Things To Do For Your Move To British Forces Germany (BFG)
Moving to Germany, whether you’ve been here before or this is your first time, can be a little bit daunting. There are things that you need to think about and do, both before you move here and once you’ve arrived. Before you leave your current posting, you might wish to find out about what’s on offer in your Garrison, and a good source of information is the BFGNet website at www.bfgnet.de. When you receive notification of your posting, you should also receive a Garrison Guide and a booklet entitled ‘Moving to Germany’. These publications are a good source of information and will be useful before your arrival and for the duration of your posting. We have included here a useful checklist to give you a starting point in your move to British Forces Germany (BFG). The list includes the things that you must do, together with some suggested actions that you may need to consider. If there is a specific time limit to get something done by, this has been listed. Alternatively, a suggested timescale is included. Each item on the list includes a suggested contact, so that you know the person/department to go to in order to make the necessary arrangements. However, because this list is for such a wide audience, actual names and contact details can’t be provided here.
Please note: this list is not exhaustive, and is intended as a guideline only. Other information is available in the ‘Moving to Germany’ and station guides which your receiving unit should send before your posting. All arrangements for securing a quarter must be made through the usual channels; the serving soldier can get information on how to do this from his/her unit.
Checklist for this page
Once you have arrived in Germany
Benefits
Cars/Driving
Employment
Family/Home/Health
Pets
Cancelling a Phone Contract
How to Insert BFPO addresses on Internet Forms
How to Become a Childminder in Germany
Additional Needs & Education
Passports
Health & Dental Provision
Will your child be a Boarder in Germany?
Dangerous Dogs Legislation - Downloadable pdf
Before you leave for Germany
| What to do | Information |
|---|---|
| Get an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for every member of the household | The EHIC replaces the old E111 forms. For countries in the EEC, you may be entitled to free medical treatment if you have the card. Application forms are available from the Post Office. |
| Ensure all passports are up to date | For more information about passports, go to www.ukpa.gov.uk |
| Register for your child’s/children’s school or crèche | The serving soldier’s unit can provide information on schools and crèches, and the application process. Schools for service children in Germany are run by Service Children’s Education (SCE); you may want to visit their website at www.sceschools.com |
|
Ensure pet vaccinations are up to date (including rabies for dogs and cats) and organise a Pet Passport for all dogs and cats |
If you intend to bring a dog or cat to Germany, you will need to organise vaccinations (including rabies) and a Pet Passport to avoid quarantine. Your Vet should be able to provide details of how to apply for a pet passport. For more information visit the PETS website at www.defra.gov.uk |
| If necessary, make arrangements to claim Job Seeker’s Allowance once you have moved to Germany. (You will need to register in the UK as a claimant, prior to leaving, where you will be given a bi-lingual document to bring with you.) | For more information, speak to your local JobCentre Plus, or go to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk There is a link giving help and advice on claiming benefits. |
| Arrange cash for use in Germany immediately upon arrival | It’s wise to bring some Euros with you, to make sure you can cover your costs when you first arrive. A lot of English debit cards can’t be used in Germany, although you may be able to use credit/debit cards at bank machines to withdraw cash (there may be charges from your English bank for these withdrawals). A lot of places in Germany don’t accept Visa or other credit cards either. Please also be aware that the serving soldier can exchange pounds sterling cheques for Euros with their RAO (Regimental Admin Officer) (up to one month after your arrival). |
| Back to checklist | |
Once you have arrived in Germany
| What to do | By when (if neccessary) | Contact |
|---|---|---|
Benefits | ||
| Register for Kindergeld (the German equivalent of Child Benefit). There are a number of UK state benefits and allowances which are available to Service families living in Germany, depending on individual circumstances, including Working Tax Credit and Children's Tax Credit. | No time limit | The serving soldier’s Regimental Administrative Officer (RAO) |
