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Ultimate Guide to moving to Germany from the UK
22nd December 2023
How hard is it to move to Germany from the UK?
Relocating abroad can feel overwhelming, but with proper guidance, it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process, from securing your visa and updating your driver’s licence to sorting out healthcare and banking. So, to answer the question, with some help from this blog, moving to Germany from the UK will be easier than you might think!
Visa Requirements for UK Citizens moving to Germany
Since Brexit regulations became official at the start of 2021, UK citizens are now subject to the same visa requirements as non-EU citizens when moving from England to Germany. This means that Brits relocating to Germany need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit based on the purpose of their move, such as work, study, or family reunification.
Residential Visas
British citizens can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. However, if you plan to reside in Germany, you must register your new address with the local authorities within two weeks of arrival and apply for a residence permit at the immigration office within 90 days.
These visas are called Long-stay national visas (D-Visas) and can be used to obtain a residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days. After arriving in Germany from the UK, visit the local immigration office to apply for permanent residency.
Work Visas
There are several types of work visas available to UK citizens looking to move to Germany from England for work. If you are considering moving to Germany from the UK without a job, it is important to contact the German Embassy to understand the requirements and available visa options. It may also be necessary to gain a permanent residency permit before you can apply for a work permit, so it is advised to visit the German Embassy.
Before moving to Germany, research your work visa options; they include the following:
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is for highly skilled non-EU workers. To be eligible, you typically need a recognised university degree, a binding job offer with a specific minimum salary, and a work contract of at least one year.
Employment Visa
You can apply for an employment visa if you have a job offer in Germany. This type of visa is usually issued for a specific job and requires a binding job offer from a German employer.
Job Seeker Visa
The Job Seeker Visa allows individuals to come to Germany to search for a job. Once a job is secured, the individual can apply for a residence permit for employment.
Freelance Visa
If you plan to work as a freelancer or self-employed individual in Germany, you may need to apply for a freelance visa. Requirements often include proof of financial means and a viable business plan.
ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transferee)
The ICT Card is for employees of multinational companies who are transferred to a German branch. It facilitates the transfer of managers, specialists, and trainees within the company.
Seasonal Worker Visa
This visa is for individuals who plan to work in Germany temporarily, typically in sectors such as agriculture or tourism.
Before applying for any work visa, you must gather the following information:
Job offer or employment contract
Passport
Qualifications
Proof of financial means
Health insurance
Once the information has been gathered, an appointment with the German Embassy must be obtained to gain your work visa. Check the official embassy website to be certain, as some visas can be processed online.
Family Reunion Visa
Family reunion visas can be obtained if a family member has full or dual citizenship in Germany. The family reunion visa is typically available to spouses, young children, and, in some cases, parents of foreign nationals residing in Germany. Perfect for anyone looking to move from the UK to Germany to join family members.
These visas require sponsorship from a family member already living in Germany. The sponsor must have a residence permit or a long-term visa and sufficient living space in Germany. They must also demonstrate the financial means to support the family members moving from the UK.
In some cases, basic German language skills might be required to be accepted for a Family Reunion Visa.
You are also advised to apply for this visa type through the German embassy well before you plan to move, as they can take a long time to process. It is also important to note that you may be required to apply for permanent residency later on.
Shipping Your Belongings to Germany from the UK
When moving to Germany from the UK, one key factor is shipping your belongings. Whether you are bringing just a few essentials or an entire household, there are several options available to make the process smooth and efficient.
Pet Shipping from the UK to Germany
We understand that pets are an important part of your family, and you might be looking to take a pet with you when you move abroad. If you want to ship your pet to Germany, you must ensure their vaccinations are up to date and that they have a working microchip. Your pet’s veterinary records must also be current, and it is important to check official guidance for regulations when shipping your pet . You can transport your pet on the road or ferry if you are planning on driving yourself, or you can fly them over. Find out more about shipping your pet.
Shipping personal belongings from the UK to Germany
You can ship your personal belongings or furniture abroad to Germany by air, road or sea. Air freight is the fastest shipping method, whereas sea freight is the most affordable, but the slowest. Whether you’re relocating a few personal items or an entire household, our team can guide you through your options. We’ll help you compare costs, transit times, and insurance coverage to ensure your belongings arrive safely and securely at your new home in Germany.
