Information for those in (or going to) Germany on a posting

The following information has been verified by various different sources, however should your experience be different to that written below, or you believe something to be incorrect, please contact the F&C specialist.

Latest News

 New information - Children born overseas to parents in the armed forces. On January 13th 2010 changes to British nationality law, which were introduced by the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, came into force. One of these changes enables children born overseas to parents in the armed forces to register as a British Citizen. Click here for more information.

Checklist for this page

Knowledge of language and Life in the United Kingdom (KOL)/ Life in the UK test
Travelling to Germany on a posting from your country of origin
Travelling to Germany from the UK – private arrangements
We have just been posted to the UK from Germany – what visa do I need?
Can I extend my visa or apply for settlement whilst I am in Germany?
Applying for Citizenship from Germany
Citizenship for babies born to F&C families in Germany
Travelling in Europe or to the UK from Germany
Concessionary Families Travel
Driving in Germany
Working in Germany
Benefits
Further sources of information

Knowledge of language and Life in the United Kingdom (KOL)/ Life in the UK test

Before you make an application for British Citizenship or settlement, you need to have a knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom. You can demonstrate your knowledge of language and of life in the United Kingdom in two ways.

• If you speak English to a reasonable standard, you will need to pass the Life in the UK test.
  
• If you are not an English speaker, you will need to take and pass a course in English and citizenship.

The Life in the UK test is currently not available in Germany but is on track to become available sometime next year (more specific dates are not yet known). Once more information is known, it will be posted here.

ESOL for Citizenship courses: From January 2010, there will be ESOL for Citizenship courses running in your area. The courses will run over 10 weeks, with two sessions per week. During the course, you will study different aspects of life in the UK as well as improving your English language skills. At the end of the course students take the City and Guilds of London Institute Certificate in ESOL (English for speakers of other languages). The certificate will, together with a letter of completion from Salmond House, support your application for Citizenship. The course is open to dependants and military personnel in BFG who wish to apply for Citizenship or are seeking permanent residence in the UK. For more information contact Laura Grant at shtcesol@google.com or 05241 843773 (mil: 733773)

Travelling to Germany on a posting from your country of origin

The recommended route for eligible Foreign and Commonwealth families to travel from their country of origin to join their serving soldier on an accompanied assignment in either Germany or Cyprus is by transiting via the UK, for which a UK visa may be required. You will no longer be able to get a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) stamp, which is required during your stay in Germany, unless you have had some form of UK immigration check. Therefore, going to Germany directly from your Country of Origin with a Schengen visa, if you are intending to join your serving soldier on a posting, is no longer an option. The Schengen visa is a visitor’s visa and not valid for entry to Germany to take up permanent residence.

To find out what type of visa to apply for, visit the AFF F&C webpage or go to www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en.  However, the current advice from UKSC is that spouses and families should apply for a visitor’s visa to the UK. This will give you 6 months. You can apply for an Exempt Armed Forces Dependants visa (see link above) but this visa has limited use once you are in Germany, as you cannot renew it once it expires. It also cannot be used to travel to the UK for visits. For those who are from countries that do not require visit visas for less than 6 months, it will be necessary for the soldier’s unit to contact UKSC. UKSC will then ask the UK Border Agency to run an immigration check.   

All applications for visas for travel to BFG via the UK should be accompanied by a letter from the sponsoring soldier’s unit UWO stating the reasons for travel via the UK and verifying the details of the soldier including; the date of enlistment, final date of service and confirmation of entitlement to SFA.  

The onward journey from the UK to Germany will normally be organised by the Unit through the Defence Passenger Reservations Centre (DPRC). It can take a few days or more to organise the onward journey but whilst in the UK you are responsible for your own accommodation arrangements.

Problems with visas:  If your visa application is denied purely because your sponsoring soldier is based in Germany, the sponsoring soldier will need to refer back to his/her unit who should then inform the chain of command. AFF is aware of at least one case where this has happened, and it was thankfully overturned on appeal. There have also been recent cases of spouses applying for an Exempt Armed Forces Dependants visa (at a cost of ₤215) from their country of origin and only given 6 months. Both of the cases that AFF is aware of originate in Ghana, and the F&C Specialist was able to get refunds for the spouses. If this has happened to you, please contact the F&C Specialist.

Travelling to Germany from the UK – private arrangements

It is currently not possible for F&C dependents subject to UK/EU immigration controls to travel to Germany on a posting by any means other than flying.  This is because the visa required (Schengen visa) is only a visit visa and requires that the holder returns to the UK within the time period specified.

We have just been posted to the UK from Germany, what visa do I need?

