Brexit: What UK citizens employed in Germany can expect
PROGEDO – your first friend abroad. We take this promise very seriously indeed! That’s why we like to keep our clients informed about current affairs and events we think might be particularly important and relevant to them.
There’s no going back now: The UK has left the European Union, with Brexit finally taking place on 31st January 2020. This date marked the beginning of a transition period that will go on until 31st December 2020. During this time, UK citizens will continue to enjoy just the same freedom of movement as other EU citizens. Whatever happens once this transition period comes to an end, one thing is for certain: UK citizens living in Germany will require a residency permit or an equivalent certification of their right of residence in the future.
So what exactly does this mean for Brits who are employed here in Germany? UK citizens will fall into the same category as other so-called third-country nationals, i.e. citizens of countries outside the EU, and will be treated according to the same regulations. This means they will be faced with the challenge of requiring a visa (multiple-entry visa), after the transition period, for any trips they wish to make to EU countries, including Germany. However, according to the terms of Brexit as it has now been agreed, anyone who has resided in Germany for at least five years will be able to apply for an (unlimited) residency permit (“Niederlassungserlaubnis”). Anyone who has resided in Germany for less than five years will be able to apply for a (temporary) residency permit, based on reasons such as undertaking a period of employment in Germany or joining family members already residing in Germany.
Click here to request our free info sheet about the “Consequences of Brexit on UK citizens residing and working in Germany”. We outline in a step-by-step way what UK citizens who already have homes and jobs here in Germany can do to obtain either a residency permit or become naturalised German citizens.
Do you have any specific questions? If so we’re very happy to provide you with more in-depth advice. We also offer such consultancy services for companies – and, if so desired, we can also take care of registering your employees with the relevant immigration authorities. Please feel free to contact us here.
Brexit – consequences for companies
This, in turn, means that not only the individuals concerned but also companies employing staff from the UK will be faced with the challenge of weighing up all the terms and making arrangements with the relevant authorities in good time, so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the future. But in this sense there isn’t in fact any reason to be concerned: UK citizens will not be forced to leave Germany with immediate effect and then obliged to apply for a visa before being permitted to re-enter the country. It’s possible to obtain a residency permit during the transition period by registering with the relevant immigration authorities well within the given timeframe. Or another available option for those who want to choose this route is to apply for German citizenship.
Wir informieren Sie – jetzt eintragen.
