Guidance

Useful information from the British Embassy in Berlin

Updated 2 November 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/frequently-asked-questions-haufige-fragen/useful-information-from-the-british-embassy-in-berlin

We have compiled this information to the best of our knowledge. The British Embassy in Berlin cannot be held legally liable for errors or subsequent alterations. The British Embassy is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Autographs and congratulatory messages

Members of the Royal Family and the Prime Minister do not provide autographs or congratulatory messages upon request. They only provide these on special occasions to people known to them or in recognition of acts of public service.

The British Ambassador to Germany also does not provide personalised congratulatory messages for weddings or other private celebrations.

Asylum

If you want to stay in the UK as a refugee, view information on claiming asylum in the UK. The British Embassy and consulates are not involved in the asylum process and cannot answer asylum enquiries. Find out where to get advice from help you can get for asylum.

British companies in Germany

The British Embassy and Consulates do not publish a list of British companies in Germany. The British Chamber of Commerce in Germany has a database of members for research purposes.

Citizenship and naturalisation

If you have a question about British citizenship, view the citizenship guidance, including on:

The British Embassy and consulates in Germany do not have a nationality or citizenship department. You can contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for help.

If you have any questions about German citizenship, contact the German authorities (eg ‘Stadt-‘ or ‘Kreisverwaltung’, ‘Bezirksamt’ or ‘Ausländerbehörde’) to find your nearest ‘Einbürgerungsbehörde’.

Class or school trips

German school children can visit the UK as tourists or on a school trip without a visa for up to 6 months. They must have a passport. View further information about the activities that they are permitted to carry out without a visa during their stay.

School children of non-German nationalities should check if they need a visa to visit the United Kingdom. Schengen visas and residence permits for Schengen countries are not valid for visa-free entry to the UK. If the school child travels on a travel document for foreign nationals (for example, a travel document for refugees or stateless persons) issued by the German authorities, they should apply for a UK visa.

Find information about average decision times for visa applications, and information on possibilities to get a visa decision faster. For a class or school trip, anyone who needs a visa should apply for a standard visitor visa.

As part of the application, the applicant will be directed to the TLScontact website, the commercial partner of UKVI. This will include scheduling an appointment to submit biometrics and supporting documents at one the visa application centres in Dusseldorf, Berlin or Munich.

Find information about appointments for minor applicants at https://pos.tlscontact.com/ber_en/how-to-apply.

Video: the visa application process. 

If a school child needs a visa, make sure that they:

  • apply in advance of the planned visit. You can submit applications up to 3 months before travelling, so you should apply as far in advance as possible of the planned visit to the UK

  • provide all necessary [supporting evidence]:(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-uk)

    • provide as many official documents as possible with their application. These may include information their school has shared about the trip, planned activities and confirmation from the school that the child is a pupil there. These documents should be in English

    • provide documents that demonstrate clearly that sufficient funds are available to support the child financially during the trip. If German authorities take responsibility for some or all costs, they should provide evidence of this

    • attach a copy of their residence permit

    • provide written parental or guardian consent for the class trip

Complete the application carefully, and take care to:

  • give the address of a host family (if the child is staying with one) if asked for in the visa application. If they do not have this information when they are applying, they should provide the host school’s address and the name of the headteacher as a main contact. However, whether a visa will be granted in this case is at the discretion of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) case officer processing the application

  • include the personal and contact details of up to 2 responsible accompanying adults (PDF, 32 KB) as the point(s) of contact while the child is in the UK. When asked if the pupil is travelling unaccompanied, they should answer ‘no’

You should submit any questions about visa application to UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI). The British Embassy and Consulates are not involved in the visa application process. Whether a visa will be granted is at the discretion of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) case officer processing the application.

Criminal record checks

For information on applying for a German ‘Führungszeugnis’ from the UK, view the German embassy website on police clearance certificates or the German government’s guidance on applying for a certificate of conduct (for use abroad).

To apply for a German ’Führungszeugnis’ in Germany, contact your local ‘Bürgeramt’ to make an application.

Only a UK employer can request a UK criminal records check (Disclosure Barring Service, DBS).

If you live abroad, you can request a copy of your UK police records. Find out more about how to make a request and what the disclosure will show, including costs and turnaround times, in the guidance on police certificates.

