Dresden City Guide

Lliving and working in Dresden

Sometimes known as Germany’s chip city, Dresden has witnessed a surge in its number of tech companies in recent years. As well as microchip manufacturers, the capital of Saxony is home to research centres and a thriving startup scene. Couple this with its fascinating history and Dresden is an exciting place to build a life as a tech professional.

Housing in Dresden

Renting is relatively affordable in Dresden, even in the city centre, and as you move into the suburbs prices become cheaper. The city has ten distinct districts and within these, there are neighbourhoods with their own personalities.

While the Neustadt district is popular with young professionals, Blasewitz is characterised by villas and green spaces, making it a good option for families. Loschwitz is more expensive, but its housing stock includes a mix of modern apartments and well-appointed villas, many with enviable views of the River Elbe.

Consult the Dresden Rent Index to check whether the price you’re being quoted is in line with other properties of a similar size with the same amenities in the area.

UK visa requirements for working in Dresden

As a country within the Schengen area, Germany allows UK citizens to carry out some business-related activities without a visa or permit, as long as they don’t exceed 90 days in a 180-day period. These can include attending job interviews and negotiating contracts.

For contracts longer than this and permanent positions, a visa or permit must be obtained from the German embassy or immigration authorities. The usual process is to apply for a national D visa to start work and then obtain a longer-term residence permit once you’re in Germany. There are a number of different types of residency permits and these can be valid for up to four years.

The cost of living in Dresden

Dresden is one of the cheaper major cities in Germany, with rent around half what you’d expect to pay in Berlin. A one-bedroom city centre apartment in Dresden can be rented for an average of €783, while in the suburbs it will be around €528, making the cost of living 44.7 per cent more affordable than London.

A three-course meal for two in a mid-price restaurant is priced on average at €60, while a combo meal at McDonald's or a similar establishment costs €10. A domestic beer can be enjoyed for around €4.50 and a litre of milk is €1.06.

Salaries in Dresden

The salary for a software engineer in Dresden comes in at an average €53,800 per year, with additional cash compensation being typically around €3,800. Developing specialist skills and climbing the career ladder can lead to senior salaries in the region of €76,500 annually.

Commuting and public transport in and around Dresden

Despite being Germany’s fourth-largest city, Dresden is easily navigable with a comprehensive public transport network that includes buses, trams, trains, rental bikes and e-scooters. It operates 24 hours a day and S-Bahn trains depart every ten minutes in the daytime.

The transport authority runs the MOBIbike scheme, with 1,000 bikes available to hire from strategic locations close to public transport hubs. They’re seen as a convenient way to complete the final leg of some journeys.

The education system in Dresden

All children in Germany must receive an education between the ages of six and 15, completing both primary and secondary schools. This can be extended voluntarily with kindergarten from three or four-years-old or tertiary education at college, university or a vocational academy after compulsory schooling.

Dresden has a selection of municipal and independent primary schools to choose from, as well as an international school. For secondary education, there are state schools, grammar schools or the opportunity to continue at the international school. Many secondary institutions offer specialisms to suit the child’s interests and aptitudes.

The thriving technology sector in Dresden

Dresden has seen recent growth as a tech hub with startups and global businesses in the sector all seeking a presence in the city. Among the biggest names are GlobalFoundries, Infineon and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), while research institutions like the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits are forming a basis for Dresden’s specialisation as a centre for semiconductors. As well as this, Silicon Saxony is a registered industry association of nearly 300 companies in the microelectronics and related sectors in Saxony, Germany, with around 40,000 employees. 

Life in Dresden outside of work

With its stunning baroque architecture and fascinating history, getting to know Dresden as a resident is a pleasurable experience. Many of its historic sites and multicultural institutions are walkable within the old town, with Frauenkirche - Church of Our Lady - Semper Opera House, the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the Green Vault all not to be missed.

Regular festivals, a thriving independent cinema scene and the local football team Dynamo Dresden mean there’s something for everyone in the Saxony capital. History fans will know that Dresden was heavily bombed by Allied forces during the Second World War and discovering which monuments have been reconstructed is a fascinating activity.

On the other side of the River Elbe is the young and vibrant Neustadt area, where international restaurants, vegan cafes and bakeries can be found amongst art galleries, craft shops and fashion boutiques. Coffeehouse culture is alive and well in this part of Dresden, with a welcoming atmosphere.

Outdoor space and parks are plentiful in Dresden and with 104,000 trees, it’s the greenest city in Germany. Its riverside location within the Elbe Valley offers opportunities to discover the river and picturesque landscapes within easy reach of the city.

Dresden is famous for its Dresdner Eierschecke, which is a layered cheesecake made with quark. To see how it’s made, head to the Sophienkeller restaurant inside Taschenbergpalais for a demonstration and to indulge in a portion. Seasonal delicacies, such as stollen, which is traditionally eaten at Christmas, can be enjoyed throughout the year.

For more information on living and working in Dresden, please contact me roberta.wright@ic-resources.com.