Last update: 27.10.2020
Capital city: Berlin
Population: 83.8 million (2022)
Official language: German
Commonly spoken languages: Danish, Low German, Low Rhenish, Sorbian, Romany, North Frisian and Saterland Frisian
Currency: Euro
It’s not hard to figure out why some British citizens prefer to leave the island and move to Germany from the UK. The country has a rich history, a renowned quality of life, a strong economy and offers lots of opportunities for highly skilled workers and scientists.
From adjusting to a new language to adapting to different customs and traditions, moving to Germany can be both exciting and challenging. However, navigating your move requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth relocation. Whether you’re drawn by the dynamic cities like Berlin and Munich or the picturesque landscapes of Bavaria and the Rhine Valley, our guide will help you seamlessly settle into your new home and embrace all that Germany has to offer.
Table of Contents
What are the requirements to get a German visa?
After Brexit, UK citizens are obligated to follow non-EU visa requirements when moving to Germany. Because of this, individuals from the UK must now obtain the relevant visa or residence permit depending on the purpose of their relocation, be it for employment, education, or reuniting with family members.
Residential Visas
British nationals are allowed to travel to Germany without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. It is important to note that upon arrival, you must register your new address with the authorities within 14 days and apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office within the initial 90 days of your move to Germany.
These visas, known as long-stay national visas (D-Visas), are necessary if you want to obtain a residence permit and stay longer than 90 days. However, you must visit the local immigration office upon arrival to apply for permanent residency.
Work Visas
If you’re a British citizen looking to move from the UK to Germany for work, there are several work visa options available to you. It’s important to note that you might need to obtain a permanent residency permit before applying for a work permit. To get accurate information, it’s recommended to visit the German Embassy. Before making your move, thoroughly research the different work visa options that are available, such as Employment Visa, EU Blue Card, Job Seeker Visa, ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transferee), Freelance Visa, and Seasonal Worker Visa.
Before submitting an application for a work visa, it is essential to collect the necessary details. These include a job offer or employment contract, a valid passport, qualifications, proof of financial means, and health insurance.
After gathering all the required information, you must schedule an appointment with the German Embassy to obtain your work visa. As certain visas may be processed online, it is advisable to consult the official embassy website.
Family Reunion Visa
Family reunion visas are available for spouses, young children, and sometimes parents of foreign nationals living in Germany. To obtain this visa, a family member with full or dual citizenship in Germany must sponsor the applicant. The sponsor must have a residence permit or long-term visa, a suitable living space, and financial stability to support the family members. Basic German language skills may also be necessary in some cases. It is recommended that you apply for this visa well in advance through the German embassy, as processing times can be lengthy. Additionally, permanent residency may be required at a later stage.
Where to live in Germany
As is the case in many countries, Germany’s capital, Berlin, is a top choice for foreigners looking to relocate. The city is home to over 14,000 expatriates who are drawn by its opportunities for career advancement and a higher quality of life. Berlin’s appeal is further enhanced by its abundant green spaces and scenic spots, providing an escape from the city’s vibrant hustle and bustle.
Other popular destinations for expatriates seeking a great place to live in Germany include Düsseldorf, Munich, and Hamburg. These cities are renowned for their ample job opportunities, rich cultural experiences, stunning architecture, and relaxing environments. Although they can be just as costly as Berlin, many people choose to move there for various reasons. The high quality of life is particularly appealing to British expats, making these cities attractive alternatives to Berlin.
Working in Germany as a UK citizen
Having the largest economy in the EU and a low unemployment rate makes finding a job in Germany relatively easy. However, major cities with higher living costs may require higher salaries to maintain a good standard of living. Therefore, it is advisable to explore employment options prior to moving from the UK to Germany. Doing so not only streamlines the process but may also impact various aspects of your relocation.
If you are still in the process of improving your German language skills, there are websites available that specifically cater to English-speaking job seekers. Notable examples include English Jobs and The Local. Additionally, there is a high demand for English teachers, so if you possess the necessary qualifications, there may be opportunities available for you.
Once you have established yourself in Germany, it would be beneficial to reach out to the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) for assistance. They provide various services such as German language courses and consultations to support your career journey.
Can you get a job in Germany with only English?
