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 your new home in Germany without any hassle. It is highly recommended to go through this list carefully to avoid any last-minute chaos and to give yourself ample time to resolve any issues that may arise.
Renewing a South African passport from abroad has never been a quick stroll in the park, and Germany is no exception. Whether you go through the Embassy/Consulate or the newer VFS Global route (available in Berlin and Düsselfdorf), the process can still be lengthy. Check your passport’s expiry date and make sure you’ve got at least two years left. If not, get that renewal started early.
A practical heads-up: to use Department of Home Affairs services or complete online registrations, you’ll need an OTP — and DHA still sends those only to South African mobile numbers. Keep your SA number alive by switching it to prepaid and ensuring it stays active. A dual-SIM phone or a spare handset works wonders.
Passport Application through VFS Global There is a new, more convenient way to apply for your South African passport in Germany. In addition to the traditional route through the Embassy in Berlin or the Consulate in Munich, you can submit your application through the company VFS Global. For an additional service fee,
passport Application through the Embassy/Consulate When you apply for your new South African passport in Germany, via the Embassy or Consulate, you have to apply at either the South African Embassy in Berlin or the Consulate in Munich, depending on where you live. Official information can be found on the South
Passport Application Applying for a new Adult Tourist passport in South Africa can be done online via the Department of Home Affairs E-Services. This service allows you to fill in the application form online and make an appointment for your biometrics. Biometrics can be done at participating banks. You can
Double-check your visas the moment they’re issued — not next week, not at the airport. Make sure the type of visa, the dates, and every personal detail are correct. One tiny typo can turn your travel plans into an unwanted adventure.
If you’re travelling with children, take a moment to read the details on our Flying with Children page. Every country — and many airlines — have their own rules when it comes to documentation for minors. This can include parental consent letters, birth certificates, and more.
And here’s the bit people often forget: if you’re travelling alone with your children, get the required consent letters signed before your spouse leaves the country. Once they’re gone, arranging it becomes a quest worthy of a Greek tragedy. Better to sort it early and travel with peace of mind.
“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
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
“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
Tidy up your accounts before you leave — future-you will thank present-you. If you know you won’t be using certain services anymore, take the proactive route and close or update them while you’re still in South Africa. Many companies allow closures online or by phone, but don’t assume it’s universal. Double-check each provider’s process so you’re not stuck chasing paperwork from abroad.
And don’t overlook the easy-to-forget ones: electricity, municipal services, subscriptions, and anything tied to your physical address. Wrap it up neatly now, and your move will feel a whole lot smoother.
You can only close a bank account when you are in South Africa. Most people keep their bank accounts open, at least for the first couple of years.
It is relatively easy to transfer money from your German bank account to a SA account. You will need to fill in a form for SARS once a year (mostly online) if you transfer money to your own account.
Make sure your internet banking is all set up, and consider making use of a banking app. This you will have to do in South Africa.
If you decide to keep your SA bank accounts, notify your bank that you will be out of the country.
Foreign Exchange- EUR to ZAR This guide brings together the practical basics you need to understand how South African and German exchange control works, what’s allowed (and what’s definitely not), and where to look when you’re unsure. We’re not financial advisors — just a community sharing knowledge so you can
Bring some euros with you for those first days — trains, bakeries, and the odd café still prefer the soft clink of coins over the swipe of a card. Germany may be modern in many ways, but when it comes to payments, it still dances a little to the old tune.
Not every shop accepts credit cards, especially international ones. EC-cards (debit cards) are widely accepted, but that only helps once you’ve opened a German bank account. Until then, keep some cash on hand so you’re not caught trying to buy a pretzel with a card no one wants to meet.
We have a page dedicated to what documents you need to bring along if you plan on moving 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
If you plan to keep your South African number after moving, switch it to a prepaid option before you leave. Make sure it’s enabled for roaming so it stays alive once you’re on German soil.
You’ll likely still need that SA number — especially if you keep any South African bank accounts. Banking apps, OTPs, and security checks love sending codes to the very number you thought you could live without. And for anything involving the Department of Home Affairs’ e-services, a South African cellphone number isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Keep it active, keep it prepaid, and keep your admin life running smoothly.
