Guidance

Living in Germany

Official information for UK nationals livingmoving into and movingliving toin Germany, including guidance on residency, healthcarehealthcare, driving and driving.the Withdrawal Agreement.

Published 17 May 2013

Last updated 2630 FebruaryNovember 20212020 — see all updates
From:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

What you should do

You should:

Coronavirus

You should follow the advice of the German Government and your local authority. You can also read our Germany travel advice for our latest guidance.

For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in Germany see our coronavirus travel advice.

Stay up to date

You should:

Attend a citizen outreach meeting

The British Embassy regularly holds events across Germany for UK nationals. attendAttend one of our citizen outreach meetings to keep up to date on working and living in Germany.

The Withdrawal Agreement

IfThe Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you werecan legallycontinue residentto live, work and study in Germanythe EU broadly as you did before 131 January 2021,2020.

If you are resident in Germany at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Germany.

Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. will be the subject of future negotiations. Read this guidance page for more information.

YouIn shouldthe checkmeantime, thatmake sure you are correctly registered andas shoulda getresident ain newGermany. residenceWe documentwill byupdate 30this Juneguidance 2021as tosoon evidenceas yourmore rights.information becomes available.

You should also read our guidance on living in Europe.

Visas and residency

Check the entry requirements for Germany.

Residency

If you are planning to stay in Germany for more than 3 months, you must register at your local registration office within 14 days of arrival. The office hasis differentsometimes titlesknown locally such as the Einwohnermeldeamt, Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR), Bürgerbüro or Bürgeramt.

If you move home in Germany, you must register again at the local registration office for your new address.

If you wereare living in Germany beforeby 131 JanuaryDecember 2021,2020, you should obtain a new residence document (Aufenthaltsdokument-GB).

To get this document you must report your residence to your local Foreigners Authority (usually called Ausländerbehörde) by 30 June 2021. Your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement will not be affected if you do not meet the deadline. However, we recommend that you obtain your new card as soon as possible in order to evidence your rights.possible.

You will need to show a valid UK passport when you request your new residence document. Check with your local Foreigners Authority if they have a minimum passport validity requirement.passport.

For more information, read the German Federal Interior Ministry residence FAQs.

Additional support

UKIf nationalsyou whoarrive were resident in Germany beforeafter 131 JanuaryDecember 2021,2020, anddifferent needimmigration helprequirements towill completeapply. theirRead residencethe applicationGerman orgovernment’s registration,guidance canon getresidency supportpermits fromfor organisationsthird fundedcountry by the nationals.

UK Nationals Support Fund.

ThisThe supportgovernment ishas onlyannounced availablefunding tofor peopleorganisations whoto needprovide additionalpractical helpsupport to secureUK theirnationals rightswho undermay thehave Withdrawaldifficulty Agreement.completing Theytheir mayresidency includeapplications.

These pensioners,organisations disabledwill people,help peopleindividuals livingwho inmay remotefind areasit orharder peopleto whocomplete havethe mobilitynecessary difficulties.paperwork Supportto availablesecure includes:

  • answeringtheir questionsresidency aboutrights, residenceincluding applications,pensioners, suchdisabled aspeople, thethose documentsliving youin needremote andareas howor thewho applicationhave processmobility works
  • guidingdifficulties, youand throughthose thewho process,require ifhelp necessary
  • supportwith if you experience language barrierstranslation or difficulty accessing online information and services
interpretation.

AcrossIn Germany, two organisations are providing this practical support: SSAFA, the Armedarmed Forcesforces Charity,charity, arewill coveringcover Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia,Rhine-Westphalia whileand theThe International Organisation for Migration (IOM)will coverscover all other federal states.

If you,you or someone you know,know aremay havinghave difficulty completing residencethe paperworkresidency orapplication, haveyou anyshould questions, contact theone organisationof thatthese coversorganisations using the regiondetails wherebelow you,to ordiscuss they,how live.they may be able to help you.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM)

Contact details:

SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity

ContactEmail: details:

Moving to Germany

Check the entry requirements for Germany.

If you have arrived in Germany and intend to stay longer than 90 days or to work, you will need a residence permit. Read the German government’s guidance on residency permits for third country nationals.