See ‘What visa do I need to complete to join my soldier spouse in the UK?’ on the main F&C page. The visa you require depends upon whether your soldier is a British Citizen or a Commonwealth Citizen.  You will find information about which visa to apply for on this site.  You can also find information about what documents you need to provide to support your application.  This will include a letter from your UWO stating the date of the soldiers enlistment, final date of service and confirmation that the soldier is entitled to SFA.  The cost of a visa required due to a posting will be reimbursed by the Unit.

All visa applications to the UK from Germany will be handled by the Dusseldorf Visa Application Centre run by Worldbridge.  Visas need to be applied for online and an appointment will need to be made at the same time to attend the centre.  You will need to bring with you a number of supporting documents as well as  photographs.  All information can be found on the following website: www.visainfoservices.com 

If your sponsoring soldier is a British Citizen and you have been married for over 4 years, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Enter.  However, in order to qualify for this you would need to have completed a ‘Life in the UK’ test.  This facility should be available in a number of Education Centres in Germany by the end of the year.

If your sponsoring soldier is a Commonwealth Citizen and has completed more than 5 years in the Army and you have been married for more than 2 years, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Enter under the new settlement rules.  You will need to have taken the 'Life in the UK' test in order to qualify.  If you haven’t taken the test you will be given Limited Leave to Enter for 27 months.  Once you have taken the test in the UK, you will be able to apply for settlement.

Can I extend my visa or apply for settlement whilst I am in Germany?

The MOD has sought guidance from the UK Borders Agency on routes to settlement or extensions for those on overseas postings.  Currently it would seem that you have the following options depending on the status of the serving soldier and the visa you currently have.  As soon as there is any updated information it will be published here.

If your soldier spouse is NOT a British Citizen:

1. If your soldier spouse is NOT a British Citizen and has not served 5 years in the Army and your current visa is due to expire, it will not be possible for you to get an extension.  Your only option will be to apply for a visitors visa whenever you wish to return to the UK.  You will be able to apply for another visa when you are posted back to the UK (which will be reimbursed by the Unit).  Once your soldier spouse has completed 5 years and you have been married for 2 years, then category 3 will apply to you.
2. If your soldier spouse is NOT a British Citizen but he has completed 5 years in the Army and you have been married for more than 2 years,  it is currently not possible to apply for the visa you require (SET(O)) from Germany.  A spouse recently made an application and has had it refused.  She is considering appealing the decision and we are also waiting for UKBA to get back to MOD regarding this matter.  The other option is perhaps to travel back to the UK to apply for settlement, but it is not yet known if this is possible.

If your soldier spouse is a British Citizen:

1. If your soldier spouse has become a British Citizen and you have not changed your visa accordingly, it is not possible to apply for the visa you require (FLR(M)) from Germany. However, if you have been married for more than 3 years you might wish to consider applying for Citizenship yourself. You can do this without having ILR first if you use the Crown Service rules. See below for all information.
2. If your soldier spouse is a British Citizen and your 2 year ‘spouse visa’ is due to expire, it is not currently possible to apply for the visa your require (SET(M)) from Germany. You have three options:
   a. You can wait until you are posted back to the UK, but if you haven’t been married for 4 years and you haven’t taken the 'Life in the UK' test, you are likely to be given another 2 years leave to enter. 
   b. The other option is to return to the UK to apply for settlement.  You will need to make an appointment at a Public Enquiry Office and will need to ensure that you take all necessary supporting documents with you.  This is more expensive than a postal application but is the only way you can do it from Germany.  We are aware of one spouse who has successfully obtained settlement in this manner, if you have done the same please tell the F&C speclialist about it.
   c. You apply for Citizenship yourself using the Crown Service rules.  See below for all information.   

Applying for Citizenship from Germany

Serving Commonwealth soldiers: The requirements for applying for Citizenship from Germany if you are a serving soldier are the same as those when applying within the UK. The main requirements are that you have been resident in the UK (or on postings overseas) for five years and that you were physically present in the UK five years prior to your application being received by the Home Office. Your UWO will also need to provide you with a letter confirming your length of service and that time spent out of the UK is attributable to Armed Forces employment.

The spouse of a serving British soldier may also be eligible to apply for Citizenship.  There are two ways of applying:

1. Normal route: you have ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and you were physically in the UK on the date three years before your application being received by the Home Office and you meet the other requirements detailed in the guide AN  (see below)
2. Crown Service route:  If your visas have expired since you came to Germany and/or you are not going to be posted back to the UK for a while, you may be eligible to apply using the Crown Service Rules. These are listed on page 10 of the guide AN (see below). You should have been married for three years and you still need to meet the ‘good character’ and ‘sound mind’ requirements. A list of supporting documents can be found in the guidance notes that accompany the form AN. The most important document you will need to provide is a letter from the soldier’s Commanding Officer of the Unit stating why it is in the best interests of the Unit/Army for you to become a British citizen and the details of the British spouses’ recruitment /service details.