Although Germany is moving to digital photos, for many applications, you will still need photos (physical photos). Get photos professionally taken in the accepted German format for the Ausländerbehorde (Passbild) and print at least 20 photos.
Review your insurance policies and cancel the ones you won’t need after your move. Keep things lean and uncomplicated before you step onto German soil.
For your first three months abroad, make sure you’re covered with proper travel insurance. You can get emigration travel insurance through TIC. It’s a simple safety net that saves you a world of trouble later.
The language requirements depend entirely on the type of visa you’re applying for.
For most family reunification visas, the joining spouse will need an A1 German language certificate. However, there are several exceptions where no certificate is required.
You’ll find the detailed breakdown on the page linked below.
Family Reunification Visa Family reunification in Germany allows close family members to join their relatives living in Germany—whether those relatives are German citizens or third-country nationals with valid residence (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) or settlement permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Eligible family members include: Spouses or registered partners Minor children to foreign parent (unmarried) Parents of a minor German Child These rules focus on preserving the nuclear family. Other relatives, such as adult children, siblings, grandparents, or extended family, are not normally
Ask a Pharmacist A few pharmacists with South African backgrounds, now practicing in Germany, have kindly offered to assist our community. They can help by answering questions and providing guidance on possible substitutes for familiar South African pharmaceutical products. ⚠️ Important Disclaimer Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. The information provided here is for general guidance only and should never replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please note: The
As soon as you arrive in Germany you need to register at the Bürgerampt for your Anmeldung, as well as the Auländerbehorde to get your residence permit.
If possible see If you can book online appointments for these when your travel dates are fixed. Appontments must be made in the town or “Kreis” you will live in.
Applying for residence in Germany A visa allows you to enter Germany, but if your stay will exceed 90 days, you’ll need to take the next step and apply for
If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 3 months, you will need to register at your local Bürgeramt (Town office).This is called a Meldepflicht and is compulsory. More about
Before you leave, cancel your TV license and make sure you keep proof of cancellation. It’s a small step that avoids unnecessary fees or complications later.
Please talk to a financial advisor on what will suit you best regarding your SA funds
Germany uses the type C and F power plugs. If you ship any appliances, consider taking a couple of adapters with you.
Take one with you for your cellphone chargers.
This website has excellent information on power plugs and sockets around the world.
Convertor plugs can be bought on Amazon
When you move abroad, it’s not enough to simply leave South Africa — you may also need to formally notify SARS that you are “ceasing to be a tax resident.” This is a legal status change, not just a lifestyle decision, and it has real financial implications
SARS – what qualifies an individual as a non-resident
We have a page regarding taxes. SA and Germany have a double taxation treaty
Procedure to cease tax residency with SARS When you are earning your salary in Germany, and you are still a tax resident in South Africa, you need to declare your foreign income to SARS by submitting an annual Tax return to SARS. If you earn less than R1.25 million per year in Germany, you do not pay any taxes on this foreign income in South Africa. If you earn above that, the taxes you already
Financial Emigration (non-tax resident) As of 1 March 2021, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), through its Financial Surveillance Department, formally phased out the concept of “emigration” (for exchange-control purposes).In short, the old procedure known as “Financial Emigration” no longer exists in its previous form. Instead, the process for South Africans abroad centres on becoming a “non-tax resident” as recognised by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Disclaimer – The detail within this post and
Income Tax / Lohnsteuer We often receive questions about income tax declarations in Germany and where to find help, especially help in English. First, we must clarify that we are not tax consultants and, under German law, are not authorised to provide any tax advice. You can read more about these legal restrictions in this article from Buhl (in German, but easily translatable with most browsers). The information below is to offer guidelines and an overwiew of
If you stay in Germany for longer than 6 months you will need to convert your driver’s licence to a German one.
You will need your South African licence card to convert it. Make sure your licence card is valid for at least another year.
