Moving to the continent after Brexit is no longer just a matter of packing boxes and ordering a truck. The customs border, new immigration rules and different administrative systems make it worthwhile to plan ahead.
1. Check your residence status
Make sure at the outset what rules apply to your right of residence. If you are an EU citizen (for example, a Pole living in the UK), you still enjoy freedom of movement when you arrive in Germany, but you must register with the registration office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days of moving into your new home. Brits, on the other hand, need a visa or a German residence permit if they plan to stay longer than ninety days. Visa formalities are good to start about eight weeks before departure – the consulate often requires an employment contract or a letter of acceptance for studies.
2. Customs relief on the carriage of property
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, all property brought into the EU has to be officially declared. Fortunately, there is a so-called ‘relocation relief’ as part of the move. It covers furniture, household appliances, bicycles and even a car, as long as it has been used for at least six months and for private use. The condition for the relief is that the main centre of life is moved to Germany and that the items are imported within twelve months of the change of address. You will need a detailed list of your inventory: item name, estimated value and weight. You can make the declaration yourself at the border, but most removal companies will take care of the paperwork as part of the service – make sure this is clearly written into the quote.
3. Selection of the mode of transport for the move
The bus service from England via the Eurotunnel or the ferry remains the most popular: it’s the fastest method and the most convenient if you fill the whole vehicle. For smaller amounts of stuff, you can use the so-called ‘groupage’ service, which is the combining of several loads in one car; it’s cheaper, but takes about a week longer because the car waits until it has completed all the parcels. A sea container is rarely worthwhile – mainly for moves from Northern Ireland or the islands when all possessions exceed thirty cubic metres.
4. Which documents to prepare
First of all, you need a valid passport (it is good that it is still valid for at least six months), an inventory list for customs clearance, and evidence of your UK residence and future address in Germany (tenancy agreement, utility bill, letter from landlord). If you are taking a car, prepare a UK registration certificate (V5C) and arrange for a German technical inspection within the first six months after arrival. You will also need proof of health insurance (European GHIC or private policy) to register in Germany and, for non-EU nationals, a visa decision. Also take care of translations of diplomas or work certificates – they will make it easier to take up employment.
5. Framework schedule for preparation of removal
Twelve weeks before your planned departure date, start collecting quotes from transport companies and estimate cargo volume. Approximately ten weeks before – book a loading date and start sorting out your belongings (selling, giving away unwanted items). Eight weeks before departure, apply for a visa or arrange a visit to the Bürgeramt for registration. Six weeks beforehand, prepare a set of documents for customs relief, and if you are bringing a car, declare its import. Four weeks before you leave, terminate your UK contracts for utilities, internet or council tax; order your mail forwarding from the Royal Mail. In the last two weeks, pack your seasonal belongings, inform your bank and GP of your planned change of address and, one week before departure, complete packing and arrange the exact time of the team’s arrival.
6. The most common pitfalls when moving house
Lack of proof of residence is sometimes the most common reason for refusal of customs relief. So it is worth keeping receipts and contracts from both the UK and Germany. A second concern is an incomplete inventory list – make an inventory in a spreadsheet, add the approximate value and weight of each item; this speeds up check-in considerably. Another problem is not having valid health insurance when checking in – a GHIC card or private policy solves the issue. If you’re bringing pets, remember the Animal Health Certificate issued after the rabies vaccination; the certificate is valid for ten days for entry into the EU. Finally – leave closing your UK phone subscription to the last minute to avoid roaming outside the EU for several weeks.
7. First steps after the move
The registration must be completed within 14 days; the office will issue a certificate, which you will need for setting up a bank account and concluding contracts. The tax number (Steuer-ID) arrives by post a few days after registration – without it, your employer will not pay your salary. You also have to choose your health insurance (public or private) within the first month. If you have brought a car, you have six months to register it in Germany and obtain a professional TÜV inspection. Only with German plates can you change your UK licence to a German one – here the deadline is also six months.
Moving from England to Germany
A well-planned move from the UK to Germany avoids stress at the border and allows you to start life in a new country with tax, customs and logistics sorted out. Two elements are key: timing (start preparations about three months before departure) and complete documentation, especially the inventory list and proof of residence. Once you have taken care of these foundations, the journey itself will become just a final, albeit exciting, formality. Good luck in your new destination!
