Money for starting a one year stay in Germany

Hey guys, TJ here.

Im slowly planning my 12 month Working/Holiday Visa for Germany in the next year or so.

First off, i have tryed looking through the forums for the info but havnt had any luck (i've never been good at using the search function..).

Anyway, i am currently saving my money from my current job, but i would like to know how much would be efficent enough for a 1 year stay in Germany.

Now i will be staying with the reletives (aunt, uncle, grampa, granma ect) So i can count myself lucky in the living departent - but of course i would like to pay for some of the facilities used when im over there so i dont seem like such a burden lol.

Will prob take me abit to get a holiday job, well hopfully not but i expect to be searching for abit so need enough to get me on my feet during that time.

I know its kinda hard to determin how much is "enough" because everyone has different spending paterns and going out etc, im not one who spends money for the hell of it - i am responsible with the money factor and if need be i can go without partying, pubs and so forth for awhile untill i get a job to get a small income to keep me up.

Cheers guys

Regards, TJ

To stay past the normal 90 days granted to tourist, you will need to show proof of income or proof you have enough $
to support yourself for your total stay. Last time this question was asked, the KVR were looking at 1200-2000 Eur per
month before they would grant the extension past 90 days. If your working this might make it easier to proove but
you may also be required to pay taxes, medical, and social taxes as well..

Where will you be staying? That makes a big difference to how much money you will need...

Not relevant, since he'll have an Oz working holiday visa.

And for TJ - Well, mate, obviously it depends on how much you are going to go out on the piss, go travelling etc.
I did a similar thing to you and spent a year in the UK, and had relatives and friends to bum off if times got tough.
My expenditure was high because I went out a lot, and also travelled for large amounts at a time, but also I spend a good couple of months working in bars in different areas, mainly for the experience rather than the cash, since the pay rate was bugger all really, and couldn't be relied on to get me anywhere.
As someone wise once told me, never rely on jobs while you are travelling to boost your bank account, but they can be a great way to see the place.
I think in retrospect I banked on about 2k (Australian dollars) per month, which was sometimes difficult in London, but will be easier here.
As always, your mileage may vary.

And you might want to talk about the living arrangements in advance with your relatives. Germans are very practical when it comes to money - the might be expecting some form or regular rent. THe odd dinner or random expense here and there might not cover you for a year.

First off thx for the replies guys, opened my eyes a bit for that. Also for the working holiday visa, thats what i read - Australians can apply but don't have to show proof of income in Germany unless going for a residency visa?

Well i plan on going first off to Braunschweig/Wolfsburg area (where all my rele's are staying). I know its not the "best" place to stay in terms of job vacancies ect but its a start. But will proceed to munich/berlin where the rest of the family are staying.

My granparents don't mind me staying with them (i have spoken to them about it already) and they are more than welcome to have me there - i only see them every 3/4 years sadly and that im there only grandson they really have no problem with me haha. But i will sure pay a monthly rent while im there - while of course helping them out whateva way i can.

Cheers,
TJ

Yep, that's right. Don't worry about the post above, it's bollocks. Upon applying for the visa, they may ask you for some proof of funds to support your stay, although I haven't heard of this happening in practice; either way, you are going to want to have that amount before you go anyway, either through a credit card limit, or with your savings account. Proof of maximum credit card limits, or savings account slips are valid as a proof of funds, apparently.

You can stay for up to a year, and can work, but supposedly not for more than 90 days, which means that the rules are a pain in the arse compared with the UK working holiday visa.