Moving to Germany

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It’s no wonder, then, that Germany was the eighth most-popular country to move to in HSBC’s 2019 Expat Explorer Survey. This high ranking was largely down to its education system, which was ranked third, and its economic stability, which saw it come second behind Switzerland.

These are positives for any family, but many of you will be asking: is Germany a fun place to be? Can I enjoy myself on the weekends? The answer, fortunately, is a resounding ja. Germany is a highly attractive country for a variety of reasons. Its strong economy and job market, high quality of life, excellent education system, efficient healthcare system, and rich cultural history all make it an appealing destination for people from all around the world. Germany also offers a very high standard of living, with affordable healthcare and education, excellent public transportation, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Additionally, Germany is a very welcoming and inclusive society, with a strong commitment to democracy, human rights, and social justice. All these factors make Germany a great place to live, work, and raise a family, and it is no wonder that so many people choose to move there each year.

Contact us now and let us know what you want to start shipping to Germany. We have the means and help you need in order to complete the process properly. Universal Relocations can easily help you relocate fast and in a meaningful way without any effort. We understand all the potential challenges and problems that can appear from relocating, and we are always here to ensure that you can get all the support you need. Get in touch with us and let us help you move from the USA to Germany today!

Baggage
Shipments

It seems practical to try and load your arms up for your flight to Germany, but maybe there is a more practical way of..

Full Container
Load (FCL)

Moving your entire house? Perhaps you have a 1-2 bedroom home and require your own Half…

Less Container
Load (LCL)

Less than container loads allow our client make shipments that may not fill an entire container…

Moving
Calculator

Use our moving calculator to get a quick quote about your move to Germany

IMPORT REGULATION FOR HOUSEHOLD GOODS

All goods must have been owned and used for at least 6 months in the origin country to import duty and tax free. Furthermore, goods must be imported within 12 months after first registration date / actual move to Germany. In case only one of the below mentioned documents is not available at time of shipment’s arrival, customs authorities will impose an extremely high customs bond which needs to be handed over in cash to the customs officer by us. This can only be done when we have received the entire amount from the moving person / account upfront!

IMPORT CUSTOMS GUIDE TO GERMANY

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

Documents Required: (in German or English – no other language)
Basic docs for all non-diplomatic consignment:

– Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
– Packing list – readable detailed and consecutively numbered (no PBO, Misc, basement or
garage items, etc. are allowed)
– Passport copy (picture page only in legible condition)
– New residence registration certificate (called: Anmeldebestätigung).

Additional Documents:

Plus following additional documents specified as per citizenship and personal situation:

Letter of employer or German Embassy / Consulate at origin, confirming clients stay abroad
for at least the last 12 months, with exact time frame.

If client didn’t work abroad or was self-employed, we would need following docs:# credit card settlements of all months, showing permanent transactions within the last year #
tax returns of the last two year# purchase / vending of residence or lease contract

# every other official document proving clearly a stay abroad

FOREIGNER

Foreigner

Visa copy, or at least copy of visa application form Letter of employer confirming clients stay/work in Germany, mentioning also the first day of work Self-explanation if client is self-employed or only wants to live here

De-registration when he/she left Germany
Credit card settlements of all months, showing permanent transactions within the last year
Letter from University / School confirming their stay abroad

Credit card settlements of all months, showing permanent transactions within the last year
Tax returns of the last two years
Pension approval certificate

Copy of Certificate of Title – to proof ownership
Copy of Certificate of registration – to proof use of the last 6 months before shipping
Copy of De-registration Certificate or plates return confirmation – if this is not available a
vehicle tax card must be issued in Germany and annual vehicle tax will be raised during
customs clearance process.

Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Packing list in English or German – detailed and consecutively numbered (no PBO, Misc,
basement or garage items, etc. are allowed)
Passport copy (picture page only in legible condition)
4x Original German customs form 0349 issued, signed and stamped by the Embassy in
Germany
US Military cargo under NATO / SOFA status
AE form 550-175A (household goods)
AE form 190-1AA (vehicles)

· Copy of Certificate of Death
· Copy of Last will
· Certificate of inheritance from the German district court (called: Amtsgericht)
Import is only possible within 2 years of the inheritance judgement

Subject to duties & taxes Documents to be determined Returning goods

Documents of previous export: export customs permit, BL and packing list
Proof that stay abroad was planned for at least 12 month
BL and packing list from current import shipment
To clear shipment as returning goods, weight and piece count must be nearly the same as per
the exported shipment. This is only possible in a period of 3 years after export from Germany.

Can be imported but each bottle, even opened bottle, is subject to duties and taxes.
Detailed alcohol inventory with kind of alcohol, quantity of bottles, information about liter,
alcoholic percentage and value of each bottle (blank form can be obtained at our office)
Rough estimate: Wine is approx. 25%, liquor like Rum, Whiskey, etc. is approx. 70 – 80%.

Only in appropriate European standard quantities allowed and only ‘non-perishable goods’ like
durum noodles (no egg noodles!!), rice and canned goods – but no animal & organic origin. Client
must list the food stuff him/herself.

Can be imported but are subject to customs examination and high bureaucracy transactions and
extraordinary charges.
Please contact us under all circumstances prior to shipping. We need to know the exact ‘name’ and
the certificate (called: Waffenbesitzkarte) of each weapon in original. Furthermore, a special permit
of German Public Order Office (called: “Ordnungsamt”) is necessary.

