Moving from Germany to the UK

Discover how we can provide a seamless relocation from Germany to the UK for you and your family.

Bishop's Move has over 170 years of experience in European relocation services and operates removals from Germany to the UK on a weekly basis. Whether you are moving from Hamburg to Dusseldorf, or back to the UK from Berlin, you need to erst denken, dann handeln (first think, then act) - and call Bishop's Move! Our experienced removals team has the know-how to smoothly move you to the UK.

Should I move from Germany back to the UK?

If you are considering moving back to the UK, you should be absolutely sure before making any bold moves. After all, moving is a stressful and disruptive experience, particularly when undertaking an international move. While we cannot make the decision for you, we can give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. To help you come to a conclusion that benefits you and your family in the long run, we have put together some questions to ask yourself before packing your bags.

1. Will you be happier in the UK?
2. How does the cost of living compare between your current location and prospective UK destination?
3. Are you able to transfer your income to the UK?
4. How will your healthcare and insurance policies be affected by an international move?

Moving from Germany with Bishop’s Move

Once you decide to move from Germany you should contact a British Association of Removers (BAR) overseas-approved removals and storage company, such as ourselves. Our European relocation department will handle every aspect of your move from Germany, from discussing all aspects of your move to preparing your free moving quote. At this point of the moving process, our consultant will show you our range of packing services, transportation methods, and secure storage solutions, and discuss our removals insurance options for extra peace of mind. If you have any fragile items such as antiques that require moving, we can provide suitable packaging such as bespoke crates to ensure their safe transportation. All you need to do is accept our quote and book your moving date.

In addition to our purpose-built storage warehouses across our UK branches, Bishop's Move also has a network of approved partners across Europe. So whether you are moving a few items or the contents of your entire house, we can professionally move you from Dusseldorf to a village in Saxony or directly to the door of your new home in any UK destination.

Moving from Germany to England Checklist

Moving back to the UK can seem like a formidable task, often more extensive than any domestic house move. There are many factors to consider and regulations to comply with, so it's important to have everything in place before you begin. The checklist below lists the key elements that should not be missed during your move back to the UK.

• Notify and de-register from German services and local authorities.
• Re-register for essential services in the UK.
• Contact the DVLA to exchange your German driving licence (if you have one) for a UK one.
• Create an inventory of your belongings prior to your move.
• Check UK border restrictions for prohibited items.
• Ensure your pet has a microchip, rabies vaccination, and necessary documentation.
• Sort out necessary transfers (schools, pension, German assets, currency).
• Obtain vehicle insurance for EU-registered vehicles.
• Research the UK property market and secure accommodation.
• Ensure you have a UK bank account.
• Notify HM Revenue and Customs of your return.

Am I Allowed to Move Back to the UK?

As long as you are a British citizen, you will be allowed back into the UK. However, you shouldn’t expect to pick up where you left off before you moved to Germany. It may take time before your rights to certain services in the UK are reinstated, so you should prepare to be able to support yourself and your family during this time. 

If you return as a permanent resident, you should be entitled to care through the National Health Service. If you or anyone travelling with you is not entitled, you need to ensure a replacement service is in place for emergencies. Similarly, if you are travelling with non-UK citizens, they may need appropriate visas to move to the UK.

Our moving from Germany to the UK post-Brexit guide has everything you need to know about relocating back to England following its departure from the EU.