Do German citizens need a visa to work in the UK after Brexit?

Yes. Since 1 January 2021, German citizens must apply for a visa to live and work in the UK. Those in the UK before 31 December 2020 may have EU Settlement Scheme status.

Do German citizens need a TB test?

No. Germany is not on the Home Office TB testing list.

How do I get a German police certificate?

Apply for a Fuhrungszeugnis (certificate of good conduct) from the Bundesamt fur Justiz (Federal Office of Justice) in Bonn. You can apply in person at your local Burgeramt or online through the BfJ website. The cost is EUR 13. Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Does Germany allow dual citizenship with the UK?

Germany has historically been restrictive about dual citizenship. However, since June 2024, Germany reformed its nationality law to allow dual citizenship in most cases. German citizens can now generally acquire British citizenship without losing their German nationality.

Moving to the UK from Germany: Guide 2026

Germany has a large expatriate community in the UK, with an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 German citizens living in Britain. Brexit ended free movement for new German arrivals. This guide covers visa routes, document requirements, and practical considerations.

The German Community in the UK

Germans are well represented across the UK, particularly in London (the financial sector, academia, and creative industries), Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Manchester. German schools, churches, and cultural organisations such as the Goethe-Institut serve the community.

Visa Routes After Brexit

Skilled Worker visa. The main route. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700. German professionals in finance, engineering, and technology are well represented.
Youth Mobility Scheme. Not currently available to German nationals.
Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
Student visa. German students now pay international fees. See the student visa guide.
Graduate route. See the Graduate route guide.

Document Requirements

Valid German passport. Personalausweis is no longer sufficient for UK immigration.
No TB test required.
English language test. Required. Tests available in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and other cities.
Fuhrungszeugnis. Certificate of good conduct from the Bundesamt fur Justiz. EUR 13, available at your local Burgeramt or online.

Costs in Euros

Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately EUR 850 to 1,780)
IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately EUR 1,230)
English test: approximately EUR 200 to 250
Fuhrungszeugnis: EUR 13

See our UK visa fees guide.

After Arrival

Collect your BRP within 10 days
Apply for a National Insurance number
Register with a GP
Open a UK bank account

Dual Citizenship

Germany reformed its nationality law in June 2024, now permitting dual citizenship in most cases. This means German citizens can acquire British citizenship without losing their German nationality — a significant change from the previous rules.

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on a qualifying visa, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship.

Next Steps

For official information, visit the GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.