Applying for German citizenship

If you are permanently resident in Germany, you may be able to apply for German citizenship (in German).

The UK has no restrictions on dual nationality. Germany only allows dual nationality in exceptional cases.

Passports andFind travel

Youinformation shouldon carrythe yourFederal residenceMinistry documentof (Aufenthaltsdokument-GB),the asInterior’s wellFAQs ason yourresidency validand passportcitizenship.

Passports whenand youtravel

The travel.rules Ifon youtravel havewill appliedstay butthe notsame yetuntil receivedthe yourtransition document,period carryends youron certificate31 ofDecember application2020. (Fiktionsbescheinigung).

IfDuring youthis havetime, not yet applied for a residence document, you shouldcan carrycontinue evidenceto thattravel youto arecountries resident in Germany.the ThisSchengen couldarea include an address registration certificate (Meldebestätigung), tenancy agreement, or aelsewhere utility bill in yourthe name,EU datingwith fromyour 2020.UK passport.

IfCheck youyour cannotpassport showis thatvalid youfor aretravel residentbefore in Germany, you maybook beyour askedtrip. additionalYour questionspassport atshould thebe bordervalid tofor enter the Schengenproposed area,duration andof your passportstay.

You maycan beapply stampedfor onor entryrenew andyour exit.British Thispassport willfrom notGermany.

Passports affectfrom your1 rightsJanuary in Germany.

Passports2021

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.

From You1 canJanuary apply2021, foryou or renew your British passport from Germany.

You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to Germany, and you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

PleaseYou note: If you are requesting a new residence document (Aufenthaltsdokument-GB), you will need ato valid UK passport. Check with your local Foreigners Authority if they have a minimum passport validity requirement.

Renewrenew your passport before bookingtravelling your travel if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

As a non-EEA national, different border checks will apply when travelling to other EU or Schengen area countries. You may need to show a return or onward ticket and that you have enough money for your stay. You may also have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queuing.queueing. YouYour passport may alsobe needstamped tofor needvisits to showthese a return or onward ticket.countries.

Entry requirements

YouFrom can1 January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism.

To stayThis longeris thana 90rolling days180-day inperiod.

To anystay 180-dayfor period,longer, to work or study, or for business travel, you mustwill need to meet the entry requirements set out by the country to which you are travellingtravelling. to. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your visit would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.

Periods of timestay authorised byunder a visa or permit will not count towardsagainst yourthe 90-day visa-free limit. Travel to the UK and Ireland will not change.

Different rules will apply to EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.

Travel and the UK and Ireland has not changed.

Healthcare

Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. As a resident in Germany, you must register with a health insurer (Krankenkasse) to access healthcare. This is usually done through your employer. Ask your employer’s HR department for more information.

You are able to choose your health insurer (in German) and in some cases you can choose private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung) instead of the standard statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung).

If you are living in Germany or move there permanently before 31 December 2020, you will have life-long healthcare rights in Germany as you do now, provided you remain legally resident.

Read our guidance on accessing healthcare in Germany and make sure you are correctly registered.

You should also read:

If your UK employer has sent you to Germany temporarily, your access to healthcare is different. Find out how to access healthcare as a posted worker.

State healthcare: S1

If you have a registered S1 form and wereare living in Germany before 1the Januaryend 2021,of 2020, your rights to access healthcare will stay the same from 1 January 2021 if you are either:

  • receiving a UK State Pension
  • receiving some other ‘exportable benefits’
  • a frontier worker who lives in Germany and commutes to work in the UK

Read our guidance on how to get an S1 Form andto ensure you are correctly registered for healthcare.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you are resident in Germany, you must not use your UK-issued EHIC for healthcare in Germany. If

When you weretravel livingfrom in Germany beforefor 1a Januarytemporary 2021,stay youin mayanother beEuropean eligibleEconomic forArea a(EEA) newcountry UK-issuedor Switzerland, you can use an EHIC ifto you’re:access state healthcare for free or at a reduced cost.

