Moving to Germany With Children

Schools, healthcare, costs and Israeli community in Germany for relocating families.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-04
Schools Abroad
Tuition-free public universities; strong apprenticeship and public schools.
Family Healthcare
Statutory health insurance (Krankenkasse) is mandatory and comprehensive.
Childcare Costs
Berlin and Hamburg are moderate; Munich is significantly more expensive.

Moving to Germany With Children

Germany offers free public education, universal statutory healthcare, and a growing Israeli community in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.

Schools

Public schools (Grundschule, Gymnasium) are free and of high quality. Jewish/Hebrew day schools operate in Berlin and Munich. Language immersion programs help children integrate quickly. Many international schools also teach in English.

Healthcare

Statutory health insurance (Krankenkasse) is mandatory for residents and provides comprehensive family coverage. Children are covered at no extra cost under a parent's policy. Dental and vision have partial coverage.

Childcare & Daycare

Government-subsidized Kita (Kindertagesstätte) costs are income-based and typically very low. Demand exceeds supply in Berlin, so register for Kita places as early as possible, ideally a year in advance.

Israeli Community

Berlin has approximately 20,000 Israelis, with the largest concentration in Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte. The community has active WhatsApp groups, Israeli restaurants, and a synagogue network. Munich and Frankfurt also have established communities.

Practical Tips

  • Learn basic German before arriving — schools and services expect German proficiency.
  • Register at the local Bürgeramt within 2 weeks of arriving.
  • Childcare waitlists are long — start the process immediately.