See also notarial services for Germany for more information on obtaining certified, translated or legalised copies of these documents.

Culture, sponsoring arts and charitable events and the newsletter

The British Embassy and consulates work closely with British Council Germany to promote and support British cultural activity in Germany.

You can follow the Embassy on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, the British Council on Twitter. You can also sign up for the British Council’s newsletter.

The British Embassy and consulates cannot provide funding for the arts or charitable causes, as we do not have a budget for this purpose. The British Council provides information on arts funding opportunities in Germany.

Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) helps businesses export, supports inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade deals, and champions free trade. In Germany, DBT helps UK companies succeed in the local market, and German companies set up and invest in the UK. It offers expertise and contacts through an extensive network of specialists in the UK, and staff in the British Embassy in Berlin and consulates located in Düsseldorf and Munich.

Find out more and make contact: UK business and trade in Germany.

Driving licences, road traffic regulations, and vehicles

Only United Kingdom residents can apply for or renew a UK licence. Find out more from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. British nationals living in Germany must exchange their UK licence for a German licence at their local ‘Fahrerlaubnisbehörde’ within 6 months of moving to Germany. Contact the ‘Fahrerlaubnisbehörde’ for details.

For information on importing vehicles and driving in Germany, view the Living in Germany guidance on driving.

For regulations on HGV driving bans in Germany, view the section 30 of the German traffic regulations (PDF, 4.7 MB).

Doctors

View a list of English-speaking medical practitioners and facilities in Germany. Note our disclaimer on the list.

Entry requirements to the UK for German nationals

German nationals will need a passport to enter the UK. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your journey.

Short-term visits

View the information on entry requirements to the UK for German nationals.

All travellers should consult the travel advice provided by their government. In Germany, the Foreign Ministry ‘Auswärtiges Amt’ provides travel advice about the UK (in German).

German nationals can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa, for tourism, visiting family and friends, short-term study and business-related activities. For information about the activities short-term visitors may undertake, view the UK immigration rules on permitted activities.

If you are unsure, check if you need a visa to enter the UK.

As part of your visa application, you may need to make an appointment online to visit one of UKVI’s visa application centres in Dusseldorf, Berlin or Munich. UKVI’s commercial partner, TLScontact, manage these centres. To register for TLScontact’s services, visit TLScontact UK in Germany.

For information on valid visas in expired passports, view guidance on transferring your visa from your passport or replacing your visa.

For tourist information in German and other languages, view the British tourist office website Visit Britain.

If you have any questions about a visa application, check the UKVI website. If you are still unsure, contact UKVI by telephone or email. The British Embassy cannot give detailed advice on individual visa questions.

Entering the UK for business purposes

German nationals can visit the UK without applying for a visa and, in most cases, stay for up to 6 months. For information about the activities short-term visitors are permitted to undertake, view the UK immigration rules on permitted activities. This has sections that cover general business activities, intra-corporate activities, and the manufacture and supply or lease of goods in the UK.

If you are planning to work in the UK temporarily, for instance as a contract service supplier, view guidance on the International Agreement (temporary worker) visa. You can also view information on the Senior or Specialist Worker (intracompany transfer) visa.

If you are planning a longer-term stay for work purposes, view information on the Skilled Worker visa.

Arts Infopoint UK has published visa information for the creative sector.

If you are unsure, check if you need a visa to enter the UK.

For further information about the UK’s immigration system, consult guidance on the new immigration system.

Find out more about biometric residency permit (BRP) visas including how to replace them. The British Embassy and consulates cannot assist with lost visas.

For information on valid visas in expired passports, view guidance on transferring your visa from your passport or replacing your visa.

If you have any questions about a visa application, check the UKVI website.  If you are still unsure, contact UKVI by telephone or email. The British Embassy cannot give detailed advice on individual visa questions.

Studying and attending school in the UK

German nationals who wish to study in the UK at an accredited institution for up to 6 months do not need to apply for a visa. They can enter the UK as a visitor, and they must complete their studies and leave the UK within 6 months. Those wishing to study for more than 6 months need to apply for a student visa.

The UK government provides guidance on UK points-based immigration for EU students for EU citizens who wish to study in the UK. The British Council offers information about studying in the UK.

