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Moving to Germany: Your Comprehensive Guide for a Stress-Free Relocation
Moving to Germany is a big step. To ensure you feel comfortable from the start, thorough preparation is crucial. Discover which administrative procedures are necessary, how to find the right apartment, and which financial aspects you should consider. Do you need support with your move? Contact us for personal advice.
The topic short and concise
Moving to Germany is a big step. To ensure you feel comfortable from the start, thorough preparation is crucial. Discover which administrative procedures are necessary, how to find the right apartment, and which financial aspects you should consider. Do you need support with your move? Contact us for personal advice.
Moving to Germany is a big step. To ensure you feel comfortable from the start, thorough preparation is crucial. Discover which administrative procedures are necessary, how to find the right apartment, and which financial aspects you should consider. Do you need support with your move? Contact us for personal advice.
Moving to Germany is a big step. To ensure you feel comfortable from the start, thorough preparation is crucial. Discover which administrative procedures are necessary, how to find the right apartment, and which financial aspects you should consider. Do you need support with your move? Contact us for personal advice.
Planning a move to Germany? This article provides you with all the essential information and checklists to ensure your move goes smoothly. Learn more about administrative procedures, finances, housing, and how GoMovin can assist you.
Are you planning a move to Germany? Whether relocating within Germany or from abroad, a move can be exciting yet stressful. Careful planning is crucial to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. This comprehensive guide provides you with all the essential information and checklists you need for a successful move. At GoMovin, we understand that every relocation is unique. That's why we offer personalised advice and tailored solutions to meet your individual needs. Our expertise in the relocation sector helps you save time and control costs.
Overview of the key aspects of moving
A successful relocation demands consideration of various aspects. These include:
Official procedures: Registration with the local residents' office and informing relevant authorities are essential.
Contracts and subscriptions: Adjust your insurance policies and update your subscriptions.
Financial aspects: Plan your finances, including deposits and potential tax benefits.
Property handover: Pay attention to all details when handing over your old and new properties.
Why good planning is crucial
Good planning is essential for a stress-free move. It helps you avoid stress and save time. By planning in advance, you can avoid unexpected problems and ensure everything goes according to plan. A detailed checklist helps you stay organised and not forget any important tasks. Careful planning also allows you to control costs and develop a realistic budget plan. This way, you avoid unforeseen expenses and keep your finances under control.
Change of address made easy: How to inform all the important parties
After moving, it is important to inform all relevant authorities and institutions of your new address. Failure to do so can lead to problems and unnecessary fees. GoMovin helps you keep track and complete all necessary steps in a timely manner. We offer you comprehensive advice and assist you with filling out and submitting the correct forms. The post-move checklist from umziehen.de offers you a detailed overview of the most important tasks in the first weeks after moving.
Mandatory registrations after the move
In Germany, there is a registration obligation. This means you must register with the residents' registration office within a certain period after moving. This period is generally one to two weeks after moving into the new home. If you miss this deadline, you may face fines. For registration, you typically need your identity card or passport as well as landlord confirmation. This confirmation must be provided by your landlord. You can find more information on registration obligations at amtlich-einfach.de.
Informing important authorities and institutions
Besides the residents' registration office, you must also inform other authorities and institutions of your address change. These include:
Vehicle registration office: If your registration district changes, you must re-register your vehicle.
Tax office: Inform the tax office so that your tax documents are sent to the correct address.
BAföG office and employment agency: If you receive BAföG or unemployment benefits, you must inform these agencies as well.
A complete list of all relevant authorities and institutions can be found on the Deutsche Post website.
Deutsche Post: Mail forwarding service and relocation notification
Deutsche Post offers two useful services to simplify your move: the mail forwarding service and the relocation notification. The mail forwarding service ensures that your mail is redirected to your new address. The relocation notification automatically informs your contract and communication partners of your address change. Both services can be requested online or at a post office. The combination of mail forwarding service and relocation notification minimizes communication interruptions and reduces administrative effort.
Contracts and Insurance: How to Adjust Everything in Time
A house move is a good opportunity to review and adjust your contracts and insurance policies. Not all agreements are tied to your place of residence, but it is important to ensure you remain optimally insured and do not incur unnecessary costs. We at GoMovin help you keep track and make the right decisions. We analyse your existing contracts and insurance policies and provide you with recommendations on which adjustments are sensible.
Adjusting your insurance
Your insurance policies should definitely be adapted to your new situation after the move. Of particular importance are the:
Home contents insurance: The home contents insurance covers damage to your household items. Make sure the sum insured is sufficient to cover the value of your belongings.
Car insurance: If you have to re-register your vehicle, your car insurance will also change. Compare offers from different insurers to find the best option for you.
It is advisable to contact the insurance companies early to make all the necessary changes.
Updating subscriptions and memberships
Don’t forget to update your subscriptions and memberships. Inform your:
Magazine and newspaper subscriptions: Notify the publishers of your new address so that you continue to receive your magazines and newspapers.
Gym membership: Check whether your membership can be transferred to another studio or if you have a right to special termination.
