How to Move to Germany from the UK: Everything You Need to Know

Moving to Germany from the UK has become a more involved process since Brexit, but with the right guidance, you can still make the move smoothly and confidently. 

Whether you’re heading to Berlin, Hamburg or Munich for work, studies or to reunite with family, understanding the legal requirements and knowing what to expect upon your arrival in Germany can save you a great deal of stress.

This guide walks you through the entire journey — from post-Brexit entry rules to health insurance requirements — so you can start your new chapter in Germany easily.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Residency and visa rules for UK citizens post-Brexit
• Which type of residence permit or visa you need
• What to do once you arrive, including registering your address
• Setting up your life
• Choosing the right health insurance
• Practical tips for settling in

Moving to Germany from the UK post-Brexit: what changed?

Before Brexit, British citizens could move freely to Germany without applying for a visa. 

That’s no longer the case. Since January 2021, UK nationals are considered “third-country” citizens under EU law. This means that while you can still enter Germany without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period), you’ll need a long-stay visa or residence permit if you plan to live, work, study or join family in Germany.

UK nationals already living in Germany before 2021 could apply for continued residence, but anyone arriving after that date must now go through the standard immigration process. 

Full details can be found via Germany’s Federal Foreign Office and the German Embassy in the UK.

How to get a Germany visa from UK: Choosing the right visa or residence permit

To stay in Germany for more than 90 days – whether for work, study or to pursue other activities requiring a longer stay – you will need a visa or residence permit. 

Your reason for moving will determine which visa or residence permit you need. Each type comes with different requirements and documentation.

If you’re moving for a job, you’ll apply for a standard German work visa or the EU Blue Card. 

The EU blue card

The Blue Card is particularly suitable for highly qualified professionals and offers a pathway to permanent residence. 

To apply, you’ll need:

• A recognised degree
• A signed job contract with a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (as of 2025) or €41,041.80 in shortage occupations (such as doctors, engineers, IT specialists).

Freelancers and self-employed individuals can apply for a Freelance Visa (also called the Freiberufler visa). You’ll need to prove you can support yourself financially through your work, provide a portfolio or business plan, and show demand for your services in Germany — often through letters of intent from potential clients.

Student visa

If you’ve been accepted to a university in Germany, you’ll need a Student Visa, which requires an official admission letter and proof of financial resources. 

Family reunification visa

Those joining a spouse, child, or partner who’s already living in Germany will need a Family Reunification Visa. You’ll be asked to prove the relationship, show that you have access to adequate living space, and demonstrate that your family member can financially support you.

Visa applications are typically submitted at the German Embassy in London or the Consulate in Edinburgh. You’ll need to gather the relevant documents, book an appointment, and pay a fee (which is usually around €75). Keep in mind that visa processing times vary — some can take up to 12 weeks — so it’s wise to apply well in advance of your planned move.

Finding accommodation in Germany

Once you have your visa, the next step is to find a place to live. Housing markets in Germany’s major cities are competitive, so it’s best to start your search as early as possible. 

Websites like Immobilienscout24 and WG-Gesucht are really useful platforms for renting apartments or shared flats in Germany when moving from the UK.

Landlords may ask for a variety of documents, including proof of income, previous rental history, and even a credit report. 

If you’re unable to secure a long-term rental right away, starting with a sublet or temporary accommodation can be a practical solution. However, be aware that in Germany, registering your address (Anmeldung) is a legal requirement and typically requires a signed rental agreement or written confirmation from the main tenant or landlord. 

If you’re subletting, it may still be possible to register your address, but only if the primary tenant or landlord provides a written confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Without this, registration is usually not possible, so it’s important to clarify this with the person you’re subletting from before moving in.

Registering your address (Anmeldung)

One of the most important administrative tasks after you arrive is registering your address with your local Bürgeramt, the city’s citizen registration office. This process, called Anmeldung, must be completed within two weeks of moving into your new home.

Top tip: if you try and book an appointment online and have no luck, try calling the citizen registration office instead: very often, people cancel at the last minute, so if you’re able to move fast and travel a little out of the way, that can speed up the process considerably for you. 

