Moving to the UK from Germany: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Free movement ended on 31 December 2020. New German arrivals need a visa.
- •No TB test required, but English language test IS required.
- •Fuhrungszeugnis costs EUR 13 and takes 1-2 weeks.
- •Germany now permits dual citizenship (since June 2024 reform).
- •Budget EUR 5,000 to 10,000 for visa and IHS costs.
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.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
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
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
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.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Moving to the UK from India: Complete Guide 2026
Read guideMoving to the UK from Pakistan: Complete Guide 2026
Read guideMoving to the UK from Nigeria: Complete Guide 2026
Read guideMoving to the UK from Bangladesh: Complete Guide 2026
Read guideMoving to the UK from the Philippines: Complete Guide 2026
Read guidePreparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.