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Frank Faggo2025-04-25 16:38:212025-04-25 16:40:36Skilled labor shortage in GermanyPROGEDO: RELOCATION SERVICE COLOGNE/BONN
PROGEDO relocation GmbH & Co. KG
Sperlingstrasse 35
41540 Dormagen
Phone: +49 (0)40 – 370 811 50
Email: koeln@progedo.de
Our local team offers companies and individuals fast, highly competent advice and targeted services on all aspects of relocation, settling-in, and immigration of foreign workers and their families.
Whether for established companies or start-ups – our experienced team supports you with the appropriate expertise.
Cologne – The PROGEDO Cologne location and its employees serve the city area as well as the surrounding cities of Bonn and Leverkusen and extend as far as Koblenz in the south and Aachen in the west.
The city on the Rhine is the cultural center of western Germany. Cologne conveys a cosmopolitan and communal attitude to life. Whether it's the Cologne dialect, Carnival, or the cheerful character of the people of Cologne – Cologne has created its own cosmopolitan culture.
Everyone feels at home in Cologne: the people of Cologne are multicultural, open, and welcoming. Almost one in four people in Cologne doesn't have a German passport – the Rhine metropolis brings people of all backgrounds together. However, the constant influx of immigrants also puts a shortage of living space.
Without local experts and well-connected networks, finding a suitable solution is often difficult and time-consuming. Our local relocation managers always keep a close eye on where opportunities arise for those seeking housing.
Furnished or unfurnished apartment, small or large home – thanks to their know-how, our relocation specialists will find the perfect property for you!
In addition to professional support during House and apartment search We are also happy to support you with topics such as Kindergarten search, Driver's license conversion or visits to authorities.
We provide you with the necessary information to apply for a residence permit, check the Anabin database to see whether your university degree is listed, forward the documents for enquiry to the Federal Employment Agency (ZAV), and share practical tips and tricks for obtaining a visa or applying for an eAT (electronic residence permit) at the responsible state immigration office.
We are also happy to organize training workshops on immigration procedures for HR managers during the onboarding process. Ask us! Simply send us a brief inquiry, and we'll get back to you promptly.
Relocation Agency Services
PROGEDO Cologne
Cologne in numbers
Around 1.1 million people live in Cologne, making it the fourth-largest city in Germany. The population density is just under 2,600 inhabitants per km², and Cologne is divided into nine districts with 86 neighborhoods, which Cologne residents call "Veedel."
Further information is available at:
www.stadt-koeln.de
Even before your arrival in Germany, we will provide you with information on visa applications, guide you through the process of joining a German health insurance company, and take care of, among other things, suitable accommodation and the necessary appointments at banks and government offices. Our customer satisfaction is always our top priority.
So that you will have fond memories of your relocation.
A move for personal or professional reasons brings with it many changes – at PROGEDO relocation, we make the transition easy for you! Our competent consultants in Cologne are familiar with the real estate market and the Cologne authorities. With many years of experience, we stand for personalized service. Our network in Cologne is extensive and guarantees successful support.
Relocation provider Cologne
Our staff and we at PROGEDO-Köln/Bonn know Cologne in all its corners and its wonderful diversity.
Beyond the pure immigration & relocation business, we would like to share our knowledge with you and inspire you to visit our hometown!
Find an apartment in Cologne
Finding a house or apartment in Cologne is, compared to Munich for example, is a much smaller challenge. Cologne offers a broad price range and room for expansion. But in the sought-after locations of Neustadt, Südstadt, or Lindenthal, demand also significantly exceeds supply. In all other centrally located districts and in the outlying districts such as Rodenkirchen, Marienburg, and Sülz, where young families like to settle, there are always significantly more interested parties than available. And if you don't speak German, it's often impossible to compete with the competition.
With our expertise, it's still possible! With a little patience, flexibility, and careful planning, we always find a suitable apartment for our clients!
Cologne consists of many districts with different price ranges. Currently, landlords consider a third of income to be the maximum rent limit. A positive SCHUFA entry and a positive certificate of rent arrears are essential for approval.
Apply for a residence permit in Cologne
In Cologne itself, the central immigration authority at Dillenburger Str. 56-66, is responsible for applying for eATs (electronic residence permits) for foreign workers.
