Removals to Germany
Germany has always been a popular destination for ex-pats, not least because of its excellent standard of living. Its first-rate public infrastructure, high employment rates, world-class education and public healthcare systems, as well as its strong and sustainable economy all contribute to Germany’s outstanding living standards. These standards are partly the result of Germany’s relatively high tax rates, which subsidise Germany’s world-renowned public services. Along with the benefits of their public services, you can expect some of the highest wages of any European country in Germany. However, the cost of living varies depending on which part of the country you move to. As you might expect, big cities such as Berlin and Cologne have higher costs of living than Eastern Germany and more rural areas. However, in a recent survey of world cities by Mercer, not a single German city was featured in the top 50 when ranked by highest cost of living.
Weather in Germany
Generally, Germany’s climate is very similar to the UK’s. It is a temperate seasonal climate so expect mild cloudy winters and fairly warm summers. Germany’s average annual rainfall is, in fact, 2 inches less than that of the UK.
The warmest months are June, July and August, with an average temperature of 18°C. The coldest months are December, January and February, with an average temperature of -0.5°C. Germany experiences significant rainfall and the wettest months are May, June, July and August.
For British ex-pats hoping to gain longer and warmer summers, Germany won’t disappoint. The summer weather in Germany is usually very pleasant, with warm days and cool evenings. There can be occasional periods of hot weather, with temperatures even reaching into the high 30s, although these hot spells usually do not last very long.
You should also be aware that when it snows in Germany you are legally obliged to remove the snow and ice from the front of your property to prevent injuries to passers-by.
Speaking German
We advise any ex-pats moving to Germany to learn some basic German. Although many Germans do speak English, especially in cities, not everyone does. A rudimentary knowledge of German will be very useful when relocating.
German culture
One of the biggest differences between the UK and Germany is the different cultural norms and expectations around communication. In Germany, eye contact is considered important and interrupting someone while they are speaking is considered rude. Taking these things into account can help make communication smoother.
For those looking to delve into the art industry, Germany is a great destination.
German art is some of the best in Europe because of its rich history and wide range of influences. German art has been influenced by both native and foreign cultures, resulting in a unique and diverse body of work. Germany has produced some of the most influential artists in history, such as Albrecht Dürer and Hans Holbein, who have had a profound impact on the development of Western art. German art is also characterized by its strong tradition of Expressionism, which has produced some of the most powerful and emotive paintings and sculptures in the world. Overall, German art is defined by its quality, originality, and significance, making it one of the most important and revered art traditions in Europe.
From schnitzel to strudel, German cuisine has something for everyone. The country’s diverse landscape means that German chefs have access to a wide variety of fresh, local ingredients. German food is often hearty and filling, making it the perfect cuisine for a cold winter’s day.
And, of course, you can’t forget German beer. Germany is home to some of the world’s best beer, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a multi-course feast, German food is sure to please.
Work-life in Germany
Germans have a very strong work ethic and take their job responsibilities very seriously. This can be seen in the high quality of work that is produced and the low levels of absenteeism. Germans also tend to be very punctual, both in terms of arriving to work on time and completing tasks within deadlines. This efficiency means that work life in Germany is generally quite productive. However, it can also be quite demanding, as workers are expected to put in long hours and there is little flexibility in the workplace.
Salaries in Germany are generally high when compared to other countries. This is especially true for skilled workers in industries such as engineering and manufacturing. For example, a skilled engineer in Germany can expect to earn an annual salary of around €50,000. This is significantly higher than the average salary in other countries.
German schools
Those interested in removals to Germany with their family may be concerned about the quality of education abroad.
Fortunately, Germany is known for its high-quality education system, which is why its schools are some of the best in Europe. The German education system is based on the premise that all children have the right to a high-quality education, no matter their socio-economic background.
The German government invests heavily in education, ensuring that all schools have the resources they need to provide a great education to their students. In addition, German teachers are highly qualified and experienced, which further contributes to the high quality of education in the country.
Finally, the German education system places a strong emphasis on practical learning, so that students can immediately apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach helps students to better retain information and develop important skills that they will use throughout their lives.
Moving to Germany after Brexit
Although you will not currently need a visa to visit Germany for less than 90 days, if you intend to stay for more than 90 days or are planning a relocation to Germany and you do not also hold an EU citizenship, you will need a visa or Residence Permit.
You can either: apply for a visa before you travel or enter Germany without a visa and apply when you arrive for a residence permit from your local Foreigners Authority (Auslaenderbehoerde in German).
There are many options available for UK citizens relocating from the UK to Germany:
- The EU Blue Card is a work visa that only highly skilled individuals can apply for; to attain this, you must have a job offer in Germany for the EU Blue Card, and your job must meet the minimum salary requirements in Germany, which currently is at €56,400.
- The Intra-Corporate Transfer Visa, which you may qualify for if your employer requires you to emigrate to Germany for work, a non-permanent visa valid for one to three years. If you want to stay longer, you will need to look into other permanent employment visas.
- The General Employment Visa, you need to have an employer in Germany who will sponsor you for the permit. After this, you can proceed with the application process, receive a D-type visa and enter Germany.
For movers to Germany looking to join a family member, you may be able to apply for a family reunification visa. This may be possible if:
- Your spouse or registered civil partner is German.
- Your partner who lives and works in Germany is from the EU/EEA.
- Your third-country national (a non-EU citizen) partner holds a permanent residence in Germany or an EU Blue Card.
You might also choose to study in Germany. As a UK citizen, you can travel to Germany and apply for a student visa either when in Germany or from the UK. Your student visa will be valid for a year or longer, depending on how long your studies take. However, you must be accepted to a German university or course in order to be eligible for a student visa. If you have not yet applied for a university or chosen your German course, you will receive a 9-month visa, which will be valid until you enroll in a valid German program. Please note that if you move to Germany from the UK for study purposes, you will only be allowed to stay for the duration of your course.
If you’re looking to move from the UK to Germany, or indeed are looking for removals from Germany to the UK, Matthew James Removals can help you make that process easy. Relocating can be stressful, but with our decades of experience, we can take that stress off your shoulders, making your move much more manageable.
Contact us today for a quote.