Regional public transport operators: Inform the regional public transport operators about your address change if you have a subscription for public transport.
In some cases, you have a special right of termination due to the move. Check your contract terms to see if you can make use of this.
Supply contracts: Electricity, water, internet & more
When moving, it is important to adjust your supply contracts. These include:
Electricity and water: Register and deregister with the local suppliers. Note the meter readings when handing over the old and new flats.
Internet and telephone: Arrange the transfer or new connection of your internet and telephone in good time. Compare offers from different providers to find the best tariff for you.
Waste collection: Register with the waste collection service so that your rubbish is collected regularly.
Comparing providers can help you save costs. Use online comparison portals to find the best deals.
Keep an Eye on Your Finances: How to Benefit from Tax Advantages When Moving
A move can be expensive. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your finances and explore all avenues to save costs. At GoMovin, we assist you in optimising your moving expenses and benefiting from tax advantages. We advise you on which costs you can deduct for tax purposes and how to properly submit the application. Be sure to keep all receipts carefully, as these are required for the tax return.
Deposit: Refund of the old and payment for the new apartment
An important financial aspect when moving is the deposit. Clarify the refund of the deposit for your old apartment and the payment of the deposit for your new apartment in good time. In some cases, a guarantee can be an alternative to the deposit. A guarantee eases your finances and allows you to use the deposit elsewhere.
Deduct moving expenses for tax purposes
Under certain conditions, you can deduct your moving expenses for tax purposes. This is the case, for example, if the move is job-related or for health reasons. Deductible costs include, for example:
Transport costs: Costs for transporting your household goods.
Travel expenses: Costs for travelling to and from the new apartment.
Agency fees: Fees for arranging a new apartment.
Consult your tax advisor or tax office about the exact requirements and which costs you can deduct. It is important to keep all receipts carefully, as these are required for the tax return.
Further financial aspects
In addition to deposits and moving expenses, there are other financial aspects to consider when moving:
Dog tax for pets: If you have a dog, you must register it with the local council and pay dog tax.
Check second home tax: If you have a second residence in addition to your main residence, you may have to pay second home tax.
It is advisable to inform yourself early about the respective regulations to avoid unexpected costs.
Smooth Handover of Apartments: How to Avoid Disputes
The handover of a flat is an important step when moving. Both when handing over your old flat and when taking over your new one, you should pay attention to all details to avoid disputes. We at GoMovin support you in ensuring the flat handover is professional and smooth. We offer you a checklist with all the crucial points you should consider during the handover. This way, you can ensure everything goes correctly, and you don't encounter any nasty surprises.
Old Flat: Cosmetic Repairs and Key Handover
Before handing over your old flat, you should carry out all cosmetic repairs you are obliged to perform according to your rental agreement. This includes painting walls and ceilings as well as repairing drill holes. Record the meter readings for electricity, water, and heating, and create a handover protocol. When handing over the keys, all keys should be handed over completely. It is advisable to carry out the handover together with the landlord and have the handover protocol signed by both parties.
New Flat: Furniture Assembly and Fire Protection
After moving into your new flat, furniture assembly is on the agenda. Plan sufficient time for assembling your furniture or hire a professional assembly service. Pay attention to fire protection in your new flat. Check whether smoke detectors are present and functional. Familiarise yourself with the fire protection regulations in your building.
Exploring the New Neighbourhood
Take time to explore your new neighbourhood. Go for a walk and discover the shops, restaurants, and parks in your area. Introduce yourself to your neighbours. A friendly hello can lay the foundation for a good neighbourly relationship. A housewarming party is a great opportunity to celebrate your moving helpers and get to know your new neighbours.
Moving with a child: How to protect your child's wellbeing
Moving with a child requires special care and planning. It is crucial to consider your child's needs and make the move as gentle as possible. At GoMovin, we support you in making the move with your child stress-free. We advise you on how to prepare your child for the move and help them settle into the new environment. In the case of separated parents with joint custody, the situation is particularly complex. The Hasselbach Law Firm provides information about rights and responsibilities when moving with a child.
Is consent from the other parent required?
If you have joint custody and want to move with your child, you generally need the consent of the other parent. This is especially true if the move significantly affects the child's life, such as moving to another city or abroad. If the other parent refuses consent, you must apply to the family court for the right to determine residence. The court will then decide with which parent the child should live.
Court decision in case of disagreement
In a court decision, the welfare of the child is the main focus. The court takes into account various factors, such as the child's relationship with both parents, the stability of living conditions, and the child's development opportunities. A guardian ad litem is usually appointed to represent the child’s interests. Often, a psychological assessment is also commissioned to better assess the child's situation. The family law specialist provides information on the current case law regarding moving with a child.
International move with a child
An international move with a child comes with even stricter regulations. The Hague Convention (HCC) applies here, which aims to ensure the protection of children in international abductions. Moving abroad without the other parent's consent can have criminal consequences. In the worst-case scenario, there is a risk of charges for child abduction. It is therefore advisable to seek legal advice early and take all necessary steps to protect the child's welfare. Elblaw explains that parents cannot forbid or prevent each other from moving to another location.
