The Speicherstadt is part of the free port. Duty does not have to be paid on goods while they are stored here.
Pension
Pension insurance policies are generally valid anywhere in the world.
Health insurance
If your current health insurance does not cover a permanent stay abroad, you will need to take out a new health insurance policy. If you are employed, your employer will register you. However, it may be more advantageous for you to take out private health insurance yourself.
Personal liability and household insurance
In Germany everyone has to have a private personal liability insurance policy. Furthermore, the tenancy agreement will require you to take out household insurance as well.
Service for our customers:
We offer advice in co-operation with an independent insurance consultant.
Nationals of most EU states can now drive here in Germany on their driving licences. Special regulations apply to citizens of some European countries, that are not part of the EU. Foreigners from countries outside the EU need to have their driving licences transferred, and this is subject to different requirements.
The Köhlbrandbrücke connects the A7 motorway with the port area.
Importing
You can import your car or motorbike from abroad without any problems. However, it must comply with German statutory requirements if you want to drive it here.
Registration
Your car must be registered with the local road traffic licensing department and the registration document will be issued by that authority. This allows you to have a number plate made.
Insurance
In contrast to some other countries, your vehicle must be insured against third-party risks in Germany. That insurance will apply even if someone else is driving your car. That is why it is important to choose the right insurance package.
Technical inspection (MOT)
New vehicles must be officially tested for technical defects every three years, and older vehicles every two years. In addition an emission test must be carried out every year.
For children of all ages there are sports associations, religious organisations and local cultural centres that offer a wide range of leisure activities.
Schools:
In Germany children are required to attend school for nine years starting from the age of six. The schooling system involves four years of primary education and is then generally divided into three branches:
A general certificate of education is obtained after nine years, and this is generally followed by training within a company.
The secondary school certificate is obtained after 10 years and provides access to technical colleges and training in various occupational categories.
The “Abitur” – or ‘A’ level equivalent – after 12 years of schooling is a requirement for university entrance.
Service for our customers:
We can find out for you which of your children’s certificates of education are recognised in Germany and we advise you in selecting suitable – international – schools and kindergartens, as well as helping you with registration.
On request we can also arrange individual language courses for your children.
... and if your children want to join in activities with German children we will look for a sports club.
Most of these things have always to be done before moving out:
Terminating your tenancy agreement
Checking the final account
Closing bank accounts, cancelling insurance policies, telephone, electricity, newspaper subscriptions etc.
Appointing a suitable removals company
Appointing suitable painters and decorators as well as a cleaning service
Handing over the keys
Monitoring refund of the deposit
Service for our customers:
If you move out of Hamburg, we will look after the move and put you in touch with one of our relocation partners at your destination so that the process of moving in is just as smooth as that of moving out.
If you are moving to Hamburg, one of our relocation partners will be pleased to look after the removal at the other end.
Unlike some other countries, everyone who lives in Germany has to be registered here and re-register on moving.
If you come from one of the 'old' EU countries and want to work here, you will receive a residence permit. Residents of the 'new' EU countries have to apply for additional permits.
If you come from a country outside the EU and want to work here, you need residence and work permits as well, and maybe a visa.
As soon as you start to work in Germany, you are also liable to pay tax in Germany.
Service for our customers:
We will register you with the relevant authorities, provide support in obtaining your work permit, look after your residence permit and will apply for an income tax card for you.
Working in Hamburg can even be fun: spending your lunch hour in a floating café on the Alster or taking a sailing course after work is principally a matter of choosing the right location for your office.
A wide range of office space is available in Hamburg – from office services to business parks.
An important factor in determining your status in Hamburg is the location of your office. Depending on the requirements of your particular industry or business sector, the infrastructure of the surrounding area may be a major consideration too. If you expect a lot of customers, then, depending on the location, a customer car park might be a major criterion.
Service for our customers:
Since we have good contacts with estate agents and other sources, we can quickly find the right office premises for you. We can provide support in negotiating the tenancy agreement, translate the tenancy agreement and be present during the handing over of the keys. On request we can arrange for your office to be furnished, equipped with leased or rented telephone and computer systems, and we can help you take out the necessary insurance policies.
We can give you the names of English-speaking lawyers to deal with the necessary legal formalities and support you in your dealings with the authorities.
Please get in touch at any time by phone, e-mail or fax, so we can discuss your individual requirements and find the best possible solution for you.
A decisive factor in determining your status in Hamburg is the location of your home or office. While some parts of the city (such as Blankenese and Harvestehude) have retained their character over a long period, others (e.g. St. Georg and Altona) are undergoing rapid change. The location of a house or apartment may be a major criterion when it comes to selecting the right one for you.
Whether you prefer to live in a rural area or enjoy the busy atmosphere of a large city, the region of Hamburg can cater for different requirements.
Service for our customers:
Thanks to our good contacts with estate agents and other sources, we can provide you with a wide range of housing options and shortlist the properties that meet your requirements and criteria. We can arrange viewings and accompany you on such visits, we can negotiate the terms of the tenancy agreement on your behalf and translate the tenancy agreement, as well as being present when the keys are handed over. Even if you want to hire furniture, we know exactly where to go.
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