Cologne is the German Republic’s fourth-largest city with a population of just over 1 million. It is famous for its cathedral and festive markets – and also for being a friendly, welcoming city, loved by expats from around the world.

Diversity and tolerance are among Cologne’s selling points; each year, the city hosts a large Pride event, and Cologne Central Mosque is the largest mosque in Germany.

Green spaces are part of the NRW way of life. At the first ray of sunshine, the terraces are deployed, walks along the Rhine resume and the parks are taken by storm. And it is not forbidden to barbecue there because the more conscientious German will collect his rubbish when leaving.

In summer, the parks are teeming with life, such as the banks of the Rhine, which are very appreciable, from Duisburg to Koblenz. Children, adults, teens or seniors come to enjoy sunny days in the sun or in a shady spot. Sportsmen, foodies, party animals, lazy people, dancers all come together for convivial moments.

A family-friendly city

Cologne is clean and safe, and recycling is taken very seriously. In terms of educational opportunities, Cologne is a highly regarded city. Cologne is a major research center filled with academic institutions with around 100,000 students and over 3,000 researchers. There are more than twelve universities, such as the University of Cologne, founded over six hundred years ago in 1388.

Research institutes include the European Space Agency’s European Astronaut Centre and the 30,000 sq m BioCampus Cologne, one of Germany’s largest technology parks and home to companies working on innovations in areas such as fintech and ehealth.

The city is cut cleanly into two halves by the Rhine River, with the ‘left Rhine side’, as locals call it, being Cologne’s center of gravity. It is home to a densely populated downtown district as well as numerous residential neighbourhoods. The cost of living is lower than many other European cities, and it is possible to snap up a bargain when buying a property.

Good employment opportunities, especially in the media sector

Cologne is known as the capital for the television industry. Over 23,500 people have media-related jobs, many of which are based in MediaHub, an expansive regenerated neighborhood in northwest Cologne, built on the site of a derelict freight station. As well as offices and homes, there are many cultural amenities, such as the Cinedom multiplex and the SK Stiftung Kultur foundation photographic collection.

Cologne is generally regarded as a cultural hotspot in the western part of Germany, famous for its museums, festivals and great nightlife.

Great transport links

Cologne’s railway, air, and motorway routes mean that it is a central European transport hub. Brussels is only two hours away by rail, while a fast train to Frankfurt takes approximately an hour. Cologne Bonn Airport, a quick train ride from the city center, offers direct flights to many European capitals.

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