Moving Abroad: How to Overcome the Unique Challenges
Moving abroad is a significant step that requires thorough preparation. Besides the usual moving preparations, you must also deal with the specific regulations of the destination country. At GoMovin, we support you with your move abroad and help you overcome all challenges. We advise you on issues such as visas, work permits, health insurance, and customs regulations. With our expertise, your move abroad will be a success.
Registration Requirements and Documents
Before your move abroad, you must deregister in Germany. Deregistration usually needs to be done within a week before the move. Familiarize yourself with the entry requirements of the destination country. In most cases, you will need a visa and a work permit. Ensure that you apply for all necessary documents in good time. The Federal Foreign Office offers you helpful information.
Customs Regulations and Import Restrictions
Find out about the customs regulations and import restrictions of the destination country. Certain items may not be imported or are subject to specific restrictions. The Customs Authority can provide information on the applicable regulations. Allow sufficient time for customs clearance.
Further Important Points
Please consider the following points when moving abroad:
International Driving Licence: If you wish to drive in the destination country, you may need an international driving licence.
Health Insurance Abroad: Clarify how you will be insured in the destination country. In some cases, you may need additional international health insurance.
It is advisable to take care of all formalities at an early stage to avoid stress and delays.
Moving made easy: Checklists and tools for a smooth process
Good planning is key for a stress-free move. Use checklists and tools to stay organised and ensure no important tasks are forgotten. At GoMovin, we provide you with a variety of resources to make your move planning easier. With our checklists and tools, your move will be a success.
Online Calculators and Planning Tools
Use online calculators and planning tools to organise your move. The Box Calculator helps you determine the number of moving boxes you need. The Authority Finder shows you which authorities need to be informed about your move. The Deutsche Post offers a wide range of useful tools and calculators.
Checklists to Tick Off
Use checklists to stay on top of things. A Moving Checklist helps you accomplish all important tasks before moving. A Post-Move Checklist reminds you of all the tasks that need to be done after the move. The Post-Move Checklist from umziehen.de provides you with a detailed overview of the key tasks in the first weeks after your move.
Tips for Special Situations
Take note of the following tips for special situations:
Moving in Winter: Allocate enough time for the move and ensure you have winter-appropriate clothing.
Energy Saving Tips: Use the move as an opportunity to improve energy efficiency and save costs.
GoMovin: Your partner for a stress-free move to Germany
A move to Germany doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning and support, you can make the move smoothly. At GoMovin, we are your reliable partner for all questions related to relocation. We offer personalised advice and tailor-made solutions that cater to your individual needs. Our expertise in relocation helps you save time and control costs.
Our services for your move
We offer a comprehensive range of services for your move to Germany:
Personalised advice: We provide individual consultations and develop a customised moving plan with you.
Assistance with administrative tasks: We assist you with all formalities and administrative matters.
Organisation of the move: We take care of transporting your household goods and organising the move.
Why GoMovin is the right choice
With GoMovin, you have an experienced and reliable partner by your side. We understand the challenges of moving and support you through every phase of your relocation. Our clients appreciate our personalised service, expertise, and bespoke solutions. We make your move to Germany a success.
Planning your move to Germany? Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. We look forward to helping you start anew in Germany. Get in touch now!
Further useful links
The amtlich-einfach.de page provides further information on registration obligations in Germany.
The Kanzlei Hasselbach advises on the rights and obligations when relocating with a child, particularly with joint custody.
A specialist lawyer for family law provides insights into the current case law on relocating with a child.
Elblaw explains that parents cannot forbid or prevent each other from moving to a different residence.
FAQ
Which authorities must I inform when moving to Germany?
You must inform the Residents' Registration Office, the Vehicle Registration Office (if applicable), the Tax Office, the Health Insurance provider, and possibly the BAföG Office or the Employment Agency. GoMovin supports you with all formalities.
How can I find a suitable apartment in Germany?
GoMovin offers a property service that helps you find the right apartment. We consider your individual needs and assist you in the search and viewing process.
What should I consider when moving with a child if I have joint custody?
Basically, you need the consent of the other parent. If the consent is refused, you must apply for the right of residence at the Family Court. The court will then decide in the interest of the child's welfare.
Which insurances should I adjust after moving to Germany?
Adjust your home contents insurance and vehicle insurance to your new life situation. GoMovin analyzes your existing insurance policies and offers recommendations for sensible adjustments.
How can I deduct my moving expenses for tax purposes?
Under certain conditions, e.g. for a work-related move, you can deduct your moving expenses for tax purposes. Keep all receipts carefully and consult your tax advisor.
What services does Deutsche Post offer for moving?
Deutsche Post offers the forwarding service and the relocation notice. The forwarding service redirects your mail to your new address, while the relocation notice automatically informs your contract and communication partners about your change of address.
What should I consider when moving abroad?
You must deregister in Germany and inform yourself about the entry requirements of the destination country. GoMovin advises you on visas, work permits, health insurance, and customs regulations.
How long do I have to register after moving to Germany?
There is a registration obligation in Germany. You must usually register at the Residents' Registration Office within one to two weeks after moving in.