Of course, our professional immigration specialists provide our clients with all the necessary information to ensure they can correctly prepare and submit their documents to the immigration office. We also accompany you or your employee to appointments. According to paragraph 2 paragraph 1 RDG, PROGEDO does not provide legal services. Should legal advice become necessary, we work with competent, independent lawyers.
10 facts about Cologne:
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Cologne Carnival
The people of Cologne are known as Jecken (revelers). Cologne is considered a carnival capital, and the fifth season reaches its climax annually between Women's Carnival and Rose Monday, when a large parade moves through the streets, throwing sweets and flowers to spectators for hours.
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Cologne as a science location
Thanks to the University of Cologne and the Cologne University of Technology, the city is the largest education and research location in western Germany.
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Chocolate
The Cologne Chocolate Museum opened in 1993 after only 13 months of construction. With around 600,000 visitors a year, it is one of the most visited cultural institutions in Cologne.
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Cologne cathedral
The construction of Cologne Cathedral took over 600 years. But Cologne residents know that the cathedral is not truly finished, as it is constantly being restored and repaired.
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Green Bridges
This is why Cologne's bridges are green: Konrad Adenauer, who was also mayor of Cologne at the time, wanted the Mülheim Bridge painted green. Since then, all city bridges have been painted that color.
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Airport and NASA
Cologne/Bonn Airport has the only runway in Germany that is also an emergency landing site for NASA space shuttles.
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Winding old town
Cologne's Old Town is known for its narrow alleys. This is also where Cologne's smallest street is located: Tipsgasse, which is just 16 meters long.
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fireworks
The Cologne Lights are an annual summer music and fireworks event held in Cologne since 2001. It is the largest music-synchronized fireworks display in Europe and attracts numerous visitors to the city, who can admire the fireworks while enjoying a picnic along the Rhine.
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brownie
An old fairy tale tells that the little elves secretly did the work for all the people of Cologne at night. Until one night, a tailor's curious wife wanted to see the elves. The elves were frightened and disappeared forever. Since then, the people of Cologne have had to do the work themselves. A fountain near the cathedral commemorates the story.
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Rhine
Cologne has more of the Rhine than Düsseldorf: The river's path through Cologne is about two kilometers longer than its path through Düsseldorf. A modernized promenade by the cathedral, the Rhine Park on the right bank with a cable car across the river, the Rhine meadows in Niehl, and, even further north, a real beach. The river is multifaceted and, like the cathedral, shapes the cityscape.
"Welcome!"
Real estate market and housing in Cologne/Bonn
Cologne is an attractive place to live – not only because of its high-quality jobs, but also because of its high quality of life. However, the growing population is increasing pressure on the real estate market. Our team of experts in Cologne knows the market and will take care of finding suitable accommodation for you.
Whether you're coming to Cologne alone, as a couple, or as a family – PROGEDO relocation will find the right property for everyone. In close consultation with your requirements for suitable accommodation, our team will search for apartments or houses for rent, condominiums, or houses. We will visit and inspect the properties together with you. Even after the decision has been made, we are happy to be available as a contact for tenants and landlords.
Our team also keeps an overview of 86 districts in Cologne and is happy to advise you on how to live comfortably in Cologne.
The rental market in Cologne and Bonn is a topic of great interest to both locals and newcomers. These cities on the Rhine are known not only for their rich culture, history, and vibrant communities, but also for their diverse housing options. In recent years, the rental market in both cities has developed significantly, with prices and availability of housing being key issues.
Current rents in Cologne and Bonn vary considerably depending on apartment size, amenities, and location. For a one-room apartment in central districts such as Cologne city center or Bonn city center, rents can start at around €700 to €900 per month. For larger apartments with two or three rooms, rents can be significantly higher, often exceeding €1,000 per month. In popular neighborhoods such as Cologne-Ehrenfeld or Bonn-Poppelsdorf, rents tend to be somewhat higher due to the good infrastructure and attractiveness to young professionals.
