How to Transfer Money from Germany to USA
Germany to USA Guide
Summary
As a member of the EU, Germany enjoys a strategic and collaborative partnership with the US on a variety of issues, including trade and investment agreements, global policy alliances, and global safety initiatives. Currently, there are no restrictions for German citizens who want to transfer money from Germany to the US.
Visas, work permits and residency
German citizens who wish to live or work in the US must apply for the appropriate visa or be granted permanent resident status. There are a variety of visitor and work visas. The type and duration of the work visa that will be required depends on the applicant’s profession and current employment status. For more information on visa requirements, please refer to the US Embassy website.
For most foreigners who plan to visit the US for a period of up to 90 days, a visitor or business visa is still required. However, American authorities have waived this rule for citizens of Germany, as well as several other countries in Europe. For short stays, German passport holders need only register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). For stays of more than 90 days, an immigrant or non-immigrant visa is required.
Buying property in the US
There are few restrictions for German citizens who wish to own or rent property in the US. Before making a purchase, however, foreign nationals will need to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which is required for all property transactions in the US. German citizens must provide their ITIN upon close of the transaction in order for it to clear. To obtain an ITIN, the buyer must apply with the national tax authority, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This process may take five weeks or longer, so it is advisable to take this step early in the process. Once the ITIN is issued, the buyer can then easily transfer from Germany to the US for their property purchase. Working with a licensed real estate attorney or real estate agent is advisable, as they can guide German citizens on regional and federal real estate laws, which differ state by state.
Taxation
In 1989, Germany and the US entered into a tax treaty for the avoidance of double taxation of citizens living and working in either country. For German citizens living and earning money in the US, a tax return must still be filed with the German government, but citizens may be eligible to receive tax credits based on what they pay in the US. If taxes are owed to the US government, there are no restrictions to transfer money from Germany to the US to make these payments.
Studying in the US
US educational institutions require a student visa before non-residents can study within the US. However, before a German citizen can apply for a student visa, they must first apply for and be accepted to a US-based accredited school or programme. Once the institution has issued its acceptance, it will supply the necessary documents to the student so that they can apply for the student visa.
Currently, there are two student visas offered by the US government to foreign citizens wishing to study in the US. The F-1 visa, the most common type of student visa, is for academic studies at an approved school or accredited American university. Non-academic or vocational studies require the M-1 visa.
Voting
Like all other non-US citizens, German citizens are not permitted to vote in American federal elections. Historically, voting for federal office has been restricted to citizens of the US. Although states may allow non-citizens to vote, this is rare and limited to local elections in only a few places today.
Healthcare
American healthcare is a pay-as-you-go system, with most American citizens owning some form of health insurance. It is advisable for German citizens who are planning to visit America to purchase travel insurance or a short-term health insurance policy before entering the US.
Importing from Germany to the US
As part of the EU, Germany is one of the leading partners in contributing to one of the largest economic relationships in the world. The US government recognised in 2017 that US-Germany trade accounts for 30% of the total trade between the EU and the US. Goods and services exchanged between the US and Germany amounted to roughly €112bn in 2017. The EU and the US collaborate on a number of trade, investment and global safety initiatives throughout the world. Recently, they entered into discussions for a new trade and investment agreement, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
Germany is the US’s single-largest trade partner within the EU. In 2017, Germany imported goods and services worth €46 bn, which equates to roughly $50bn depending on exchange rates, from the US, followed closely by the UK, the Netherlands and France. Considered together, EU countries are the second-largest market for US exports, which drives constant, high-volume money transfers to the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the money transfer companies shown above safe to use?
Yes, all the companies are safe and fully-regulated money transfer services.
Each are authorised and regulated by the relevant authority such as the Financial
Conduct Authority(FCA) in the UK, FinCEN in the US, FinTRAC in Canada or ASIC in Australia.
How long does an international money transfer take?
The speed of delivery will depend on where the money is being from and to and how
you are sending and receiving the money. Transfers sent using bank to bank transfers
can depend take anywhere from minutes to days and you should check the time estimates
from the relevant provider. Debit and credit card payments sometimes allow for faster
transfers for smaller amounts.
How do I use FXcompared?
First review the comparison results (such as for a table above) for a given amount
of money sending from Germany to USA. Then select a provider based on
factors such as price, speed, their rating and click the green button to be taken to
their website. From there, you can register and sign up for an account. Once you have
done that and the provider has verified your identity to ensure the money can be send
safely, you will be ready to transfer money.
What payments methods can I use to send money overseas?
The results shown above are typically for bank to bank transfers. It is possible
via some providers to pay in your funds for the transfer via cash, debit or credit
cards as well but this is usually reserved for smaller amounts. Some providers also
give you different options for how the money will be received - to a bank account
(most common), to a debit card, to cash or to a digital or mobile wallet.
What if the price shown above isn’t exactly what I am offered when I try to transfer money?
There can be a number of reasons why the final price you are offered may be different
to that shown in the table above. Exchange rates between two currencies change all
the time and is the most common reason. Additionally, some providers offer different
pricing depending what method you are using to send funds or how the funds will be
received. Others may offer you a premium service for faster payments. In some cases
FXcompared has a special rate with a provider and this is reserved for first time
customers who sign up to the provider starting from FXcompared’s website.
As prices do change often, be sure to confirm the total cost with the provider
before transferring money.
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