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Getting help with living in Germany

Help from the German governmentÌý

For any questions about moving to or living in Germany, you may be able to get help from the:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• Ìý

You can also read the German government’s guidance on .ÌýÌý

The UK government and the British Embassy in Berlin cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Germany.

Professional help in GermanyÌý

You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Germany, including:ÌýÌý

• lawyersÌý

• translatorsÌý

• notariesÌýÌý

• funeral directors

Help from the UK governmentÌýÌý

Read the travel advice for Germany to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Germany. This includes the latest information on:ÌýÌý

• visas and entry requirementsÌýÌý

• laws and cultural differencesÌý

• safety and securityÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.ÌýÌý

, including in an emergency.

Visas, residency and citizenshipÌý

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Germany before you travel.ÌýÌý

Visas and residence permitsÌýÌý

Check which you need to live in Germany.ÌýÌý

You can get a visa or residence permit to:ÌýÌý

• studyÌý

• workÌý

• live with family in GermanyÌý

• volunteerÌý

• do researchÌý

For more information:Ìý

• read the German government’s Ìý

• read ÌýÌý

• Ìý

Registering as a residentÌý

Once you arrive, you must (‘Anmeldung’) within 14 days. You can do this at the local registration office (‘Bürgeramt’) in your state.Ìý

If you did not apply for a visa or residence permit before leaving the UK, you’ll also need to make an appointment at your local within 90 days of arriving.ÌýÌý

If you move home in Germany, you must also register your new address within 14 days (‘Ummeldung’).Ìý

If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency, contact:ÌýÌý

• your local Ìý

• the German ÌýÌý

• an ÌýÌý

Extending or replacing your visa or residence permitÌýÌý

Visit the or contact your local for information on how to:ÌýÌý

• extend your visa or residency permitÌý

• replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residency permitÌýÌý

Permanent residencyÌýÌý

You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Germany.ÌýÌý

To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the German government’s guidance on .ÌýÌý

CitizenshipÌýÌý

Germany recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a German citizen.ÌýÌý

To find out if you’re eligible for German citizenship, read the German government’s guidance on .ÌýÌý

If you got German citizenship before 1 January 2021, you’ll need to show your German naturalisation certificate as evidence for future benefit claims in the UK. Read our guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EEA and Switzerland for more information.Ìý

Help with visa, residency and citizenship applicationsÌý

The British Embassy in Berlin cannot help with German visa, residency or citizenship applications.ÌýÌý

For any questions or issues, contact the:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• Ìý

Residency if you moved to Germany before 1 January 2021Ìý

If you moved to Germany before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.ÌýÌý

Residency documents if you moved to Germany before 1 January 2021ÌýÌý

If you were resident in Germany before 1 January 2021, make sure you have the UK residence document (‘Aufenthaltsdokument-GB’). The Aufenthaltsdokument-GB shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.ÌýÌý

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), you’ll need an Aufenthaltsdokument-GB when entering or leaving Germany. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when . Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Germany or other Schengen countries.ÌýÌý

If you do not have a residence documentÌý

If you were living in Germany before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence document, you must register for residency. You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.Ìý

If your application is successful, you’ll get a biometric residence document called an Aufenthaltsdokument-GB.ÌýÌý

If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an .Ìý

For more information on how to apply or appeal:ÌýÌý

• contact your local Ìý

• read the German government’s ÌýÌý

• read the from the German Missions in the United Kingdom

Renewing your residency document if you moved to Germany before 1 January 2021ÌýÌý

You’ll need to renew your residency document every 5 or 10 years.ÌýÌý

Contact your local for information on how to renew your residency document.ÌýÌý

Bringing family members to Germany if you moved there before 1 January 2021Ìý

The German government’s explains:ÌýÌý

• which family members can join you in GermanyÌýÌý

• how and when they should apply for their residence document

Passports and travelÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• apply for a British passport from abroadÌý

• travel urgently without your British passportÌý

Always carry your passport and residence document when . If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.ÌýÌý

If you have dual citizenship with an EU or country, you should enter and leave Germany using your EU or EFTA passport.Ìý

Dual citizens travelling to the UKÌý

When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carryÌýa validÌýBritish passportÌýorÌýcertificate of entitlement. Read guidance onÌýdual citizenship.

European Entry/Exit System (EES)Ìý

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for . Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

British nationals legally resident in Germany, and who have a valid biometric residence document, do not need to register with the EES. This includes British nationals who have an Aufenthaltsdokument-GB, or another residence permit or long-term visa.ÌýÌý

If you’re living in Germany, but do not have a valid biometric residence permit or long-term visa, contact your local for information on how to get one.

For more information about how the EES works, read:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• guidance on the EES for UK nationals

Healthcare in GermanyÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• plan your healthcareÌý

• take medicine abroadÌý

Health insurance is compulsory for residents in Germany. You must join a German health insurer (‘Krankenkasse’). You can often do this through your employer.Ìý

You can . In some cases, you can choose private health insurance instead of the standard statutory health insurance.ÌýÌý

To find out how to get medical treatment, read guidance on:Ìý

• healthcare for UK nationals living in GermanyÌýÌý

• English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in GermanyÌý

Working in GermanyÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.Ìý

To work in Germany, you need a work visa or residence permit. Our guidance on travelling to Germany for work explains the different work visas and permits available to you.ÌýYou can also read the .ÌýÌý

You do not need a work visa or permit if you have been living in Germany legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.ÌýÌý

As a British national, you can enter Germany as a jobseeker without a work permit. However, you cannot start working until you have a work permit.ÌýÌý

To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• Ìý

If you live in Germany and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.Ìý

Recognition of qualificationsÌý

If you want to work in Germany, you may need to .

