Expat Immigration Guide: Moving to Frankfurt

Immigration Overview

Frankfurt scores 4.0/5 for personal security and 2.0/5 for cost of living, making it a safe and attractive destination for expat families. Budget for approximately 8 immigration-related costs including visa fees and permits.

Quick Stats

Security Score

4.0 /5

Cost of Living

2.0 /5

Weather Score

3.0 /5

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$1,645

Monthly Costs

$0/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

Civil Documents $40

Apostille Authentication $15

Document Translation $160

Showing 6 of 8 costs — sign up to see all

Want to See Your Numbers?

Get personalized immigration costs, timelines, and checklists for your family in Frankfurt.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Practical Tips

Book Ausländerbehörde appointments at your district's designated office in Frankfurt

appointments must be made with the office responsible for your registered address (Anmeldung) in Frankfurt

Request urgent appointments via the Frankfurt Ausländerbehörde contact form or hotline if eligible

the office primarily operates by appointment, and walk-ins are generally no longer accepted, even for urgent cases

Get address registration (Anmeldung) at Höchst Bürgeramt

significantly shorter waiting times than central locations and accepts more same-day appointments

Consult the Frankfurt Welcome Center in Mainzer Landstraße for guidance on immigration processes

they cater to skilled workers and provide support and information, though not document issuance or faster processing

Useful Links

Frankfurt Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde)

Official city authority handling residence permits, visa extensions and immigration matters specifically for Frankfurt residents.

›

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

German federal government agency providing comprehensive information on immigration procedures, integration courses, and asylum applications.

›

Make it in Germany

Official portal of the German government for qualified professionals, offering guidance on visa requirements, job searching, and relocation.

›

German Missions in the United States

Official resource for obtaining German residence permits from German diplomatic missions, with detailed visa application procedures.

›

Frankfurt Welcome Center

Official municipal service center providing guidance for newcomers to Frankfurt with multilingual support for immigration procedures.

›

Explore Other Guides

Housing Guide Education Guide Healthcare Guide Finance Guide Transport Guide Pets Guide

Immigration Guides in Germany

View all 140+ city guides →

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving to Frankfurt typically requires a valid visa, proof of financial means, and health insurance. The specific requirements depend on your nationality and purpose of stay. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see a personalized immigration checklist.

Processing times vary by visa type and nationality. Work permits may take 2–6 months, while residence permits can take 1–3 months after arrival. Use ReloPlanner to track your step-by-step immigration timeline.

There are approximately 8 immigration-related costs to consider when moving to Frankfurt, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

Plan Your Entire Move to Frankfurt

Access step-by-step guides, personalized budgets, and expert tips for immigration and 6 other relocation categories across 140+ cities.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Data verified: March 2026

This was the general picture

Your move to Frankfurt looks nothing like this

This guide covers Frankfurt for everyone. Your plan covers your origin country, your kids' ages, your budget, your dog — with real costs, a sequenced task list, and the things most families don't find out until it's too late.

Build your personalised plan — free →

Takes 2 minutes to set up