· 13 min read
Moving from UK to Germany: The Complete Expat Guide (Post-Brexit, 2026)
By Language Lab editorial team
Moving from UK to Germany post-Brexit? This guide covers the visa process, registration, health insurance, bank accounts, and German language requirements.
Post-Brexit: what changed for British expats in Germany
Since 1 January 2021, British citizens are no longer EU citizens and cannot live and work in Germany under freedom of movement. British nationals moving to Germany now need either a work visa, a job seeker visa, a family reunification visa, or one of Germany's other migration pathways — the same routes available to non-EU nationals. The most common route for British professionals is the skilled worker visa (Fachkräftevisum), which requires a German job offer, recognised qualification, and (for regulated professions) German language certification at B1–B2 level. The Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in 2024 under the Skilled Immigration Act reform, allows qualified workers to enter Germany for up to one year to search for employment, requiring no prior job offer — a significant new option for British professionals considering Germany.
| Visa type | Requirement | Language requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | German job offer + recognised qualification | Often A2–B2 (profession-dependent) |
| EU Blue Card | Job offer at €45,300+ salary (2025) | None formally, B1–B2 recommended |
| Chancenkarte | Degree + points score (salary, age, German) | No minimum, higher score with B1 |
| Family Reunification | German resident / citizen spouse | A1 German required |
| Freelance Visa | Self-employment plan approval | B1 German often practical requirement |
First steps after arriving in Germany
The bureaucratic sequence for new arrivals in Germany follows a specific order: each step depends on completing the previous one. First: find accommodation and register your address at the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office) within 14 days of moving in — you receive an Anmeldebescheinigung (registration certificate). Second: open a German bank account — this requires the Anmeldebescheinigung. Third: register with the Krankenversicherung (health insurance — either statutory GKV or private PKV) — most employers arrange this, but self-employed expats must register independently within the first month. Fourth: apply for a residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' authority) — this requires the Anmeldebescheinigung, health insurance confirmation, and proof of employment or income. Language Lab's German for Expats phrasebook covers all of these appointments in detail, with scenario audio for Einwohnermeldeamt registration, Ausländerbehörde appointments, and Krankenversicherung registration in the formal German these offices require.
Frequently asked
Do British expats in Germany need to register their children at a German school?
Yes, school attendance (Schulpflicht) is compulsory in Germany and applies to all resident children, including foreign nationals. Children must be registered at the appropriate local school (Grundschule for primary, then secondary based on teacher recommendation) within the first weeks of arrival. Schools assess language level and may provide supplementary German support for non-German-speaking children.
Do I need German to live in Germany as a British expat?
For professional day-to-day life in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich, English is functional in many sectors. However, most government services, healthcare, landlord communication, and social integration require German. Most long-term expats in Germany reach at least A2–B1 within the first year through a combination of private lessons and the free Integrationskurs offered to eligible non-EU residents.
Your Action Plan: Start Today
Frequently asked
Do I need to speak German fluently before moving from UK to Germany?
No — A2 level is enough to handle most immediate practical tasks. Fluency develops after you arrive and immerse yourself. The goal before the move is survival and settlement vocabulary, not perfection.
How long does it take to reach B1 German from zero?
With consistent daily study of around 45 minutes to an hour, most adults reach B1 in six to nine months. Language Lab's adaptive AI can accelerate this by focusing on your specific weak areas.
Can I get by in Germany with just English?
In professional international environments, possibly. But for housing, registration, healthcare, and social integration, German is essential. Relying on English creates a glass ceiling on your quality of life and career options in Germany.
What is the most important German to learn first for living in Germany?
Registration and housing vocabulary come first — these unlock your ability to legally establish yourself. Healthcare vocabulary is second. Workplace and social language can develop over time, but the administrative foundation needs to be in place from day one.
