How to Move to Germany During Covid-19
Are you moving to Germany during Covid-19? Or thinking about it? German immigration rules have not changed during the pandemic, however, because of tightened travel restrictions there are a number of things you should know before you get on a plane. From Covid tests to work contracts, we outline everything below.
Get all your paperwork for your move to Germany in order.
Germany’s immigration laws require citizens of certain countries to have a visa before arriving in Germany (for example: India, Pakistan, China), while others allow new immigrants to apply for the visa after arrival (for example: Australia, Canada, US).
This is still the case during the pandemic, however, anyone entering Germany for the purpose of relocating for work will need to show a work contract and/or letter of employment from your new German employer, as well as a “letter of economic need” explaining that the work cannot be done remotely.
If you are moving to Germany for work you fall under the “traveling to Germany for an urgent need” category because you are a “skilled or highly qualified foreign worker.” As long as you have all your paperwork in order, you and your family can enter Germany during Covid-19.
Have your vaccination card, proof of recovery from Covid-19 or a negative Covid-19 test result ready.
Everyone over age 6 traveling to Germany must be prepared to show proof of full vaccination against Covid-19, recovery from Covid-19, or a negative test taken within 48 hours (Antigen) or 72 hours (PCR).
Register upon arrival.
Travelers coming from a high-risk area must register here before arrival and be prepared to show a print-out of the registration confirmation.
Prepare to quarantine for 10 days.
Specific quarantine rules vary by state, but travelers entering Germany from a high-risk area should go directly from the airport to their accommodation and quarantine for 10 days (14 days if coming from an area with variants of concern). Archer Relocation can make sure your accommodation is stocked with food, toiletries and anything else you might need during the quarantine period.
After five days, you may choose to take another Covid-19 test. If these results come back negative, you may end your quarantine early.
If you develop symptoms (coughing, runny nose, sore throat, fever) call a doctor or the Coronavirus Hotline at 9028-2828 (8am-8pm), or 116-117 outside those hours.
Get health insurance.
Everyone living in Germany is required to have health insurance. While you’re in quarantine, use the time to research your options and purchase a plan. To learn or more, read our blog article Health Insurance in Germany or contact us for more information.
Open a bank account.
You may need to wait until your quarantine is over so you can open a bank account in person. But researching banks is a good way to spend your time while in quarantine. Read our article How to Open a German Bank Account.
Make an appointment to register your address (Anmeldung).
Everyone living in Germany is required to register their address with the authorities at the Bürgeramt. This step is included in many of Archer Relocation’s packages. To find out more about the process, read our article Anmeldung: Registering Your Address in Berlin, and consider using your time in quarantine to make an appointment.
After quarantine: what you should be aware of.
Once your quarantine ends you will need to know the exact Covid-19 restrictions for the state in which you live. See our article on Germany’s Covid Rules
Throughout Germany, masks are required in all supermarkets and other stores that are allowed to be open, as well as in public transportation, taxis, and other public spaces. Maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters between you and other people in public is also a nationwide regulation. Rules do vary by state, with some states implementing stricter rules such as curfews, so be sure to check the website for your state (Bundesland) to learn more about local Covid-19 restrictions.
As you prepare for your move to Germany, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Archer Relocation. We can help you apply for your German visa while you are still in your home country, as well as help you coordinate the logistics of your move. Find out more about our services here.
** The information in this article is based on our research. As a relocation agency, Archer Relocation does not provide legal advice, but we strive to provide information that may be helpful to our clients living in or moving to Berlin and elsewhere in Germany.
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Archer Relocation has been providing relocation services to families, individuals and companies in Berlin since early 2015. Managing Director, Emily Archer, founded the company desiring to use her first-hand experience as an expat to make the relocation process as smooth as possible for others moving to Berlin. Read other useful information about moving to and living in Berlin, such as ‘How to Find a Berlin Apartment’, on our Berlin Blog.
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