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Moving to Germany from the UK

Costs, Living and Working and How to Move

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Planning on moving to Germany from the UK? Read our guide with information about removal costs, the impact of Brexit, visas, work and life culture in Germany.

Cost of Moving from UK to Germany

On average, a 3-bed house removal to Germany from the UK can cost between £2,300-£3,200 by road and £4,700-£6,400 by sea.

To give you an initial idea of how much removals from the UK to Germany can cost, the table below provides estimates for moving from London to Germany, depending on your household size and mode of transport.

Household SizeCost via RoadCost via Sea
1-bed flat£1,400-£2,000£2,200-£3,100
2-bed house£1,800-£2,500£2,900-£4,000
3-bed house£2,300-£3,200£4,700-£6,400
4-bed house£3,100-£4,200£5,300-£7,200
5-bed house£3,900-£5,300£7,300-£9,800

Disclaimer. The rates shown above are just estimates. Costs will vary depending on your actual point of departure and the service rates of the company.

Given that your costs are such a crucial factor, you should check out our page on international moving costs for even more information on what costs you can expect from removals to Germany.

International Removals UK to Germany

Find the most trustworthy moving companies that specialize in seamless removals to Germany here. Experience a stress-free move with a dedicated team of professionals!

  1. Legend Removals
  1. Mercia Movers & Storers
  1. Kanguro European Man & Van
  1. Moving Home Company

Receive Quotes for House Removals to Germany

Request free removal quotes by filling out the form below and receive up to 5 free removal quotes. Compare removal companies to Germany and choose the option that suits you best.

Removal Quotes to Germany
Choose the size of your move and receive free removal quotes!

Visa to Germany from the UK

Emigrating to Germany from the UK requires the right visa, whether for work, study, or long-term residence. Understanding the visa options and requirements will help ensure your relocation. Keep reading!

Requirements after Brexit

Do british need visa for Germany? Yes. Unfortunately, due to Brexit, you will need a visa to move to Germany from the UK, unless you are an EU citizen.

You can visit the German Embassy where you will be able to find all the information and advice you need to guide you through the visa application process.

Visa Options and Application from UK to Germany

UK Citizens need to secure a National Visa, followed by a residence permit upon arrival. The main visa options include:

  • Work Visa – For those with a job offer from a German employer.
  • EU Blue Card – For highly skilled professionals with a job offer and a minimum salary threshold.
  • Job Seeker Visa – Stay in Germany for up to 6 months while searching for a job.
  • Self-Employment Visa – It will require a business plan, financial proof, and may include proof of contract with German companies.
  • Family Reunion – Spouses, children or dependants of German residents and citizens.
  • Student Visa – For those enrolling on a German educational institution.
  • Retirement Visa – For retirees with sufficient funds to support themselves.

Work Visa to Germany for UK Citizens

You’ll need a German Work Visa or an EU Blue Card (for highly skilled professionals). The requirements to apply for it include:

  • Have a job offer from a German employer.
  • Skills and qualifications proof.
  • Proof of financial resources.
  • Health insurance coverage.

After your visa is approved, you must apply for the residence permit at the local foreigners’ office (Ausländerbehörde). For a full breakdown of visa options and step-by-step application guidance, visit our Visa in Germany page.

How to Move to Germany from the UK: Checklist

Below we compiled a checklist on what you need to move to Germany and what to prioritise:

Before You Move to Germany

  • Gather all documents: Birth Certificate, Marriage certificate (if applicable), Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations), University Degree(s), Financial Statements, Health Insurance Policy.
  • Choose a Removal Company: A great place to start looking is in our list of the UK’s top international removal companies.
  • Pack Your Belongings:
  • Taxes: Before you move to Germany, you’ll need to contact HM Revenue and Customs. Germany and the UK have an agreement to avoid double taxation, so it should be easy.

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After You Move to Germany

  • Register: You’ll need to register your address with the local municipality within 14 days of your arrival. After this, you should receive a Steueridentifikationsnummer (tax ID number) which you need for tax and work purposes.
  • Healthcare: All foreigners living and working in Germany are entitled to subsidised health insurance. However, it is important to have health insurance to apply for a visa or residence permit.
  • Banking: It’s strongly advised to get a German bank account, to avoid currency conversion fees if you can. Some banks you can consider are: Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Volksbanken und Raissaisenbanken.
  • Learn the Language: You should avail of some resources that you can use to learn German. The DW offers some lessons, and you can find a language network through the German Ministry of Migration.
  • Driving: While you can either drive it yourself or have it shipped, the latter requires you to pay for the cost of shipping and transport insurance. After six months in Germany, your car will require a German number plate for a €200 fee.

