Removals to Germany

Moving to Germany checklist

At Schepens, we assign dedicated move co-ordinators to all our movers preparing for removals to Germany. Part of their job is to provide a moving to Germany checklist to help with the preparations. The aim of this list is to eliminate anxieties and create easy steps that can be tackled methodically and crossed off one by one.

1. Apply for a work visa

Citizens from the UK can stay in Germany for up to 90 days in any year without a visa. This gives you the chance to look for work, research accommodation and get a feel of different German cities.

If you’re moving to Germany from the UK to work, you’ll need to apply for a work visa. You need to be offered a job before you apply, and your prospective employer must be willing to sponsor your application.

3 Kinds of work visa

There are 3 kinds of work visa you can apply for:

• EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card requires applicants to be highly qualified and have the offer of an employment contract which fulfils German minimum salary requirements. The cap on Blue Cards is set annually by the German Government, and successful applicants will need to score highly against the published criteria for professional skills and their level of qualification.
• Intra Corporate Visa. Employees who are transferred to a German branch of their business to work, are given an intra corporate visa to facilitate the move. This allows a specific period covered by the visa – between 1-3 years – after which an application for a permanent visa will be required.
• Long stay employment visa. Applicants need to have an offer of employment, and an employer who is willing to stand as a sponsor. If a long stay employment visa is granted, it will be for a specified period, after which it will need to be renewed.

2. Organise your finances

Digital banking has made it a fairly simple process to open a German bank account before you arrive and start work.

3. Decide whether to take your car

Planning to take your car with you to Germany? Importing a vehicle from the UK to Germany requires you to pay import duty at 10% of the car’s value plus VAT. You can use your own licence plates and registration for up to 6 months, but after that it will need to be registered at a motor vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle) and undergo a technical inspection for roadworthiness, and an emissions control test.

Consider carefully whether you’ll actually want to use your car once you’ve settled in. Many German cities have excellent public transport connections and cycling infrastructure is steadily improving. However, if you do plan to move your vehicle, read this guide to driving in Germany.

4. Sort out healthcare in Germany

The healthcare system in Germany is excellent, and it’s free at the point of delivery so long as you are registered with one of the state health insurance companies. As in the UK, you’ll need to check that your healthcare provider comes under the state-funded scheme, and the same goes for dentists. You may choose to take out private health insurance to give you more options when it comes to healthcare providers.

5. Get your pet vaccinated

If you’re planning to include your cat or dog as part of your removals to Germany, you’ll need to have them vaccinated for rabies more than 30 days, but less than 12 months before you fly into the country. You’ll need to provide proof of the vaccination – an EU veterinary certificate in English and German – completed by the vet who administered the vaccine.

Germany is wary of certain breeds of dogs. Many German states consider Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers dangerous and won’t grant them entry.

6. Emergency services in Germany

The number 112 will get you through to the fire and ambulance services. 110 will get you through to the police.

English speaking jobs in Germany

There are plenty of UK professionals working in English speaking jobs in Germany right now, so finding an English-speaking job in Germany is certainly possible, but it’s not without its challenges. The majority of jobs requiring English are looking for bi-lingual applicants, but it all depends on your specific skills, training, and the demand in the jobs market.

The jobs most likely to hire English speakers who have little or no German, are those requiring the least interaction with German clients; these tend to be in science, tech companies, engineering or maths. It’s also worth noting that larger cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich will have more opportunities for English speakers.

5 tips for finding English speaking jobs in Germany

1. Find the resources that can help

There are plenty of people trying to find English speaking jobs in Germany, so it makes sense that there are a number of websites available to help. The first thing to do is to get yourself a LinkedIn profile, with a detailed CV attached. Many German companies post ads on LinkedIn so you can apply directly.

Here are 5 sites that will be useful:

1. Make it in Germany
2. English Jobs in Germany
3. Europe Language Jobs
4. JobMesh
5. German Tech Jobs

2. Create a German CV

Every nationality has different preferences when it comes to CVs, and Germany is no different. A German employer reviewing your CV will be looking for:

• An honest image of you.
• Your date of birth.
• A straightforward account of your proven abilities and skills.
• Hyperbole and fluff are disliked, so keep to the facts.
• 2 pages at most.

3. Try startups

The temptation is always to assume that the multinationals will have the most jobs. Maybe, but not necessarily for English speakers. Startups are more likely to be interested in assembling a team with an international profile, so take your particular skill and see if startups are looking for someone just like you.

4. Who do you know?

Before you start your search, audit your network of contacts in Germany. These are the people who could make your journey into German employment a whole lot easier, so take a while to really think through and research:

• Friends, relatives, people you’ve worked with
• Lecturers or teachers with links in Germany
• Fellow students who may now be working in Germany
• Social media contacts who may be able to help

5. A little German goes a long way

Even if you get an English speaking job role in Germany, day-to-day living in the country could be difficult without knowing some basic German. Whilst you’re looking for work, it’s worth putting yourself through a starter’s course. However small your grasp, it will be a help in navigating your new life, and a starting point for picking up conversational German as you go.

