Your Guide to Leaving Germany: What to Know and Do

Leaving Germany involves more than just booking a one-way ticket and saying your goodbyes. Whether you’ve been here as a student, a long-term tourist, or an expat, Germany likely has become a significant part of your life story. As such, the decision to leave isn’t merely a logistical one; it’s often fraught with a mix of emotions—nostalgia, relief, uncertainty, and excitement might all be swirling around in your head.

The process is complex, both emotionally and practically. On the emotional side, you’ll be closing a chapter that may have been filled with friendships, experiences, and personal growth. On the practical end, there are legal procedures to follow, belongings to sort, and financial matters to settle.

Legal Formalities and Documentation

Importance of Deregistering Your Residence (Abmeldung)

One of the most crucial steps you’ll need to take before leaving Germany is to deregister your residence, a process known as “Abmeldung.” This is not just a formality; it’s a legal requirement. Failing to deregister can result in complications with German authorities and may even affect your ability to return to Germany or other EU countries in the future.

Typically, you’ll need to complete this process at your local residents’ registration office (Bürgeramt). You will have to fill out a form, and it’s recommended to do this at least a week before your planned departure.

Closing or Converting Bank Accounts

Banking procedures might differ from bank to bank, but generally, you’ll want to close your German bank accounts unless there are specific reasons to maintain them. If you have ongoing transactions or pending financial matters, you may convert your current account into a non-resident one. If you have loans or credits to settle, consult with your bank on the best course of action. Digital banking services often provide English-language support and could facilitate a smoother transition.

Handling Visas and Residence Permits

When it comes to visas and residence permits, you’ll need to be equally diligent. If you hold a temporary residence permit, inform the appropriate immigration authorities that you are leaving the country permanently. You might be required to hand over your residence permit card when you leave.

If you’ve been in Germany on a student visa, similar rules apply; you’ll need to inform the immigration office and your educational institution about your departure.

Employment Considerations

Notice Periods for Job Termination and Associated Paperwork

Exiting your employment situation gracefully is a key part of your overall transition. German employment contracts typically specify the terms under which you can leave your job, including the notice period. Depending on your contract and position, this can vary from two weeks to three months.

Read your contract carefully and consult with your HR department to ensure you’re following the procedure correctly. Submitting a written resignation letter in accordance with the terms is usually the first formal step.

Final Salary and Severance

After resigning, your next focus should be on final payments and any severance that might be applicable. German labor law can be quite specific about what you are owed when you leave a job.

Ensure you are paid for any remaining vacation days and receive compensation for any overtime. Additionally, check if you are eligible for a severance package, especially if you’ve been with the company for a significant period.

Tax Implications

Lastly, you’ll need to consider the tax implications of leaving your job in Germany. Your employer will provide you with a tax summary (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung) that you’ll need to file your final tax return in Germany.

Depending on your circumstances, you might be entitled to a tax refund. This process can be complex, so you may want to consult a tax advisor. There are English-speaking tax consultants specialized in expat tax matters who can guide you through this final but important financial hurdle.

Related: Pension in Germany: Everything You Need to Know as an Expat

Health Insurance and Medical Care

Health insurance is a critical part of living in Germany, and discontinuing it properly is essential when you’re planning to leave the country. In Germany, you’re usually obligated to have health insurance until you officially deregister your residence.

Once you’ve completed the “Abmeldung,” you can formally request to terminate your health insurance. Be aware that different insurance providers have varying notice periods, so it’s advisable to consult with your insurer well in advance. Make sure you get a written confirmation of the cancellation for your records.

Returning Unused Medications

If you’ve been on any medications in Germany, you’ll need to decide what to do with unused supplies. Some pharmacies offer drug disposal services, which are responsible ways to discard unused or expired medications.

If you plan to continue the same treatment in your home country or next destination, consult with your German healthcare provider about how to transition your prescriptions. They may be able to provide documentation or medical records that can facilitate your treatment abroad.

Medical Records and Transferring Them If Necessary

Your medical history won’t automatically follow you when you leave Germany, so consider how to manage your medical records. Most medical records in Germany are digitized, making it relatively easy to request copies. However, these records are usually in German, so you may need to get them translated if you’re moving to a non-German-speaking country.

Some international clinics may also have partnerships with German healthcare providers, making the transfer of records easier. Either way, having a copy of your medical records is invaluable for continuity of care as you move.

