German healthcare system.

To get medical care when you’re feeling unwell, your general/family doctor (Hausarzt) is usually your first stop. They can treat most issues and refer you to a specialist if needed, although waiting times may be long if you’re a new patient. If it’s an emergency, heading straight to the nearest hospital is the best option.

Germany’s healthcare system is one of the best but choosing the right insurance matters. Make sure to take your time, compare your options, and find what works best for you!

Cologne has mild and mostly comfortable weather throughout the year. Here’s what you can expect:

The sunniest months are from May to August, while winter months can be quite cloudy.

Winters (December to February) are cold but not extreme. It rarely gets much colder than 0°C (32°F), and while it does snow occasionally, it usually melts quickly.

Summers(June to August) are pleasantly warm, with temperatures around 24°C (75°F). It’s not too hot, but there’s high humidity and rainy days. Cologne has 170 rainy days per calendar year, and many of them in August.

Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures between 10–15°C (50–59°F), perfect for outdoor activities, though rain showers are common. It’s a good idea to always have an umbrella handy!