Arrival Budget Session
A personal plan for the cash you need before departure, at handover and through your first month in Germany.
Who this session is for
This is for individuals, couples and small families who have chosen Germany and need a credible cash target before booking the move. It is especially useful when a rent deposit, temporary accommodation and overlapping commitments in two countries all fall close together.
What we build together
Before the call, you complete a short brief with your destination, household size, likely rent, travel route, possessions and expected income date. During the session, we build three connected views:
- Upfront cash: travel, freight or extra baggage, temporary stays, viewings, first rent, deposit and basic household purchases.
- First-month spending: local transport, groceries, mobile service, laundries, meals during setup and realistic small contingencies.
- Stable monthly baseline: rent, utilities, transport, food, communications and household spending once the first rush passes.
Your written summary arrives within two German business days. It includes low, working and cautious ranges, a payment timeline, assumptions to verify and the reserve we agreed.
The deposit timing problem
A residential deposit in Germany can commonly be up to three months of cold rent. Tenants generally have a statutory right to pay a cash deposit in three equal monthly instalments, beginning at the start of the tenancy, but a temporary landlord or other arrangement may work differently. We map timing based on the offer you actually have; we do not tell you how to interpret a contract.
What is included
- One 90-minute video meeting with relocation budget adviser Lena Vogt
- Pre-session review of your brief and estimates
- A written, editable budget summary in euros
- One clarification email within seven days
This service does not include property search, visa applications, tax planning, contract review, investment advice or guarantees about third-party prices.
Preparation and practical limits
Bring any housing listings, employer relocation allowance, travel quotes and transport routes you already know. Firm prices are not required; honest uncertainty is more useful than guessed precision. Sessions can cover a household of up to four people and one intended German city. Larger or multi-city moves are quoted separately.
Booking and cancellation
Send an enquiry with your planned month and destination. We confirm a suitable appointment before any fee is due. Appointments are normally available within seven German business days. Rescheduling and refund terms are explained in our refund policy.