Are you planning a move to Germany? Whether you are moving to Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Munich, Berlin, or a little village in Saxony, here’s everything you need to know about moving to Deutschland.
Moving abroad can be a daunting task, which is why it’s important to understand everything about the country you’re going to live in beforehand.
As one of the largest removal companies in the UK, we have the expertise and local knowledge to advise on the social, economic, and environmental factors that could influence your decision. Read on to discover what moving to Germany entails and the requirements you will need to be aware of ahead of your move.
Moving to Germany?
Moving to Germany After Brexit
With the implementation of Brexit regulations, British citizens are now subject to the same entry requirements as non-EU citizens when moving to Germany. UK passport holders can still visit the country for up to 90 days without getting a visa, beyond that, however, you will need a permit.
Unless you have switched to an alternate visa, you will have to return to the UK once your visa expires.
You can eventually apply for permanent residency in Germany once you meet the necessary requirements such as paying your pension insurance for up to 36 months.
Why move to Germany?
Germany is a popular choice for expats looking for a new and improved lifestyle, with 168,000 expats from the UK alone in 2021. Many find themselves moving to Germany from the UK, be it for new job opportunities, a better quality of life or safer living standards. Germany has an extremely active economy, making it an attractive country to those around the world.
Not only is the country well known for its strong economy, but it is also infamous for its wild IPAs and various brews, which have been named some of the most classic beers in the world. Germany is home to some incredible architecture and is also rich in history and geography. There is an abundance of places to visit and explore in this country, with a wide range of beautiful neighbourhoods to find a home.
German Culture
Germany is renowned for having a lengthy, illustrious past and for having led the world in politics and the arts for more than a thousand years. Germans are noted for their high levels of individualism and appreciation of people’s political, economic, and social behaviour. Germans are frequently stereotyped as “perfectionists” who approach everything with care and precision.
Germany is a very sociable country, with city-wide gatherings held annually to celebrate special occasions. Some of the most popular festivals include:
Oktoberfest – Arguably one of the most famous festivals is Oktoberfest. Held annually in Munich, the festival can often last as long as 18 days and includes a lot of beer drinking, traditional foods and family-friendly rides and activities.
Karneval – Every February, a parade makes its way through downtown Cologne to celebrate the beginning of Lent. Be prepared for lots of dancing, costumes and drinking!
Reeperbahn – Europe’s largest club festival, Reeperbahn, is a music festival originating in Hamburg. In most bars and music venues, concerts will be held across four days in September. There are plenty of genres to enjoy that suit any taste in music.
Healthcare in Germany
The German healthcare system is brilliant. Not only is healthcare free for all citizens (including expats), but public health insurance is also available, allowing inhabitants to use sickness funds. This program is supported by taxes and includes almost all medical treatments. Should you need to pay for a prescription, these are often cheap and affordable for most.
The UK Government’s website can provide you with more details on what it’s like to live in Germany.
Moving to Germany Requirements
When it comes to moving to Germany from the UK, there are a number of requirements that you should be aware of. To move to Germany, you first must have a valid reason for doing so. This could be for employment, education, or family, for example. Each immigration reason has a financial requirement that applicants must meet; you need to be able to prove that you can financially support yourself in Germany.
You will also need to apply for German healthcare insurance, as you cannot be certain that the authorities will accept foreign insurance. The next step will be to find an appropriate visa. You can learn about your options on the official German Missions in the United Kingdom website.
Working in Germany
Should you be working in Germany, you would be pleased to know that finding a job is a relatively simple process. With a booming economy, there is a wide range of professional opportunities in the country across many industries. There are a number of things that you can do as an expat to ease the process and put you in good stead. These include:
Doing your research to understand your industry’s market
Understanding and respecting the German culture
Showing interest in learning the language
Being fully prepared for your interview
Germany is ranked highly for work-life balance in the OECD’s Better Life Index. This is due to a number of factors, such as not encouraging ‘long’ working hours, generous annual leave, national holidays, and fantastic work benefits. Public transport in Germany is top-notch with buses, trams, the S-Bahn, the U-Bahn, and regional trains offering ease of access to top cities and various regions of the country.
Where to Move to in Germany
Germany is a vast country, running from the Baltic seas in the north to the snowy Alps in the south. This can make narrowing down a place to live difficult. Your final decision will widely rely on your requirements and understanding of each area’s offerings in terms of culture, way of life and cost. To get you started, here are some popular locations for expats to live in Germany:
Munich – Munich is the capital of Germany’s largest state, Bavaria. This southern city is often seen as the pinnacle of German culture, bursting with life, history, and rich culture. Neighbourhoods in Munich are diverse, combining the traditional with the modern. This can make finding a home much easier, regardless of your taste.
Frankfurt – If you’re looking for an affluent living environment, Frankfurt is a great option for you. In the heart of the country’s financial sector, Frankfurt attracts busy business professionals.
Hamburg – Sitting in the north of Germany, Hamburg is the country’s second-largest city. Hamburg has a number of beautiful parks, waterways, lakes, and nature reserves, creating the balance between urban and rural that many desire.
Berlin – The capital of Germany, Berlin, is a modern powerhouse of Europe and has as much to offer as other capitals such as London, Rome, and Paris. Berlin is a city of innovation, yet has retained its classic bohemian identity.
Moving to Germany with Bishop’s Move
If you are planning a move to Germany, it is important to select an accredited moving company such as Bishop’s Move to handle the process. With over 165 years in European Removals, we can provide you with a seamless service from start to finish. Find out more about removals to Germany or get a quote online today.
Ready to plan your move to Germany?
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I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and all the team of Bishop’s move, you were always so quick to answer my (silly!) questions, the 2 crews in Oxford and in Strasbourg were incredibly nice and very careful with our belongings, it’s been such a pleasure, stress free moving that I would 100 % recommend !!!
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