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Moving to Germany from the UK

Guide · All country guides

British citizens can use a qualifying work or job-search route to live in Germany. Health insurance is compulsory and the UK State Pension receives annual increases there.

By Flight Risk Capital. Last updated: .

How can a British citizen live and work in Germany?

The EU Blue Card is for qualifying graduate employment, with a 2026 annual gross salary threshold of EUR 50,700 or EUR 45,934.20 for specified shortage roles and recent graduates, according to German missions guidance dated May 2026.

The Opportunity Card allows recognised skilled workers or applicants with at least 6 points to look for work for up to one year and do up to 20 hours of part-time work a week, under German missions guidance dated May 2026.

The vocational skilled-worker permit is a work route for people with recognised German vocational training or an equivalent foreign qualification.

Register your address within 14 days of arrival. If you did not apply for a visa or permit before leaving the UK, arrange an appointment with the Foreigners’ Authority within 90 days. Source: GOV.UK’s Living in Germany guidance, 11 December 2025.

Does this guide calculate take-home pay?

This guide has no take-home calculation yet.

What are the German income tax bands?

For tax year 2026, section 32a of the income tax law gives no income tax up to EUR 12,348 of taxable income. Tax then rises through formula zones ending at EUR 17,799 and EUR 69,878.

For taxable income from EUR 69,879 to EUR 277,825, the formula is 42% of taxable income minus EUR 11,135.63. From EUR 277,826 it is 45% minus EUR 19,470.38. The subtraction means the headline percentage is not charged on every euro.

The solidarity surcharge is a separate charge of 5.5% of income tax, subject to a threshold. The solidarity surcharge law gives a threshold of EUR 20,350 of income tax for a single filer. This legal page is undated; the surcharge is not included in a pay calculation here.

What social contributions do employees pay?

The 2026 employee pension contribution is 9.3%, with an earnings ceiling of EUR 8,450 a month (EUR 101,400 a year). The employee unemployment contribution is 1.3%. Source: Deutsche Rentenversicherung, 2 January 2026.

The general statutory health insurance rate is 14.6%, split equally between employee and employer, giving a 7.3% employee share before any extra charge. Source: SGB V section 241 and the contribution-sharing rule, undated. This is not a complete health insurance deduction.

The 2026 earnings ceiling for statutory health and long-term care contributions is EUR 69,750 a year or EUR 5,812.50 a month. Source: the German government’s contribution ceiling guidance, 2026.

Will my UK State Pension rise in Germany?

Yes. The UK State Pension receives annual increases for people living in Germany. See DWP’s country list (9 June 2014) and the frozen State Pension guide.

See the Budget tracker for announcements and effective dates.

Does the UK have a double taxation agreement with Germany?

Yes. The 2010 UK-Germany Double Taxation Convention, amended by the 2021 protocol, is in force. See GOV.UK’s Germany treaty documents, dated 8 September 2022.

How does healthcare work in Germany?

Health insurance is compulsory for residents. Join a German health insurer, known as a Krankenkasse; an employer can often arrange this. Source: GOV.UK’s Living in Germany guidance, 11 December 2025.

Getting residence

Work, study and family permits cover different activities. British citizens who apply after arrival must contact the local Foreigners’ Authority within 90 days. Register your address at the local registration office within 14 days.

FCDO, Living in Germany. Source date: . Checked .

The regular EU Blue Card requires gross annual pay of at least EUR 50,700 in 2026. A lower threshold of EUR 45,934.20 applies to qualifying shortage occupations and new entrants, subject to the route’s other conditions.

Federal Employment Agency, EU Blue Card. Source date: . Checked .

Healthcare

Residents must have health insurance. Employees can join through their employer; others register directly with an insurer. Statutory insurance uses contributions and eligible people can choose private insurance. Confirm cover before applying for residence.

Department of Health and Social Care, healthcare in Germany. Source date: . Checked .

An eligible UK State Pension recipient can ask NHS Overseas Healthcare Services for an S1 certificate, which confirms UK-funded healthcare. Register it with a German statutory health insurer. Eligibility depends on which country is responsible for your healthcare.

Department of Health and Social Care, healthcare in Germany. Source date: . Checked .

Schools

State schools generally provide free education. For a child arriving from abroad, contact the school and local education authority about placement and German language support. Private and international schools are separate options.

Federal government, Make it in Germany school guide. Source undated. Checked .

Banking and money

Lawful EU residents can request a basic payment account here, subject to identity and anti-money-laundering checks.

European Commission, basic payment accounts. Source undated. Checked .

The currency is the euro (EUR).

European Central Bank, euro area countries. Source undated. Checked .

Declare cash of EUR 10,000 or more when entering or leaving the EU.

European Commission, EU cash controls. Source undated. Checked .

Cost of living

Household price level: 108.3 in 2025, EU average 100. Preliminary national comparison; your household budget will differ.

Statistics Norway, Eurostat price level survey. Source date: . Checked .

Driving

Exchange your UK licence through the local driving authority within 6 months of moving. Start before that period ends so processing does not leave you unable to drive. An eye test or medical certificate may be required.

FCDO, Living in Germany. Source date: . Checked .

UK pensions

The UK State Pension receives annual increases in Germany.Frozen State Pension guide.

DWP, State Pension annual increases country list. Source date: . Checked .

See the Moving abroad checklist for UK reporting and residence checks, school questions and bank account checks.

What else do readers ask?

Can a British citizen live in Germany?

Work, study and family permits cover different activities. British citizens who apply after arrival must contact the local Foreigners’ Authority within 90 days. Register your address at the local registration office within 14 days.

How do residents get healthcare in Germany?

Residents must have health insurance. Employees can join through their employer; others register directly with an insurer. Statutory insurance uses contributions and eligible people can choose private insurance. Confirm cover before applying for residence.

Can I exchange a UK driving licence in Germany?

Exchange your UK licence through the local driving authority within 6 months of moving. Start before that period ends so processing does not leave you unable to drive. An eye test or medical certificate may be required.

Is the UK State Pension frozen in Germany?

The UK State Pension receives annual increases in Germany.

Sources