Skip to content

South Africans in Germany

Home » Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The thought of starting a new chapter in your life can bring a sense of thrill, while the idea of going through the process of moving can be daunting. Countless things need to be taken into consideration, and it can be tough to know where to start. Where will you find a suitable place to live? Should you buy or rent? What will be the cost of living? What about your belongings? What should you keep and what should you dispose of? How do you ensure that you don’t forget anything important or leave something behind? You need to make sure that you have everything you need to start fresh in your new home.
To assist you in this process, we have created a page filled with useful information, tips, and recommendations to help you plan your journey smoothly and efficiently. 

Start by reading the information our “Good to know” page. There you will find helpful information about moving to and life in Germany, housing, electronics and much more 

Good to know

Your Visas are approved, your paperwork is finalised and you are ready to start planning the big move. This can be a very stressful time, and we hope the information we provide here helps to ease the process.

To help you keep track of everything, we’ve put together a thorough checklist of things to consider before embarking on your move to Germany. Our checklist covers all the essential tasks you need to complete, such as finding a place to live, opening a bank account, and registering with the local authorities. 
Furthermore, we have created a list of essential documents you should bring with you to Germany. This list includes items such as your passport, visa documents, and proof of health insurance. With our comprehensive guide, you can be sure that nothing is overlooked and you are fully prepared for your new life in Germany!

Documents to bring to Germany

The documents you will need in Germany will depend on your type of visa, your family situation, the company you work for, the schools or

Children

Children

Raising a family in Germany can be a wonderful experience, but with any new adventure, it’s important to be aware of the cultural, legal, financial,

Moving your belongings

The sleeping arrangements in Germany is a bit different from that in South Africa. The bedding sizes are also different. Plan accordingly and don’t bring bedding with you that will not fit on the beds.
Make sure you know what you are allowed to bring into Germany.
We also have a page about importing a used vehicle. Our advice is only do this if you really really cannot part with your beloved vehicle.

We also have a list of Shipping and relocation companies that was suggested by members that used them.

What can I bring into Germany

It is very tempting to bring some South African goodies with you when you travel to Germany, and while most items are allowed, there are Restrictions.

Beds, Mattresses and Duvets

The sleeping arrangements in Germany is a bit different from what we are used to in South Africa. The average German couple sleeps on a

Import a used vehicle to Germany

The following information was shared to us by someone who went through this process. What documents do you need Proof of ownership – Proof of

Pets

It is only natural to want your furry friends to come along with you as well. After all, they are a part of your family and it would be unthinkable to leave them behind. However, moving pets can be a daunting task and requires careful planning and preparation, from choosing the correct mode of transportation, to obtaining necessary health certificates and complying with regulations. WE have to pages that we hope can assist you. 

Pets – Personal stories

Here are some shared experiences by our Facebook members.  If you would like to add your experience to our website, please submit it via our

Pets

Dangerous (Banned) Dogs Some dog breeds are banned in Germany. There are additional rules for individual states.  Up-to-date information can be found on the Zoll

It helps to start learning German as soon as you can. You can find a collection of tips, rules and suggestions for apps, or schools on our Learning German page

Learning German

There are several approaches to learn German, all of which can help you achieve your language learning goals. You can opt for convenient online sites

Flights and travel tips

General Travel tips – Flying

When it comes to travelling, especially by air, taking precautions and planning ahead is key to ensuring a smooth journey. Here are some general travel

Flying with Children

Flying with Children Travelling with small kids can be an amazing experience but also quite a task especially when it involves long flights. One of the key

Travel to Germany – Tips

If you’re planning a trip to Germany, we’ve got some travel tips that we think you’ll find incredibly helpful.  If you’ve got your own tips

Arriving in Germany

Our team has created an informative online space to help you settle in Germany. You can find information on transport, accommodation, banking, language learning, and more. 

Arriving in Germany

Settling into a new country can be challenging at times, and it’s important to ensure that you have all the information you need to make