To register, you’ll need your passport, your rental agreement, and a document called the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — a confirmation from your landlord that you live at the address. 

Once registered, you’ll receive a Meldebescheinigung, a proof of registration that you’ll need for almost every official procedure, including opening a bank account. You will also need this to apply for your residence permit.

Health insurance: a legal requirement in Germany

Health insurance isn’t optional when moving to Germany — it’s a legal requirement for all residents. In fact, you won’t be granted a residence permit without proof of adequate coverage.

Public health insurance

If you’re employed in Germany, you’ll likely be enrolled in the public health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV). This system provides comprehensive coverage, and your premiums are automatically deducted from your salary.

Private health insurance

Freelancers, students, or those with higher incomes can opt for private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV). Private plans offer more flexibility and often come with shorter wait times for specialist appointments.

Expat health insurance

Expat health insurance provides essential medical coverage abroad, prots against high healthcare costs and ensures access to quality care. 

We provide fully digital, visa-compliant private health insurance tailored to expats in Germany. Whether you’re applying for a visa, starting freelance work or beginning a university program, our plans are recognised by immigration offices, include English-language support, and can be set up in just minutes — no paperwork, no stress. 

Liability insurance

There’s another type of insurance that’s well worth a mention: liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). This is one of the most important — and often overlooked — types of insurance when moving to Germany. 

It covers you in case you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property or injure another person: for example, if you spill coffee on someone’s laptop or your bike scratches a parked car, liability insurance can save you from having to pay out of pocket. 

While it’s not legally required, it’s highly recommended, and in some visa cases, it can even strengthen your application. 

Best of all, it’s very affordable and easy to set up online.

Opening a bank account and setting up utilities

To manage daily life in Germany, you’ll need a local bank account. Most landlords and employers will require one. 

You can open a traditional bank account with providers like: 

• Commerzbank
• Deutsche Bank
• Revolut
• N26, which offers English-language support and a quick online setup.

You’ll also want to get a German SIM card or mobile plan. Providers like O2, Vodafone and Telekom offer a range of prepaid or contract plans. If you’re not ready for a full contract, prepaid options from ALDI Talk or LIDL Connect are great for the early weeks.

Other basics like internet, electricity and waste collection will be part of your initial admin tasks once you have arrived in Germany and have an address confirmed. If you’re renting a furnished flat, some of these utilities may already be included for you.

Cultural and practical tips for UK expats

Life in Germany is often described as structured, efficient and rule-oriented. 

For UK citizens used to more relaxed systems, there may be a cultural adjustment period: expect more direct communication styles and strict recycling rules. That said, many Germans are very welcoming and happy to help newcomers who make the effort to integrate.

Public transport is reliable, but you’ll need to validate your ticket before each journey, either via apps like DB Navigator or a validation machine found in most trains and buses. 

Shops in Germany often close earlier than in the UK,and almost all stores are shut on Sundays.

Learning basic German, even just greetings and polite expressions, will make a big difference — especially when you are dealing with German bureaucracy.

That said, language learning takes time, and most newcomers hit a point where they’re not quite ready to hold a conversation with their landlord, plumber, or electrician.

If you find yourself stuck trying to organize home repairs or services and would feel more comfortable speaking in English, help is available.

We recommend checking out a4ord. It’s a service designed specifically for expats, connecting you with trusted tradespeople and home service providers who speak English. Whether you need a handyman, locksmith, or someone to fix a leaky faucet, they make the process much less intimidating by bridging the language gap for you.

A smooth transition to life in Germany

Moving from the UK to Germany involves more paperwork than before, but the rewards are well worth it. Germany offers a high standard of living, excellent public services and a vibrant cultural landscape. With proper planning — and the right support — you can make your transition smooth and successful.

Start with your visa, get your address registered, secure health insurance and set up your daily essentials. And remember: you don’t have to do it alone.

Feather is here to simplify the process, support your legal requirements and help you feel at home in your new country.