Moving Pets to Germany

If you’re moving to Germany with pets, there are a few things that you’ll need to do, as stated by the European Union. Cats and Dogs will need:

  • To be micro-chipped
  • Vaccinated for rabies
  • Have a valid EU animal health certificate
  • Must carry a written declaration that the pet will not be sold or exchange hands.

Living in Germany

Living in Germany offers a high quality of life and a strong work-life balance. Adapting to German culture and regulations is key to a smooth transition.

Cost of Living in Germany vs UK

Much like the cost of your move, this depends on where exactly in Germany you choose to live. While Berlin and Hamburg are generally considered the most expensive places to live, these cities are usually home to well-paying jobs.

Find some of the daily expenses and living costs in Germany compared to the UK:

MetricGermanyUK
Rent for 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre£671£758
Basic monthly utilities for 85m2 apartment£196£156
1L of milk£0.71£0.91
Cappuccino£2.50£2.75
0.5L of draught beer£3.16£3.63
1l of gasoline£1.28£1.27

Source: Numbeo

Pros and Cons of Living in Germany

Thinking about moving to Germany from the UK? How easy it is will depend on your purpose, visa, job, and language skills. It can be challenging, but this list of pros and cons will help you decide how hard the move might be.

Pros

 Strong economy
 Job opportunities
 Work-life balance
 High-quality of life
 Rich culture

Cons

 Bureaucracy
 High taxes
 Language barrier
 Strict rules
 Housing

Moving to Berlin

Find all about moving costs, lifestyle, and more.

Facts About German Culture

  • Work Culture: Germans value keeping work and private life separate. Joking is minimal in professional settings, and first names are not commonly used.
  • Work Ethic: Known for punctuality and hard work, Germany’s strong work ethic contributes to its position as the third-largest economy in the world and the top in Europe.
  • Social Life: It’s common for friends to meet up after work and drink a beer together.
  • Food Culture: Similar to the UK, food plays a significant social role in German culture.
  • Education: German students are highly dedicated to their studies, focusing more on academics than social partying, unlike UK university students.
  • Climate & Scenery: Germany has mild winters, warm summers, and year-round rainfall, with diverse landscapes that influence local weather conditions.

Housing in Germany

Properties in Germany are considerably cheaper than in the UK. Renting is generally more expensive when comparing buying prices. Rent is around 45% cheaper in comparison to the UK and buying is 92% cheaper in Germany. Similarly to the UK it is not too easy to get a mortgage, and individuals must provide enough information to prove they can afford it.

British Working in Germany

With it is commonly regarded as Europe’s industrial powerhouse and has the second-lowest unemployment rate in Europe. Sounds like the place to be!

So, if you are interested in finding work in Germany, you can start your job search here: The Local, Kimeta, Monster, Jobware.

Moving to Germany from the UK without a job? Though it is possible, you’ll need a visa. Options include a Job Seeker Visa, Freelancer Visa, or Student Visa. You must show sufficient savings (around €1,200/month) and have health insurance.

Education in Germany

The 16 states In Germany are primarily responsible for their education policy. Here below you will find the description of the 4 main secondary school types plus some other types of schools that exist in Germany.

LevelDescription
Kindergarten (1 to 6 yrs)Optional; children can start from age 1, but most begin at 3. Focuses on early childhood development.
Primary (6 to 10 yrs)Mandatory; children attend Grundschule (primary school) from ages 6 to 10.
Gymnasium (10 to 18 yrs)Prepares students for higher education. Ends with the Abitur after grade 12 or 13. Highest level of secondary education.
Realschule (10 to 16 yrs)Offers a mix of academic and vocational education. Ends after grade 10 with a final exam. Second highest level of secondary education.
Hauptschule (10 to 15/16 yrs)Prepares students for vocational training or trade professions. Ends after grade 9 or 10.
Gesamtschule (10 to 16 yrs)A comprehensive school combining elements of Gymnasium, Realschule, and Hauptschule. Students earn different certificates based on their performance. Available only in certain states.
Mittelschule / Regelschule (10 to 16 yrs)A combination of Hauptschule and Realschule. Available only in certain states.
Förderschulen / SonderschulenSchools for children with special needs, though there is a growing trend toward inclusive education.

International Schools

International schools in Germany are usually accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) so you can be sure of their standards. They generally offer the International Baccalaureate. They may also offer the American high school diploma, British A Levels and the German Abitur.

Aside from that, international schools can be quite costly; a high school may charge up to 16.000 euros per year for one student.

Frequently asked questions

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