Find out more about biometric residency permit (BRP) visas including how to replace them. The British Embassy and consulates cannot assist with lost visas.

For information on valid visas in expired passports, view guidance on transferring your visa from your passport or replacing your visa.

If you have any questions about a visa application, check the UKVI website.  If you are still unsure, contact UKVI by telephone or email. The British Embassy cannot give detailed advice on individual visa questions.

Internships in the UK

Under the UK Visitor Rules, German nationals may not undertake an internship or work placement, unless it is an expressly permitted activity as listed in the immigration rules on permitted activities. Normally a visa will be required.

The Government Authorised Exchange Visa (Temporary Work) would normally be the relevant visa route for this kind of activity. However this will not offer a general route for internships across all sectors and institutions. View immigration rules on authorised exchange schemes to find out which programmes qualify.

Individual organisations in the UK can apply for a certificate of sponsorship via the government-approved GTI or AIESEC internship schemes. As their websites set out, interns would need to hold or be studying towards a degree and be paid at least the UK national minimum wage for their work.

If you think you qualify for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa (Temporary work), check if you need a UK visa to start the application process.

If you have any questions about a visa application, contact UKVI. The British Embassy does not deal with visas and cannot offer further advice.

Entry requirements to the UK for other (third country) nationals

Check if you need a visa to enter the UK. You can find further guidance on all visas which you may need to apply for.

Schengen visas or residence permits do not entitle you to visa-free entry to the UK.

If you travel on a travel document for foreign nationals (for example, a travel document for refugees or stateless persons) issued by the German authorities, you should apply for a UK visa.

As part of your visa application, you will be directed to the TLScontact website, the commercial partner of UKVI, to arrange an appointment to submit your biometrics and supporting documents with one of the application centres in Dusseldorf, Berlin or Munich.

Video: the visa application process.

Find out more about biometric residency permit (BRP) visas including how to replace them. The British Embassy and consulates cannot assist with lost visas.

For information on valid visas in expired passports, view guidance on transferring your visa from your passport or replacing your visa.

If you have any questions about a visa application, check the UKVI website.  If you are still unsure, contact UKVI by telephone or email. The British Embassy cannot give advice on visa questions.

Exams in Germany

You cannot sit UK school or university exams at the British Embassy or consulates, nor with the British Council in Germany. As far as the British Council are aware, there is only one organisation in Germany where it is possible to sign up for professional or university exams as a private candidate:

Examinations International, Ms Elfie Konrad
Sudermanstrasse 7-9
50670 Köln
Germany

Tel: +49 (0)221 122405

Fax +49 (0)221 2005265

E-mail: info@examinations.de

Contact Examinations International

The Cambridge Institute in Munich also offers university exams.

A levels:

Check the examination boards’ websites to find your nearest exam centre:

or contact the examination boards directly for further information.

English-language exams in Germany:

Fraud and scams

The British Embassy cannot investigate fraud claims or check identity documents for validity. To report suspected fraud, contact Action Fraud.

If you want to report that a British national needs assistance outside Germany, contact the local British embassy, as only they will be able to give consular assistance.

If someone is living illegally in the UK, you can report an immigration or border crime.

Freedom of information (FOI) requests

You can make a freedom of information request.

To find an English-speaking lawyer in Germany, view our list of lawyers. You can also find advice on finding notaries public, eg for certifying documents.

The British Embassy and consulates do not have a legal department and our consular staff have no legal training, so cannot give legal advice.

Minors (children under the age of 18) travelling to the UK

View guidance about travelling to the UK with children.

At the border, you may be asked to prove the relationship between yourself and any children travelling with you if you do not seem to be the parent, for example if you have a different surname.

You can prove this with:

  • a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child

  • divorce or marriage certificates if you’re the parent but have a different surname from the child

  • a letter from the child’s parent giving permission for the child to travel with you and providing contact details, if you’re not the parent

For information on children travelling to Germany, contact the German embassy in London (+44 207 824 1300).

Name change

View information on changing your name by deed poll.

You can also find information on name changes that do not match official documents.

Find out more about English name law in our notarial and documentary services guidance.

Passports (including authenticity)

His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) in the UK deals with passport renewals and applications. The British Embassy and consulates do not have passport departments, and cannot send application forms or answer passport enquiries. For information on how to apply for your first passport or renew an existing passport, view overseas passports.

