Moving To Germany From The UK

If you are planning on moving to Germany, whether to Berlin, Hamburg or Cologne, Britannia Movers International has the expertise and the local knowledge to tailor the move to your specific needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to Germany All shipments to Germany from the UK will have to clear customs on arrival and you must ensure you can provide all relevant customs documents required at destination. Your contact at your local Britannia office will assist you with which forms are necessary along with what supporting documentation you will need to provide. However, the responsibility for completion and submission of these forms now falls with the customer and it is advisable that all these formalities are prepared for prior to the move to avoid potential delays in transportation and additional charges. Britannia will advise you of all requirements before your move.
	Germany Customs Prohibitions and Restrictions In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & tobacco
	Germany Transit Times Transit times can vary subject to the method of transport chosen, size of your consignment and the final destination. Britannia will advise you once this information is established.
	Protecting Your Items for Transport to Germany All shared load consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the vehicle. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Moving to Germany with Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Importing Motor Vehicles to Germany Importation of motor vehicles to Germany will be subject to compliance,and it is probable that duty and tax will apply.
	Germany Currency Transfer When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers: International payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info on the IFX website.

Moving to Germany With Britannia

• Your Move to Germany with Britannia – Britannia’s dedicated network of removers will assist you with moving to Germany. We also provide computer tracking and bar coding for groupage consignments, to ensure a safe and reliable removal service. Your household effects can be transported to Germany in various ways: by removal vans, sea containers or by air.
• Packing & Delivery – Our trained packers can pack and wrap all your items to ensure that they are transported safely. If you choose a full door to door service, Britannia will deliver the goods to your new home. We can then unwrap your furniture and unpack your moving boxes onto a flat surface, and all used packing materials will be removed from the site.
• Additional Removal Services – Britannia can provide a variety of additional services when moving to Germany. We are authorised to provide a comprehensive insurance, can arrange international storage prior to delivery, recommend a convenient way to transfer your money, and can also take care of your pet transport.

If you are interested in moving to Germany, you can request a quote for our international removal service and read more about our European removals.

Living in Germany

Whether you are looking for more economic opportunities, want to live in one of the cultural centres of Europe or in a small, relaxed city, moving to Germany is a fantastic country to choose. The country has always been a popular expat destination, and can not only boast a strong economy, but a rich cultural and historical heritage. Germany is a multicultural and heterogeneous country, with the second-largest number of international migrants in the world. Here, you will certainly be able to find a lifestyle that suits you, and where you’ll enjoy a modern infrastructure and a high quality of life.

Germany is located in Western and Central Europe, bordered by Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland among other countries. It is a federal parliamentary republic comprising sixteen states. Germany is a major economic and political power, with the world’s fourth largest economy, and offers a very high standard of living with an extensive social security system. The country has diverse landscapes, a progressive environmental policy, an excellent public education system and universal health care.

While immigration regulations can be stringent, especially for non-EU citizens, Germany can truly offer a lot. Berlin is  one of the most culturally exciting cities in Europe, where you can live a genuinely relaxed life, and Germany, due to its location in the centre of Europe, offers unparalleled diversity and a wide range of opportunities.

Germany Visas

British citizens will need a visa to live and work in Germany. Sometimes, it may be required to obtain a residence permit before you can apply for a working visa, but not always. For example, you can apply for a Job Seeker visa which will allow you to live in Germany and look for a job – once you have secured employment, you can then apply for a residence and employment permit. Alternatively, if you already have a job offer in Germany, you can apply for an Employment visa.

You can apply for a residence permit either from the UK or when you are in Germany – you will be able to stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. You will need to have a German address to be able to qualify for a residence visa, and you will also need health insurance provided by a German company.

Finding a Job in Germany

Germany has a large and diverse economy, and there are a wide range of employment opportunities, especially in sectors such as IT, science or engineering. The country also has a relatively low unemployment rate, frequently ranking as one of the lowest in Europe. Many large companies are headquartered in Germany, especially in the automobile industry, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Daimler.

In most cases, roles will require a certain level of German fluency, although there will be English-speaking jobs available. Unlike a lot of other countries, Germany is not affected by skills shortages. However, skilled workers may find there is an abundance of roles in industries such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and health.

Cost of Living in Germany

Living and housing costs in Germany are generally lower than in the UK, however, this will also depend on where you are moving.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Germany is 1.3% lower than in the UK, not accounting for rent. Rent costs alone are around 25% lower in Germany than in the UK. Salaries are also marginally lower, at nearly 3% lower in Germany in the UK.

You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Germany below. Prices are shown in Euros and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.

Education in Germany

If you are moving to Germany with your children, you should also research the education system. Education policies are usually decided locally in each individual state, so this will depend on where you are moving. Each state has its own Ministry of Education or an equivalent organisation that’s responsible for education policy within that area. This will include the curriculum and how the school is organised.

In general, it is free to attend public school in Germany, and it is compulsory for children to attend school between the ages of around 3-16, although the precise ages will vary depending on the state. Public schools in Germany are generally of a high quality, and as such there are few private schools.

However, due to the variation in education across Germany, many expats choose to send their children to one of the international schools in the country. This will give children an internationally recognised qualification and certain schools will teach the curriculum in English.

Interesting Facts About Germany

• Germany is the second most populous, and one of the most densely populated countries in Europe with a population of 81 million.
• Over 18.5% of people living in Germany are of non-German descent.
• Germany is the world’s largest exporter of goods.
• Germany is the homeland of numerous scientists, theorists, and artists, including Albert Einstein, Max Plank, Kant, Nietzsche and Goethe.
• The tallest church in the world, the Ulm Cathedral is located in Germany.

Choose Britannia for Your Germany Relocation

If you are thinking about moving to Germany and want to find out more about our Germany removal services or request a quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.