Moving abroad: What legal aspects are important?

Moving abroad is a great adventure – but also a bureaucratic challenge. legal requirements do you have to consider? Which Documents are required, and how does registration work in the new country? Here you can find out which legal aspects are particularly important when moving internationally.

1. Residence permit & visa – What applies in the destination country?

📌 1. Difference between EU countries and third countries
✅ Within the EU: No visa required, but registration required
✅ Third countries: Often visa & work permit required

📌 2. What types of visas are available for emigrants?
✅ Work visa – If you take up a position in the new country
✅ Residence permit – If you enter without a job
✅ Investor or retiree visa – If you can prove financial means

📌 3. When should the visa be applied for?
✅ Early – depending on the country, processing may take several months
✅ If a Language test or proof of income are required to prepare them in good time

💡 Tip: Each embassy or consulate has different requirements – please contact the relevant authority directly for information.

2. Registration & relocation of residence abroad

🏠 1. Deregistration in Germany
✅ Unsubscribe from Residents' Registration Office
✅ If necessary: Residence as Maintain primary or secondary residence

📌 2. Registration in the new country
✅ Depending on the country within 7 to 30 days required after entry
✅ If necessary: Apply for a registration certificate or residence permit
✅ If children are moving with you: Clarify compulsory schooling & registration

📌 3. What documents are required?
✅ Passport or identity card
✅ Birth & marriage certificate (possibly certified translation)
✅ Proof of residence (e.g. rental agreement)

💡 Tip: Some countries require a tax deregistration from Germanyto avoid double tax liability.

3. Customs regulations & removal goods – What can be taken with you?

🚛 1. Import regulations for furniture and household items
✅ Within the EU: No customs formalities necessary
✅ Outside the EU: Customs declaration & possible import taxes

📦 2. Which items are problematic?
✅ Alcohol, tobacco & food can Customs restrictions apply
✅ Vehicles often have to meet technical adjustments (e.g. lighting system)
✅ Pets often need Vaccinations & quarantine regulations

📋 3. Moving with a car – What should you consider?
✅ Vehicle often needs to be re-registered and taxed
✅ Depending on the country, new license plates be applied for

💡 Tip: If a If the moving company is taking over the transport, clarify beforehand which documents and permits are required.

4. Taxes & Finances – What changes when moving abroad?

📌 1. Check tax liability in Germany
✅ If residence is retained, a Tax liability in Germany exists
✅ If no income in Germany: Tax deregistration possible

📌 2. Organize your bank account and finances
✅ If necessary: Open an account in the new country
✅ Check credit cards & bank transfer options

📌 3. Clarify social security and pension
✅ If you move within the EU, the Pension insurance often received
✅ If you move outside the EU, you can voluntarily continue to insure yourself

💡 Tip: If you work abroad, you should check whether the income is taxed twice or a tax agreement exists.

5. Health insurance & social benefits – What applies in the new country?

📌 1. Adjust your health insurance
✅ If you stay in the EU: Check European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
✅ If you are moving outside the EU: Take out private health insurance

📋 2. Check social benefits & pension entitlements
✅ If necessary, clarify unemployment insurance
✅ If children are moving with you: Observe child benefit or compulsory schooling regulations

💡 Tip: Some countries require a Proof of health insurancebefore a residence permit is granted.

6. Avoid common mistakes when moving abroad

❌ Applying for a visa or residence permit too late → Solution: Contact the embassy or consulate early
❌ Forgot to deregister for tax purposes → Solution: Inform the tax office before moving
❌ Failure to comply with customs regulations → Solution: Check regulations for importing cars, pets & goods
❌ Do not adjust health insurance → Solution: Take out new health insurance before moving

💡 Tip: If you are unsure, a Moving companies with international experience help.

7. Checklist for a legally compliant move abroad

📌 Before the move:
✅ Apply for residence permit & visa
✅ Deregister your residence & clarify new registration
✅ Check customs regulations for moving goods

📌 During the move:
✅ Keep important documents handy
✅ Clarify health insurance & tax liability in the new country
✅ If necessary: re-register your car & apply for new license plates

📌 After the move:
✅ Complete registration and reporting requirements in the new country
✅ If necessary, set up new bank details
✅ If children are moving with you: organize school and healthcare

💡 Tip: If moving abroad seems complicated, a Specialist service providers for international removals help.

Conclusion: Properly plan legal aspects when moving abroad

✔ Apply for visa & residence permit early
✔ Deregister your residence in Germany & clarify new registration
✔ Check customs regulations for furniture, cars & pets
✔ Consider tax and financial aspects in the new country
✔ Adjust health insurance & social benefits

🚛 Are you planning to move abroad and need assistance with customs, registration or transport? Praktik Transport offers professional solutions for international relocations! Get a non-binding offer now! ✈🌍