Cologne Relocation Services
Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities and a major economic center in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a popular destination for international professionals and their families. With its dynamic media and tech sectors, strong academic presence, and high quality of life, Cologne offers an ideal environment for companies relocating skilled talent.
Why Cologne?
Cologne is a key business and cultural hub with a diverse economy and an international workforce. It serves as a base for media companies, IT firms, engineering businesses, and global service providers. Its central location and accessibility via rail and air make it a strategic choice for business mobility.
Industry presence: Strong in media, IT, engineering, automotive, and biotech
Academic and research ecosystem: Home to one of Germany’s largest universities and many R&D centers
Central location: Excellent train connections to other German and European cities, plus Cologne Bonn Airport
International community: English is widely spoken in corporate settings, and expat networks are well established
Housing in Cologne and Surrounding Areas
Cologne’s housing market offers a mix of urban apartments and suburban family homes. While demand in the city center remains high, there are various options across neighborhoods with good access to public transport.
Preferred districts for international professionals include Ehrenfeld, Lindenthal, and Südstadt for their cultural vibrancy and proximity to city amenities. Families often choose quieter areas like Rodenkirchen, Junkersdorf, or the nearby city of Bonn for more space and green surroundings.
Rental prices for one-bedroom apartments in central Cologne typically range from €1,000 to €1,500 per month. Suburban options offer more space at slightly lower prices, with good transport links into the city.
Anmeldung (Registration) and Bureaucracy
As in all German cities, address registration (Anmeldung) is a legal requirement and must be completed within two weeks of moving into a new residence. It is essential for accessing health insurance, securing a tax ID, and applying for a residence permit.
Cologne’s Bürgerämter operate by appointment only, and slots can be limited. Early booking and accurate documentation are critical to avoid delays. Relocation providers assist by securing appointments, organizing necessary paperwork, and ensuring compliance with local requirements.
Education and Childcare
Cologne offers a wide range of public, private, and international schooling options. Public schools are free and suitable for families planning long-term stays and integration into the German system. International schools such as the International School of Cologne or Bonn International School provide bilingual or English-language curricula, including IB and U.S./U.K.-based programs.
Childcare is available through Kitas (daycare centers), including bilingual and international facilities. Demand is high across the city, and early application—preferably before arrival—is strongly recommended. Kita fees vary depending on hours and parental income, with partial subsidies available.
Local Culture and Lifestyle
Cologne is known for its open, friendly atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene. The city blends historic charm with modern living, offering excellent museums, galleries, and festivals—including the world-famous Cologne Carnival. The Rhine River, parks, and green spaces provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, while the city’s public transport system ensures easy mobility.
While most stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, local amenities are easily accessible during the week. English is widely spoken in urban areas, particularly among younger professionals and service providers.
Immigration & Residence Permit Support
The Cologne immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) handles residence permits for international professionals and family members. Appointments are required and often booked well in advance. Documentation must be complete and correctly submitted to avoid delays.
Relocation providers coordinate with the Ausländerbehörde, prepare documentation, and guide employers and employees through each step to ensure timely and compliant processing.
Visa Support Services in Cologne
relokate delivers visa and immigration support tailored to the Cologne region, combining regulatory expertise with an understanding of local requirements to support efficient, end-to-end relocation processes.
Relocating international professionals to Cologne requires expert handling of immigration processes. Choosing a knowledgeable and responsive visa partner is key to ensuring a smooth and compliant transition.
Experienced providers offer guidance on suitable visa types—such as the EU Blue Card or skilled worker visa—alongside document preparation, coordination with authorities, and ongoing case management. This reduces administrative burden for HR teams and helps avoid delays in onboarding.
How We Support
Relocation is more than logistics—it's about people. Our mission is to support companies and their international employees from first contact through long-term settlement.
We work directly with HR and global mobility teams to deliver customized, scalable solutions, including:
Software solution for recruiting, relocation and integration & education
Visa and immigration support
Housing and schooling search
Registration support
Health insurance onboarding
Local orientation support
With personal expert support and a deep knowledge of German bureaucracy, we ensure both the company and employee experience a seamless move.