Moving to Germany in 2026: The Complete Hub

★ Flyto Oy: 4.9/5 from 500+ Google reviews · fixed price before loading · GoogleGet your fixed price (2 min) →

Author: Flyto Editorial Team · Reviewed by: Joonas Nurminen, Sales Manager & Partner in

Last reviewed: 7.9.2026

Everything for your move to Germany, in one place. City-by-city relocation guides (Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Berlin), route-by-route cost breakdowns, and the official admin steps — each written by our movers with sourced local detail. Start with your destination city or your route below.

City guides — moving to Germany

Moving routes to & from Germany

Planning the move itself as well? Costs, transit times and how to choose a mover are covered on our page about removal company to Germany.

What your move will cost

Essential admin & paperwork in Germany

Planning your move to Germany?

Get a free, personalised quote in 2 minutes

Get free quote →

Frequently asked questions

Do EU citizens need a residence permit for Germany, and what is the Anmeldung?
As an EU, EEA or Swiss national you have full freedom of movement and need no residence permit to live and work in Germany. You must, however, register your address (Anmeldung) at the local registration office (Bürgeramt) within two weeks of moving into your home, which gives you the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) needed for many everyday tasks (Make it in Germany).

Do I have to pay customs duties on my household goods?
No. Germany is part of the EU single market, so household goods brought from another EU country move freely with no customs declaration, duties or import VAT. Customs rules apply only if you import goods from a non-EU country (Zoll).

How much does an international move to Germany cost and how long does it take?
Costs depend chiefly on the volume of your goods in cubic metres, the distance and the extra services you select, such as packing, dismantling or storage, so ask for a detailed, survey-based quotation rather than a flat estimate. A road move within the EU usually takes from a few days to about two weeks door to door depending on the distance (Your Europe).

What deposit will I need to rent a flat in Germany?
Under German law (§ 551 BGB) the security deposit (Kaution) for a residential tenancy may not exceed three months’ cold rent (Kaltmiete, the net rent excluding heating and service charges). You are entitled to pay it in three equal monthly instalments, and it must be held separately and returned with interest after you move out (Gesetze im Internet (§551 BGB)).

How do I sort out health insurance in Germany?
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. Most employees join a statutory health insurance fund (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), which is deducted from salary, while higher earners and the self-employed may opt for private cover; you register directly with a Krankenkasse of your choice. Before you are insured locally, your EHIC covers necessary treatment (Make it in Germany).

Can I keep my EU driving licence in Germany?
Yes. Driving licences issued in the EU or EEA remain valid in Germany for as long as they are valid, so residents from those countries do not need to exchange them. You only need to act when the licence expires or if German authorities require a change of details (Make it in Germany).

Sources

Hiring an international mover? See our full International removals to Germany service — Flyto’s own European hubs, vetted local partners and one English-speaking coordinator, door to door.

Get your fixed price (2 min) →

Nordics

Western Europe

Southern Europe

Eastern Europe

British Isles

Middle East

Asia-Pacific

Africa

Americas

Eurasia

Moving to Germany in 2026: The Complete Hub