Munich combines Bavarian tradition with a strong economy, excellent public transport and easy access to the Alps. It is also one of Germany’s most expensive cities for housing, so planning your move carefully pays off. Here are our practical tips for moving to Munich from the UK in 2026.
1. Sort your visa or residence status first
UK nationals who moved to Germany before 1 January 2021 and have lived there legally since have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. If you are moving now, you need a visa or residence permit that matches your purpose, such as work, study or family. Read the GOV.UK guide to living in Germany before you fix your removal date.
2. Register your address within 14 days
In Germany you must register your address (Anmeldung) at the local registration office within 14 days of arriving. If you did not get a visa or residence permit before leaving the UK, GOV.UK says you should book an appointment with the Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) within 90 days of arrival. Appointments in Munich can book up, so book early. You will normally need your rental contract and a landlord confirmation to register.
3. Understand the environmental zone
The whole area inside the Mittlerer Ring, including the ring road itself, is an environmental zone. According to the City of Munich, all cars, vans and lorries entering it need a green sticker, including removal vans and foreign-registered vehicles. The sticker costs about 6 euros, is tied to one registration number and can be ordered online from inspection organisations such as TÜV, DEKRA or GTÜ. The fine for driving in without one is 80 euros. See the City of Munich environmental badge page for current rules.
When you move with MoveDay Removals, we plan the vehicle, route and access for your address before moving day.
4. Plan parking and access for moving day
Many Munich flats are in older buildings with narrow stairwells, and central streets have very little space for a lorry. Ask your landlord or building management about access, and check with the city whether you need a temporary no-parking zone outside your door. Quiet hours apply in Germany, including Sundays and public holidays, so plan loading and unloading for a weekday where possible.
5. Get the customs paperwork right
Household goods moving from the UK to Germany cross an EU customs border, so you need a full inventory and the correct declarations. If you are moving your normal home to Germany you may be able to import your belongings without duty under transfer of residence relief, as long as you meet the conditions. Read our UK Customs Guide 2026 and what you can and can’t take on a removals lorry to the EU, or let our customs team handle the forms.
6. Health insurance, driving licence and daily life
- Health insurance: compulsory for residents. You join a German health insurer (Krankenkasse), often through your employer, or in some cases choose private cover.
- Driving licence: GOV.UK says a UK licence can be used for up to 6 months after you move. To keep driving after that you must exchange it with the local driving authority before the 6 months end.
- Getting around: the MVV network of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses covers the city and region.
7. Choose your area
- Schwabing and Maxvorstadt: lively, near universities and museums. Popular and pricier.
- Haidhausen: village feel close to the centre, with cafes and good transport.
- Sendling and Glockenbachviertel: trendy, central and well connected.
- Neuhausen and Nymphenburg: green, family friendly, near the palace park.
- Bogenhausen and Trudering: quieter residential areas, often with more space.
Also comparing other German cities? See our moving to Germany page.
Moving to Munich? We can help
MoveDay Removals moves families and businesses between the UK and Germany, with full and part loads, and we take care of the customs paperwork too. See our international removals page or get a free quote.
Website: https://movedayremovals.com
Phone: 07378 626882
Email: office@movedayremovals.co.uk
This article is general guidance, correct as of October 2026. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK, the German authorities and the City of Munich before you move.