Further information about current rents in Cologne and Bonn can be found here:
https://www.wohnungsboerse.net/mietspiegel-Koeln/5333
https://www.wohnungsboerse.net/mietspiegel-Bonn/5179
The following districts are popular in Cologne:
- Popular neighborhoods for singles:
- Ehrenfeld: A lively district with many bars, cafés, and cultural events. It attracts many young people and offers a diverse range of leisure activities.
- Belgian Quarter: Known for its hip bars, restaurants, and boutiques, singles will find a lively atmosphere and a wide range of entertainment options here.
- Südstadt: A lively area with many bars, restaurants, and small shops. Südstadt is also known for its diverse residential structure and vibrant nightlife.
- Popular neighborhoods for couples:
- Lindenthal: A green and upscale district with many parks and green spaces. Lindenthal offers a quieter residential area while still being well connected to the city center.
- Nippes: A family-friendly district with a diverse selection of shops, restaurants, and a weekly market. Nippes also has good public transport connections and is popular with couples seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
- Sülz: Another green and family-friendly district with numerous parks and playgrounds. Sülz offers a good mix of residential and leisure options and is popular with couples who prefer a quiet environment.
- Popular neighborhoods for families:
- Rodenkirchen: A quiet and upscale district on the banks of the Rhine. Rodenkirchen offers a good selection of schools and kindergartens, as well as easy access to the city center.
- Junkersdorf: A family-friendly district with many single-family homes and green spaces. Junkersdorf offers a quiet residential area and good public transport connections.
- Marienburg: An exclusive and upscale district with many villas and green spaces. Marienburg offers a quiet and safe environment that is popular with families.
The following districts are popular in Bonn:
- Popular neighborhoods for singles: Bonn's city center, especially the areas around the university and the old town, are very popular with singles due to its lively atmosphere and proximity to bars, restaurants, and cultural institutions. The Südstadtviertel district, with its many cafés and small shops, also attracts many singles.
- Popular neighborhoods for couples: Neighborhoods like Poppelsdorf and Endenich are popular with couples. These neighborhoods offer quiet residential areas, yet are well connected to the city center. They also often have green spaces and parks ideal for strolls.
- Popular neighborhoods for families: Families often prefer neighborhoods with good schools, kindergartens, and a family-friendly environment. These include Beuel, Duisdorf, and Bad Godesberg, among others. These neighborhoods often offer larger apartments or houses with gardens and are well connected to public transportation. There are also many leisure opportunities and local recreation areas for family outings.
Finding a rental apartment in Cologne and Bonn can be challenging, especially in popular neighborhoods and during peak times such as the start of the academic year in the fall. High demand for housing combined with limited supply often leads to intense competition for available apartments. It's therefore advisable to research the location early and actively search for housing options.
Over the past five years, the rental market in Cologne and Bonn has continued to develop, with rents increasing overall. Rents have increased significantly, particularly in desirable neighborhoods, while prices have tended to remain more stable in outlying areas. This development reflects the general trend in major German cities, where demand for housing is steadily growing and supply cannot always keep pace.
Index-linked rents play an important role in Cologne and Bonn, helping to make rent increases more transparent for tenants. Index-linked rents are based on an index that reflects changes in the cost of living and allow tenants to adjust their rent accordingly. This provides some protection against excessive rent increases, especially in times of rising housing prices.
For those who find rents in Cologne or Bonn too high, the surrounding areas offer attractive alternatives. Cities like Leverkusen, Bergisch Gladbach, or Troisdorf often offer more affordable rents while still being well connected to Cologne and Bonn. Public transport connections such as S-Bahn and regional trains are generally well-developed, allowing for a convenient commute to the city centers.
Working with a relocation service like Progedo can make the search for accommodation in Cologne or Bonn much easier, especially for international professionals and executives who don't speak German. Such a service often has a network of real estate agents and landlords, is well-versed in the local housing market, and can assist with communication and the processing of rental agreements. This professional support increases the chances of finding a suitable apartment and reduces the stress of searching for a home in an unfamiliar city.
Average rental prices in Cologne/Bonn
- The average rent in Cologne is just under 12 euros per square meter. The districts of Lindenthal, Neustadt, and Altstadt are above the city average, as they are considered particularly attractive due to their convenient locations.
