What Brits in Germany should know about Brexit Visas
Brits (staying) abroad in Germany
Brexit was a rollercoaster for us all. If you're planning on staying on the continent, you're probably expecting an email about your Brexit appointment at the Ausländerbehörde. And you probably have a sinking feeling that it's going to be stressful. Well, let's debunk some of that.
Hi—I’m Grace. I moved here in 2018. At first, it was for a break from London, but within weeks, I landed a freelance gig, and 3 months quickly turned into a new life plan. But Brexit was looming in the background, and I was getting increasingly worried they would decide that I couldn't stay. Luckily, that's not the case. You are completely within your rights to stay – you just have to jump through some bureaucratic hoops first.
What Brits in Germany should know about Brexit Visas
NOTE: The following applies to British citizens living in Germany before December 31, 2020, as provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement. If you are a British citizen seeking to move to German on or after January 01, 2021, you will need to follow a different protocol.
Brexit Visas: What to expect
You're going to have an email land in your inbox. It looks like a massive list, but the reality is it's very easy to get all the bits together. You will not be expected to have C1 German—they know you're British—but if you can tick things over with a bit of German, they will obviously appreciate it. I did my meeting in German, but there were moments I had to admit I hadn't followed the conversation.
You will be greeted by a security team who will ask to see your appointment email. I pulled mine up on my phone, but you could bring it printed if you want. They are not there to judge you; this isn't Berghain. But they will tell you which building to go to so try to relax and smile.
“Documents are their own currency in Germany. If you haven’t already got everything in a filing system, get a head start as soon as your email arrives. ”
Your Brexit Visa Email
Your email will give you a time and date, the exact building you need, and a waiting number. The waiting numbers are shown on screens in the waiting rooms. I managed to get tripped up at this hurdle by going to the wrong waiting room. If in doubt, ask. It's not hard to find them, but if you suffer from pre-termin jitters, make sure you have plenty of time before your appointment.
Another tip: do not worry if the numbers on your waiting room screen aren't similar to yours. They are dealing with all the usual traffic and then an influx of Brits.
What you need to bring to your Brexit visa appointment
Documents are their own currency in Germany. If you haven't already got everything in a filing system, get a head start as soon as your email arrives.
A valid British passport
If you haven't already checked your passport's expiry, then now is the time to do so. It needs to be valid for at least another six months from your appointment.
A passport photo
Unfortunately, the cute photos you took on that night out with your mates in the automat won't do. If you don't already know where to get a passport photo, a quick google search for FotoFix machines will help you out. It's a classic passport photo, so there are instructions in the booths to help if you've forgotten how to stare blankly.
The completed form: "Information for the issuance of a GB residence document."
You will be sent a form with your email that has English instructions. Page one is for you. Page two is for any additional people you might be applying for. I have no dependents, but if you have kids, I would assume this is your moment to shine. It takes about two minutes to complete.
Proof of your main residence in Berlin
It wouldn't be a real appointment if it didn't require you to bring your Anmeldung. Bring a copy of it (my personal rule is it should never leave the house), but if you don't have access to a printer, they will be fine with scanning your original. If you don't have this *cough, you should, cough* then a written confirmation from your landlord will suffice. Get it signed and put all their contact info on there.
If you're employed full-time…
Bring your contract, which should state your current role and how long you've been working there, and your most recent payslip – not a bank statement.
If you are self-employed…
Remember that long letter from the Finanzamt that gave you all the numbers you need to freelance? Get that. And bring your latest tax return.
If you're in between things…
You need to get a certificate of current health insurance cover and proof of income. This could be your pension.
If you are studying…
You'll need your certificate of matriculation at an educational establishment. This is a fancy way to say proof you're studying, btw.
If you're claiming benefits in Germany
Make sure to declare this! Just bring along a statement from the jobcentre or welfare office. This is for SGB II or SGB XII recipients. If you were claiming benefits but now have an income like me, you do not have to panic and bring this. It is only for people currently claiming and they cannot penalize you for this.
Cash
While you might be legally allowed to stay, you still have to pay a small fee for the cost of getting your shiny new card. In the email, it says, "€22.80 for anyone under 24 and €28.80 for anyone aged 24 and over." This is a lie. For over 24 it costs €37. Just take 40 and play it safe. There’s an ATM in the building but I would be shocked if there has ever not been a queue for it.
If you've lived in Germany for at least 5 years
Were you living somewhere else before Berlin? Then you might be eligible for permanent residency. You need to grab copies of your last place of residence in Germany, which can be your tax declaration, tenancy agreement, etc.
That can't be everything…
Dear reader, you are correct. You will then be asked for your height, eye colour and have to scan your fingerprints. I suggest deciding on your eye colour before entering the room because they don't seem like the sort to want to discuss if your eyes are more blue than green. That being said, they are bored, make a joke and see if you can get a laugh. I decided to say, "please don't make me go back," which got a fairly good chuckle. I wasn't joking, but there you go.
Your documents will be copied and filed, and you will be given a letter of confirmation. If you need to travel before your card arrives (in 5-6 weeks), you can use this letter. I checked and it's totally valid. Your card will be valid for 10 years, so you have plenty of time to brace yourself for the next appointment.
Want to earn some brownie points? Take copies of all your documents. Saves you time, so you can skip out of the room and start your new life as a full-time Brit abroad.
“Your card will be valid for 10 years, so you have plenty of time to brace yourself for the next appointment. ”
Handy German phrases for your Brexit visa appointment
Feeling brave? Here are some phrases you can learn to really drive home the fact you want to stay. If you mess up, they will not point and laugh. Keep calm and carry on and all that.
Könnten wir vielleicht auf Deutsch sprechen, weil ich gerade Deutsch lerne? Can we speak in German because I am learning?
Könnte ich Ihren Pass sehen/haben? Can I see your passport?
Haben Sie ein biometrisches Passfoto dabei? Do you have a passport photo?
(Remember, aktuelle in Deutsch means “recent”—not “actual”)
Bitte überschreiben Sie hier… Please sign here
Bitte eine Unterschrift hier… Please sign here
Seit wann leben Sie in Deutschland? When did you move to Germany?
Seit September 2018 Since September 2018
Haben Sie alle Unterlagen/Dokumente/Formulare dabei? Do you have all your documents?
Ja! Ich habe hier alles. Yep! Here is everything
Wann kann ich mit dem Aufenthaltsdokument rechnen? When should I expect my residence card?
For Freelancers
Sind Sie selbstständig oder angestellt? Are you employed or self-employed?
Ich bin Solo-Selbstständige. I am a freelancer
NOTE: As a freelancer you will not have a Gewerbe (Business)! This is for small businesses who employ other people. Do not panic you have not forgotten something. So, you can also say:
Ich habe kein Gewerbe, ich bin Solo-Selbstständige mit Umsatzsteuer Nr. I do not have a business, I am self-employed with a tax number.
And that’s it!
Grace is a British expat and freelance copywriter living in Berlin. By day, she works with various clients across Europe. By night, she writes a sexual health blog and dabbles in illustration.