Accommodation and Utilities

Terminating Lease Agreements and Returning Deposits

Your living space has probably been a sanctuary during your time in Germany, and leaving it entails more than just packing your bags. Termination of your lease agreement must usually be done in writing and in accordance with the notice period stipulated in the contract. This can vary widely, from one month to three, or even more.

Make sure you provide the notice within the specified timeframe to avoid additional rent charges. Once the termination is confirmed, consult with your landlord about the conditions for returning your security deposit. This often involves a final walkthrough to check for damages or needed repairs.

Related article: Renting in Germany

Handling Utility Bills and Shutting Off Services

Utilities like gas, electricity, and internet are often under contract and will need formal cancellation before you leave. Some providers have minimum contract periods, so be prepared that you might have to pay until the end of that period even if you leave earlier. It’s essential to check each utility contract individually for its termination conditions.

Make sure to take final meter readings for utilities like gas and electricity. This ensures you only pay for what you’ve used, preventing any unexpected bills after moving.

Arranging Moving Services

Moving out, especially to another country, can be a logistical challenge. You’ll need to decide if you’re selling, donating, or moving your belongings with you. If you’re relocating your possessions, get quotes from international moving companies and book services well in advance. Some services provide packing materials, shipping, and even temporary storage. The more comprehensive the service you choose, the less stressful the actual move will likely be.

Educational Institutions

For Students: Finishing Up Courses and Acquiring Necessary Certificates

If you’ve been in Germany as a student, wrapping up your educational journey is a vital part of your exit plan. Make sure to complete all pending coursework and exams, and follow the protocols for obtaining your certificates or diplomas. These documents are critical for your academic and professional future, so ensure you have them in both digital and physical formats.

Additionally, check with the academic office to confirm that all grades have been finalized and that you’ve met all graduation requirements, including any administrative fees that may be outstanding.

Settling Tuition Fees or Student Loans

Before leaving, you’ll also need to settle any remaining financial obligations with your educational institution. This could involve tuition fees, library fines, or other miscellaneous charges.

If you have a student loan that was issued in Germany, you should consult with the financial institution to discuss repayment options or the possibility of transferring the loan to an institution in your next country of residence. Make sure to get written confirmation that you’ve settled all debts, as this could be crucial if you ever decide to return to Germany for further studies or work.

Importance of Alumni Network and How to Stay Connected

Don’t underestimate the value of the relationships and networks you’ve built during your time studying in Germany. Before you leave, find out how you can join your institution’s alumni network. These networks often provide a wealth of resources, including job opportunities, professional development, and social events. Staying connected through the alumni network not only maintains your personal relationships but can also offer professional benefits in your next chapter.

Transportation and Vehicles

Dealing with Personal Vehicles

If you own a vehicle in Germany, the process of selling it or exporting it to another country can be quite elaborate. Should you choose to sell, you’ll need to provide the buyer with all the necessary documents, including the vehicle registration and proof of emissions testing. A written sales contract is generally required to finalize the sale.

Alternatively, if you wish to take your car with you, you’ll need to research import regulations for your destination country and consult with shipping companies about transport options and costs.

Closing Public Transportation Accounts

Many people in Germany have subscriptions for public transportation services. If you are among them, remember to cancel your subscription in accordance with the terms of service.

Some companies require a written notice, while others may allow for online cancellations. Make sure to return any physical cards or passes and confirm that your account has been closed to avoid any future billing.

Planning Your Journey to the Airport or Border

Your final trip out of Germany—be it to the airport, a train station, or directly to another country’s border—should be planned with care. The timing can be critical, especially if you have flights to catch or specific deadlines to meet for your relocation. Taxis, car services, or even kind friends might be good options for this last leg of your journey.

If you’re leaving from an airport, bear in mind that international flights usually recommend arriving at least three hours before departure for check-in and security procedures.

Related: Car Leasing in Germany [Complete Guide]

Financial Affairs

Settling Debts and Outstanding Payments

Before leaving Germany, it’s essential to ensure that all your financial obligations are settled. This includes not just rent and utilities, but also any other debts or recurring payments you might have. Check with your service providers, from gym memberships to subscription services, to make sure that you’ve paid all outstanding amounts and canceled future payments.

Unresolved debts can lead to legal complications, and it’s much easier to address these issues while you’re still in the country than to try to resolve them remotely.

Transferring or Converting Financial Assets

If you have financial investments in Germany, such as savings accounts or retirement plans, you’ll need to decide what to do with these. Depending on your next destination and your long-term plans, it might make sense to transfer some of these assets to financial institutions in your new country of residence.

