International Moving to Germany
Looking for international moving to Germany from the United States? If you need to relocate overseas to Germany with your household goods and are looking for a reliable and experienced international service to ship your belongings, you’re in the right place!
We have locations across the USA making the process of moving both convenient and affordable because we’re able to offer clients a wide selection of moving services. Additionally, because of its business sector and ties with the U.S. military, Germany is one of our busiest destinations and we orchestrate thousands of international moves each year for families and individuals.
Read our guide below and start moving to Germany from the USA today!
How to Move to Germany from the US
There are a lot of opportunities as an American moving to Germany from the US. This has caused an boom of American expats in the country. With so many people thinking about coming here, we compiled a guide on how we help move people to Germany.
When moving to Germany, start with all of the details particular to your shipment. A few of the things you should have in mind are the volume of goods, origin, and destination. With this info we can begin to complete your door to door relocation.
Our German Overseas Relocation Services
When using our international moving services to move to Germany, you won’t have to worry about anything during the move process. We take care of preparing your shipment and documentation so that everything runs as smooth as possible once it arrives overseas.
German Moving Services Include:
- Door to Door full service moves
- Enclosed storage
- Packing and wrapping
- Pickup and delivery to our warehouse/port from anywhere in the USA
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Surveys for accurate quotes of your volume
Ways to Move Your Household Goods
Our international moving company offers a few different shipping options when moving household goods to Germany. One can either use a shared or sole container service.
With a shared service, you only pay for the actual volume you ship. This is a very popular method because not everyone has enough cargo to fill a 40ft container. If you’re only relocating from a one bedroom condo, chances are that you won’t fill up your own container, so why pay more than you need? Our experience and volume allow us to complete multiple consolidations to Germany a month. Ultimately meaning you won’t have to wait long for your goods to ship.
If you are on an time constraint, we offer clients their own exclusive shipping container of 20ft or 40ft at a flat rate. By using your container to move to Germany, you don’t need to wait for others to fill the whole thing before departure.
Don’t be worried about leaving your car behind. We can also ship your vehicle to Germany along with your household goods and other personal effects.
Do I Need a Visa to Move to Germany?
Yes, if you plan to move to Germany from the US for a long-term stay, you need a visa. The type of visa depends on the purpose of your stay, such as work, study, or family reunification.
You can apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in the US. You will need to provide various documents and information, including your passport, proof of health insurance, and evidence of financial means to support yourself during your stay.
It is also important to note that the visa application process can take several weeks or even months, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned move. Visa requirements can also change over time, so be sure to check with the embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
Am I Eligible to Move to Germany?
Eligibility requirements for moving to Germany from the US will depend on the specific purpose of your stay. However, these are some general requirements that apply to most visa types:
- Valid passport: You must have a valid passport that will remain valid for the duration of your stay in Germany.
- Purpose of stay: You must have a valid reason for your stay in Germany, such as work, study, family reunification, or a long-term visit.
- Sufficient financial means: You must be able to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
- Health insurance: You must have adequate health insurance coverage for your stay in Germany.
- No criminal record: You may not have a criminal record that would make you ineligible for entry into Germany.
- Language proficiency: Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the German language.
Additionally, different visa types may have additional eligibility criteria. For example, if you plan to work in Germany, you may need to have a job offer and meet certain qualifications. Or, if you plan to study in Germany, you may have to meet academic requirements and be accepted by a German university.
6 Types of Residence Permits in Germany
- Student Residence Permit (or Student Visa)
This type of visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to stay in Germany for the purpose of studying at a German university or college. - Work Permit (or Employment Visa)
This type of visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to work in Germany for a specific employer or for a specific job. - Family Reunion Visa (or Family Visa)
This type of visa allows family members of a person who is already living in Germany to join them. - Freelancer Visa (or Self-employment Visa)
This type of visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Germany as a freelancer or self-employed person. - EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a type of residence permit that allows highly skilled non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Germany. It was introduced by the European Union in 2009 to help attract highly skilled workers to the EU. - Permanent Settlement Permit (or Niederlassungserlaubnis)
Type of residence permit in Germany that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in the country on a permanent basis. It is also sometimes referred to as a settlement permit or a permanent residence permit.
To be eligible for a Permanent Settlement Permit in Germany, you typically need to have lived in Germany for several years and meet certain requirements, such as having a secure livelihood, adequate German language skills, and no criminal record. The exact requirements can vary depending on the type of residence permit you currently hold.
How Do I Apply for a German Residence Permit?
US citizens can apply for a German residence permit by following these general steps:
- Determine the type of residence permit you need: The type of residence permit you need will depend on the purpose of your stay in Germany, such as for studying, working, or family reunification.
- Apply for a visa: US citizens must obtain a visa before entering Germany for a long-term stay. This includes applying for a national visa, also known as a D visa, at the German embassy or consulate in the US.
- Arrive in Germany and register: Once you arrive in Germany, you will need to register with the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks of your arrival.
- Apply for a residence permit: After registering, you can apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany. You will need to provide all required documentation, such as proof of your financial means, health insurance coverage, and any necessary certificates or qualifications.