Once you’ve decided what furniture and belongings you want to ship abroad, the next step is to arrange a virtual survey. During this online appointment, a removal specialist will look at the items you want to take with you, such as wardrobes, cabinets, tables or beds, and decide the best method of transport, and give you a more accurate quote.
Remember to consider customs regulations for bringing personal items from the UK into Germany. While moving personal belongings and shipping furniture abroad is typically duty-free, it’s a good idea to check if any specific documentation is required. With Eurogroup’s door-to-door shipping service, we can help you with all the specifics!
Healthcare as a Brit living in Germany
Due to new Brexit legislation, the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) cover only necessary healthcare during temporary stays. If you are moving from the UK to Germany, it’s crucial to arrange health insurance to meet the requirements of the local system.
Upon arrival in Germany from the UK, individuals are required to register with a health insurance provider. This is typically a requirement for obtaining or renewing a residence permit. With valid health insurance, UK immigrants can access healthcare services in Germany through the country’s well-developed healthcare system, including visits to doctors, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
Germany has both public and private health insurance systems. Public health insurance is generally available for employees with incomes below a certain threshold, while those with higher incomes or self-employed individuals often opt for private health insurance.
For retirees, an S1 Form allows individuals to access healthcare in Germany based on their UK entitlements.
Driving in Germany on a UK Licence
If you have a UK driving licence and plan to drive in Germany, it’s important to make sure that your licence is valid. Although the UK driving licence is recognised in Germany, as soon as your permanent residence is confirmed, your UK licence will only be valid for 6 months. You can exchange your UK licence for a German one and do not need to take a driving test. Visit your local citizens’ office in Germany to find out where to exchange your licence.
While it’s not mandatory, it’s recommended that you also obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your UK driving licence. This permit serves as an official translation of your licence.
If you plan on shipping your car from the UK to Germany, make sure that your car insurance is still valid before driving in Germany. Some insurance providers issue a “Green Card” as proof of valid insurance coverage when driving outside the UK. If you are purchasing a new car in Germany, you can find new local insurance providers, but you will need a German licence.
Banking in Germany
Organising your money before moving from the UK to Germany is an essential step in your relocation. Being prepared before your move can prevent you from being caught out in a situation where you might not be able to pay for something in a store or your bills.
There are a couple of banking options to choose from when moving from the UK to Germany:
- Open a UK bank account with no fixed currency (for example, Monzo). This can be used in many countries, and you will not face transfer fees or high exchange rates.
- Open an expat account, like those offered by HSBC, that are multi-currency accounts for GBP, EUR and USD and are specifically for those moving abroad for work.
- Open a new German account. Visit an in-person branch to verify your identity and proof of income. Keep your UK account and transfer your funds across – you could face transfer fees, but this is one of the most common options.
It doesn’t make sense to keep your UK bank account as your sole source of funds while living in Germany as you could end up without access to your funds.
When it comes to savings, you can still, more often than not, transfer your money to a different account overseas. The UK Government states, ‘You can keep your ISA open, and you’ll still get UK tax relief on money and investments held in it. You can transfer an ISA to another provider even if you are not resident in the UK.’ so long as you tell your ISA provider.
At Eurogroup, we suggest seeking professional financial advice before making your move to Germany to avoid any snags.
Our 5 quick top tips for moving to Germany from the UK.
- Learn about the education system if you are moving with your family or want to start a family.
- Have a finance plan and open German banks on arrival to secure your finances.
- Learn the language! Many people in Germany speak English, but to transition smoothly and encourage better integration into society, learn some of the basics.
- Research important information such as visa types, the area, and culture long before you even decide to move.
- Despite being technologically advanced, lots of German businesses still only accept cash – so don’t be caught out!
If you’re ready to move to Germany from the UK, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team today. We are available to discuss services such as European Removals, Vehicle Shipping, Employee Relocations and complete Office Removals to make your transition as smooth as possible.
