TELL US: Is Hamburg a good place for foreigners to live in Germany?
According to recent figures, almost a quarter of Hamburg's 1.8 million residents have an international background, with
around 400,000 non-Germans
currently living in the city.
With the northern port city recently
being crowned the happiest in the country
, it's no wonder that many people from abroad want to make Hamburg their home. But recent surveys carried out by expat community InterNations have found that the
Hansastadt
can be
one of the hardest places for foreigners to settle in Germany
.
If you live in Hamburg - or have lived there in the past - we'd love to hear your thoughts for a future article. Does Hamburg offer a good quality of life for its foreign residents, or are internationals better off looking elsewhere?
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EXPLAINED: How to move to Germany with your pets
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The stamped animal health certificate your furball came in on will be valid in Germany for up to four months and you can travel between EU countries during that period. During that time, you should head to a German vet so you can convert that animal health certificate into an EU Pet Passport – which is then good for your pet's lifetime. Remember: each pet will need their own passport. Once they have their passport, it'll be much easier for you to travel with them in the future – either around the EU or when re-entering, if from abroad. If your pet's a dog, you'll also have to register them with your local authority, pay a dog tax ( Hundesteuer ), and ensure they have public liability insurance. The amount of tax you have to pay varies slightly from state to state. Cats and ferrets don't need to be taxed or registered. Depending on where you live in Germany – and what type of dog you have – you may also be required to sit a test that proves you're capable of handling one. READ ALSO: Mutilation ban and microchips - The new EU laws around cat and dog welfare Advertisement Banned breeds It's also worth noting that some dog breeds are banned from entering Germany. Pit bulls, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and bull terriers all generally fall under the breeds that are considered too dangerous to be allowed into the country. There are a few exceptions to the ban, though, such as service dogs with appropriate documentation and dogs that will be in the country with tourists for fewer than four weeks. With additional reporting from Amy Brooke
