Living in Germany has many advantages.
You get the chance to live in a clean and well-ordered country as well as a country that has an abundance of leisure and cultural activities throughout the year.
You benefit from the tidy parks, clean streets, and strict bureaucracy. But the latter may not be a benefit most of the time. This is why you need to make some adjustments if you are an expat in Germany. This is especially true if you come from a country that has less bureaucracy. This article provides information on living in Germany as an expat.
German Culture
In fact, Germany can be quite an uncomplicated country, depending on how you look at things. If you are looking for a country where things are done on time, in the way you requested, and in an orderly fashion, Germany is just the right country for you. You need not be a serious guy or gal just because you decide to live in Germany. In fact, the Germans are a great fun-loving people. There are plenty of cultural festivals and holiday events in Germany throughout the year.
Depending on which part you live in the country, you will have access to these fun events throughout the year. If literature and art are you favourite subjects, you have a lot to take from Germany. It is home to some of the famous composers like van Beethoven, Wagner, and Bach. There were also literary geniuses like Mann family, Brecht, and Goethe, who are native to Germany.
Everyday life in Germany can be quite a different experience at times. Expats may face restrictions on neighbourhood regulation they may not be that much familiar. For instance, in small towns in Germany, you may find restrictions as no loud music is allowed between 12 – 3 p.m in the afternoon.
You may find that no vacuuming could be done on Sundays in such towns. Saturdays are mostly reserved for garden work. This is why life in Germany is cleaner and more efficient than most other countries. But the small towns can be more strict in applying sanitary rules than large cities.
Housing Market
Finding accommodation can be a bit of a problem if you are not familiar with the German language. You may need to get the help of a real estate agent under such circumstances. Rental agreements are difficult to understand at times. You may find hidden costs most of the time. Real estate agents request two months rent as payment for offering their services.
Most expats live in rental apartments in Germany. Furnished apartments are hard to find in Germany. Cities like Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt are quite expensive to live. Other cities offer a choice of very reasonable apartments. The average apartment price in Berlin is €2,785 per square meter. In Hanover, it is €1,773, and Hamburg’s average price is €3,247. Frankfurt’s average price is €2,647.
The aforementioned article provides information on living in Germany as an expat.
So if you are looking for removals to Germany and need a company that you can trust fill out our quote form for a completive price or give us a call on 01865 366 349.
Shipping Your Belongings from the UK to Germany
Road freight from Milton Keynes to major German cities typically takes 3–5 days. We use established European road freight partners with regular UK–Germany departures. Since Brexit, all shipments require a customs declaration in both the UK and Germany — Ark Relocation prepares all documentation as part of the service, including the inventory in both English and German where required.
What to Do on Arrival in Germany
Within 14 days of moving into a permanent address, you must register at the local residentsu2019 registration office (Bu00fcrgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt). This registration (Anmeldung) is required to open a bank account, access healthcare, and pay taxes. You will also need to register your vehicle with German plates within 12 months. For UK driving licence exchange to a German Fu00fchrerschein, check current requirements with the relevant state authority (Strau00dfenverkehrsamt) as post-Brexit rules have evolved.
For related expat guides, see moving to Switzerland, moving to Europe after Brexit, and our guide to choosing an international removal company. Get a free international removals quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK nationals need a visa to live in Germany?
Yes. Since Brexit, UK nationals require a residence permit. The Fiktionsbescheinigung is issued as a bridging document while a formal permit is processed. Options include employment visas, freelancer visas (Niederlassungserlaubnis), and job seeker visas.
How do I register when I arrive in Germany?
You must register (anmelden) at the local residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt) within 14 days of moving into a permanent address. Registration is required for opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and paying taxes.
How long does shipping from the UK to Germany take?
Road freight from Milton Keynes to major German cities (Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg) typically takes 3—5 days. All shipments require customs declarations post-Brexit.
Can Ark Relocation ship my belongings to Germany?
Yes. Germany is one of our most regular European destinations. We handle all customs paperwork and can deliver to any address in Germany. Contact us for a free quote.
My Story: Gabby Gomes of Ark Relocation
I’m Gabby Gomes, the heart and soul behind Ark Relocation in Milton Keynes. With over three decades in the moving industry, I’ve steered Ark Relocation to be a trusted name, offering everything from house removals to commercial relocations. We’ve also ventured into European and International removals, ensuring seamless transitions for our clients, whether near or far.