International financial transfers can involve fees and exchange rate considerations, so consult with your bank and perhaps a financial advisor to understand the most cost-effective and tax-efficient way to handle these transfers.

Foreign Currency and Cash

While digital transactions are increasingly the norm, having some cash on hand during the transition can be a lifesaver. Plan ahead and convert a reasonable amount of money into the currency of your next destination.

Make sure to also notify your bank about your move so they can adjust any geographic restrictions on your credit or debit cards. This will help prevent any automated fraud alerts or blocks on your accounts when you suddenly start making transactions in a new location.

Personal Belongings

Sorting and Packing Your Possessions

As you prepare to bid Germany farewell, the question of what to do with your personal belongings looms large. The task of sorting through your possessions, deciding what to keep and what to part with, can be both time-consuming and emotionally taxing.

If you’re moving to another country, shipping large quantities of items can be expensive, so prioritize essentials and items with sentimental value. On the practical side, consider the climate, living conditions, and your needs in your next destination. On the emotional side, some items may be harder to part with because they hold memories of your time in Germany.

Selling or Donating Items

If you decide that some things won’t be making the journey with you, you have options like selling them online through platforms such as eBay Kleinanzeigen or donating to local charities. Furniture, electronics, and other household items are often in demand.

Giving items away to friends or colleagues is another option, and it also offers a more personal way of letting go. Each item you pass along to someone else carries a bit of your experience with it, making this process part of the larger farewell.

Storage Solutions

For belongings you’re not quite ready to part with but can’t take with you, storage solutions are available. Various companies offer short-term or long-term storage in secure facilities. Look for options that suit your budget and time frame. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, especially clauses that pertain to early termination of the service, should you decide to come back for your items earlier than planned.

Social and Emotional Aspects of Leaving Germany

Saying Goodbye to Friends and Communities

Leaving Germany isn’t just about the logistics and practicalities; it also means saying goodbye to friendships and communities you’ve been part of. This is often one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of relocating. Some people opt for formal gatherings or parties as a way to say farewell, while others prefer more intimate one-on-one meetups.

However you choose to do it, make sure to take the time to appreciate and acknowledge the relationships you’ve built. Technology makes staying in touch easier than ever, but physical presence has its own irreplaceable value.

Reflecting on Your Time in Germany

Before the hustle and bustle of your move takes over completely, try to set aside some time for reflection. Consider the skills you’ve gained, the experiences you’ve had, and how you’ve grown as a person during your time in Germany. This might be a nostalgic process, but it can also be empowering.

Realize that your time in Germany is a chapter in your life’s book that’s coming to a close, making way for new adventures and learnings. This reflective practice can offer a sense of emotional closure that’s as important as any practical task on your to-do list.

Coping with Mixed Emotions

It’s completely natural to have mixed emotions about leaving. Excitement about the next chapter in your life can coexist with sadness or anxiety about the changes ahead. And that’s perfectly okay. Acknowledging these feelings is the first step in managing them. If you find yourself struggling with the emotional weight of leaving, don’t hesitate to seek support. Friends, family, and even professional counselors can offer valuable perspectives and coping strategies.

Final Preparations

Last-Minute Paperwork and Confirmations

As your departure date approaches, it’s a good time to double-check all your paperwork and confirm that everything is in order. Make sure that all official notifications have been sent out, whether to local authorities, educational institutions, or service providers. It’s also wise to confirm travel arrangements like flights, accommodations, and transport services. Check expiration dates on essential documents such as passports and visas for your next destination to avoid any last-minute hurdles.

Packing and Luggage Arrangements

At this point, you’ve likely sorted through your belongings, but now comes the task of effective packing. Consider weather conditions and immediate needs for your new location so you can have appropriate clothing and essentials easily accessible.

Don’t forget to pack a small bag of important documents and necessities you’ll need during the journey. Make sure you’re aware of baggage policies and restrictions for your flight or other means of transport to avoid complications on the day of departure.

Safety Measures for Departure

As you get ready to leave, it’s a good idea to make sure that your living space is left in a safe condition. Ensure all utilities are switched off, doors and windows are locked, and no hazards are left behind.

If someone is taking over your accommodation, coordinate with them for the handover of keys and any other essential information. If you have a trusted neighbor or friend remaining in the area, you might want to leave a spare key with them for emergency situations.

Additional Resources