All information and legal requirements can be found in the guide AN, which can be downloaded by clicking here. It is essential that you read the guide AN carefully before making an application and if you have any specific questions you should call the Nationality Helpline on 0845 010 5200.
 
Application forms need to be sent to the British Consulate-General, Yorckstrasse 19, 40476 Dusseldorf or though the BFPO mail system to British Consulate General, Dusseldorf. Box 2002. BFPO 105.  You are advised to find out the cost of your application by viewing the ukingermany.fco.gov.uk website - these fees are set at the start of each month and are valid for that month only.

Payments can be made by Visa / MasterCard by downloading the  Card Payment Authorisation Form (pdf format), from- ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/passport-fees

You will also have to demonstrate a knowledge of language and life in the UK to be eligible to apply for Citizenship.  You can do this in one of two ways (depending upon your level of English), by taking the 'Life in the UK' test or completing an ESOL for Citizenship course.  For more information, see the section 'Knowledge of language and Life in the United Kingdom (KOL)/ Life in the UK test' on this page.

Citizenship for babies born to Foreign & Commonwealth families in Germany

A child born outside the UK after 13 January 2010 can register as a British citizen if:

• they were born to a Foreign and Commonwealth member of the UK armed forces; and
• that parent was serving outside the UK at the time of birth; and
• both parents consent to the registration.

More information about registration can be found in Guide MN1 on page 11.  Full guidance on this new law including how to apply and what documents need to be provided should be available soon.

For more information about the other changes to British Nationality Law, click here. 

Travelling in Europe or to the UK from Germany

For those F&C personnel and dependants already resident in Germany HQ, UKSC has an agreement with the Bezirksregierungen (District Government) in Lower Saxony, through the British Forces Liaison office, (this covers the 7 Armd Bde area; Bergen-Hohne, Celle, Fallingbostel, Hameln & Hannover) to issue 'time-limited' residence permits (Aufenthaltsbewilligungen) to non-EU dependants of members of the British Forces in Germany.  A resident permit allows you 'free' movement to, and through other Schengen countries. Work is in hand to extend this to other parts of Germany, but if you currently don’t live in the areas listed above you may not be able to travel outside of Germany.

Concessionary Families Travel

This is provided to allow travel for the immediate family of deployed personnel who are in receipt of the Operational Welfare Package (OWP).  Immediate family of F&C service Personnel who are based overseas, are now able to claim this allowance to offset the cost of travel back to the country of origin, up to the capped amount of UK travel which is currently £125.  Speak to your RAO for more information.

Driving in Germany

Many non-EU F&C soldiers (except those requiring a license for work purposes) and dependants are only able to drive in Germany for 6 months using the license issued in their Country of Origin.  After that you are required to obtain either a German or a UK driving license if you wish to continue to drive.  It is not possible to take the UK driving test in Germany (there has been research undertaken in the past few years looking at the possibility of offering UK driving tests in Germany, but it was considered to be too costly).  Unfortunately German driving licenses are rather more costly and time consuming to obtain than English ones, requiring not only a theory and practical test but also hearing and first aid tests.  Each garrison has links to German driving schools with English speaking instructors who will take you through the requirements.  If you would prefer to take the UK test, you are able to take the theory part of the test in Germany and then return to the UK to take the practical part.  Speak to your BFG representative for more information.  If you have successfully gained your driving license whilst in Germany, AFF would love to hear from you.

Working in Germany

F&C dependants are able to seek employment within the British Forces community in Germany, but there may be certain jobs that require higher levels of security clearance. Applicants from certain Commonwealth countries may therefore not be eligible. It is recommended that you seek advice from your local Garrison Labour Support Unit (GLSU) before applying. If you do not have a National Insurance number, you will need to go to your local GLSU however, you do need to have had a job offer first. 

Benefits

Whilst stationed in Germany, families of F&C soldiers are eligible to apply for the usual benefits that are available in the UK, usually Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit.  If you are 25 weeks pregnant or more and have had appropriate health advice you may also able to apply for the Health in Pregnancy Grant (HiPG), which is a one off payment of £190.  Ask your midwife for more information.  However, it would seem that in order to apply for the HiPG, you need a National Insurance number which you can only get if you have employment in Germany.  

Unfortunately non-British citizens who are also non-EU citizens assigned to Germany have no eligibility to German Kindergeld which is a Germany form of Child Benefit only paid by the German authorities to eligible EU nationals.

Further sources of information

Have you heard of bfgnet? http://www.bfgnet.de/  This is the official site of the British Forces in Germany. Click on ‘so you’re posted to Germany’ for a guide with lots of useful information about living in Germany and how to go about setting up bank accounts, accessing health services, education etc.  

Also look at the AFF Germany webpage for lots of other information and guidance.  

Back to top or Back to AFF Foreign & Commonwealth page