What is the processing time?
The processing time for a residence permit can vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for and the workload of the immigration office. Be sure to apply well in advance of your planned move to allow for any delays in processing.
How Much Does Moving to Germany Cost?
The cost for moving to Germany from the USA depends on a few different details. Some factors that change the price are volume of goods, origin/destination, and service selected. For example, a move to Germany from LA would have a different price than a move to Germany from NY even with everything else the same. With this in mind, our international move representatives create custom quotes for all inquiries.
To get a custom quote for your move, fill out our Online Quote Form today!
How Long Does Moving to Germany Take?
There are plenty of variables that affect the overall amount of time your move will take. In most cases, sail times, meaning time on the water from the east coast to Germany will be around three weeks. From the west coast it is usually 30 days to all base ports. Generally from door to door, moving to Germany takes about 6-8 weeks, but there are shipments that are shorter or longer.
As international movers, we do everything that we can to meet our estimate but these should serve more as a guide than exact times.
Major Destinations for Moving to Germany
- Berlin
- Cologne
- Frankfurt
- Kaiserslautern
- Bremen
- Munich
- Stuttgart
- Dortmund
- Hanover
**If you are moving to Germany and your final destination is a small town outside one of the cities listed below, our team of international movers will still be able to move you right to your door.
Importing Goods into Germany
Those moving household goods to Germany as personal property in most cases can import their belongings duty tax free. However, those who wish to take advantage of this must meet the German tax and customs relief requirements. We’ll guide you through this process once you begin your shipment with us. The actual process of importing into Germany is not difficult once you work through it with a specialist.
Top Reasons to Move to Germany
Germany is one of our most popular destinations to move to. There are many great reasons that expats love this country, but here are a few of the ones we hear the most.
- Strong economy: Germany has the largest economy in Europe and is known for its strong manufacturing industry. This means that there are many job opportunities available, particularly in fields like engineering, technology, and science. Many of the expats we help move because they have found job opportunities in Germany.
- High quality of life: Germany consistently ranks high in international quality of life surveys. The country offers excellent healthcare, education, and social welfare systems, as well as a high standard of living. With a great work life balance, you’ll have plenty of time to explore while having a full time job.
- Cultural diversity: Germany is home to people from many different cultural backgrounds, making it a diverse and multicultural country. There are also large expat communities so you can have a slice of home while you are in the country.
- Vibrant cities: Germany has many vibrant cities with bustling cultural scenes and plenty of entertainment options. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are just a few examples. Each offer there own entertainment and you’ll never run out of things to do in the country.
- Efficient public transportation: Germany has a well-developed and efficient public transportation system, making it easy to get around cities and travel between regions. There are many pass varieties that can fit your needs, whether you commute to work or want a day trip.
- Strong environmental policies: Germany is a leader in environmental policies and has made significant progress in promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
- Access to other European countries: Germany is located in the heart of Europe, making it easy to travel to other European countries for work or leisure. When you move to Germany, you also get the ability to visit and travel to many of the countries in Europe with ease. If you bring your vehicle with you, you will be able to drive the autobahn with your classic car.
Moving to Germany FAQs
1. What documents are required for moving my belongings to Germany?
You will need several documents, including a copy of your passport, visa, or work permit (if applicable), a detailed inventory list of your belongings, and proof of residence in Germany. For just the shipping portion, you will only need a passport copy and your detailed packing list. We guide you through the documentation process to ensure everything is in order.
2. Are there any items that cannot be shipped to Germany?
Yes, certain items are restricted or prohibited by German customs. These include firearms, hazardous materials, perishables, and certain plants and seeds. We will provide a complete list of restricted items and help you avoid potential customs issues.
3. How are my belongings protected during transit?
Your shipment is handled with care and can be insured for added protection. We offer a range of insurance options based on the value of your items. Our team will work with you to choose the best coverage for your move.
4. Can I track my shipment to Germany?
Yes, Schumacher Cargo Logistics provides tracking options for all shipments. Once your items are on the way, you can monitor their progress and receive updates throughout the journey.
5. Do you offer packing services for international moves?
Yes, we offer professional packing services to ensure your belongings are securely packed for the journey. Our experienced team uses high-quality materials and techniques to protect your items during transit. We can also wrap and crate items if necessary, making it so all your goods can be further protected during your move.
6. What happens when my shipment arrives in Germany?
Upon arrival in Germany, your belongings will go through customs clearance. Once cleared, our local partners will arrange for the delivery of your items to your new residence. We will coordinate the process and keep you informed every step of the way.
7. Can you assist with customs clearance in Germany?
Yes, we handle the customs clearance process on your behalf. We ensure that all required documents are in place and work to streamline the process to avoid delays or complications.
8. How far in advance should I schedule my move?
We recommend scheduling your move at least 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure availability and allow plenty of time for planning and logistics. However, it may be possible to accommodate last-minute moves as well, depending on availability.
More Germany Moving Info
Start your move to Germany from the United States by filling our Online Form
For more information regarding your move, please call one of our representatives:
Toll Free: 800-599-0190 // USA: 562-408-6677
SCL Ratings for Germany Moves