Driving in GermanyÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• drive abroad legallyÌý

• take your UK vehicle abroadÌýÌý

• get driving licence lettersÌý

Local driving authorities (‘Fahrerlaubnisbehörde’) provide information on driving in Germany.ÌýÌý

For more information read guidance on:ÌýÌý

• driving in the EUÌý

• road travel in Germany, in safety and security in the travel advice for GermanyÌý

• ÌýÌý

Driving in Germany using a foreign driving licenceÌýÌý

You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months using a driving licence issued in:ÌýÌý

• the UKÌý

• GibraltarÌý

• JerseyÌý

• GuernseyÌý

• the Isle of ManÌý

You cannot renew or replace any of these licences if you live in Germany.ÌýÌý

Exchanging a UK, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or Gibraltar licenceÌýÌý

To continue driving after 6 months, you must exchange your driving licence. Contact your local driving authority (‘Fahrerlaubnisbehörde’) to find out how to do this.Ìý

You may need to:ÌýÌý

• take an eye testÌýÌý

• present a medical certificateÌýÌý

You should apply for the exchange before the 6 months is over. Applications may take time to process, and you’ll need your German licence to drive legally.ÌýÌý

Disabled driversÌý

You may be able to apply for a German disabled parking card or an . Contact your local driving authority (‘Fahrerlaubnisbehörde’) to find out how to do this.ÌýÌý

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Germany, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

TaxÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.ÌýÌý

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Germany so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.Ìý

You will get an income tax ID number (‘Steueridentifikationsnummer’) by post after you register your address at your local registration office. Your employer will need this number. You may also need to give it to your local tax office (‘Finanzamt’).ÌýÌý

Contact your for any questions about double taxation relief.Ìý

Consider getting professional advice on . To do this:ÌýÌý

• contact an Ìý

• Ìý

Declaring your assetsÌý

You must:ÌýÌý

• declare all assets you hold outside GermanyÌý

• file an annual declaration of assets, alongside your annual tax returnÌý

You face severe penalties if you do not do this. Contact a tax adviser in Germany for more information.ÌýÌý

National InsuranceÌýÌý

Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.

PensionsÌý

Claiming your UK pensionÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:ÌýÌý

• how to claim your UK State PensionÌý

• where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State PensionÌý

Your UK State Pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.ÌýÌý

Claiming a German pensionÌý

Contact (‘Deutsche Rentenversicherung’) to find out whether you can .ÌýÌý

You can also read the German government’s .

BenefitsÌýÌý

Claiming UK benefitsÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.Ìý

Claiming German benefitsÌýÌý

You may be entitled to some German benefits.ÌýÌý

To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:ÌýÌý

• read guidance on social benefits on the ÌýÌý

• use the German government’s Ìý

• read the German government’s

Buying and renting property in GermanyÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Contact an if you’re considering buying property or land.

Voting in GermanyÌý

UK electionsÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• vote in UK elections from abroadÌý

• register as an overseas voterÌý

German electionsÌýÌý

You cannot vote in German elections unless you hold German or EU citizenship. Read guidance on .ÌýÌý

You also cannot vote in European Parliamentary elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.

StudyingÌýÌý

If you plan to study in Germany, you must .ÌýÌý

You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Germany legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.ÌýÌý

For more information, read guidance on:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• studying in the EUÌý

• travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)ÌýÌý

You can also contact:ÌýÌý

• your higher education provider in the UK or GermanyÌý

• the

ChildrenÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:ÌýÌý

• getting permission to take your child abroadÌýÌý

• claiming UK Child Benefit abroadÌý

• child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroadÌý

You can also read the German government’s guidance on .ÌýÌý

Schools and educationÌý

The European Commission provides information about the .ÌýÌý

Each German state sets its own compulsory school age. However, in general, all children aged 6 to 18 must attend school in Germany.ÌýÌý

For more information, read the German government’s guidance on:ÌýÌý

• – select the region you live inÌýÌý

• – select the region you live inÌýÌý

ChildcareÌýÌý

The are responsible for state nurseries and preschools in Germany.Ìý

For more information, read the German government’s guidance on .

Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnershipsÌý

BirthsÌýÌý

If your child is born Germany, register the birth with the German authorities. Read the German government’s guidance on .ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificateÌýÌý

• apply for your child’s first British passportÌýÌý

DeathsÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:ÌýÌý

• what to do after someone dies abroadÌý

• how to register the death with the UK authoritiesÌý

If someone dies in Germany, read guidance on:Ìý

• what to do when someone dies in GermanyÌýÌý

• ÌýÌý

Marriages and civil partnershipsÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.ÌýÌýÌý

The German government provides information on and .Ìý

Divorce and separationÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

The European e-justice portal offers guidance on .ÌýÌý

Consider taking legal advice from an .

Documents for British people in GermanyÌý

Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:ÌýÌýÌý

• legalising and certifying UK documentsÌýÌý

• marriage and civil partnership documentsÌý

• affirmations and affidavitsÌýÌý

• witnessing signaturesÌý

Lawyers, translators and notariesÌýÌý

To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Germany, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.Ìý

PetsÌý

If you want to bring your pet with you to Germany, read guidance on:ÌýÌý

• , from the German Customs Authority (‘Zoll’)Ìý

• taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to an EU country

Returning to the UKÌýÌý

Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.Ìý

If the NHS funds your healthcare in Germany through the S1 form, to cancel it.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

If you get a German pension, contact the .Ìý

You must also:Ìý

• de-register (‘Abmeldung’) with your local registration office (‘Einwohnermeldeamt’)Ìý

• tell your health insurance providerÌý

• tell local service providersÌý

• tell your bankÌý

DisclaimerÌýÌý

We provide this information as a guide only.Ìý For definitive information, contact the German authorities.ÌýÌý

Read our consular information disclaimer.