  • If you’re a UK student in Germany

  • or have a registered S1 you may be eligible for a new UK-issued StateEHIC. PensionerThis withEHIC awill registeredremain S1
  • avalid frontierfrom worker1 withJanuary a2021. registered S1

Apply now for a new UK EHIC.

An EHIC is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance.

For more information read our guidance on healthcare when travelling in Europe and advice on foreign travel insurance.

You can find an English-speaking doctor in Germany.

Students must:

Working in Germany

If you are legally resident in Germany beforeby 131 JanuaryDecember 2021,2020, your right to work in Germany will stay the same, as long as you remain resident in Germany.

For further information:

If you are planning to come to Germany to work, you may need a visa. Read the German government’s guidance on how to apply for a visa and any other necessary documents.

You may need a:

For further information:

Frontier workers

If you live in Germany and werecommute regularly commuting to work in anotheran EU or EFTA country, beforefrom January 2021 you may need a permit to showprove that you are a frontier worker. You also need to report your residence to your local Foreigners Authority.

If you live in the UK or another EU or EFTA country and regularly commuted to work in Germany beforebut 1live Januaryin 2021,another country, you must apply for a new frontier worker document (Aufenthaltsdokument für Grenzgänger-GB), at the local Foreigners Authority for your workplace.

Read our guidance on residence in Germany for information from your local Foreigners Authority.

Education and professional qualifications

YouIf will be eligible for the same tuition fees as German nationals, as long as you wereare legally resident in Germany beforeon 1or Januarybefore 2021.31 YouDecember also2020, need to report your residenceright to yourstudy local Foreigners Authority.You should read:

in Germany.

In Germany, schooling is compulsory for any child above the age of 6.

Moving to Germany to Study

IfFor youmore areinformation:

For more information read studying in the European Union.

Professional qualifications

YouGet may need to get your UK professional qualificationqualifications recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in Germany. When doing this, you will be subject to the third country regulations.

For help with this:

If youryou qualificationhave wasalready officiallybeen recognised by thean relevantEU regulatorcountry inas Germanyholding beforevalid 1professional Januaryqualifications, 2021,this makewill sureremain valid.

If you understandhave thenot termshad of your recognitionprofessional decisionqualifications byrecognised, checkingyou withcan thatsubmit regulator.an application under the current rules until 31 December 2020.

Money and tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Germany to ensure that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Send your questions about double taxation to the relevant tax authority.

Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Germany have not changed.

Read guidance about:

You will get an income tax ID number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) bywhen post from the Federal Central Tax Office after you register your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). Your employer will need your tax ID number. You may also be asked to provide it to your local finance authority.

For help with taxes in Germany:

National Insurance

Find out if you needcan to pay National Insurance while in theGermany, UKso orthat socialyou securityprotect contributionsyour inState Germany.Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.

Banking

WhetherIf you are employed or self-employed in the EU or EEA and you have a UK-issued banksA1/E101 canform, provideyou serviceswill remain subject to customersUK legislation until the end date on the form.

Banking

Most people living in theEurope EEAshould isnot asee matterany ofchange localto lawtheir andbanking regulation.after 31 December 2020. Your bank or finance provider should contact you if they need to make any changes to your product or the way they provide it. If you have any concerns about whether you might be affected, contact your provider or seek independent financial advice.

Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on banking, insurance and financial services changes after 31 December 2020 for more information on cross-border retail banking.

Declaration of assets

You must file an annual declaration of assets that are held outside Germany, alongside your annual tax return. There are severe penalties if you fail to file this, or give incorrect or incomplete information.

Pensions

Read our guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions while you are living in Germany.

You must tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

If you retire in Germany, you can claim:

For more information on how pension entitlements are calculated, read the German Pensions’ Authority’s guidance (in German).

Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on pension and retirement changes for more information on cross-border pensions.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you don’t.

Benefits

Pensions after 31 December 2020

ReadThere ourwill guidancebe no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on entitlementclaiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.

If you are living in Germany by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK benefitsState Pension.

If you work and pensionspay social security contributions in Germany, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your German pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after 31 December 2020.

Read the guidance while(in German) and FAQs (in German) from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

If you are livingconsidering moving to Germany on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in Germany.the EU.

You willcan needcontinue to tellreceive your UK State Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.

Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on pension and retirement changes after 31 December 2020 for more information on cross-border pensions.

Benefits

Tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

CheckYou whichmay still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Germany.

You may be entitled to German benefits. Read the German government’s guide on social security in Germany.

You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC, if you are asked for this.

Benefits after 31 December 2020

ReadThere thewill Germanbe Federalno Ministrychanges forbefore Family31 Affairs’December guidance2020 onto familythe benefitsrules foron claiming UK nationalsbenefits (in German).

Driving in Germany

Whenthe youEU, moveEEA toor Germany,Switzerland youas shoulda exchangeresult yourof the UK drivingleaving licencethe forEU.

If ayou Germanare oneliving withinin 6the months. IfEU, youEEA wereor livingSwitzerland inby Germany31 beforeDecember 12020, Januaryyou 2021,will youcontinue canto usereceive yourany UK photocardbenefits licenceyou toalready drivereceive. inThis Germanywill untilcontinue 30for Juneas 2021,long providedas thatyou itlive remainsthere validand inmeet theall UK.other eligibility requirements.

DrivingIf licencesyou arework issuedand atpay localsocial authoritysecurity levelcontributions in Germany.Germany, Youryour localUK Bürgeramtsocial cansecurity advisecontributions you where you can go to exchange your licence. You will not be requiredtaken tointo takeaccount awhen testapplying tofor exchangeGerman yourcontributions-based licence.benefits. AnThis Internationalwill Drivinghappen Permiteven isif notyou aclaim suitablecontributions-based alternativebenefits toafter exchanging31 yourDecember licence.2020.

ForRead more information read the German TransportFederal Ministry Brexitfor FAQsFamily (seeAffairs’ ‘Willguidance iton befamily necessarybenefits tofor makeUK anynationals adjustments(in to my driving licence?’ section).German).

If youryou UKare drivingconsidering licencemoving isto lost,Germany stolenon or expires,after you1 willJanuary not2021 beand ableyou toare renewnot itcovered withby the UKWithdrawal DriverAgreement, andthe Vehiclerules Licensingdepend Agencyon (DVLA)negotiations whilewith youthe areEU residentand inmay Germany.

Readchange. moreCheck our guidance on:

Driving inlicence exchange rules will stay the UKsame withuntil a31 GermanDecember licence

2020.

YouIf canyou useare youra Germanresident licence in theGermany, you must exchange your UK licence for shorta visitsGerman withoutone thewithin need6 formonths additionalof documentation.

Germanmoving licenceto holdersGermany. residingDriving inlicences theare UKissued willat belocal ableauthority tolevel exchangein theirGermany. licenceYour withoutlocal theBürgeramt needcan foradvise ayou re-test.on Theywhere you can usego theto licenceexchange asyour longlicence.

An asInternational itDriving Permit is validnot subjecta suitable alternative to exchanging your licence.

If your UK driving licence renewalis requirementslost, e.g.stolen aor carexpires, licenceyou mustwill not be renewedable atto agerenew 70it orwith atthe 3UK yearsDriver afterand theVehicle holderLicensing becomesAgency resident,(DVLA) whicheverwhile isyou theare later.resident Inin theGermany.

Read future,more theseguidance ruleson:

Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to Germany

Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.

If you spend longer than 6 months of the year in Germany with your UK-registered car, you must register your vehicle with the German authorities. To do this, contact your local vehicle registration office (Zulassungsstelle) (in German).

Read the European Union’s guidance on car registration rules and taxes in Germany . You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so, you will need certificates of exemption.

Voting

You cannot vote in local or European Parliament elections in Germany.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections.

Births, deaths and getting married

If your child is born in Germany, you will need to register the birth abroad.

If someone dies in Germany:

Find out how you can get married abroad.

You may also need:

Accommodation and buying property

Read our guidance on buying a property abroad.

Pets

IfCurrent you have a pet passport issued by Germany or another EU member state, you can use it to travel withrules yourwill petstay tothe Greatsame Britainuntil and31 elsewhereDecember in the EU.2020.

