From admin to auf Wiedersehen: 10 things to do before leaving Germany

Leaving Germany? Whether you’ve been here for a short assignment or several unforgettable years, there are some essential (and emotional) steps to take before you say auf Wiedersehen. Here are the 10 top things to check off your list before you go.

1. Deregister at your local registration office (Abmeldung)

In Germany, deregistering your residence is mandatory when you move abroad. You can usually do this one to two weeks prior to departure. You might have to visit your local Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) to do this, although some regions let you complete the Abmeldung online. Make sure you keep the confirmation, as you may need it to cancel contracts or claim refunds.

In addition to deregistering your residence with the local government, you must also remember to deregister yourself with your GP and dentist. That isn't something that happens automatically when you cancel your health insurance, so make sure you tell them you are leaving.

2. Cancel your contracts and subscriptions

Before you move, you need to make sure all your automatic payments are cancelled. Prepare for this well in advance, as some might have substantial notice periods. A good way to make sure you don't forget any subscriptions or contracts is to go through your last 12 months of bank statements and note any automatic debits that need to be dealt with. The most common things that people need to terminate are:

• Rental agreements (check your notice period!)
• Internet and mobile phone contracts
• Insurance (health, liability and car)
• Gym memberships
• BahnCards, travel passes and car-sharing services
• Streaming services

3. Close or maintain your German bank account

Once you're all finished with your job and have completed all your payments in Germany, you might want to close your German bank account. Be aware that closing your account won't automatically stop any direct debits. To avoid receiving angry communications, you should cancel all subscriptions and rolling contracts first.

However, many expats choose to keep their German bank account open. This can be useful if you plan to continue receiving payments, such as security deposit returns, tax refunds or a pension, intend to return in the future, or simply want a Euro account for future travels.

However, not all banks permit this. Some require a German address, some an EU address, while some don't mind where you live. Some banks might even close your account automatically after your Abmeldung, so be sure to discuss your options with them before making any decisions. 

4. Say goodbye to your house

If you own your house, make sure you leave plenty of time to sell before you intend to move. It isn't unusual for it to take six months to sell a house and have all the paperwork completed. If you want to keep your house, you need to discuss the options with your bank. Most lenders will allow you to continue paying a mortgage from abroad, but some restructuring may be required. 

If you were renting, you also need to check on your notice period. The typical period is three months, but the contract details are what matter. Once you’ve moved out and completed the apartment handover, your landlord has up to six months to return your deposit, which can be extended to 12 months if they have a good reason, such as a bill that is only calculated annually. This is one reason many expats maintain their German bank account for at least a short time after leaving the country.

Talk to AGS Germany to make your move simple and straightfoward

5. Use up or donate household items

Think long and hard about what you want to move with and what you can leave behind. Moving isn't cheap, so by keeping your belongings to only those which you consider irreplaceable, you can keep your costs low, as well as make unpacking at the other end much easier. If it's been sitting in storage for the whole time you've been in Germany, you probably don't need it anymore.

Sell, donate, or recycle what you’re not taking with you. Websites like eBay, Kleinanzeigen and nebenan.de are great for local giveaways or sales. Many cities also have donation points for clothes, books, and furniture.

6. Take one last Reise across Germany

Before you leave, take a few days to revisit your favourite spots, or explore those you missed. Make sure you've seen all those places that you were so excited about visiting when you first moved to Germany.

Whether it’s a final visit to the Black Forest, the Baltic Sea, a castle in Bavaria, or Berlin’s art scene, this is your moment to soak it all in.

7. Say goodbye the German way

It's not all about the administration. You will have built a network and social circle in Germany that needs to be given the attention it deserves.

Host a farewell gathering (Abschiedsparty) and invite your friends, neighbours and colleagues. If you don't think they'd all get along together, have two or three parties!

Whether it’s a garden BBQ or a cosy coffee-and-cake (Kaffee und Kuchen) session, it’s a chance to say thank you and exchange contacts.

8. Download your tax and social security records

You never know how easy it will be to keep access to all of your online documents once you've left the country. Take some time to download and organise all your important documents. Documents that it's recommended to keep digital copies of include:

• Payslips
• Annual tax assessments (Steuerbescheid)
• Social security summaries (Rentenversicherung)

These may be helpful for future job applications, tax returns or pension claims, as well as proof of residence for your time in Germany.

9. Shop for a last-minute souvenir

Pick up something uniquely German to remember your time here. It doesn't have to be big, but something that speaks to you about your experience in Germany.

Favourite items often include a handmade cuckoo clock, a piece of Meissen porcelain, your favourite local beer mug, or even that perfect bottle of Riesling or those German snacks you won't be able to get back home. It’s more than a souvenir, it’s a memory in your suitcase.

10. Plan your next steps

Whether you're moving to another new country or returning to your homeland, you need to make a checklist and basic arrival budget for your new destination. For peace of mind, consider letting a professional relocation company handle the logistics, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Leaving Germany marks the end of a chapter, but also the start of a new one. With a bit of planning (and a slice of Black Forest gateau), your departure can be devoid of stress but full of emotion.