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.
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 Size | Cost via Road | Cost 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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
UK Citizens need to secure a National Visa, followed by a residence permit upon arrival. The main visa options include:
You’ll need a German Work Visa or an EU Blue Card (for highly skilled professionals). The requirements to apply for it include:
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.
Below we compiled a checklist on what you need to move to Germany and what to prioritise:
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:
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.
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:
Metric | Germany | UK |
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Level | Description |
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 / Sonderschulen | Schools for children with special needs, though there is a growing trend toward inclusive education. |
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.