AIf GB-issuedyou’re EUtravelling petwith passportyour ispet not valid for travel to the EUfirst ortime Northernyou Ireland.must Youvisit should speak to your vet before you travel to get thea necessary pet travel documents and ensure you’re compliant with the EU Pet Travel Regulations.passport.

Read guidance on:

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel..

Emergencies

For fire or medical emergencies dial the European emergency number on 112 or German police on 110.

Users with disabilities can fax on 112 or 100 to access the emergency services.

If you’re the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.

Returning to the UK

If you are returning to the UK permanently, you must deregister with your local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt).

In addition, tell:

  • the German authorities
  • your health insurance provider (Krankenkasse)
  • local service providers
  • your bank

You must also deregister with your local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt).

To move your pension to the UK contact:

If you get healthcare in Germany through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.

You can exchange your EU driving licence for a UK licence without taking another test if you passed your driving test in the UK or another specified country.

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the German authorities. The Foreign,Foreign,Commonwealth Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Published 17 May 2013

Last updated 2630 FebruaryNovember 20212020 + show all updates

  1. Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines

  2. Updated with latest information on driving licence exchange

  3. Updated as the transition period ends with new information on pet travel and moving to Germany

  4. Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.

  5. Visa and residency section updated on how to get the new residence document

  6. Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.

  7. See the ‘attend a citizen outreach meeting’ section for details about our virtual info evening, with live Q&A session, on 28 September

  8. Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021

  9. Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK Nationals Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.

  10. Visa and residency section updated to include new information on residence documents: click the link ‘obtain a new residence document’. You can send us your questions during our Facebook Q&A (30 June). See the ‘attend a citizen outreach meeting’ section.

  11. New information on the Withdrawal Agreement, and an updated link to German Interior Ministry information on residency rights

  12. Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.

  13. Brexit update: Register for citizens outreach meeting in Dresden (9 January) and send us your Brexit questions during our Facebook Q&A (14 January). See the ‘attend a citizen outreach meeting’ section

  14. Brexit update: Send us your Brexit questions during our Facebook Q&A (21 October) and register for citizens outreach meeting in Munich (24 October). See the ‘attend one of our citizens outreach meetings’ section

  15. Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement

  16. Brexit update: Register for citizens outreach meetings in Frankfurt (10 October) and Hamburg (15 October). See the ‘attend one of our citizens outreach meetings’ section

  17. Brexit update: Register for citizens outreach meetings in Berlin (30 September) and Dusseldorf (1 October). See the ‘attend one of our citizens outreach meetings’ section

  18. Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating. 

  19. Brexit Update: New event: Facebook Q&A, 6 August 1-2pm. See our events page (click on "attend one of our citizens outreach meetings") or visit www.facebook.com/BritsInGermany

  20. EU Exit update: 2 Information events for UK nationals in Berlin on Tuesday 30 April 2019. For event details and registration instructions see "EU Exit updates" and click on "attend one of our citizens outreach meetings".

  21. EU Exit update: New information in "Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU" concerning travel and short stays within the EU and UK passport validity.

  22. EU Exit update: New information on residency and travel after EU Exit

  23. EU Exit update: Updated information on heathcare and residency

  24. EU Exit update: New information event for UK nationals in Düsseldorf, 28 March

  25. We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.

  26. EU Exit update: addition to Working In Germany section - information concerning working as a civil servant (Beamte/r)

  27. EU Exit update: New guidance document on German Foreigners Authorities - link in "Visas and residency" section.

  28. Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip

  29. EU Exit update: New education and professional qualifications section. Federal Government website information added to EU Exit section.

  30. EU Exit update: Additional information about healthcare if the UK leaves the EU with no deal. New citizens outreach event for UK nationals in Cologne on 13 February 2019.

  31. EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare

  32. EU exit update - updated information on pensions and driving

  33. EU Exit update: New information added about residency in Germany for UK nationals

  34. EU Exit update: Additional information added to the visas and residency, healthcare, working in Germany, pensions, German benefits and returning to the UK sections. Information about importing a UK-registered vehicle added to driving in Germany section.

  35. EU exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section

  36. Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.

  37. Updated January 2017

  38. Updated Information in view of a change in German registration law as of 1 November 2015.

  39. instructions for witnessing UK state pension life certificates updated

  40. First published.

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