Some cities are now requiring proof of “Confirmation of South African Driving licence” when you apply for a German driver’s licence. An example of this is in Böbblingen. Rather be as prepared as you can be, and bring this document with you. This Confirmation can be requested from the RTMC, see more info from DIRCO. You can also use companies to assist you, see our marketplace for more information.
You can send an email to dlconfirmations@rtmc.co.za.
Your request must include your contact numbers (including email address), a copy of your ID or a copy of your driving licence. Find more information on our Driving and Drive’s licence page
Your Guide to Driving Legally in Germany Visiting Germany: If you’re visiting for a short period, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid South African driver’s licence. You can apply for the IDP at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA). Staying Longer: For stays longer than six months, you can drive legally in Germany using your South African licence and your IDP for the first six months (185 days from the
Get a international drivers licence.
It might not always be possible to get credit for your no claim bonus related to your car insurance, but bring a copy with just in case.
Police Clearance Certificate If you need to register your Profession (Beruf) for the first time in Germany, you might need a South African police clearance, otherwise, you do not need one. These will typically be for professions like Doctors, Pharmacists or Attorneys.If you apply for a new job in Germany, the new employer might request a German Führungszeugnis. South African Police Clearance Certificate In South Africa, you can apply for a Police clearance certificate at
In most cases, a South African police clearance certificate is not required, and should not be confused with a German Führungszeugnis.
You can, of course, apply for one in advance to cover your bases.
According to the police website, it should take around 15 working days to get one, and it will only be valid for 6 months after issue.
It is possible to apply for a police clearance certificate when you are outside of the country.
The German equivalent is a Führungszeugnis – a certificate of good conduct. It can be issued after you have registered in Germany.
Before you leave, cancel any post boxes you hold or arrange for someone you trust to empty them regularly. Alternatively, you can apply for redirection of your mail to another South African address.
It’s also wise to notify friends, family, and any organisations that send you mail that your old address will no longer be in use — this can prevent missed correspondence and unexpected delays.
Before you move, cancel all magazine subscriptions and any other recurring services. This helps avoid unnecessary charges and ensures you’re not paying for services you won’t use while abroad.
Make sure to bring your vaccination certificates — for yourself and your children — when moving to Germany. These documents may be requested for school enrolment, daycare, or by local health authorities.
In Germany, measles vaccinations are mandatory for children attending school or daycare. It’s also strongly recommended that your family’s routine vaccinations (such as diphtheria, tetanus, and polio) are up to date.
If you or your children are missing any vaccines, it’s best to catch up before you arrive. Having all certificates ready and up to date will make school enrollment, doctor visits, and local registration much smoother.
Germany has strict copyright laws, so it is essential to ensure that your electronic devices comply with these regulations. Make sure there are no torrents running on your devices, as downloading movies, music, or other copyrighted material can result in substantial fines.
Additionally, we highly recommend removing any illegal software or unauthorised downloads from your electronic devices before you arrive in Germany.
Backup all your import data!
Copyrights in Germany are governed by GEMA, a government-mandated collecting society and performance rights organization. GEMA: The Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte, or in English, the society for musical performing and mechanical reproduction rights. Germany has stringent copyright laws.Do not violate copyright laws by illegally downloading a film, music, or other web content. Inform yourself about what is allowed and what the penalties are for not adhering to the rules.You can also be
Wills and Testaments This page intends to serve as a reminder to make sure your paperwork is in order. It is important to know what laws will apply to you and your heirs or estate when you are deceased, and you were a South African citizen with permanent residence in Germany.Do
It is important to update your will to accurately reflect your current situation.
For assets located in Germany, you might need to create a separate will. German inheritance laws can be complex, and having a will that specifically addresses your assets within Germany can help avoid legal complications and potential disputes. It is advisable to consult with a legal expert who is familiar with both South African and German inheritance laws to ensure that all aspects of your estate are properly managed.
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
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
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. Cost of living In general, properties are more expensive in Germany than in South Africa, also when renting. Food and clothing prices depend a lot on where you are buying. Medical insurance is also
You must be logged in to post a comment.