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Leaving Germany: Checklist

If you have lived in Germany for some time, you must have experienced the notorious German bureaucracy. No wonder, if you have decided to leave the country, still there is a number of steps you need to take to make sure that you follow all legal requirements. This checklist covers all the essential things to do before leaving Germany, from notifying your landlord to handling taxes and pensions, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition.

Notify Your Landlord

One of the very first things you need to do if you have firmly decided to leave Germany is to tell your landlord about that. Your landlord has to know you are going to move out of the apartment following the notice periods that were agreed upon. However, if for some reason the notice period timeline wasn’t mentioned in the tenancy agreement then make sure to follow the standard three-month notice period for rentals. This means you’ll need to hand in your landlord a hard copy of the termination letter (as emails may not be legally sufficient) at least three months before your planned departure date. If you need to leave sooner, some tenancy agreements or landlords may allow a shorter notice period. But in any case, it is worth checking your contract or negotiating with your landlord if needed.

The next step after you have given the owner the termination notice will be “Übergabeprotokoll” which is the final inspection. This is when the landlord will basically check his property and the condition of the apartment. It goes without saying that if there are any damages beyond normal wear and tear you will have to cover the repair expenses with your security deposit. So it may be a great idea to repair any minor issues in advance.

Remember to cancel your utilities before terminating your rental agreement. Many landlords will sometimes require proof that you’ve canceled your utilities before they return your rental deposit.

Key Points:

  • Provide your landlord with written notice at least three months before leaving.
  • Schedule a final inspection with the landlord and make minor repairs ( if possible).
  • Cancel utility services linked to the rental agreement.

Cancel Contracts

In Germany, there’s a strict system of contracts for services like internet, mobile phones, and health insurance. If you want to cancel these services, you must follow a standard formal process. Usually, these contracts have specific time periods when you need to provide notice before you can cancel. So, don’t forget to check your agreements and contracts to let the companies know as early as possible if you want to cancel these services.

Health, Insurance, Utilities, Internet

  • Health Insurance

In Germany, having health insurance is a must. No matter if you use a private insurer or a public one, you’ll still need to inform your insurance provider that you are going to leave the country. To do that you will need to get your Abmeldung certificate by deregistering at your local citizen’s office (Bürgeramt). Make sure to provide this certificate and other proofs of your permanent move ( flight ticket or a new job contract) to your insurer to cancel the services. Remember to do that in time so that you are not charged for the insurance anymore.

  • Liability and Other Insurance

You will also need to cancel any other insurance you may have, like liability insurance, car insurance, or personal property insurance. If you have a car, you must cancel your car insurance separately. You can only do this after your vehicle is deregistered.

  • Utilities 

This includes contracts for electricity, gas, water, and heating. You should cancel these when you end your rental agreement. Most utility companies need you to give notice at least one month in advance, but some may need even more time. You’ll need to give your final meter readings on your last day in the apartment.

  • Internet and Mobile Contracts

You must also cancel your internet and mobile contracts according to the terms and conditions that were signed by you. Some companies need to know three months before you leave and others provide contracts for 24 months only. So, check your contract early to know the exact timeframe of the cancellation rules. If you’re changing to a new provider in your new country, find out how to transfer your phone contacts and number, and other services if needed.

Key Points:

– Cancel health, car, liability, and other insurance policies.

– Terminate utility services, providing final meter readings.

– Cancel internet and phone contracts in advance.

Deregistration

When you leave Germany, you must go through a process called “deregistration” or “Abmeldung” in German. This lets the German government know that you’re no longer living in the country.

Residence and Vehicle

Residence

You’ll need to deregister at the local authority (Bürgeramt) within a week before you leave Germany. If you don’t, then you may have legal issues with your future visa applications or return to Germany. To complete this process smoothly, make sure to have important documents ready, including your one-way flight ticket, which serves as proof of your permanent move. If the deregistration process went successfully, you’ll receive a confirmation document (Abmeldebescheinigung), which you will use to cancel other ongoing contracts such as health insurance, or mobile phone contracts.

Vehicle 

If you had a car in Germany, you need to deregister it at the local vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle). After that, you can also cancel your car insurance to avoid being billed for a vehicle you no longer use in Germany.

Key Points:

– Deregister your residence with the Bürgeramt before leaving.

– Deregister any vehicles at Kfz-Zulassungsstelle and cancel car insurance.

Bank Accounts

Can I keep my German bank account after leaving Germany?

