What changed for German citizens after Brexit?
Before Brexit, German citizens could travel to the UK, take up employment, study at a university, or settle in the country without applying for a visa in advance. This was possible because the UK was a member of the European Union and participated in the EU’s freedom of movement rules.
Following Brexit, the UK left the EU and ended free movement between the UK and EU member states. As a result, German citizens now face immigration controls as nationals from other countries. For example, Germans applying for a Skilled Worker visa follow the same process as other countries.
Do German citizens need a visa for the UK?
Germans visiting the UK for tourism, family, transit, or business can stay up to 6 months without a visa, but must obtain an ETA (pre-authorisation) before travel. The UK ETA is not a visa; it is a digital permission linked to your passport, similar to the US ESTA, and costs £20.
However, if you are travelling to the UK for a long-term stay, such as studying, employment or other purposes, you need to apply for a UK visa. The options available include the Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, Global Talent Visa and Partner Visa.
Popular UK visa routes for Germans after Brexit
Germans applying for a UK visa can access the following popular options.
Working in the UK: The skilled worker visa
The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for most Germans seeking employment in the UK. To qualify, you need a job offer, a Certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer, and the role must be at RQF level 6 or above. You also need to meet the salary threshold (currently £41,700) and demonstrate English language proficiency at the B2 level or higher. The visa is initially granted for up to five years and can be extended. After five continuous years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Studying in the UK: The student visa
Germany has a long tradition of academic exchange with UK universities, and this continues under the new system. To obtain a student visa, you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK student sponsor, proof of funds, English language test results and pay the £558 application fee. After graduating, you can switch to the Graduate visa, which gives you two years (three for doctoral graduates) to work or look for work in the UK without requiring a sponsor.
Joining family in the UK: spouse and partner visas
If your partner is a British citizen or has Settled Status (ILR) in the UK, you can apply to join them. To apply, you must provide proof of a genuine relationship; you and your partner must prove that your combined yearly income is at least £29,000/year. You must also demonstrate basic English language proficiency.
UK visa requirements for German citizens
The specific documents you need depend on the visa type, but almost every UK visa application requires a core set of evidence. Here is what the UK Home Office typically expects:
Valid passport
Proof of finances, like bank statements
Employment or sponsorship documents, like a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Accommodation evidence, such as a tenancy agreement, a letter from a UK host
Biometric information
Additional requirements by visa type
Student Visa
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university or college
English language test results (e.g., IELTS for UKVI) unless exempt
Parental consent if under 18
Proof of tuition fees being paid or available
Skilled Worker Visa
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
Proof that your salary meets the minimum threshold
Evidence of English language ability at the B1 level or above
Spouse/Partner Visa
Evidence of a genuine relationship (photos, correspondence, joint financial ties)
Proof that the sponsoring UK partner earns above the financial threshold.
English language test results
Global Talent Visa
Endorsement from an approved UK body (e.g., The Royal Society, Tech Nation for digital technology, Arts Council England)
Which German documents need a certified translation for UK visas?
The UK Home Office requires that any document not written in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified English translation. This applies to German-language documents submitted with your visa application. Documents that often need certified translation for a UK visa application include
What makes a translation "UK-compliant"?
The Home Office requires certified translations to include:
The full translated text of the original document
A certification statement from the translator confirming the translation is accurate and complete.
The translator's full name, contact details, and qualifications
The date the translation was completed.
The translator's signature
Note: The translator must be independent from the applicant. This means they cannot be friends, family members, or unqualified individuals, even if they are fluent bilingual speakers.
Need certified translations for your UK visa application? Translayte provides UK-certified translations of German documents in 12-24 hours. Request a free quote.
How to get a certified translation of German documents for a UK Visa: step-by-step process
Follow these steps to get certified translation for your German documents that’s accepted by UK authorities.
Step 1: Identify which documents need translation
Review the specific requirements for your visa type. If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to have your degree certificate and transcripts translated.
Step 2: Gather official copies of your German documents
Once you’ve confirmed the documents, gather the official, original copy and ensure it’s valid and legible. If the document is damaged, you should request a replacement to ensure translators have all the information translated correctly.
Step 3: Use a qualified, independent translator
Choose a certified translator or translation company with demonstrable qualifications in legal and official document translation for UKVI. Look for membership in professional bodies such as the Bundesverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer (BDÜ) in Germany, or for qualifications recognised in the UK, such as those from the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
Step 4: Receive your certified translations
The translated document should be formatted to mirror the original, with all stamps, seals, and official markings noted and described. The certification statement should appear on the translated document itself, not just on a covering letter.
Step 5: Submit translations alongside your visa application
Upload scanned copies when completing your online application, and bring originals (both the original German document and a certified translation) to your biometric appointment.
Looking for a certified translator for your UK visa application? Request a free quote to get German-to-English certified translations accepted for UK immigration and visa purposes, with fast online ordering and 24/7 support for urgent requests.
How long does UK visa processing take for Germans?
UK visa processing time for Germans ranges from 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the purpose and any unique circumstances. The visa processing starts on the date you attend your biometric appointment, not when you submit online.
Visa Type | Standard Processing Time |
Standard Visitor Visa | Up to 3 weeks |
Student Visa | Up to 3 weeks |
Skilled Worker Visa | Up to 3–8 weeks |
Health and Care Worker Visa | Up to 3 weeks |
Spouse/Partner (Family) Visa | Up to 24 weeks |
Indefinite Leave to Remain | Up to 6 months |
UK visa costs Germans should expect
UK visa fees for Germans vary significantly depending on the category and length of stay. Here’s an overview of what you should expect
Cost Item | Approximate Amount |
Standard Visitor Visa | £135 |
Student Visa (from outside UK) | £558 |
Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | £819 to £1,865 |
Spouse/Partner Visa (initial) | £2,064 |
Super Priority Service | £1,000 |
Certified translation | £30–£120 per page |
Certified translation costs are usually a small part of the overall UK visa process, but submitting incorrect translations can lead to delays or additional document requests. Get a certified translation quote from Translayte for German documents required for your UK visa application.