Source: own research & experience
More about Cologne
School and kindergarten
North Rhine-Westphalia's school system begins with primary school (grades 1-4). Assignment is automatically made by the city based on the respective district of residence. Afterward, the child attends a secondary school: either an Oberschule (basic vocational qualification (= Hauptschulabschluss) after the 9th grade, an advanced vocational qualification and Mittlerer Schullabschluss (MSA) after the 10th grade, and a Abitur (university entrance qualification) after the 13th grade) or a Gymnasium (grammar school).
There are several international and bilingual schools in Cologne, but you have to apply early because demand is high.
More information e.g. here:
Cologne International School: https://if-koeln.de/
St. George School: https://www.stgeorgesschool.com/cologne
Kindergarten
Registration in private and public institutions is possible via the online portal little-bird of the City of Cologne. Places are also allocated through the online system. There are church-run, municipal, private, and bilingual daycare centers in Cologne and the surrounding area. In Cologne itself, attendance at a municipal kindergarten is free for the last two years before starting school. The scope of care and costs depend on need and family income. A legal right to daycare exists from the age of one.
Further information can be found here: https://portal-koeln.little-bird.de/
Living in Cologne
Cologne's landmark is the cathedral – over six million people visit it annually. The cathedral boasts the second-tallest church spire in Europe and is Germany's most popular tourist attraction. The view from the top of the cathedral is unique: the entire city of Cologne, and on a clear day, all the way to the Siebengebirge mountains and Bonn, is in one view.
Germany's fourth-largest city also offers an interesting cultural scene: historic old town streets, shopping malls, and international events. Cologne's neighborhoods, also called "Veedel," are distinctive and diverse.
The Rhine River dominates the cityscape and offers plenty of greenery, a beach, and a promenade in the city center. Numerous museums, concerts, the opera, and theaters offer a variety of events.
This city of millions is impressive. Let yourself be captivated by the "Cologne way of life."
Important links
- City of Cologne: https://www.stadt-koeln.de/
- Cologne Public Transport: https://www.kvb.koeln/
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How can PROGEDO help me as a relocation service agency in Cologne/Bonn?
PROGEDO Relocation Service in Cologne and Bonn helps make your arrival as relaxed and smooth as possible – from a hassle-free move to successful integration into your new city, we provide every support. This includes services such as finding a suitable apartment, assisting with the handover of your apartment, as well as with administrative procedures for applying for a residence permit, assistance with finding a school place and child benefit applications, and registering with utility companies.
What does relocation actually mean?
Relocation is the process of moving or relocating individuals or companies to a new location, whether within the country or internationally. This can include both personal relocations of individuals and professional transfers of professionals or managers, and often includes support to facilitate the transition to the new environment, allowing those involved to focus on what matters most.
What does a relocation agency actually do?
A relocation agency supports its clients, usually human resources managers, in the preparation and implementation of a relocation, relieving them of time and cost. Relocation can either be incurred through the temporary assignment of an employee abroad, but due to the shortage of skilled workers, it is becoming increasingly important to offer relocation services to applicants from abroad in order to attract them to your company and facilitate the integration of new international employees.
How does a relocation order work?
After contacting the HR department or the applicant to analyze the initial situation, a needs analysis is conducted with the employee concerned after the contract has been awarded. This forms the basis for the creation of an individually tailored relocation and immigration service to ensure optimal support for the client.
How much does relocation actually cost?
Our packages can be customized to meet the needs and wishes of our clients. Fees for necessary translations and administrative fees may be added to our service costs. For more detailed information, click on “Make an inquiry”
What else does PROGEDO offer?
PROGEDO sees itself as a holistic service provider. We combine immigration and relocation into a comprehensive process. Employees wishing to immigrate to Germany will find a service provider with us who supports them in applying for the necessary residence permit, helps them find accommodation, and assists with driver's license conversion.
What does PROGEDO not offer as a professional relocation agency?
As a professional immigration agency, we do not offer legal advice within the meaning of Section 2 Paragraph 1 of the German Immigration Act (RDG). We accompany our clients through every step of the immigration process for foreign skilled workers to Germany. Naturally, we cooperate with renowned and highly specialized immigration lawyers.