Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany

If you are planning on moving to Germany, whether to Berlin, Hamburg or Cologne, Britannia Movers International has the expertise and the local knowledge to tailor the move to your specific needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to Germany Household goods that you have owned for more than 6 months can be imported duty free to Germany. Germany is a full member of the EU, so you do not need a visa to enter the country.  You will have to provide a copy of your passport and an inventory. Britannia will advise you of all requirements before your move.
	Prohibitions and Restrictions In general it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & Tobacco
	Transit Times Transit times can vary subject to the method of transport chosen, size of your consignment and the final destination. Britannia will advise you once this information is established.
	Bar Coding All Groupage consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Domestic Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Importing Motor Vehicles to Germany Importation of motor vehicles to Germany will be subject to compliance,and it is probable that duty and tax will apply.
	Currencies Direct When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from Currencies Direct expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. Currencies Direct can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. Currencies Direct offers : International payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info on Currencies Direct website.

Moving to Germany With Britannia

• Your Move to Germany With Britannia – Britannia’s dedicated network of removers will assist you with moving to Germany. We also provide computer tracking and bar coding for groupage consignments, to ensure a safe and reliable removal service. Your household effects can be transported to Germany in various ways: by removal vans, sea containers or by air.
   
• Packing & Delivery – Our trained packers can pack and wrap all your items to ensure that they are transported safely. If you choose a full door to door service, Britannia will deliver the goods to your new home. We can then unwrap your furniture and unpack your moving boxes onto a flat surface, and all used packing materials will be removed from the site.
   
• Additional Removal Services – Britannia can provide a variety of additional services when moving to Germany. We are authorised to provide a comprehensive insurance, can arrange international storage prior to delivery, recommend a convenient way to transfer your money, and can also take care of your pet transport.

If you are interested in moving to Germany, get an online removal quote, and read more about our European removals.

Living in Germany

Whether you are looking for more economic opportunities, want to live in one of the cultural centres of Europe or in a small, relaxed city, moving to Germany would definitely be the right choice. The country has always been a popular expat destination, and can not only boast a strong economy, but a rich cultural and historical heritage. Germany is a multicultural and heterogeneous country, with the third largest number of international migrants in the world, where you will certainly be able to find a lifestyle that suits you, and where you'll enjoy a modern infrastructure and a high quality of life.

Germany is located in Western and Central Europe, bordered by Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland among other countries. It is a federal parliamentary republic comprising sixteen states. Germany is a major economic and political power, with the world's fourth largest economy, and offers a very high standard of living with an extensive social security system. The country has diverse landscapes, a progressive environmental policy, an excellent public education system and universal health care.

While immigration regulations can be stringent, especially for non-EU citizens, and some people may prefer a sunnier climate and a more relaxed pace of life in the Mediterranean, Germany can truly offer a lot. Berlin is actually one of the most culturally exciting cities in Europe, where you can live a genuinely relaxed life, and Germany, due to its location in the centre of Europe, offers unparalleled diversity and a wide range of opportunities.

Interesting Facts About Germany

• Germany is the second most populous, and one of the most densely populated countries in Europe with a population of 81 million.
• Over 18.5% of people living in Germany are of non-German descent.
• Germany is the world's largest exporter of goods.
• Germany is the homeland of numerous scientists, theorists, and artists, including Albert Einstein, Max Plank, Kant, Nietzsche and Goethe.
• The tallest church in the world, the Ulm Cathedral is located in Germany.

Moving to and Living in Germany

• EU citizens do not need a visa to move to Germany. To work in Germany and to stay longer, you will need a residency and might need a work permit as well.
   
• If you are moving to Germany with your children, you should also research the education system. Education policies are usually decided locally in each individual state, so this will depend on where you are moving.
   
• Living and housing costs in Germany are lower than in the UK, however, this will also depend on where you are moving.
   
• After the economic recession, unemployment levels in Germany are rather high. However, the country still has a large and diverse economy, and there are a wide range of employment opportunities, especially in sectors such as IT, science or engineering.

Moving to Germany brochure