Moving to Germany from the UK in 2026: Official Guide

British nationals can still move to Germany, but since 1 January 2021 it takes a visa or residence permit to live or work there. UK nationals may enter first and apply in Germany. This guide follows the UK government's Living in Germany guidance, last updated on 11 December 2025, the German missions' residence visa rules and German Customs, all read on 13 October 2026.

What changed, and what did not

Passport rules at the border

Germany follows Schengen area rules. According to the UK government, your passport must:

• have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive;
• have an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced across the Schengen area. On a short stay you may need to register fingerprints and a photo at the border; there is no cost. British nationals who are legally resident in Germany and hold a valid biometric residence document do not need to register with the EES. If you overstay the 90-day limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

Two ways to get your permit

The German missions confirm that the option to apply after arrival, which they describe for US passport holders, is also extended to citizens of the United Kingdom. It does not apply to intra-corporate (ICT) transfers.

Routes UK nationals use

The UK government adds that you may need to get your qualifications recognised to work in Germany, and that employers may ask for a UK police certificate or a German criminal record check.

Your first weeks

1. Register your residence (Anmeldung) at the local registration office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days of arriving. If you move home later, register the new address within 14 days as well (Ummeldung).
2. Book the Foreigners' Authority appointment within 90 days if you did not get a visa or permit before leaving the UK.
3. Join a German health insurer (Krankenkasse). Health insurance is compulsory for residents; you can often join through your employer, and in some cases choose private insurance instead.
4. Wait for your tax ID. The income tax ID number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) arrives by post after you register your address. Your employer will need it.
5. Expect the broadcasting licence fee letter. The fee is 18.36 euros per month for each dwelling.

Driving

You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months on a licence issued in the UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. To keep driving after that you must exchange it at your local driving authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde), which may ask for an eye test or a medical certificate. Apply before the 6 months is over, because applications take time and you need the German licence to drive legally. You cannot renew or replace a UK licence while you live in Germany. A UK Blue Badge must be returned to the authority that issued it.

Tax, National Insurance and pensions

• Double taxation: the UK has a double taxation agreement with Germany, so you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
• Assets abroad: the UK government's guidance says you must declare all assets you hold outside Germany and file an annual declaration of assets alongside your tax return, with severe penalties for not doing so. It recommends a tax adviser in Germany.
• National Insurance: check whether you still need to pay it if you are going to work in the EU.
• Pensions: you can claim your UK State Pension abroad. For a German pension, contact German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung).

Taking your belongings

The UK is outside the EU customs territory, so German Customs treats a move as a transfer of residence from a non-EU country. Household effects come in free of import duty when:

• your normal place of residence was outside the EU for at least twelve months;
• you possessed and used non-consumable goods for at least six months before the move;
• the goods are cleared within twelve months of the move, on form 0350.

For twelve months after clearance you may not lend, pledge, hire out or transfer them. A vehicle registered outside the EU that is cleared this way becomes subject to German vehicle tax.

Children and schools

Each German state sets its own compulsory school age, but in general all children aged 6 to 18 must attend school. The federal states are also responsible for state nurseries and preschools. If your child is born in Germany, register the birth with the German authorities.

Voting, residence and citizenship

• Voting: you cannot vote in German elections unless you hold German or EU citizenship.
• Permanent residence: a settlement permit is possible after five years with a residence permit on the standard route, and sooner for EU Blue Card holders and skilled workers.
• Citizenship: Germany recognises dual citizenship with the UK, so you do not have to give up British citizenship to become German. German law asks for five years of lawful, habitual residence and German at level B1.

If you lived in Germany before 1 January 2021

You and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. Make sure you hold the residence document called the Aufenthaltsdokument-GB: under the EES you need it when entering or leaving Germany, and without it you may be wrongly identified as overstaying. The document has to be renewed every 5 or 10 years.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• GOV.UK (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) — Living in Germany
• GOV.UK — Germany travel advice: entry requirements
• German Missions in the United States — Residence visa (privilege extended to UK citizens)
• Federal Foreign Office — Visas for Germany
• Make it in Germany (Federal Government) — Financial security for living expenses, as of January 2026
• German Customs (Zoll) — Transferring residence
• ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio contribution service — The licence fee
• Residence Ordinance, Section 45 — Fees for the residence permit

All figures verified against the official pages above on 13 October 2026. The British Embassy cannot help with German visa or residency applications; confirm your own case with the German missions or your Foreigners' Authority. Information, not legal advice.