Yes, you can, but think well if you want to keep or close your German bank account. Closing the bank account is not rocket science, it can be done quite fast and easily. But if you are expecting future payments like tax refunds, pension contributions, or salary deposits then you might want to keep it open for some time. 

If you do decide to close your German bank account, the most crucial part is to make sure all your payments, deposits, or transfers have been completed and finished successfully. If everything is in order, reach out to your bank to follow their account closure process. Typically you will have to visit the bank in person to fill out the necessary forms.

Mail Forwarding

Even after you leave Germany, you may still receive some mail for a while. Not to lose any important documents, you can set up a Nachsendeauftrag (mail forwarding service) with Deutsche Post. This service will have your mail forwarded to your new address, no matter if it’s in Germany or abroad.

The service can be set up for six, twelve, or even twenty-four months. This gives you plenty of time to inform banks, companies, and other places about your new address.

Cancel GEZ (TV/Radio Fee)

In Germany, everyone is required to pay the GEZ (broadcasting fee) which is €18.36 per month, even if they don’t use a TV or radio. So when leaving the country don’t forget to cancel this fee as well. The radio tax deregistration is typically done online through the Contribution Service portal (Beitragsservice). To successfully cancel your GEZ payments, you will need to have these documents:

  • Deregistration certificate (Abmeldebescheinigung) from the local registration office is a must. It is proof that you actually are going to leave Germany and will not live there anymore. 
  • Customer number or contribution number which is mentioned in your GEZ documents.
  • A cancellation letter that you can fill out directly on the online cancellation form.

When you’re done filling out the cancellation form online and uploading the needed documents, your GEZ payments will officially stop. It’s a good idea to ask for a confirmation of the cancellation to make sure you won’t be charged again after you leave. This confirmation will prove you canceled if there are any problems in the future.

Pension and Social Security

If you’ve been working in Germany, you’ve likely contributed to the German pension system. Before leaving, it’s advisable to find out what happens to these contributions.

Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a pension payments refund. For non-EU citizens, you can usually apply for a refund if you live outside the EU or UK at the time you apply for the refund, and at least 2 years must have passed since your last German pension contribution. However, EU citizens may have their contributions transferred to the pension system in their new country.

You need to know what will happen to your social security benefits, especially if you’re moving to another country in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). Each country has different agreements, so make sure you understand how your contributions will be handled.

Key Points:

– Clarify pension refund eligibility based on your nationality and contribution duration to the German federal pension fund.

– Understand how social security contributions will transfer to your new country.

Tax Matters

If you are leaving Germany, you still have to file a final tax return (Steuererklärung) even if you leave in the middle of the year. Depending on your situation, you may get a refund, or you may need to still pay taxes.

You must inform the local tax office (Finanzamt) about your departure. It’s also a great idea to have a German tax advisor who will help with your final tax return, especially if you are expecting some income after your departure, such as severance pay or rental income.

Moving Logistics

Moving out of Germany, especially to another country, involves a lot of planning and work. Whether you are moving a few suitcases or everything you own, it’s important to make a plan.

  • International Shipping: If you’re moving to another country, look into ways to ship your belongings. There are moving companies that will pick up your stuff from your door and deliver it to your new home. Make sure to compare prices and read reviews to find the best service.
  • Selling or Donating Possessions: If you want to sell your things, start early. In Germany, you can sell stuff on websites like eBay Kleinanzeigen or Facebook Marketplace. You can also give your unwanted things to charities or second-hand stores.
  • Temporary Storage: If you’re not taking all your things with you, look for storage options. Many companies in Germany offer short-term or long-term storage services which makes it easier to leave some things behind for some time.

Key Points:

– Plan international shipping if needed and compare options.

– Consider selling or donating items.

– Explore storage options if needed.

Re-entry to Germany

If you think there’s a chance you may return to Germany in the future, it’s important to keep copies of important documents like your Abmeldung form, rental contract, tax returns, and employment contract. They may come in handy when reapplying for visas or re-entering the country.

Final Steps Before Departure

Before you leave Germany, make sure to finish everything on the Leaving Germany Checklist. This includes canceling contracts, deregistering, taking care of your bank account, updating your residence permit status, and ensuring your moving plans are ready. Once you’ve finished these last things, you’ll be able to leave Germany without any problems or headaches.

Moving abroad is a big change, but with good and thorough planning there is nothing to be afraid of. Follow this checklist to cover everything before you leave Germany. Safe travels!