Guidance

Living in Germany

Information about moving to, living or retiring in Germany – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
17 May 2013
Last updated
22 October 2025 — See all updates

Getting help with living in Germany

Help from the German government 

For any questions about moving to or living in Germany, you may be able to get help from the:  

You can also read the German government’s guidance on working, studying and living in Germany.  

The UK government and the British Embassy in Berlin cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Germany.

Professional help in Germany 

You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Germany, including:  

  • lawyers 

  • translators 

  • notaries  

  • funeral directors

Help from the UK government  

Read the travel advice for Germany to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Germany. This includes the latest information on:  

  • visas and entry requirements  

  • laws and cultural differences 

  • safety and security 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.  

Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.

Visas, residency and citizenship 

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Germany before you travel.  

Visas and residence permits  

Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Germany.  

You can get a visa or residence permit to:  

  • study 

  • work 

  • live with family in Germany 

  • volunteer 

  • do research 

For more information: 

Registering as a resident 

Once you arrive, you must register your residence in Germany (‘Anmeldung’) within 14 days. You can do this at the local registration office (‘Bürgeramt’) in your state. 

If you did not apply for a visa or residence permit before leaving the UK, you’ll also need to make an appointment at your local Foreigners’ Authority (‘Ausländerbehörde’) within 90 days of arriving.  

If you move home in Germany, you must also register your new address within 14 days (‘Ummeldung’). 

If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency, contact:  

Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit  

Visit the Federal Portal or contact your local Foreigners’ Authority (‘Ausländerbehörde’) for information on how to:  

  • extend your visa or residency permit 

  • replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residency permit  

Permanent residency  

You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Germany.  

To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the German government’s guidance on settling in Germany.  

Citizenship  

Germany recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a German citizen.  

To find out if you’re eligible for German citizenship, read the German government’s guidance on requirements for naturalisation.  

If you got German citizenship before 1 January 2021, you’ll need to show your German naturalisation certificate as evidence for future benefit claims in the UK. Read our guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EEA and Switzerland for more information. 

Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications 

The British Embassy in Berlin cannot help with German visa, residency or citizenship applications.  

For any questions or issues, contact the:  

Residency if you moved to Germany before 1 January 2021 

If you moved to Germany before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.  

Residency documents if you moved to Germany before 1 January 2021  

If you were resident in Germany before 1 January 2021, make sure you have the UK residence document (‘Aufenthaltsdokument-GB’). The Aufenthaltsdokument-GB shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.  

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), you’ll need an Aufenthaltsdokument-GB when entering or leaving Germany. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Germany or other Schengen countries.  

If you do not have a residence document 

If you were living in Germany before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence document, you must register for residency. You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time. 

If your application is successful, you’ll get a biometric residence document called an Aufenthaltsdokument-GB.  

If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Germany. 

For more information on how to apply or appeal:  

Renewing your residency document if you moved to Germany before 1 January 2021  

You’ll need to renew your residency document every 5 or 10 years.  

Contact your local Foreigners’ Authority (‘Ausländerbehörde’) for information on how to renew your residency document.  

Bringing family members to Germany if you moved there before 1 January 2021 

The German government’s information for UK nationals and their family members explains:  

  • which family members can join you in Germany  

  • how and when they should apply for their residence document

Passports and travel  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:  

  • apply for a British passport from abroad 

  • travel urgently without your British passport 

Always carry your passport and residence document when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.  

If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Germany using your EU or EFTA passport. 

European Entry/Exit System (EES) 

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.    

British nationals legally resident in Germany, and who have a valid biometric residence document, do not need to register with the EES. This includes British nationals who have an Aufenthaltsdokument-GB, or another residence permit or long-term visa.  

If you’re living in Germany, but do not have a valid biometric residence permit or long-term visa, contact your local Foreigners’ Authority (‘Ausländerbehörde’) for information on how to get one.

For more information about how the EES works, read:  

Healthcare in Germany 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:  

  • plan your healthcare 

  • take medicine abroad 

Health insurance is compulsory for residents in Germany. You must join a German health insurer (‘Krankenkasse’). You can often do this through your employer. 

You can choose your health insurer (in German). In some cases, you can choose private health insurance instead of the standard statutory health insurance.  

To find out how to get medical treatment, read guidance on: 

Working in Germany 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government. 

To work in Germany, you need a work visa or residence permit. Our guidance on travelling to Germany for work explains the different work visas and permits available to you. You can also read the visa information from the German Missions in the United Kingdom.  

You do not need a work visa or permit if you have been living in Germany legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.  

As a British national, you can enter Germany as a jobseeker without a work permit. However, you cannot start working until you have a work permit.  

To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:  

If you live in Germany and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers. 

Recognition of qualifications 

If you want to work in Germany, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.

Driving in Germany 

Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad. This covers how to:  

  • drive abroad legally 

  • take your UK vehicle abroad  

  • get driving licence letters 

Local driving authorities (‘Fahrerlaubnisbehörde’) provide information on driving in Germany.  

For more information read guidance on:  

Driving in Germany using a foreign driving licence  

You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months using a driving licence issued in:  

  • the UK 

  • Gibraltar 

  • Jersey 

  • Guernsey 

  • the Isle of Man 

You cannot renew or replace any of these licences if you live in Germany.  

Exchanging a UK, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or Gibraltar licence  

To continue driving after 6 months, you must exchange your driving licence. Contact your local driving authority (‘Fahrerlaubnisbehörde’) to find out how to do this. 

