Moving to Germany
Germany is a federal republic made up of 16 states, each of which has its own constitution, so if you are considering moving to Germany, you will likely have a very different experience from someone who moves to another part of the country. In 1945 after the Second World War, Germany was split into two states, East Germany and West Germany but in 1990 the country was re-unified.
Germany is a land of contrasts with cities offering fashionable restaurants, bars and art galleries where trendy urbanites congregate as well as wonderfully varied countryside studded with fairy-tale castles, dramatic forests and picturesque rivers. It is no coincidence that the Brothers Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm were German. During the 19th century they collected, recorded and published folktales which are still popular the world over. What child or adult has not heard of Snow White or Cinderella?
Germany has plenty of attractions to suit all ages and tastes and to date more than 100,000 UK citizens have made this country their home. As its government plays a key role in Europe and is economically strong, the country provides a very attractive place for the British and other nationalities to live and work.
Berlin is the technological mecca of Europe, offering many employment opportunities in the scientific field as well as the automotive and telecommunications industries. It also a haven for the performing arts with dozens of theatres.
Germany has a reputation for efficiency and cleanliness. Public transport is spotless and runs on time and the network of motorways or autobahns simplify cross country travel.
Germans are friendly and hospitable although they may seem a little formal to British people on first meeting. Don’t use first names until you are invited and especially if you haven’t met someone before. If someone has a title such as Doctor, be sure to use this when addressing them, especially if you've just met them.
Germans take a great pride in working hard and achieving qualifications but they will also take delight in introducing you to German culture.
Although many Germans speak excellent English, they will be particularly pleased if you can speak a little conversational German.
Moving to and Living in Germany
Removals to Germany are straightforward, we're there regularly and know the quirks of performing a removal in Germany.
Whilst moving to Germany is still relatively straightforward post Brexit, we are still finding our feet. Please call us for the very latest advice and guidance.
It is mandatory to register at your local registration office within 7 days of your arrival if you are staying in Germany for more than 3 months. If you move to Rheinland-Pfaltz, you have to register immediately.
Put your name on the post box at your house or apartment otherwise you may not receive your mail.
If you are moving to Germany with your children, you should also research the education system. Education policies are usually decided locally in each individual state. If you are moving to Germany with your children, you should also research the education system. Education policies are usually decided locally in each individual state.
Living and housing costs in Germany are lower than in the UK, however this will also vary depending on your destination area.
After the economic recession, unemployment levels in Germany have risen however the country still has a large and diverse economy, and there are a wide range of employment opportunities, especially in sectors such as IT, science or engineering. If you want to work in a particular field, you must have the appropriate qualifications.
Interesting Facts About Germany
- Germany is the second most populous, and one of the most densely populated countries in Europe with a population of 81 million.
- Over 18.5% of people living in Germany are of non-German descent.
- Germany is the world's largest exporter of goods.
- Germany is the homeland of numerous scientists, theorists, and artists, including Albert Einstein, Max Plank, Kant, Nietzsche and Goethe.
- The tallest church in the world, the Ulm Cathedral, is located in Germany.
- Munich's Oktoberfest, which actually starts in September, is the biggest beer festival in the world.
- Germany is famous for its beer and its citizens are proud of producing beer without additives. In Bavaria, weissbier or weizenbier (wheat beer) is served as part of a traditional breakfast.
- Germany’s motorways (autobahn) are famous for having no speed limit, but there is an advisory limit of 130km/h (81mph) - and in some places there are official speed limits in place
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage can help your overseas move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 01785 251161 and speaking with one of our Stafford and Cheshire removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
Never seen something so well protected before
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
You came recommended at the local level by my parents and have a strong international presence
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
9/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Your team immediately put me at ease and I felt my goods would be really looked after. The quote was actually a little expensive that your competitor, but peace of mind was most important for me.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
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Honestly excellent and cannot praise them enough. Moving is always stressful and moving to California even more so. The items they sent are irreplaceable to me and they were extremely well contained. I have never seen something so well protected before -- Thanks Chris and Alan. Everything arrived exactly as it left. This was all managed by Matthew Myers who was excellent from start to finish
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Honestly hard to find any faults.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
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Thank you for making it so smooth and flawless
Email to Matt
I’m just dropping you a line (and some photos) to say I have received my goods from Stafford.
I’ll be honest, I have never seen something so well wrapped and protected before! Please can you pass on my thanks to the guys that collected my things, wrapped and shipped? I am very grateful for their care and diligence.
I would also like to thank you for all your efforts these past 2 or so months. It’s been a pleasure to work with you and I will definitely recommend yourself and Goodwins to others in my position. If you have a form or review you’d like me to fill out, please let me know.
All the best!
Sachin ReddyMade light work of everything
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Found on the Internet
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Seemed like a reputable company
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Paul, Alan and Gaz were fantastic, very quick and very efficient. Did everything we asked.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Keep up the good work don't let standards drop.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Email to Matt
The service you guys gave was absolutely top class. Thanks so much. Paul, Alan and Gaz were absolutely brilliant we were so impressed with them, made light work of everything, really polite and did everything we asked of them. Keep up the good work.
Kind regards
Neil HiggsWould highly recommend you to anyone that asks!
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I had used you in the past for the company I worked for and was impressed
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
I was impressed the last time I used you
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Adam, Ant and Gaz were brilliant on the day. Couldn't fault them and certainly did Goodwins proud! Would use you again in the future and I would highly recommend you to anyone that asks!
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Nothing you could improve on as it went seamless
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Very obliging, polite, friendly and uncomplaining
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Card through post
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Availability at short notice and competitive price
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Very obliging, polite, friendly and uncomplaining
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
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