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Moving to Germany from UK | The Ultimate Guide
Check out our Ultimate Guide for Moving to Germany. Find answers to your top questions, lots of helpful links and our Easy 10 Step Moving to Germany Checklist.
Check out our Ultimate Guide for Moving to Germany. Find answers to your top questions, lots of helpful links and our Easy 10 Step Moving to Germany Checklist.
Did you know?
Germany is the fourth most popular destination in Europe for British expats!
In fact there are almost 170,000 British citizens in Germany. That is more than the number of Brits in Italy (65,000), the Netherlands (55,000) and even Portugal (18,695).
If you are moving to Germany, follow our guide. It was written by expats for expats, and it includes key information that can help you plan your move.
Keep reading for our top tips!
You can find out if you are eligible to live and work in Germany using Germany’s Visa Quick Check tool.
This site includes helpful information about the types of German visas and work permits. These include the Job Search Opportunity Card and German visa options for IT professionals.
Options include I am moving to Germany to
Work
Study
Set up a business
Do research
Based on your answers, the website will walk you through the process of applying for the necessary visa and/or work permit.
For details relating to your specific situation, visit these helpful German government websites:
At a Glance, Visas for job seekers in Germany
Checklist for Qualified Job Seekers in Germany
According to the German government, skilled workers include those with professional training or an academic degree from an institute of higher education. Professional training and academic degrees must be officially recognised in Germany.
Skilled workers may take up a position only if it is considered qualified employment. Take a short quiz to determine your eligibility at www.make-it-in-germany.com, Germany’s excellent website portal for foreign skilled workers. You can also visit the German government website for skilled worker immigration.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure that content is correct at the time of publication. However, information published on this website does not constitute financial or legal advice, and we aren’t responsible for the content of any external sites. Consult with the German government website for details specific to your personal situation.
What type of lifestyle do you want? Germany offers it all! Lovely small towns, world-class cities, culture, nature, mountains, and the northern coast.
German cities rank well for “economic prosperity, efficient public transportation, and cultural offerings,” according to the 2023 Mercer Quality of Living Global City Ranking. Out of major cities around the world, Mercer ranks Frankfurt 6th, Munich 7th, and Dusseldorf 10th for quality of life.
If you want to live near other British expats, you might want to live in North Rhein-Westphalia, Bavaria, Berlin and Lower Saxony. These are considered the most popular German states with British expats.
Great news! As per the UK government you can exchange your UK driver's licence for a German licence without taking a test! However, you must exchange your licence within the first six months that you are living in Germany. Ask you local Bürgeramt where and how to exchange your licence.
According to the Health Insurance Compulsory Law (Krankenversicherungspflichtgesetz), all residents in Germany must have health insurance coverage – either through public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV). Contributions are based on financial capacity. The quality of care is considered to be excellent.
Expats may be able to opt out of the public system and purchase private health insurance in Germany if they earn more than EUR 66,600 (as of 2023) or are self-employed. Civil servants, students over 30 and others may also be eligible to opt out of public insurance.
Due to its excellent public health care and infrastructure, you might expect Germany's cost of living to be high. But it can actually be quite reasonable.
Livingcost.org ranks Germany 28th out of 197 countries for cost of living. In comparison, Monaco ranked 1st for the highest cost of living, Singapore 2nd, the USA 6th and the UK 13th.
Overall, the cost of living in Germany is said to be 24% cheaper than the UK.
The cost of living in Germany is lower than neighbouring Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands. However, it is more expensive than countries in southern Europe, like Spain and Italy.
Moving to Germany is more complicated than a move within the UK. Choose a high-quality removals company that offers the services you need:
European moving services
In order to move to Germany after Brexit, you need a removal company that specialise in EU road transport and EU customs clearance.
Moving company accreditations
Select a mover that is FIDI certified and approved by the British Association of Removers.
Eco-friendly packing and shipping methods
The best removals companies use quality packing materials for the highest level of protection. At Sterling Lexicon, we also choose materials and packing methods that are kind to the environment.
To provide an accurate quote, your moving company should do an in-person or virtual moving survey.
During the move survey, ask about:
Speak to experienced International Move Specialists, not just sales people
At Sterling Lexicon, our surveys are done by experienced International Move Specialists, not just sales people. Our Move Specialists average 12+ years in the industry and are experts in the process of moving house from the UK to Europe.
If you would like a quote from Sterling Lexicon (we hope you do!), request a move survey using our Move Quote Form or schedule a survey using our handy online booking calendar. Since we are a local UK moving company, you can also contact us by telephone.
As part of your move survey, your move specialist will discuss options for road freight and air shipments.
Your mover may offer FCL or LCL shipments. To learn more about ways to ship household goods to Spain, read our guide: FCL, LCL and Air Shipments | Understanding your options for moving house
Review your moving quote
When you receive your quote for household goods removals from the UK to Germany, check it carefully.
