If you’re moving from Germany to the UK for work in 2025, you’ll face a system that’s very different from the old EU free movement rules. This guide explains what German employees relocating to the UK need to know about visas, salary thresholds, healthcare, family, and practical steps — so you can avoid delays and settle smoothly.
For a complete overview of work, family, and expat relocation between both countries, see our Relocation Strategy Master Guide 2025.
Do German Employees Need a Visa to Work in the UK?
Yes. Since Brexit, German citizens (and other EU nationals) need a visa to work in the UK. The most common options:
- Skilled Worker visa – for long-term or permanent roles.
- Global Business Mobility (Intra-company transfer) – for employees sent to a UK branch of their German company.
👉 Read more: Latest UK work visa requirements for German citizens.
Skilled Worker vs Global Business Mobility Visa
Skilled Worker Visa (for new jobs in the UK)
- Minimum salary: £41,700 per year (or the job’s “going rate” if higher).
- Certain shortage roles can start at £33,400.
- Requires English language proof.
Global Business Mobility Visa (for transfers within your company)
- Minimum salary: £52,500 per year (unless you’re on the Graduate Trainee route).
- No English language requirement.
- For temporary assignments, usually up to 5 years.
👉 Keyword targets: Skilled Worker visa Germany to UK, intra-company transfer UK visa for Germans.
Required Documents for German Employees
Prepare these documents in advance:
- Passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
- English test certificate (Skilled Worker route)
- TB test results (if required)
- Proof of savings (unless your employer certifies maintenance)
- Degree or police clearance (for certain jobs)
💡 Tip: Keep digital copies in cloud storage to avoid losing paperwork.
👉 Keyword targets: UK work visa documents for German citizens, requirements for German employees UK visa.
Costs of Moving from Germany to the UK for Work
Relocating employees face several mandatory costs:
- Visa application fee – varies by visa type.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – £1,035 per year (or £776 for children and students).
- Healthcare in the UK – after paying IHS, you can use the NHS like UK residents.
- Living costs & relocation expenses – flights, rent deposit, moving belongings.
👉 Ask your HR if your company reimburses IHS and family visa fees.
👉 Read more: How to pay the NHS healthcare fee.
Social Security: Will You Still Pay in Germany?
If you’re on a short posting (up to 24 months), your company may apply for an A1 certificate so you stay in the German social security system.
- Pension and health contributions remain in Germany.
- For longer relocations, you’ll switch to UK National Insurance.
Right-to-Work Checks for German Nationals
To start your UK job, you must pass a Right-to-Work check:
- Your employer will ask for a digital share code.
- German passports alone are not enough anymore.
👉Read more: Proof of work eligibility in the UK
Bringing Your Family to the UK
If you’re moving with your partner or children, they must apply as dependants:
- Each dependant pays the visa fee + IHS (£1,035/year per adult).
- Children under 18 pay £776/year IHS.
- All family members must apply separately online.
Settling into Life in the UK as a German Employee
Once you arrive, you’ll need to:
- Apply for or confirm your National Insurance number (NI).
- Register with a GP for healthcare.
- Open a UK bank account.
- Secure housing (landlords may ask for visa proof).
Typical Timeline for Relocating Employees
- Employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- You apply for the visa online.
- Pay the visa fee + IHS.
- Submit biometrics or use the UK Immigration app.
- Wait for a decision (usually 3–8 weeks, faster with priority service).
- Relocate to the UK and start work.
Employee Relocation Checklist (Printable)
- ✅ Confirm visa type (Skilled Worker or GBM)
- ✅ Check salary meets visa rules
- ✅ Gather all required documents
- ✅ Pay visa + IHS (check reimbursement policy)
- ✅ Discuss A1 certificate with HR
- ✅ Apply for family dependants if needed
- ✅ Plan housing, banking, and healthcare in the UK
Final Thoughts
Relocating from Germany to the UK in 2025 comes with new rules, new costs, and more paperwork than before Brexit — but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely manageable.
📌 Next step: Read the main guide [Moving from Germany to the UK in 2025: The Ultimate Guide] to cover customs, shipping, and cost-of-living planning alongside your visa journey.
Planning the reverse route? Our UK → Germany relocation guide explains customs, forms, and timelines.
