MERKEL & CLARK
RELOCATION
Trusted by American expats relocating to Germany
10+ years experience
Bonn & Cologne network
Background in UN & Telekom
Relocating to Germany is harder than it looks
Bureaucracy & Red Tape
The German administrative system is notorious for its complexity. From residency permits to tax registrations, conflicting information and unclear steps can lead to months of unnecessary delays.
The Housing Crisis
Especially in hubs like Bonn and Cologne, the rental market is fiercely competitive. Without a strategically prepared application, expats often face instant rejections before even viewing a property.
Financial Pitfalls
Missteps in insurance, banking, or logistics are more than just frustrating—they are expensive. Wasted capital and unnecessary stress are the high price of navigating the move alone.
Most people figure this out the hard way. You don’t have to.
We’ve done this ourselves — successfully
We’re Florian Merkel and Shay Clark—American expats who have built our life in Bonn, Germany since 2013. As dual citizens with backgrounds in international and corporate environments, we understand both systems deeply. We’ve navigated German bureaucracy, secured housing, and built a strong local network—especially in Bonn and Cologne.
Florian grew up in Germany and is very familiar with the bureaucratic process here. Shay has lived in Germany since 2011, studying and working here ever since.
We are well versed in the intricacies surrounding German-American dual Citizenship, investing and banking in Europe as Americans, submitting our US Tax returns, applying for US Citizenship for children born to americans in Germany and much more.
You can count on our support and learn from our mistakes.
We built this service to give others the guidance we wish we had.
Relocation Roadmap
From 1,500 €
A comprehensive step-by-step guide for independent movers.
Choose the level of support you need
Every relocation starts with a strategy call to determine the best fit for your unique situation.
Guided Relocation
MOST CLIENTS CHOOSE THIS
From 3,500 €
Hands-on consultant support throughout your entire journey.
Done-for-You
From 7,000 €
Premium, high-touch services for busy professionals moving to Germany.
The biggest challenge? Housing.
We help you position yourself competitively in a market where most expats fail. The German housing market requires more than just a budget—it requires a strategy.
What German landlords actually look for
How to avoid instant rejection
How to stand out among applicants
This alone can save you months of frustration.
Common Questions
Do you guarantee housing?
While no one can guarantee a specific lease in Germany's competitive market, we significantly improve your success rate. We ensure your application is submitted exactly how landlords expect, helping you stand out and avoid instant rejections.
Can you help me if I am relocating remotely?
Yes. Much of the preparation happens before you step foot in Germany. We handle the bureaucratic groundwork, consultation, and strategy sessions remotely to ensure everything is in place for your arrival.
Is a relocation service worth the investment?
Costly mistakes in German bureaucracy or housing can lead to months of wasted hotel stays and thousands in lost revenue. We provide the clarity and speed to get you settled properly the first time, often paying for itself in saved time alone.
Have another question?
We're here to help you navigate your move with confidence. Send us a message and we'll get back to you shortly.