Moving to Muenchen

Hello,
My name is Joseph.
I want to live in Muenchen, but only half of the year.
Here is my situation. I want to live in Muenchen from, let's say April through October. The other five or six months I want to live somewhere else...someplace warm!

So....I have a number of questions.

++ If I stay in Muenchen "on vacation" for six months...will I have to get a residency permit?   Even if my address is a "vacation rental" for the six months?

++ I figure if I want to travel around where trains don't go, I can rent a car.  Will I have to get a German driver license even thought I am in Germany less than a year?  I have a Washington State driver license.

++ Will I be able to get a bank account and bank/credit cards?

My plan is to be "on vacation" in Germany...and just go "away" to a warmer place in Winter...just like a permanent German who lives in Muenchen but goes to Florida for 3 or 4 months during the Winter. 

I figure my "plan" will save money. By always being "on vacation" I won't have to pay mortgate/rent on one place in Winter and another rent on my warmer place in Winter at the same time. I will always just be paying the rent on the place I'm at!

Do I sound crazy?

Joseph

Hi and welcome to the forum Joseph!

I hope other members will be able to advise you soon ;)

Regards
Armand

I'm not a specialist on German visas but I do know that the Schengen allowance for Americans is 90 days out of any six month period. You'd obviously be overstaying that if you spend six months in a row in Germany.

I don't think any government will care whether your address is considered a vacation rental if you're there for more than the tourist stay allowance.

Thanks ECS
I'll add that to my list of things to consider.
All information is gladly accepted.
RedSunn

Joseph, Munich is one of the cities in germany which get most of the snow and the lowest temperature in the winter. not to mention - one of the most expensive cities to live in , in germany.  so bad choice, mate.
u can use ur american driving license for up to 12 months.
bear in mind that not all flats in germany are offered furnished and that u have to give 3 months notice before u leave it + prepare for 2-3 months rent as a deposit.

Hi Tsveti....

All I can say to your email is "ouch!"

I guess I'll have to do some heavy thinking about my desire to live in or around Muenchen....especially about the snow.

The three month notice to check out is also a bummer.

Thanks for the info.  I really appreciate it.

RedSunn

there is also a lot of bureaucracy here
registration on ur address, permission to stay in germany issued by the municipality where u r registered & etc.
bank account - only when you show them registration of address + there is no paper-free option here, u have to either collect ur statements from the bank regularly or get them sent on ur address for 2.50 per statement + if the monthly income in ur bank account is less than 1300 euros, u will have to pay a monthly fee for having it - usually about 4-5 euros/month.
when u rent a flat, if its not furnished /respectively more expensive/, u get it completely unfurnished - no kitchen, no sink, not even a single lamp, just cables coming out of the walls.

am still confused - why do u actually want to live in germany?

Hi again Tsveti.....

Oh, I have always liked the landscape in southern Germany and the culture.

But, the country is also centrally located for travel to other cities and regions. I only plan to stay a year or so.

Yes...I realize that Germany is a police state and is socialist...but no one is perfect.

But, as a "professional" tourist, I am not bothered by any of the registration and the other stuff as the owner of the vacation rental takes care of all that stuff...at least according to the fellow at the German Consulate.

The following year, perhaps I'll spend six months or so in Italy. Just boppin' around, seeing the sights.

I figure that since I speak German, Italian, and French...and a little (very) Czech...that I can get along just fine. No taxes, no car, no responsibilities, other people's furniture, etc etc.

Anyway...that's my story and I'm sticking to it!  ha ha

RedSunn

well, if u like the country and don't mind the bureaucracy, then all is well :D
yes, Bayern is a very beautiful state, u will have nice time there, don't forget to stay few more days in October - you can't miss the Oktoberfest just like that!! :cool: