Munich is consistently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities — and it is easy to understand why. Clean, efficient, prosperous and beautifully situated at the foot of the Alps, Munich offers a quality of life that is hard to match anywhere in Europe. For UK professionals considering a move to Germany, Munich stands apart: it is the home of BMW, Siemens, MAN and Allianz, the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, and a city where high salaries and a love of outdoor life happily coexist.
This guide covers the practicalities of moving to Munich from the UK — from neighbourhoods and costs to paperwork and shipping your belongings.
Why Munich Attracts UK Professionals
- Major employers — Munich is home to some of Germany’s — and Europe’s — most significant companies: BMW, Siemens, MAN, Allianz, Munich Re, Linde and a growing tech sector including Microsoft, Google and numerous startups
- High salaries — Munich has some of the highest average wages in Germany, reflecting the concentration of premium employers
- Alpine proximity — the Bavarian Alps are less than an hour’s drive from the city. Skiing in winter, hiking in summer: Munich is a city for people who love outdoor life
- Beer culture and social life — the Biergarten is a genuine social institution, and Munich’s food and drinking culture is world-renowned
- Excellent infrastructure — Munich’s public transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus) is outstanding; the city is clean, safe and well-organised
The trade-off: Munich is expensive. It is the most expensive city in Germany for housing and among the most expensive in Europe. Salaries typically reflect this, but the cost of living requires careful financial planning.
Munich Districts: Where to Live
Maxvorstadt / Schwabing — Munich’s university and arts district. Excellent museums (Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek), café culture, student energy. Popular with young professionals and academics.
Glockenbachviertel / Isarvorstadt — Trendy, diverse, LGBTQ+-friendly. Independent shops, bars and restaurants. Popular with creatives and younger expats. Expensive but vibrant.
Bogenhausen / Lehel — Upmarket east-of-centre district. Beautiful architecture, close to the Isar river and English Garden. Popular with senior professionals and families. High rents.
Haidhausen — East of the Isar, more affordable than Bogenhausen. Cosmopolitan, good transport links, popular with young professionals and expats.
Schwabing-West / Maxvorstadt borders — The classic expat professional belt. Good transport links to central business areas, pleasant neighbourhoods, reasonable (by Munich standards) rents.
Pasing / Großhadern — Outer western districts. More affordable, family-oriented, good public transport links. Popular with families who prioritise space over central location.
Cost of Living in Munich
Munich is Germany’s most expensive city. Budget accordingly:
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (central) | €1,800 – €2,800 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outer districts) | €1,200 – €1,800 |
| Monthly public transport (MVV) | €57 (monthly ticket) |
| Groceries (one person) | €250 – €400 |
| Eating out (mid-range) | €15 – €25 per meal |
| Health insurance (statutory GKV) | ~14.6% of salary |
Housing in Munich is genuinely competitive — the rental market is tight and quality apartments are snapped up quickly. Consider using a relocation agent for your first Munich flat search.
Post-Brexit: Residency in Munich
The process for UK nationals in Munich is the same as elsewhere in Germany:
1. Anmeldung — register your address at the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR) or local Bürgerbüro within 14 days of arrival. You receive a Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) 2. Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) — apply at the Munich Ausländerbehörde (KVR Ausländerangelegenheiten). Book your appointment online as early as possible — Munich’s Ausländerbehörde is busy and appointments are in high demand 3. Health insurance — mandatory; arrange before or immediately after arrival 4. Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) — issued automatically after registration, sent by post within 2–4 weeks
For employment, your Munich employer will usually assist with the permit application.
Shipping Your Belongings to Munich
Munich is one of the longer routes from London within Germany — typically 3–5 working days transit time. Easy Move operates regular UK departures covering Munich, with all customs documentation included as part of our removals to Germany service.
Post-Brexit, all UK-to-Germany moves require customs paperwork. Household goods qualify for duty-free import under Transfer of Residence relief. Easy Move handles the Zoll documentation on your behalf.
See also: moving from London to Germany and moving from UK to Germany guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Munich from the UK
Is Munich more expensive than London?
Munich is expensive by German standards but is generally comparable to or slightly cheaper than central London for housing — though London Zone 1-2 rents are higher than Munich at the very top end. The key difference is that Munich salaries are commensurate with local costs, and the quality of life return on those costs is exceptional.
Do I need to speak German to work in Munich?
More so than in Berlin. Munich’s business culture is more traditional and German-language proficiency is expected in most professional environments. The tech and startup sector is more international, but German is an advantage — and often a requirement — in most Munich workplaces.
How does the Munich public transport system work?
Munich’s MVV (Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft) operates an integrated U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus network. The city is divided into zones; a monthly pass for the inner zone (Innenraum) covers most residential and work areas and costs approximately €57/month. The system is punctual, clean and highly reliable.
How hard is it to find a flat in Munich?
Very hard. Munich’s rental market is among the tightest in Germany. Prepare all documents in advance (passport, employment contract, pay slips, Schufa credit check) and be ready to view and apply on the same day. Many expats use a relocation agent for their first Munich rental.
How long does it take to ship belongings from the UK to Munich?
Easy Move’s transit time from the UK to Munich is typically 3–5 working days, with weekly departures from London and all German customs documentation included.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.