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 on our “Preparing for Your Move to Germany” page.
There you will find helpful information about moving to and life in Germany, housing, electronics, what clothes to bring, shopping and much more
Preparing for Your Move to Germany Everything you need to know before you pack your bags. Moving from South Africa to Germany is exciting, life-changing, and sometimes overwhelming. From finding a place to live and understanding healthcare to
Between deposits, temporary accommodation, transport, groceries, paperwork, and waiting for the first salary, costs add up quickly.
This guide is aimed specifically at South Africans relocating to Germany and gives realistic estimates based on common experiences shared by expats.
The Real Cost of Starting a New Life in Germany One of the biggest worries before moving to Germany is: “How much money do we actually need before arriving?” The honest answer depends on your city, family size, medical
Nobody really talks about the emotional side of moving abroad. There are plenty of guides about visas, housing, and paperwork, but very few prepare you for missing a family braai, hearing bad news from home when you’re thousands of kilometres away, or watching important milestones happen through a phone screen. Living in Germany can bring incredible opportunities, but it can also bring feelings of isolation, guilt, frustration, and grief for the life you left behind.
The emotional journey isn’t a sign that you’ve made the wrong decision — it’s simply part of building a life between two worlds.
With time, support, and connection, many South Africans find a balance between honouring their roots and embracing their new home.
A New Country, A New Life… and Emotions Nobody Warned You About Moving to Germany can be one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make. It may bring career opportunities, financial stability, new experiences, and the
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 you’ll need in Germany isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your visa, your family setup, your job, and whether studies are part of your journey. But one thing is certain—Germany runs on paperwork, and being underprepared can slow you down fast. We’ve put together a thorough list of documents you’re likely to need, based on real experiences from those who’ve made the move before you. Think of it as your
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 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
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 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 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. New SARS Traveller declaration – leaving SA Travellers entering or leaving South Africa should be aware of the new SARS Traveller Declaration Form. From 1 July 2026, most travellers are required to complete a Customs declaration
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 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
Moving packing list This is not intended as an official packing list but rather suggestions to help you decide what to take with you when moving to Germany. There are many factors to take into consideration, like the size of your new living space, your lifestyle, the time schedule of your shipment, and the availability of items in Germany. Questions to ask yourself Take time to research the following questions New Home This is one
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 two pages that we hope can assist you.
Bringing your pets to Germany 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 often change. 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
Pets – Personal stories Moving your pet from South Africa to Germany is a big step, and every journey is unique. Explore the experiences shared by fellow South Africans who have successfully relocated their furry family members, and learn from their tips, challenges, and advice. Would you like to share your own pet relocation story? We’d love to feature it. Submit your experience through our contact form December 2022 I did a DIY from Pretoria to
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
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
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
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine This page is dedicated to helping you make the best choices when it comes to planning your travels. We have information about Airlines that fly between Germany and South Africa, airports in Germany and tips for searching for flights that fit your needs. We also cover essential topics such as packing your luggage and choosing travel insurance. If you’ve got
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
“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. Topics New SARS Traveller declaration Travellers entering or leaving
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 Arrived in Germany. Now what?Moving countries is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel like stepping into a maze of paperwork, systems, and unfamiliar rules. This space is here to guide you through those first crucial steps: from getting registered and understanding residence permits, to navigating transport, healthcare, finances, and daily life. One step at a time, with solid information you can trust—so you can stop stressing and start settling
