Moving from London to Germany is one of the most popular international removal routes in the UK — and for good reason. Germany offers a robust job market, excellent public services, high quality of life and a central location within Europe. Whether you are relocating for work, family or a fresh start, this guide will help you plan every stage of your move from London, from paperwork and costs to finding the right removal company.
Why London Professionals Choose Germany
Germany consistently ranks among the top destinations for UK expats since Brexit. Berlin has established itself as Europe’s startup capital, Munich is home to major international corporations, and Hamburg and Frankfurt attract finance and logistics professionals. Beyond career opportunities, Germany offers:
- Lower cost of living compared to London — especially outside major cities
- Strong public healthcare through the statutory health insurance system (GKV)
- Excellent education including affordable or tuition-free universities
- Central European location — easy to travel across the continent
For families, Germany’s well-funded public school system and safe neighbourhoods make it a compelling long-term choice.
Post-Brexit: What Changes When Moving from London to Germany
Since January 2021, UK nationals moving to Germany are treated as third-country nationals for immigration purposes. This means you will need to register with the local authorities and apply for the appropriate residence permit. Key requirements include:
Before you move:
- Secure a job offer, proof of sufficient funds, or university acceptance letter (depending on your visa category)
- Obtain health insurance — this is mandatory for any German residence permit application
- Research the Anmeldung (address registration) process at your local Einwohnermeldeamt
On arrival:
- Register your address at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days of arrival
- Apply for your residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde
Your household goods and personal belongings can be imported from the UK to Germany duty-free, provided you have lived with them in the UK for at least six months and are relocating permanently. Customs documentation must be prepared carefully — as your removal company, Easy Move handles all of this on your behalf.
Planning Your Move from London to Germany: Timeline
12 weeks before
- Research and shortlist removal companies; request quotes
- Begin decluttering — every extra cubic metre adds to your cost
- Notify HMRC, your employer, bank and utility providers
8 weeks before
- Confirm your removal booking and agree a moving date
- Arrange temporary storage if there is a gap between leaving your London property and arriving in Germany
- Begin gathering documents (proof of UK residency, tenancy agreements, passport)
4 weeks before
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Obtain your customs inventory list from your removal company
- Confirm your German address — even a temporary one is needed for customs paperwork
Moving week
- Label all boxes with room name and contents
- Keep passports, important documents and valuables with you
- Ensure someone is available at your German address to receive the delivery
Cost of Moving from London to Germany
Removal costs from London to Germany vary based on volume, destination city and service type.
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £500 – £1,100 | Studios, 1-bed flats, small shipments |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,400 – £3,200 | 2-bed+ homes, full household |
| Professional packing add-on | £250 – £700 | Full household packing by our team |
Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt are all served by our regular weekly departures from London. For an accurate, fixed price with no hidden fees, request a free quote for your removals to Germany.
London to Germany: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Berlin | 3–4 working days |
| Hamburg | 2–3 working days |
| Munich | 3–5 working days |
| Frankfurt | 3–4 working days |
| Cologne | 2–3 working days |
| Stuttgart | 3–4 working days |
What Can You Bring? Prohibited and Restricted Items
When moving from the UK to Germany, certain items are subject to restrictions or outright prohibition:
- Permitted (duty-free): household furniture, clothing, books, electronics you own and have used for at least 6 months
- Restricted: certain food products, plants and seeds, prescription medication in large quantities
- Prohibited: weapons and ammunition (without proper licensing), counterfeit goods, certain animal products
Your removal company will provide a full prohibited items list before your move. Declaring everything accurately on your customs inventory prevents delays at the border.
Tips for a Smooth London to Germany Removal
Choose a company with regular UK–Germany departures. Ad hoc services with unfamiliar customs processes cause delays. Easy Move operates weekly departures on the London–Germany route with experienced drivers and established customs procedures.
Learn basic German before arrival. While many Germans in major cities speak English, your landlord, local authority and GP may not. Even basic German will make the first weeks significantly easier.
Open a German bank account before you arrive if possible. Many landlords and service providers in Germany require a local bank account (Girokonto). N26 and Deutsche Bank offer English-language account opening processes.
For more on the full relocation process — including healthcare registration, finding accommodation and German bureaucracy — read our detailed moving from UK to Germany guide.
Ready to Move? Get a Free Quote Today
Easy Move offers professional, fully insured door-to-door removals to Germany with weekly departures from London and all major UK cities. We handle customs documentation, professional packing and direct delivery to your German address.
👉 Get your free, no-obligation quote for removals to Germany
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Germany
Do I need a visa to move from the UK to Germany after Brexit?
Yes. UK nationals are now treated as non-EU citizens and need a residence permit to live and work in Germany. The type of permit depends on your situation — employment, freelance, study or family reunification. You must apply through the German Ausländerbehörde after registering your address.
How much does it cost to move from London to Germany?
Costs range from approximately £500 for a small part-load shipment to £3,200+ for a full household removal. The main factors are the volume of your belongings and your destination city. Get a free, fixed-price quote from Easy Move to know your exact cost upfront.
How long does a removal from London to Germany take?
Transit times are typically 2–5 working days depending on the destination city. Hamburg and Cologne are among the closest to London; Munich and Stuttgart take slightly longer.
Do I pay customs duty when moving my furniture from the UK to Germany?
In most cases, no. Household goods imported as part of a permanent relocation are exempt from customs duty, provided they have been owned and used by you for at least six months. Easy Move prepares all the required customs documentation on your behalf.
Can I ship my car as part of my removal to Germany?
Vehicle import from the UK to Germany is possible but involves separate customs and registration requirements. Contact Easy Move to discuss vehicle shipping options alongside your household removal.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.