You may need to:  

  • take an eye test  

  • present a medical certificate  

You should apply for the exchange before the 6 months is over. Applications may take time to process, and you’ll need your German licence to drive legally.  

Disabled drivers 

You may be able to apply for a German disabled parking card or an EU parking card for people with disabilities. Contact your local driving authority (‘Fahrerlaubnisbehörde’) to find out how to do this.  

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Germany, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

Tax  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.  

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Germany so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. 

You will get an income tax ID number (‘Steueridentifikationsnummer’) by post after you register your address at your local registration office. Your employer will need this number. You may also need to give it to your local tax office (‘Finanzamt’).  

Contact your local tax office (in German) for any questions about double taxation relief. 

Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Germany (in German). To do this:  

Declaring your assets 

You must:  

  • declare all assets you hold outside Germany 

  • file an annual declaration of assets, alongside your annual tax return 

You face severe penalties if you do not do this. Contact a tax adviser in Germany for more information.  

National Insurance  

Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.

Pensions 

Claiming your UK pension 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:  

  • how to claim your UK State Pension 

  • where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension 

Your UK State Pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.  

Claiming a German pension 

Contact German Pension Insurance (‘Deutsche Rentenversicherung’) to find out whether you can claim a German pension.  

You can also read the German government’s guide to social security in Germany.

Benefits  

Claiming UK benefits  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.    

You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland. 

Claiming German benefits  

You may be entitled to some German benefits.  

To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:  

Buying and renting property in Germany 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.    

Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Germany if you’re considering buying property or land.

Voting in Germany 

UK elections 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:  

  • vote in UK elections from abroad 

  • register as an overseas voter 

German elections  

You cannot vote in German elections unless you hold German or EU citizenship. Read guidance on foreign nationals’ right to vote and stand in German elections.  

You also cannot vote in European Parliamentary elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.

Studying  

If you plan to study in Germany, you must apply for a student visa or residence permit.  

You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Germany legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.  

For more information, read guidance on:  

You can also contact:  

Children 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:  

  • getting permission to take your child abroad  

  • claiming UK Child Benefit abroad 

  • child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad 

You can also read the German government’s guidance on financial support for families.  

Schools and education 

The European Commission provides information about the school system in Germany.  

Each German state sets its own compulsory school age. However, in general, all children aged 6 to 18 must attend school in Germany.  

For more information, read the German government’s guidance on:  

Childcare  

The federal states are responsible for state nurseries and preschools in Germany. 

For more information, read the German government’s guidance on childcare in Germany.

Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships 

Births  

If your child is born Germany, register the birth with the German authorities. Read the German government’s guidance on what to do after a baby is born in Germany.    

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:  

  • register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate  

  • apply for your child’s first British passport  

Deaths  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:  

  • what to do after someone dies abroad 

  • how to register the death with the UK authorities 

If someone dies in Germany, read guidance on: 

Marriages and civil partnerships  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.   

The German government provides information on marriage in Germany and rules and recognition of marriage. 

Divorce and separation 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.     

The European e-justice portal offers guidance on divorce and legal separation in Germany.  

Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Germany.

Documents for British people in Germany 

Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:   

  • legalising and certifying UK documents  

  • marriage and civil partnership documents 

  • affirmations and affidavits  

  • witnessing signatures 

Lawyers, translators and notaries  

To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Germany, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad. 

Pets 

If you want to bring your pet with you to Germany, read guidance on:  

Returning to the UK  

Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services. 

If the NHS funds your healthcare in Germany through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.    

If you get a German pension, contact the pension services in Germany (in German). 

You must also: 

  • de-register (‘Abmeldung’) with your local registration office (‘Einwohnermeldeamt’) 

  • tell your health insurance provider 

  • tell local service providers 

  • tell your bank 

Disclaimer  

We provide this information as a guide only.  For definitive information, contact the German authorities.  

Read our consular information disclaimer.

Updates to this page

Published 17 May 2013
Last updated 22 October 2025 show all updates

  1. Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand.

  2. Information on the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)for British nationals who were living in Germany before 1 January 2021 updated: Importance of obtaining an 'Aufenthaltsdokument-GB'.

  3. Routine review – page is up-to-date

  4. Important information in the Working in Germany, and National insurance sections if you work in Germany, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.

  5. Guide reviewed and updated with new information, including in the sections on visas and residency, national insurance, driving, pets, births and emergencies.

  6. Visas and residency section updated: If you need support with your residency application, contact the relevant UK Nationals Support Fund organisation before 30 September 2021.

  7. If you have been living in Germany since before 1 January 2021, check if your UK driving licence is still valid to use.

  8. Guidance reviewed for people who are moving or moved to Germany after 1 January 2021. It also includes sub-sections relevant to UK nationals living in Germany since before 1 January 2021, who should request a residence document ‘Aufenthaltsdokument-GB’ as evidence of their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

  9. Moving to Germany updated with link for the Foreigner Authorities, Travel section updated with video on travel abroad; Driving in Germany updated with Blue Badge information

  10. Visas and residency section has new guidance for visits over 90 days or working; healthcare section updated on the S1 form, EHIC and GHIC cards; working in Germany section updated with new link; education section updated on funding eligibility, and new link to guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.

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

  12. Updated with latest information on driving licence exchange

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

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

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

  16. 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.

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

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

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

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

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

  23. 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

  24. 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

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

  26. 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

  27. 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

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

  29. 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

  30. 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".

  31. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  40. 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.

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

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

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

  44. 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.

  45. 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

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

  47. Updated January 2017

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

  49. instructions for witnessing UK state pension life certificates updated

  50. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Contents

Related content