Living and working in Germany - what to expect?

When you go abroad to work, especially for the first time, it's natural to have a lot of questions: will the job be as promised, will there be someone to meet you, where will you have to live, what are the conditions? Retiva wants to make sure that you don't have to guess at the answers or wait for surprises. Our aim is clarity and openness from the first to the last detail. Because we work directly with employers in Germany, we can give you accurate information about living conditions in advance.

It is important to note that the workers are accommodated by their employer in Germany. It is our responsibility as a recruitment company to inform candidates about the actual conditions, rules, location and logistics of the accommodation to the workplace.

🏠 What kind of accommodation can you expect?

Our staff live in tidy, cosy accommodation, usually large houses with many different rooms and all the furniture and appliances they need.

- The kitchens are equipped with cookers, fridges, microwaves, tables and chairs to make you feel at home.
- The living rooms (or common lounge areas) are furnished with soft furnishings such as sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, chests of drawers and other cosy furnishings to help you unwind after work.
- Private rooms have standard IKEA furniture: double beds, wardrobes and bedside tables.
- The bathrooms come with showers, a well-maintained and tidy bathroom and a toilet. Some also have small but important details such as towel hooks, mats, storage cabinets, rubbish bins and mirrors.
- Some apartments have roof terraces. You can relax in the fresh air, enjoy a cup of coffee or chat with colleagues.

IMPORTANT. This is general information. Depending on the specific project, the type, arrangement or quantity of furniture may vary, but in all cases it provides all the necessary conditions for a comfortable and convenient life. Please be tolerant of minor household imperfections when you move in. Although the property is always tidied up after the previous occupants, there may be occasional minor imperfections (e.g. an unmade door mat, windows that do not flicker, or natural signs of wear and tear on furniture). This is a natural daily routine that does not detract from the overall comfort of life, so all the essentials for a comfortable life are provided. 

Below are some photos of the accommodation to give a general idea of the living conditions. Please note that furniture layout or specific equipment may vary from property to property.

🚐 How far do you live from your workplace?

We try to keep your place of residence as close to your work as possible, but in many cases you will still have to travel several kilometres from your place of residence to your workplace. Some people get to work by bicycle or scooter, others by their own car (which is why it's a big advantage to go to Germany with your own vehicle), and still others by car, but share the cost of the journey with colleagues or take public transport. You will be informed of your home address and your work address back in Lithuania, so you can assess which is the most convenient way for you to get to work.

🔍 Why do we show pictures of the property?

Unfortunately, word reaches Retiva from workers who have worked for other recruitment agencies that they were recruited without knowing where they would live, and when they got there, they found out that they had to travel over 80 kilometres every day to get to work. Some returned after only a few days, frustrated by the untidy housing or its occupants. We aim to provide an insight into the reality of the situation, because it is important for us that the worker knows where he is going and what to expect.

The secret to our success is open communication with our employees. We don't create rosy illusions or send you into the unknown. Both employers in Germany and employees appreciate our transparency, which is why most candidates work for Retiva for more than one season and come back for a second and third time.

❗Housing rules

The kitchen, bathroom and lounge areas are common areas used by several people living in different rooms. Usually up to 4 residents share the common areas. In order to ensure the comfort and orderliness of all residents, each person takes responsibility for the cleanliness and maintenance of these common areas. Residents keep the common areas tidy by mutual agreement and do not leave personal belongings, rubbish or clutter.

If necessary, staff can add a private room with furniture or items they have bought themselves (e.g. mattresses, standing mirrors, wardrobes, TVs, etc.). At the end of the working period and upon moving out, all additional furniture and items brought in must be removed.

Quiet hours are strictly enforced in all dwellings. This is particularly important as some residents work night shifts and rest during the day, so observing quiet times ensures that all residents get a good night's rest.

Smoking is not allowed indoors. Keeping pets is prohibited.

If you would like more information about accommodation, please contact us.