Retiring To Germany as a UK Expat: Know The Steps And What To Expect
Germany’s appeal as a retirement destination for British nationals lies in its blend of economic stability and a perfect mix of the old and new. There’s no shortage of historic charm, cultural festivities and stunning natural landscapes. Complementing that with a thriving economy and a modern healthcare system, Germany offers a well-rounded and enticing lifestyle to any British citizen looking to find a place to spend their twilight years.
Retirement abroad, if done right, has many advantages. You get to enjoy a change of scenery, new experiences, a lower cost of living and, of course, a better quality of life.
In Germany, the retirement age is 67. So, if spending your golden years there excites you, now is the perfect time to begin preparing for your transition.
Visa Application
To retire to Germany as a UK citizen, you should have already lived there and been granted a residency permit. This is because there is no retirement visa offered to foreigners. Long-term visa options are generally only available for work, investment, study, or family reunification purposes.
As a UK citizen, you could choose to enter Germany on a visa-free 90-day visit and then apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office once you arrive.
This process usually takes two to three months, so apply as early as possible. You can use this time to immerse yourself in the German culture and see if retiring there is a good fit.
Getting your application approved hinges a lot on your ability to prove that you have the financial capacity to sustain your stay in Germany — and that you do not pose a risk to the country’s safety. You should also have comprehensive health insurance.
Your residency permit in Germany is initially valid for one year and can be renewed. If you’ve lived in Germany for five years and wish to make your retirement permanent, you can apply for a settlement permit, also referred to as a permanent residence visa.
General Requirements for Visa Application
- A valid passport
- Proficiency in German with at least a B1 level
- German health insurance
- No criminal record
- Valid and provable financial means to support yourself (and any family members)
- Health check clearance
You may also be required to submit other documents to prove your self-sufficiency and potential contribution to Germany’s economy and society.
Cost of Living
Housing costs in Germany are lower compared to the UK. While rental costs may vary based on location and features, London prices are still higher than in large German cities like Munich or Berlin. Rents are also more stable in Germany.
For reference, a one-bedroom unit in the centre of a major German city could range from €850 to €1,200 per month, while the same could go over £2,000 (around €2,300) in London. In smaller cities like Dresden or Düsseldorf, rental costs are around €650, compared to the UK’s Birmingham or Manchester rentals at £800 to £1,500.
A mid-range meal for two people in Germany costs around €65, while a McDonald’s meal is about €10. A kilo of beef round costs €17.21, a loaf of white bread at €1.91 and a bottle of mid-range wine is around €5.99.
Basic utilities cost around €300 per month, while the internet costs an average of €45.34.
A single person's average cost of living in Germany is around €900, excluding rent. This figure may be lower or higher depending on your lifestyle requirements.
Healthcare
Germany has an excellent public healthcare system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) supported by the private sector through employer and employee contributions. This health insurance system covers basic health services and the premiums are generally lower compared to the UK’s tax-funded system.
Public healthcare insurance premiums in Germany range from €200-700 depending on salary and coverage. Private health insurance premiums cost around €800 to €1,800 per month for older people who may want more extensive coverage.
Safety
Germany is generally a peaceful and safe country for retirees, with low violent crime rates and a strong law enforcement presence. Its crime index is a low 39 and it ranks 20th on the 2024 Global Peace Index.
While it’s generally safe to walk at night, as in any country, staying alert in crowded areas after dark is always a good idea.
Climate
The Northwestern areas and coastal Germany enjoy a marine climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Inland areas experience a continental climate with more pronounced seasonal temperature changes.
January is the coldest month, averaging between -2°C and 1.5°C, while July is the warmest, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 20°C. Northern regions are colder and wetter and winters can be particularly harsh in alpine areas.
Activities for Retirees
Retirement is the perfect time to indulge in your passions, whether it’s golfing, exploring local culture, or traveling.
Germany offers an array of activities for retirees, from sightseeing and cycling to visiting museums, castles and flea markets. The country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and culinary delights ensure there’s always something to enjoy.
Pension
If you’ve worked in Germany for at least five years, you qualify for pension insurance, which supports retirement needs, including health and disability coverage.
As a UK national, you may receive your state pension as a retiree in Germany via international bank transfer (UK bank account to German bank account). Your workplace or private pension may also be transferred to Germany if it complies with transferability eligibility rules.
However, your pension may be subject to taxation in both the UK and Germany, as Germany taxes worldwide income for residents.
Best Places for Retirees
There are many German cities where English-speaking retirees can easily integrate and even thrive as expatriates.
Munich
If your vibe is art, expansive public parks, techno hubs and a vibrant urban scene, Munich is for you. This is the city where you can find a balance of tradition and innovation. It is also one of Europe's largest and most populous cities — and boasts a lively, cosmopolitan vibe, relaxing scenery, career opportunities, excellent educational institutions, recreational venues and top-notch infrastructure.
Frankfurt
Aside from its world-famous sausages, Frankfurt offers some of the world's most stunning skylines. The architecture is a beautiful blend of modern skyscrapers and timeless cathedrals, museums and galleries. Frankfurt is also an important financial hub and English is widely spoken.
Berlin
Another cosmopolitan and historic city, Berlin offers a thriving nightlife, art and food scene and picturesque urban landscapes almost everywhere. It is home to many Michelin-star restaurants, cafes, bars, music venues, museums and galleries.
Berlin’s eclectic population mix offers a lifestyle that is quite welcoming to the expat community. As a bonus, English is widely spoken.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg offers a good quality of life with its relaxed balance of science and culture. It is a particularly attractive setting for academics and retirees.
Hamburg
Popular among tourists, Hamburg is a large city but less densely populated, giving it a quieter, laid-back vibe when compared to other large German cities. It offers many English-speaking jobs, especially in the finance and logistics industries.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is for retirees who want access to city amenities sans the crowd and bustle of a big urban setting. This idyllic city is just an hour away by train from Munich. It is also a great choice if you want to retire comfortably without spending much.
Cologne
Home to the iconic Cologne Cathedral, this city combines medieval charm with a lower cost of living and a thriving English-speaking population.
Cologne has also been voted as one of the safest and cleanest cities in Germany. It also has a lower cost of living compared to other German cities.
Challenges in Retiring in Germany as an Expat
Retiring abroad as a UK expat comes with several challenges. These include dealing with bureaucracy, language barriers and the higher cost of living in big cities. Germany also has higher taxes and your pension is subject to tax.
You can weigh these cons with the pros and if a good quality of life is something you value more than tax obligations, then Germany may be a good fit for your dream retirement.
Ready to Make the Move? Gentlevan Removals Has You Covered
If you have decided to spend your twilight years in Germany, move to Germany, and have your visa sorted, then you can move on to planning your logistics. Gentlevan Removals is here to ease the burden of packing, shipping and storing your belongings, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition.
With over 13 years of experience in European removals, we provide the utmost precision and reliability in handling your possessions. We offer flexibility in service with our partial or full packing door-to-door service.
We also provide guidance with customs regulations and safe storage solutions in the UK.
Contact us today or request a free online quote. With Gentlevan Removals, your road to retirement begins with a smart removal experience from the pros.