Berlin
Germany · Central Europe · Europe
Berlin is Germany's sprawling, creative capital and one of Europe's biggest startup and tech hubs, drawing remote workers with its vast coworking scene, world-class culture, and famously open, English-friendly vibe. Rents have climbed but it remains cheaper than Paris, London, or Amsterdam, while fast fiber, the flat-rate Deutschlandticket, and endless cafes, galleries, parks, and nightlife make it easy to live and work. Winters are grey and long, and the housing market is brutally competitive, but the energy, diversity, and creative freedom are unmatched.
Wealth migration
Outflowing−400Berlin and Germany flip to net HNWI outflow as far-right surge, high taxes and wealth-tax fears push millionaires abroad.
Tax regime
Up to 47.5% effective top rate (45% + 5.5% solidarity surcharge); no special HNWI regime
No wealth tax (abolished 1997) but inheritance/gift tax up to 50% and recurring wealth-tax debate spook HNWIs
Golden / investor visa
Section 21 Self-Employment / Entrepreneur Residence Permit
from $390,000
No formal golden visa; §21 residence permit requires an active business serving a regional economic need (~EUR 360k recommended), permanent settlement after 3 years of successful operation
Official source →Why the wealthy are leaving, 2025-26
- Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025 projects a net loss of ~400 millionaires, the first time Germany (alongside France and Spain) joins the net-outflow column
- Post-February-2025 election survey: ~37% of German millionaires more likely to emigrate; 42% cite the rise of the far-right AfD and 47% cite immigration concerns as drivers
- High personal tax burden: effective top rate up to 47.5% (45% income tax + 5.5% solidarity surcharge on top earners) with no special expat/HNWI regime, versus 0% in the UAE pulling departures
- Recurring wealth-tax and higher-inheritance-tax political debate (SPD/Greens push; inheritance tax up to 50%) keeps capital nervous despite Chancellor Merz ruling out a wealth tax in 2025
- Enquiries from Germany for alternative residence/citizenship rose 114% between 2023 and 2024; top destinations cited are Canada, Australia, the US and the UAE
More of Berlin
Monthly cost breakdown
$2,530solo nomad · mid-rangeClimate
ContinentalPros
- Massive tech, startup and nomad community
- Widely spoken English, very international
- Rich culture, nightlife, art and green spaces
- Excellent public transport and walkability
Cons
- Brutal housing market and rising rents
- Long, grey, cold winters
- Bureaucracy and slow paperwork (Anmeldung, visas)
Where nomads stay
Edgy, multicultural, packed with cafes, bars and nightlife
Hip, affordable-ish, young creative and nomad crowd
Startup offices, techno clubs and riverside coworking
Leafy, calmer, cafe-heavy and family-friendly
Coworking
- betahaus
- St. Oberholz
- Mindspace
- Impact Hub Berlin
Annual events
- Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival)Feb
- Karneval der KulturenJun
- Festival of LightsOct