Schepens can help with removals to Germany

If you’re thinking of moving to Germany in order to work abroad, Schepens can help. We can relocate your family in the city you’re moving to, and help you to plan for your working life abroad. Our move co-ordinators are relocation experts who can advise you on the creation of a removals plan which incorporates shipping, and a checklist for ensuring successful – and stress-free – removals to Germany.

Education in Germany

Education is free in Germany, and also mostly coeducational. Attendance is compulsory from age 6 to 18, with ‘home schooling’ deemed illegal (and the state willing to prosecute families who keep their children away). At a first glance the system here seems very complicated, but actually it’s more akin to the old UK system of Secondary/Grammar schooling, with some vocational education thrown in as well.

German Kindergarten information

From 3 to 6 years (and perhaps from age 2 in certain areas) the very young ones can attend Kindergarten; some are public, some are religious and others are private. Most of them are open all day and tend to take the kids in either morning or afternoon sessions, from 7am-ish for working parents, to 3pm, with lunch provided at a small extra cost. If you need a Kindergarten place, as in the UK it’s a good idea to get your child’s name on the list as soon as possible.

Secondary education in Germany

Secondary education is divided into two levels: junior and senior secondary education. Upon completion of the Grundschule (from age 6 to 10), pupils between the ages of 10 and 16 attend one of the following main types of secondary schools: the Hauptschule, the Realschule, or the Gymnasium. Students who complete this level of education receive an intermediate school certificate.

The Gymnasium (ages 11-18) (i.e. Grammar school in English), begins upon completion of the Grundschule with satisfactorily high marks in key subjects (e.g. maths, science etc). About one-third of all primary school graduates attend a Gymnasium, which gives them the right to study at the university level (by gaining the Abitur school certificate).

Another one-third of primary schoolchildren attend the Realschule (from 11 to 16), this is deemed to be the ‘normal’ route in Germany, with students seeking access to middle levels of government, industry, and business. Graduation from the Realschule enables entry to a Fachhochschule (a higher technical school). A special program makes it possible for a few students to transfer into the Gymnasium (thereby giving them direct access to a university education), but this is exceptional.

Kids that don’t make the grade for the Realschule will attend the Hauptschule, with the curriculum stressing preparation for a vocation. After receiving their diploma, graduates either become apprentices in shops or factories while taking compulsory part-time courses or attend some form of full-time vocational school until the age of 18.

A guide for UK citizens wanting to work in Germany

Working in Germany remains a highly attractive option for UK professionals. The country continues to dominate the European league tables for productivity and wage growth and recent data shows that German wages are amongst the highest in the EU.

Whilst there have been shocks to the economic system in Germany, such as having to transition fast to a new energy supplier, the country maintains a robust infrastructure, an excellent healthcare system, and enviable education. There is no doubt that working in Germany has many advantages.

Shortage occupations in Germany

The opportunities for finding work in Germany are optimal if you belong to a profession named in the shortage occupations list. These are specialist roles that are in demand to fill gaps in the German job market. In order to qualify for a work visa in Germany you will need to meet the basic criteria of having an HE degree and being bi-lingual (English & German) at least.

Current areas where demand is high for foreign skilled workers are: IT, industry, financial services, medicine, science and education.

Getting a German work visa

UK citizens can stay in Germany without a visa for up to 90 days in any year. This provides an opportunity for people planning on working in Germany to look for work, research accommodation and get a feel of different German cities.

If you are moving to Germany from the UK to work, you will need to apply for a work visa. An offer of employment is required before you apply, and your prospective employer must be willing to sponsor your application.

Kinds of work visa in Germany

There are 3 types of work visas you can apply for, dependent on your circumstances:

• EU Blue Card. UK citizens may apply for an EU Blue Card if they are highly qualified and have been offered an employment contract which fulfils the minimum salary requirements. The number of Blue Cards available each year is set by the German Government, and successful applicants will need to score highly against the published criteria for skills and level of qualification.
• Intra Corporate Visa. If you are an employee who is transferred to a German branch of your business to work, you will be given an intra corporate visa to facilitate the move. This allows you a specific time – between 1-3 years – after which you will need to apply for a permanent visa if you wish to remain in Germany.
• Long stay employment visa. If you have an offer of employment, and your employer is willing to stand as a sponsor to you, a long stay employment visa is an option. If it is granted, it will be for a specified period, after which you will need to renew.

Management culture in Germany

Your salary will be paid monthly, detailing any special benefits, bonuses, and salary reviews. Many employers pay a 13th monthly payment a year, which is normally paid out in December (i.e. just in time for Christmas).