For passport enquiries, contact HMPO:

Or by post:

His Majesty's Passport Office
Globe House
89 Eccleston Square
London
SW1V 1PN
UK

If you cannot get a new or replacement passport in time to travel, the British Embassy and consulates may be able to provide an emergency travel document (ETD). This enables British nationals abroad whose passport is lost, stolen or otherwise unavailable to make a single or return journey to the UK or another country of residence, via a maximum of 5 transit countries. You can apply for an emergency travel document.

Call your nearest consulate for advice before applying for an emergency travel document if:

  • you have never applied for a British passport before

  • you are applying on behalf of a child

An emergency travel document does not guarantee entry to every country. Read what an emergency travel document does.

The British Embassy and consulates cannot verify identities or passports. You can contact your local police in the UK.

View examples of British passports.

Pensions

If you now live and have been working in Germany, but have previously made National Insurance Contributions (state pension contributions) in the UK, you only need to contact the German pension authority (DRV) when you are about to retire. DRV will include your UK contributions as part of their calculations, and you will receive a UK state pension in addition to a German statutory pension. You do not need to apply for a UK state pension separately.

For more information, view the German government pension service information about Brexit (in German).

For further details about the application process, view the German government pension service forms page (in German).

If you now live in the UK and are retiring there but have previously worked in Germany, you do not need to contact the German authorities. Simply note that you have made contributions to the German statutory pension scheme when you apply for your UK state pension. You will then receive a separate German statutory pension, without needing to apply for it separately.

Find out more about getting a state pension. You can also view general information on your UK State Pension if you live abroad. To get advice or further information about British pensions and benefits if you live abroad or have lived in the UK, contact the international Pension Centre. There is also advice on pensions for British nationals who are resident in Germany on the Money and Pensions Service website provided by the UK government.

Pet travel, and banned dog breeds

For pet travel information and contact details, view bringing pets to the UK. Be aware of the rules around banned dogs.

Public transport fines

If you have received a public transport fine in Germany, and need help translating correspondence, use the Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators website.

If you receive correspondence from a lawyer claiming to act on behalf of a German transport company, check the German law society’s database of registered lawyers. Make sure they are legitimate.

If you need assistance from the transport company or have a complaint about the company, contact them directly. The main rail company is ‘Deutsche Bahn’ and contact details are:

DB Vertrieb GmbH
Fahrpreisnacherhebung
76518 Baden-Baden
Germany

Telephone +49 (0)7221 9235-1000

Contact form: ‘DB Fahrpreisnacherhebung’ (in German)

Contact details for individual transport providers for the bus, underground and light rail networks within cities are on their websites, if they are not provided on correspondence.

Research requests

The British Embassy and consulates do not have the capacity to accommodate research requests for academic or private purposes. We can send enquiries about the Embassy or consulates in Germany to a historical society. The Embassy does not host an archive or library, or hold historical documents. We do not have contacts in the academic field or in government to put researchers in touch with. You may find these websites useful:

Registering with the Embassy and consulates

We recommend UK nationals in Germany follow us on Facebook or on Twitter, and register for email alerts for UK Travel Advice about Germany.

Royal family

To contact members of the Royal Family, view contact information on the Royal Family’s website.

School exchanges

To organise a school exchange with a German school, view the UK German Connection website or British Council information on partnering with a school.

Schools in Germany

For information on the school system in Germany, view UK German Connection information about the German school system and Make it in Germany information on the school system.

The Association of German International Schools (AGIS) has a list of International schools in Germany. You may also find expat forums a useful source of advice on choosing an English-speaking school, such as the Expatica website information on children’s education.

Vacancies and internships at the embassy and consulates

We advertise all vacancies and internships for the British Embassy in Berlin and consulates in Munich and Düsseldorf on our recruitment webpage, and our Twitter channel @UKinGermany.

Follow the online application process as provided on the website. We do not accept speculative applications, or keep applications on file.

Internships are open to university students who are doing compulsory internships as part of their course of study.

Visas

Check if you need a visa to enter the UK. You will then find further guidance on any visa for which you may need to apply.

View Entry Requirements to the UK for further information.

Visiting Germany

If you are a British national visiting Germany, view our travel advice for up-to-date information including entry requirements and passport validity.

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