Less than a week after Boris Johnson took over from Theresa May as UK Prime Minister, British nationals living in Germany have been urged to prepare for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. 

Johnson’s takeover makes no-deal Brexit more likely

In a Facebook post, the Deputy Ambassador to Germany, Robbie Bulloch, wrote that the takeover would undoubtedly leave plenty of people concerned - especially since Johnson, a well-known EU sceptic who has been dubbed “Brexit Boris” by the German media, made it clear in his first speech as Prime Minister that the UK leaving the EU without a deal was still a viable option. 

“We therefore need to prepare for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit,” Bulloch wrote. However, he went on to stress that the German government is taking steps to make sure “no British citizen will need to leave Germany as a result of Brexit.” If Britain leaves without a deal, Germany is planning a transitional period of three months, which could be extended by a further six months. During this time, UK nationals would have to apply for a residence permit from their local foreigners’ office (Ausländerbehörde). 

He also stressed that legal framework conditions were being put in place to ensure that every UK national in Germany receives a residence permit. Legislation has also been passed to protect pension contributions and facilitate access to healthcare and social security benefits for British citizens. 

How to prepare for Brexit in Germany

In the meantime, Bulloch urged British citizens living in Germany to make sure they are properly registered with their local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt), and, if they haven’t already, to begin making enquiries at their local foreigners’ office about the process of applying for a residence permit, as this can differ significantly between federal states. 

British nationals are also recommended to swap their driving licence for a German one and get any professional qualifications recognised well in advance of the UK’s expected exit on October 31, 2019. After this date, the process will become much more complicated.  

The British Embassy will also have a Facebook Q&A on Tuesday, August 6, to answer the questions of anyone living in Germany who is concerned about Brexit.