Expat communities in Munich

Munich is one of Germany’s most international cities and home to a large and diverse international community. Professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs and students from around the world contribute to the city’s economic strength, innovation capacity and cultural diversity.

International business hub

Munich is one of Europe’s most dynamic business, technology and knowledge hubs. or decades, the city has attracted international companies, highly skilled professionals and their families. The city’s cosmopolitan character is shaped by people from more than 190 nations, making Munich an internationally connected and globally minded place to live and work.

The city's international profile is shaped by multinational companies, research institutions, universities, as well as numerous foreign chambers of commerce, trade associations and international networks.

More than 2,000 Munich-based companies have a foreign parent company. Many of these originate from other European countries, particularly Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Companies from the United States, Japan, China and India are also strongly represented.

Among the largest international companies with a presence in Munich are Microsoft Germany (USA), Telefónica Germany (Spain), Apple (USA), Capgemini (France), NTT Data Germany (Japan), GlaxoSmithKline (UK) and Daiichi Sankyo Europe (Japan).

You will find useful contacts here.

Services provided by the City of Munich for international companies and professionals

Networks for expats and international talents

Consulates and diplomatic missions

Most consulates and consulates general serving southern Germany are located in Munich. These provide important services and local points of contact for international residents, companies and expats.

Many of these diplomatic missions also maintain economic and trade departments that support business relations and economic cooperation with Munich and the Free State of Bavaria.

Diplomatic missions in Bavaria and Munich

Photo: canva.com

International schools and kindergardens

Munich offers international professionals and their families a wide range of high-quality educational opportunities tailored to the needs of internationally mobile families.

Here you will find a selection of international schools, kindergartens and supplementary programmes that support multilingual education and native-language learning.

International schools and kindergartens