A New Start: Elyas M’Barek and His Wife Move Back to Munich
Elyas M’Barek, the 43-year-old actor known for films like ‘Fack ju Göhte’ and the series ‘Türkisch für Anfänger’, is leaving New York after roughly three years. He and his wife Jessica, a New-Yorker, are relocating back to Munich, M’Barek’s hometown, together with their dog. The move is meant to give them more flexibility, reduce exhausting travel for shoots and appointments in Germany, and allow them to be closer to friends and family.
Why they decided to move
The move is driven by a need for flexibility and easier logistics. M’Barek spends a lot of time working in Germany and found that living in New York meant frequent long trips back and forth. By relocating to Munich, he can be present for filming and appointments without the strain of constant international travel.
- Reduce long-distance travel for work
- Be closer to family and longtime friends
- Create a more flexible daily routine
- Find a practical, four-room apartment rather than accumulating possessions
The couple are searching for a four-room rental and have said that owning too many things makes life harder, so they are keeping the move practical and light. Although M’Barek loved New York’s anonymity — in his words, ‘Here I could simply be Elyas’ — he explained that constant travel for work in Germany became complicated and tiring, which played a major role in the decision to return.
Family plans and housing
Jessica plans to work in Germany as well, and the couple is ready to build a life that balances both careers while allowing for more home time. Their plan to rent a four-room apartment reflects a desire for space and flexibility without tying themselves down with too much property. Bringing their dog along was an important part of the move, and the family aspect is central to this new chapter.
New York vs. Munich: Anonymity, Cost and Lifestyle
New York remained a cherished place for M’Barek — he called it an ‘absolute favorite city’ and appreciated being able to be simply himself in public. At the same time, he described New York as ‘geil, aber extrem teuer’ — great, but extremely expensive. Despite the move, he and his wife consider New York their second home and value the anonymity and energy the city offered.
Cost of living and everyday life
Munich offers practical advantages for someone who needs to be in Germany frequently: shorter travel times for work, easier coordination of appointments, and proximity to family. While New York’s lifestyle and freedom to blend into the crowd appealed to M’Barek, the higher costs and logistical challenges weighed heavily when planning a family and a career that requires frequent presence in Germany.
Career Considerations and Upcoming Work
Professionally, the move supports M’Barek’s commitments in Germany. He has a long-established career in German film and television, and being based in Munich will make it simpler to attend shoots, press events and other professional obligations. Fans can expect to see him on the big screen soon: M’Barek appears in the film ‘Der perfekte Urlaub’, which opens in cinemas on 22 October.
Working life with more flexibility
Resettling in Munich should reduce the stress of transatlantic travel and allow for a steadier working rhythm. Jessica’s plans to work in Germany will also help the family settle in more smoothly, giving both partners a better balance between career demands and personal life.
Practical Steps for the Relocation
The move requires practical planning: finding the right rental, managing the logistics of an international move with a pet, and simplifying possessions to keep life flexible. M’Barek and Jessica are emphasizing renting a suitable apartment instead of accumulating property, which fits their stated goal of making life easier and more adaptable.
- Search for a four-room rental in Munich that suits family and work needs
- Plan the move with the dog and minimize unnecessary belongings
- Coordinate work schedules and upcoming shoots to limit travel disruption
- Re-establish routines with friends and family to build a local support network
Keeping the move flexible and choosing to rent over owning are deliberate choices to make daily life simpler and more mobile. The couple’s approach highlights a modern way of relocating: prioritizing experiences, community and mobility rather than accumulating possessions.
Looking Ahead
Elyas M’Barek and his wife Jessica are beginning a new chapter in Munich with the goal of a more flexible, family-centered life. While they leave behind a city they loved for its anonymity and energy, they keep New York as a second home. The move supports both personal life and professional commitments in Germany, and fans can look forward to his upcoming film appearance later this year.
