Moving to Berlin After Brexit: What You Need to Know
This article provides the latest position (as of 13.11.2020) for UK citizens looking to move to Berlin after Brexit. It will cover your immediate rights after the 31st of January (the day the UK left the EU), the terms of the transition period and what your chances are of staying long-term in Germany. The post will also take a look at how Nomaden Berlin can help guide you through your move and help you relocate to Berlin after Brexit.
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The UK’s departure from the EU
The first stage of the perennial Brexit headache has come to a close. Since the pivotal decision to leave the EU on the 23rd of June 2016, the UK has limped through 3 years of uncertainty, frustration and confusion.
But all of this came to a head when Britain officially left the EU at 11 p.m. on the 31st of January 2020. After 45 years of EU membership, it’s come to an end people.
But does this really mean your dreams of living in Berlin have come to an abrupt halt as of the 31st of January?
The short answer is no! As a withdrawal agreement has been agreed with the EU, a ‘cliff-edge’ scenario has thankfully been averted and British citizens are now in a transition period with the EU.
So, what does this mean?
What is the Brexit transition period and how does this affect my chances of moving to Berlin?
In short, the transition period is an 11-month period that started on the 31st of January and runs until the 31st of December 2020. During this transition period, the UK will continue to be considered an EU state, and British citizens will still be able to enjoy all the rights that this entails.
Importantly, this also includes the right to freedom of movement within the EU, meaning British citizens are free to move, live and work in any EU/EEA country during the transition period.
While an obvious downgrade to a permanent right to freedom of movement afforded by EU membership, you still have an 11-month window to make the move to Berlin under the same conditions as before Brexit.
As it stands, the withdrawal agreement ensures that anyone registered as living in Berlin at the end of the transition period (31st of December 2020) will have the right to stay in Germany. This is confirmed by the latest position of the UK Government, who state:
“If you are resident in Germany before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 you will be able to stay”
So, I just need to fly into Berlin before the clock strikes midnight on the 31st of December 2020 and all will be dandy?! Well, not quite – and this is where things become slightly less clear at this stage.
Can I continue living in Berlin after the Brexit transition period?
As stated above, you will be permitted to stay in Berlin after Brexit if you are officially registered as living in Berlin at the end of the transition period (31st of December 2020).
Address Registration in Berlin
But being ‘registered’ doesn’t simply mean arriving in Berlin. You’ll need to be officially registered at an address in Berlin, a process that is known as Anmeldung. We’ve covered everything you need to know about registering at an address on our Anmeldung in Berlin page.
Residence Permit in Berlin
In addition to registering at an address, you’ll also be required to apply for a residence document at the immigration office in Berlin.
Legislation is currently being passed as to what form this residence document will take but all indications from the German parliament are that this will be a simple process for British citizens who are officially registered in Berlin at the end of the transition period. In all likelihood, you’ll just be required to show a valid passport, your address registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung) and possibly proof that you can financially sustain your life in Berlin.
Can I move to Berlin after the transition period ends?
As stated above, the process for moving to Berlin during the transition period is relatively clear. In addition, the long-term outlook for expats wanting to stay in Berlin is good if you move during this transition period.
However, we get into much murkier waters if you opt to move to Berlin after the 31st of December 2020 (the end of the transition period). So far, nothing has been agreed between the UK and the EU – as well as attempting to negotiate a trade deal in the 11-month transition period, the two parties will also be hashing out details regarding citizens’ rights for after the transition period (or at least we hope!).
While entirely speculative at this stage, it is likely that UK citizens moving after the Brexit transition period will be subject to similar visa restrictions as US, Canadian or Australian citizens. While definitely manageable, this would mean UK citizens would need a valid work or study visa in order to stay – a process that is likely to be far more uncertain, complicated and expensive than for UK citizens that were registered as living in Berlin before the end of the transition period.
For these reasons, we definitely think it’s a good idea to move to Berlin and become officially resident prior to the end of the transition period (31st December 2020)!
For further information about how to move to Berlin from the UK, check out the resources and guides on our homepage.