If you get multiple quotes, make sure you have a like-for-like comparison based on the same move details.
Top tip! Phone estimates and online calculators are rough estimates and may not reflect your actual cost to move to Germany. If you want an accurate move estimate, request an in-person or virtual move survey.
Book your move
Complete and submit your booking form to secure your move date. If you have any questions, speak to your dedicated Move Specialist.
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The Sterling Lexicon Promise Book with confidence. Book to reserve your move date and if things change you can move your dates. Sterling Lexicon is an accredited international mover providing professional support throughout your move from here in the UK and at destination. FIDI protected. |
These may include**
** Please consult with your Move Specialist or FIDI customs guides to determine which forms and documents are required for your move.
Don’t be overwhelmed! If you work with Sterling Lexicon, our Move Specialists can explain and help prepare the documents you need to ship household goods to Germany.
Decide what to move, store or give away
Moving is a great opportunity to reduce the clutter in your home!
Before moving day, take time to sort through your belongings.
For more ways to get your house ready for moving, use our guide: Moving Overseas | What to Pack, Store and Give Away.
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List of prohibited items for EU Road Transport The following categories of items may not be transported by road in the EU. Examples include but are not limited to:● Flammable Liquids: Oils, petrol, paint, varnish, kerosene, turpentine, pure alcohol, mentholated spirits, photographic developers, perfume, lighter fluid, toxins and poisons (e.g. arsenic, polishes, pesticides, weed killers) ● Explosives: Flares, fireworks, ammunition, black powder ● Flammable Gases: Oxygen, methane, acetylene, chlorine gas, fire extinguishers ● Radioactive Materials: Wet batteries ● Corrosives: Oxides, mercury, caustic solutions, acids, drain cleaner, bleach ● Firearms / Weapons: Handguns, military weapons, fully automatic weapons, bb guns, switchblades ● Miscellaneous: Irritants, matches, life rafts, scuba tanks, aerosol cans, pressurised vessels, butane lighters and refills, explosive devices, gas cylinders (including soft drink makers), prescription medicine, drug & drug paraphernalia ● Food / Plants: Live plants, seeds, fresh fruits or vegetables, meat or milk products, tuna fish products, pet food ● In addition, the following items cannot be shipped via air freight: Rechargeable batteries, fluids such as alcohol, drinks, cough syrup, shampoo, laundry detergent, fragrance, cream, toothpaste etc. and prescription medicine |
Before the movers arrive, set aside items to carry on the plane or in your vehicle
Put important items in a clearly identifiable container so they do not get packed. This includes passports, visas, jewellery, medication, phone/charger, laptop/charger, adaptors and important documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, child custody papers, adoption papers, driver’s licences, divorce papers, insurance, lease, mortgage letter, etc.).
Find a babysitter and pet sitter for moving day
Ask friends or family to take care of your small children and pets.
When the movers arrive, walk them through your home
Show them:
Once the packing is complete, your mover will generate an inventory list, itemising everything that has been packed. Keep it until your possessions have arrived in Germany and are unpacked in your new home.
Take out international transit protection
The road transport distance from the UK to Germany can be more than 1000 km! Protect your move by taking out transit protection to cover your furniture, antiques and other belongings. Ask your Move Specialist for details.
Hire professionally-trained international packing crews
Sterling Lexicon’s approved professional international packing crews are some of the best in the business and have been working with the company for many years. Our team only includes people we would trust in our own home, so we know they will be professional and respectful in yours too. Their experience ensures all your personal possessions are packed to withstand being handled and transported over thousands of kilometers.
If you haven’t already, deregister from the UK:
On your travel day, leave plenty time to get to the airport. Check that you have your passports, German visas, and other important documents.
If you will be travelling with small children, pack some snacks, games, and device chargers to help keep them entertained on the road or on the plane.
Once you arrive in Germany, inform your Move Specialist. If you have pre-arranged air freight for essential items, they can be delivered to you whilst you await your road shipment.
Clearing customs in the EU
Your international mover should provide support for the customs clearance of your possessions at destination. If you choose Sterling Lexicon, our Frankfurt removals team will help handle the import process for you.
Once your items have cleared customs in Germany, your mover will contact you to arrange a delivery date to your new home.
Before you can enjoy living in Germany, you have a few important things to do!
Register with the authorities
According to the German government, you must register your new residence with your municipality.
Exchange your drivers licence
You must exchange your UK drivers licence for a German licence within your first six months after your arrival.
Stay tax and immigration compliant
Make sure you stay compliant with immigration and tax laws during the time you live in Germany.
Start building a support network!
As an expat, you will need to build a support network. To get started, read our guide: How to meet other expats overseas. It's written by expats for expats, and it has lots of helpful links to clubs, websites and places to make new friends in Germany. Check it out!
Contact us today to experience the high-quality and stress-free moving we are known for!
