Brexit – Information for UK nationals

The Withdrawal Agreement has not really changed anything for the time being. Until the end of the transition period defined within the framework of the Withdrawal Agreement (31 December 2020), UK citizens and their family members (who are third-country nationals) covered by the right to freedom of movement will continue to be treated, as far as residence regulations go, as if the United Kingdom were still a Member State of the EU.

Thus UK citizens and their family members (who are third-country nationals) who exercise their rights under the EU Freedom of Movement Act until 31 December 2020 will still be covered by the EU Freedom of Movement Act.

A right of residence under the Withdrawal Agreement also applies by law beyond 31 December 2020. If you have exercised your right to freedom of movement to date as an EU citizen, you must register as a resident by 30 June 2021 (registration obligation) with the competent Office of Foreign Citizens’ Affairs (Ausländerbehörde).

Holders of Residence Cards or Permanent Residence Cards are not subject to this registration obligation.

Yes, new documents are being introduced that regulate matters related to the Withdrawal Agreement. Your registration as a resident will be certified by the competent Office of Foreign Citizens’ Affairs ("Confirmation of receipt of registration").

If the relevant conditions are met, the competent Office of Foreign Citizens’ Affairs of the District or District-Free City
will issue a "Residence Document GB" (“Aufenthaltsdokument-GB”) beginning on 01 January 2021. The data required for this are collected when you register as a resident. To this end, UK citizens must make an appointment with the competent Office of Foreign Citizens’ Affairs. This can be done starting immediatly. For that, please write an e-mail to zuwanderungsabteilung_eu@kiel.de stating your concern, name and surname and your date of birth.

From 01 January 2021 to 30 June 2021:
The current treatment of UK citizens like EU citizens ends on 31 December 2020. All persons affected by the Withdrawal Agreement with legal residence in Germany at the end of the transition period must register their residence with the competent Office of Foreign Citizens’ Affairs by 30 June 2021.

Until March 31 2021:
UK citizens who have resided in Germany to date in accordance with EU law, but do not have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement may, subject to proposed changes to the law, apply until March 31, 2021 for a Residence Permit for Germany as required for further residence in Germany. 

The legal situation may still change depending on the outcome of ongoing negotiations between the EU and the UK.
As things stand, beginning on 01 January 2021, the general residence rules applicable to third-country nationals, as provided for in particular in the Residence Act, shall apply to the residence of UK citizens. A visa is thus required to enter the Federal Republic of Germany for any intended long-term stay.

UK citizens entering the country as tourists do not require a visa for short stays (90 days within a 180-day period).

More information can be found in the Internet under www.bmi.bund.de/brexit-info-en.