Many foreigners need some time to adapt to the German attitude to work, with their strong emphasis on efficiency. Management culture in Germany is usually highly hierarchical. Germans like to work on well-thought-out plans and make factually based decisions. Orderly and well scheduled meetings form a large part of what tends to be a consensual, group approach to decision-making. Punctuality is expected and lateness is not tolerated.

Employees are represented by the works council (Betriebsrat) whose members are elected by the workforce. Among other things, it is responsible for protecting employee rights in the workplace. Management must also consult with the Betriebsrat about issues regarding staff or the company. If you have problems in your workplace, you should consult your Betriebsrat for advice and help.

Health insurance in Germany

Medical treatment can be hugely expensive in Germany, so health insurance has been obligatory for everybody in Germany, including the self-employed, since 2007. The company pays half of the insurance contributions, the other half comes out of the employee’s salary. The employee’s half usually totals around 10% of their gross salary.

When starting work the employee won’t have to worry too much about how the system works. The company will automatically sign them up with an insurance company and the contributions are automatically deducted from the salary. Sometimes the employee may be asked if they have a preferred insurance company. It is recommended to simply go with one of the big names, like “AOK” or “TKK”. They are all pretty similar.

A guide to holidays in Germany

Germany, as a strongly religious country has many and varied celebrations throughout the year and official ‘days off’ vary depending on which state you are in, and be warned there is no shopping on a Sunday. Some of the most significant celebrations are:

Fasching in Germany

The German Mardi Gras or Carnival celebration goes by many names and is a movable feast that is related to Easter, beginning the week before Ash Wednesday. Festivities begin in all towns and villages with electing a carnival prince and princess who preside over the carnival festivities. Then, women throughout the day will snip off men’s ties and kiss any man that passes their way. The day ends with people going to local venues and bars in costume.

Carnival parades also abound; it is literally the weekend for people to live it up, with the largest and most popular carnival parades taking place on the Monday (Rosenmontag) before Ash Wednesday. These parades are held mainly in the Rhineland region, the biggest of all being held in Cologne (Köln).

Oktoberfest in Germany

It may be called “Oktoberfest,” but the big event actually starts in September, and has been celebrated every year since 1811. The massive Bavarian shindig is held annually in Munich, beginning on a Saturday in September and ending 16-18 days later (usually) on the first Sunday in October.

Oktoberfest, as probably the world’s most famous beer festival (das Bierfest) gets off to an official start when Munich’s Lord Mayor (Oberbürgermeister) taps the first beer keg and yells the traditional O’zapft is! (‘It’s tapped!’), but there’s more than beer to be had on the 30 hectare festival site, with lots of fun rides, merry-go-rounds, carnival booths, food, entertainment and, of course, lots of massive beer halls sponsored by famous Bavarian brewers such as Paulaner, or Löwenbräu. All details and even the price of the beer can be found on the official Oktoberfest website.

Merry Christmas (Frohe Weihnachten)

Most of our ‘traditional English Christmas’ customs, only date back to the 19th century, and mostly originated in Germany, coming to the UK via Queen Victoria’s husband, the German Prince Albert.

Christmas season gets underway on 6th December, St. Nicholas’ day (Nikolaustag), when St Nicholas comes with gifts of sweets for the children. This is also the traditional date when local Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) open in the main square of almost every town in Germany, some of the most famous are held in Nuremberg, Cologne or Munich, a full list of places and events can be found here.

On Christmas Eve, there is no waiting for Santa, as presents in Germany come from the ‘Christ Child’ (Christkindl) and are opened under the tree, followed by an evening feast, generally of carp and potato salad, with meat being reserved for Christmas day. Germany has a host of other special foods at Christmas time, with families often having special baking evenings for making spiced cakes, biscuits, such as Lebkuchen and Stollen as well as gingerbread houses.

At this time of year you may also see on every house the letters C+M+B chalked above the front door, this represents the Three Kings (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, plus the year), this is for good luck and to protect house and home for the coming year.

To finish the year, New Year’s Eve (Silvester) is celebrated in customary style with fireworks and festivities. One unusual New Year’s custom in Germany is the annual prime-time TV broadcast of ‘Dinner for One’ a British cabaret sketch from the 1920s. This is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world, but the catch-phrase “Same procedure as every year” has entered popular German culture at every level.

German national holidays

• January 1 – New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag)
• January 6 – Epiphany (Epifania)
• March/April – Good Friday (Karfreitag)
• March/April – Easter Monday (Ostermontag)
• May 1 – May Day (Maifeiertag)
• May 17 – Ascension (Christi Himmelfahrt)
• May – Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag)
• June 7 – Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam)
• August 15 – Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt)
• October 3 – Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)
• November 1 – All Saints Day (Allerheiligen)
• December 25 – Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag)
• December 26 – St Stephens Day (Weihnachtstag)

Moving to Germany? Let’s make it happen! Call 01794 323 558 for a friendly chat and your free quote.