Finding a job in Germany without having to speak or write in German is also possible, especially if the company uses English as the primary language. This doesn’t mean you will feel very comfortable, though. Almost everyone around you will talk in German, as well as outside of work. You will miss lots of essential information if you don’t understand German speech, at least at a basic level.
Workers who are most skilled in their jobs provide the best possibility for finding a job with a good environment for personal growth. If you don’t know German, a competitive employer will provide you with anything necessary to get integrated into the country as quickly and as easily as possible.
UK citizens may greatly benefit from the service of EURES. This is the European Employment Services centre which is in fact controlled by the European Commission. EURES is basically a job portal network that organizes job fairs within Germany as well and may be of great help to UK immigrants who are looking for a job in Germany.
If you prefer to go on a hunt for a job yourself, we highly recommend checking out the step-by-step guide on finding work in Germany by Expatica.
Driving in Germany with UK license
The British driving licence is valid in Germany if the holder is temporarily visiting the country (for example, on holiday). However, if you plan to settle in Germany and continue driving, you must exchange your UK licence for a German one. After moving to Germany, you can drive on your UK licence for 6 months, but after that period, it is no longer valid. Remember that you can exchange your UK licence for a German one at any time by contacting the driver licensing authority in your local area. Keep in mind that you may need to undergo an eye test or provide a medical certificate, depending on your licence category, but you do not need to take a theory or practical driving test. An International Driving Permit (IDP) cannot be used as an alternative to a license exchange.
How can you exchange your UK driving licence for a German one?
To exchange your license, you must reach out to the driver licensing authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) in your city or district. A fee will be required for this service. It is possible that you will need to present a notarized translation of your UK driving license.
Requirements for driving in Germany
Carrying a valid driving license with you is a must when you’re on the road with a vehicle in Germany. If the vehicle is not yours officially, you must bring with you permission from the registered owner who has given you the right to drive their vehicle.
You have to be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Germany without breaking the law. No one has the right to organize or take part in illegal races with motor vehicles of any kind on roads at the territory of Germany.
After moving to Germany from the UK with your UK-registered car, you can drive the vehicle for up to 12 months without having to register it there. After one year, you need to contact the German authorities and officially register the vehicle within Germany.
Education in Germany
In Germany, kindergarten is optional but available to all kids ages 3 to 6. After that, education becomes compulsory.
Compulsory education is separated into:
- Primary education lasts between four to six years.
- Secondary schooling is divided into tracks – students can choose between academic or vocational education.
Most universities are public and education is free. However, to apply for higher education, you must have Abitur. That’s a qualification granted at the end of secondary education in Germany which indicates that the student has passed their final exams at the end of ISCED 3.
Being a student in Germany
If you’re a student and the educational course is in English, you won’t need German for your studies. The exams will also be in a language different from German if you have chosen so at the time of applying for the learning programme. However, Germans are used to talking to everyone in German. Even if the person in front of them knows English, the preferred language is the local one.
Foreigners who have graduated from university have up to 18 months to find a suitable job for them in case they want to remain in the country. About 54% of foreign graduates prefer to remain living and working in Germany after they get their degree. English speakers will find it easy to remain in the country without even knowing German. Of course, they will have to learn the local language but will have no trouble finishing their education in English. They will also be able to find a temporary job until they polish their German language.
Healthcare in Germany
Public healthcare in Germany is free. However, you still must have some sort of insurance – either public or private. This national coverage encompasses treatments and services, such as immunizations, prescriptions, and dental checks. This is what keeps average healthcare costs to a minimum. It is also one of the reasons the German system has a positive reputation around the world. If you’re moving from the UK to Germany for work, your employer can assist you in registering you with an insurance company.
Takeaways
Moving from the UK to Germany offers a multitude of opportunities and experiences. With its strong economy, high standard of living, and rich cultural heritage, Germany is an attractive destination for individuals seeking a new chapter in their lives. Whether driven by career prospects, educational pursuits, or the allure of a new adventure, relocating to this country can be a fulfilling experience.
If you’re already thinking about an international move from the UK to Germany, get in touch with our professional removal company. We’re committed to making your relocation hassle-free by taking care of every detail, allowing you to start your new journey in Germany without any worries.
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