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
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
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
What Documents Should You Bring to Germany? The documents you’ll need in Germany depend on your visa type, family situation, employer, and whether you’re enrolling in a school or university. We’ve gathered a comprehensive list of what we think you’ll likely need, because when it comes to paperwork, it’s always better to be over-prepared than caught short. As a golden rule: for any document you might need in an official capacity, get the unabridged version
Checklist before you travel to Germany
Checklist before you travel to Germany Before embarking on your journey to Germany, it is crucial to be aware of all the administrative tasks that will require your attention. While this list is not solely focused on moving tasks, it serves as a comprehensive guide to all the essential administrative factors that need to be tended to before boarding the plane. By taking care of administrative aspects upfront, you can ensure a smoother transition to
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, and emotional differences you may encounter. Although there are similarities between raising a family in Germany and South Africa, there’s no doubt that you will face new challenges and opportunities that come with living in a new country. You may find that the German education system, housing policies, and healthcare
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.
Shipping and Relocation Companies
Shipping and Relocation Companies Relocating across continents is no small feat — it takes planning, patience, and a few strong cups of coffee. From finding a reliable shipping company to choosing full-service relocation support, the decisions can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve gathered real recommendations from the people who know best: our South Africans in Germany community. On this page, you’ll find a curated list of shipping companies to help move your belongings and relocation
What can I bring into Germany
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. There is also a limit on duty-free allowances. Zollamt Germany’s customs authority is known as the Zollamt, and they take their job seriously. The information below is especially relevant to travellers coming from South Africa (or any country outside the Schengen Area). If you’re
Beds, Mattresses and Duvets
Beds, Mattresses and Duvets The sleeping arrangements in Germany are a bit different from what we are used to in South Africa. The average German couple sleeps on a bed base with two single mattresses, and each with their own duvet.Some would argue for this, but I would at least want to share a duvet with my partner. I vacuum-packed all my queen-size duvets and brought them with me to Germany, together with my standard
Import a used vehicle to Germany
Import a used vehicle to Germany The following information was shared with us by someone who went through this process. What documents do you need Proof of ownership – Proof of purchase / Hire purchase agreement Dealers Invoice Original Vehicle registration documents – Proof of registration in your name Current vehicle insurance documentation EU Certificate of conformity (Konformitäts-bescheinigung or EWG – Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung) Certificate of exhaust emissions (AU-Bescheinigung) – vehicles older than 3 years Tax clearance
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 contact form December 2022 I did DIY from Pretoria to Jhb to Cape Town to Frankfurt on 24 December. Both dogs were in the cargo hold for both flights.DIY can only be done from CPT airport, which is why that flight was added. It means your dogs fly as excess
Pets
Pets Bringing your fur babies to a new country is both exciting and emotional Moving pets from South Africa to Germany comes with its own set of rules, and they can change often. That’s why we’ve gathered up-to-date links to official guidelines so you can be sure you’re working with the latest information. We’ve also included trusted pet immigration services recommended by fellow South Africans, plus a section where people share their do-it-yourself success stories—perfect
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
Master the Language. Embrace the Culture. Embarking on the journey to learn German can be approached in various ways to suit your lifestyle and goals. Online platforms offer the convenience of flexible language courses, while mobile apps make learning easy wherever you are. For a more interactive experience, attending in-person classes can provide practical lessons and opportunities to practice with others. On this page European Language Framework In Germany, the European Language Framework (CEFR) is
Flights and travel tips
General Travel tips – Flying
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 tips that can come in handy during your next flight! We also have some advice on booking your flights, travel insurance and your time at the airport. If you’ve got your own tips to share, we’d love to hear them! Simply submit them to us and we’ll
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 aspects to consider while planning such trips is the sleep schedule of your children. A poorly planned flight routine can lead to a lot of stress, not just for the little ones, but also for the parents. With some thoughtful planning, you are sure to have a fantastic
Travel to Germany – Tips
“Traveling to Germany is like stepping into a storybook, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes weave a tale you’ll never forget.” 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 to share, we’d love to hear them! Simply submit them to us and we’ll be happy to include them on the page. Direct Fligts The major airports in Germany are Frankfurt,
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 the transition as smooth as possible. After all, you want to enjoy all that Germany has to offer, without worrying about any logistical or administrative issues that may arise. Travel and Transport Checklists Registering in your town Residence Learning German Making life easier Keeping in touch with your roots Facebook
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