Tobacco:
Subject to duties and taxes
Need to know exact quantity, mark and value.

Perfumes and fragrances:
Allowed in appropriate European standard quantities for duty and tax free import

Medicine:
Only remaining quantity of the medicine chest – but better to carry via hand baggage

Coffee:
Subject to duties and taxes
Need to know exact quantity, mark and value

Germany is a popular destination for people looking to relocate for several reasons, including:

Strong economy: Germany has one of the strongest economies in Europe, with a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, technology, and healthcare. The country offers many employment opportunities for expats, particularly in these sectors.

High standard of living: Germany consistently ranks highly in quality of life surveys due to its excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The country also has a rich cultural heritage and offers many opportunities for recreation and leisure activities.

Multicultural society: Germany is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a diverse and inclusive community. This can help expats feel more at home in a new country.

Education: Germany is home to some of the world’s top universities, and the country’s education system is highly regarded globally. This can be an attractive factor for expats who have children or who are looking to further their own education.

Central location: Germany is located in the heart of Europe and offers easy access to other European countries. This can be an advantage for expats who want to travel and explore other parts of the continent.

Efficient transportation: Germany has an efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and subways. This can be an advantage for expats who do not own a car or who prefer to use public transportation.

Work-life balance: Germans value work-life balance, and many companies offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or part-time work. This can be appealing to expats who are looking for a better work-life balance.

Overall, Germany is an attractive destination for expats due to its strong economy, high standard of living, multicultural society, and excellent education system.

Spring (March to May) is mild and can be quite rainy. Temperatures start to rise in March, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 11°C. The countryside also starts to come to life during this season, making it a popular time for outdoor activities.

Overall, Germany’s climate can be unpredictable, and it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.

CLIMATE

Germany has a temperate climate, which means that it experiences four distinct seasons. However, the weather can vary considerably depending on the region and time of year.

Summer (June to August) is generally warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C. However, temperatures can sometimes reach up to 30°C, particularly in the south of the country. July is usually the warmest month of the year.

Autumn (September to November) is mild and can be quite rainy. Temperatures start to drop in September, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C. The trees also start to change color during this season, making it a popular time for tourists.

Winter (December to February) is cold and snowy in many parts of Germany. Average temperatures range from -1°C to 4°C, but temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly in the east of the country. The mountains in the south of Germany, such as the Bavarian Alps, are popular destinations for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

The cost of living in Germany can vary depending on the region and lifestyle of the individual. Generally speaking, Germany is considered to be a moderately expensive country, with prices comparable to other Western European countries.

Here are some estimated costs for common expenses in Germany:

Housing: The cost of housing in Germany can vary widely depending on the region and type of accommodation. In large cities such as Berlin or Munich, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment can range from €600 to €1,200 per month.

Food: The cost of food in Germany is generally reasonable, with a typical grocery bill for a single person being around €200 per month. Eating out at restaurants can range from €10-20 for a simple meal to €50-100 for a more upscale experience.

Transportation: Germany has a reliable public transportation system, with an average monthly cost of around €80 for a pass that includes buses, subways, and trams. Owning a car can be more expensive due to high taxes and fuel costs.

Healthcare: Germany has a universal healthcare system, with all residents required to have health insurance. The cost of health insurance varies depending on the individual’s income and employment status, but it typically ranges from €100-400 per month.

Entertainment: The cost of entertainment in Germany can vary widely depending on the activity. A movie ticket costs around €10, while admission to a museum or gallery can range from €5-20. The cost of a gym membership can range from €20-50 per month.

Overall, the cost of living in Germany is generally affordable, but it can vary depending on the region and lifestyle of the individual. It’s important to research and plan for expenses before relocating to Germany

As of September 2021, the population of Germany is estimated to be around 83.2 million people. Germany is the most populous country in the European Union and the second most populous country in Europe after Russia. The population is concentrated in urban areas, with the largest cities being Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Frankfurt. The population of Germany has been declining in recent years due to a low birth rate and aging population, and it is expected to continue declining in the future. However, Germany remains an attractive destination for immigrants, and the country has a significant foreign-born population, particularly from Turkey, Poland, and Syria.

Germany is a popular destination for expats for several reasons, including:

Strong economy: Germany has one of the largest economies in the world and offers many employment opportunities for expats, particularly in the areas of engineering, technology, and healthcare. The country is also home to many global companies, making it an attractive destination for professionals.

High standard of living: Germany is known for its high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The country has a rich cultural heritage and offers many opportunities for recreation and leisure activities.

Multicultural society: Germany is a diverse and inclusive society, with many ethnicities and cultures represented. This can make it easier for expats to feel at home in a new country and can provide opportunities for cultural exchange.

Central location: Germany is located in the heart of Europe and offers easy access to other European countries. This can be an advantage for expats who want to travel and explore other parts of the continent.

Efficient transportation: Germany has an efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and subways. This can be an advantage for expats who do not own a car or who prefer to use public transportation.

Work-life balance: Germans value work-life balance, and many companies offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or part-time work. This can be appealing to expats who are looking for a better work-life balance.

Educaton: Germany is home to some of the world’s top universities, and the country’s education system is highly regarded globally. This can be an attractive factor for expats who have children or who are looking to further their own education.

Overall, Germany is an attractive destination for expats due to its strong economy, high standard of living, multicultural society, and excellent education system.