Last Updated on February 23, 2023
UK nationals who have been legally living in Germany before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU may continue to live, study, and work in Germany through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Germany by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.
Entry and Residency Requirements
UK nationals who are living in Germany as of December 31, 2020 should obtain a new residence document to prove their residency rights through the Withdrawal Agreement. The new residency document should be obtained by contacting the local Foreigners Authority by June 30, 2021.
UK nationals who plan to stay in Germany for more than three months should register at their local town hall registration office within 14 days of arrival. UK nationals must also register at their local registration office if they change their address. After registering, UK nationals should notify the Foreigners Office with jurisdiction over their residential address and obtain a UK Residence Document. UK nationals should note that they must provide a valid UK passport to receive a residency permit.
UK nationals who move to Germany after the Brexit transition will be considered third-country nationals. They must apply for residency depending on the reason that they move to Germany, such as employment or self-employment.
Starting on January 1, 2021. Travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Finland before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Working in Germany
UK nationals who were residents in Germany by or before December 31, 2020 can still work in Germany if they remain German residents.
To work in Germany, UK nationals may require the following documents:
- UK police certificate
- Germany criminal record check
The German criminal record check can be ordered from the local registry office.
Individuals who live in Germany and commute to work in another EU/EFTA country may need a permit proving that they are a frontier worker starting in January 2021. The Home Office will provide further details when guidance is available.
Passports
A valid passport is required to enter the country through December 2020. Starting on January 1, 2021, passports must have at least a six-month validity, except for individuals transiting Germany or who fall within the scope of the Withdrawal Agreement. Individuals must renew their passport prior to traveling if they have less than six months remaining on their passport. Additional months from passports that are more than 10 years old cannot be added to the validity period.