| (For spouses/dependants) Register with your local Arbeitsamt (German equivalent of the Job Centre) if you wish to apply for unemployment benefit. (You will need to register in the UK as a claimant, prior to leaving, where you will be given a bi-lingual document to bring with you.) | Within 7 days of your arrival | Your Unit Welfare Officer or local HIVE should be able to provide contact details for the Arbeitsamt. |
| Back to checklist | ||
Cars/Driving | ||
| Register or ‘BFG’ the car (this is the process by which you export your car to Germany) | Within 30 days of the serving soldier’s reporting date | BFG Clerk at the serving soldier’s unit |
| Apply for a refund on UK car tax | This can be done once you have completed the BFG process | DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) in the UK |
| Sort out car insurance suitable for Germany |
Your UK policy may cover you for a short period in Germany, but you should check this with your provider and arrange permanent cover as soon as possible
|
Pop into your local HIVE for details of insurance companies or go to www.siiap.org for details of companies that supply insurance services to the Forces overseas |
| Take the BFG ‘tick test’ (to ensure you can comply with European driving laws and to get your BFG Driving Permit) |
If you hold a current UK or EU National Driving license that’s valid within Germany, this test must be taken within one month of your arrival. You must hold a BFG driving license to enable you to register your car. |
BFG Clerk at the serving soldier’s unit |
| Purchase a suitable first aid kit, warning triangle and luminous vests for each car you own | It is a legal requirement that you carry these items, so please make sure to buy them soon after your arrival. (Please note: UK-bought First Aid kits may not conform to German specifications.) | Many German garages, shops and supermarkets stock warning triangles and approved First Aid kits. If you are unsure about where or what to buy, contact the Royal Military Police (RMP) for further information. |
| Arrange breakdown cover | No legal requirement for breakdown cover | ADAC provide European breakdown cover, although there may be others; ask in your local HIVE for contact details. |
| Back to checklist | ||
Employment | ||
| If you wish to look for work, contact your local GLSU (Garrison Labour Support Unit) for information about vacancies and to register | No time limit. Please be aware that you can begin the registration process before you arrive in Germany. You will still have to visit the GLSU in person when you arrive, but the registration process will be quicker. | Your Unit Welfare Officer or local HIVE can provide contact details for the appropriate GLSU office. GLSU will also be able to advise you of other organisations who have vacancies for dependants. You can also go to www.army.mod.uk/lec for information on job vacancies within your garrison. |
| Back to checklist | ||
Family/Home/Health | ||
| Apply for a dependant’s pass for every member of the household aged 8 or over | Ask for application forms immediately upon arrival; it can take up to 2 or 3 weeks for the pass to arrive | Unit Welfare Office |
| Apply for a Naafi Shopping Permit and Ration Card | There is no time limit but you will not be able to buy restricted items (cigarettes and some alcohol) without the card. You may also be asked to present the card when making purchases as proof of your dependant status. | Unit Welfare Office |
| Get your phone line and/or mobile phones | No time limit | Provider of your choice, but please be aware of the length of any contract you sign up to. In the event that you are posted early, you may experience difficulties getting out of contracts. |
| Set up a bank account | No time limit, but dependants employed through the GLSU (Garrison Labour Support Unit) must be paid into a German account | Bank or Building Society of your choice. You may wish to ask what facilities are available before making up your mind, i.e. debit card, credit card, Internet banking. It is also wise to ask about any charges, for example monthly account charges, charges for withdrawing cash. |
| Register at the Medical Centre | No time limit, but it is advisable to register as soon as possible after arrival to ensure access to treatment | The Medical Centre at the serving soldier’s ‘home’ station |
| Register at the Dental Centre | No time limit, but it is advisable to register as soon as possible after arrival to ensure access to treatment | The Dental Centre at the serving soldier’s ‘home’ station |
| Get 3rd Party Liability Insurance (this is included on some personal contents insurance policies) | This is strongly recommended for personnel living in Germany | Speak to your current home/contents insurance provider to check if you already have this cover. Alternatively, pop into your local HIVE for details of insurance companies or go to www.siiap.org for details of companies that supply insurance services to the Forces overseas. |
| Back to checklist | ||
Pets | ||
| Arrange pet insurance for your dog/dogs | You must have pet insurance for dogs in Germany, so this should be arranged as soon as possible. You may need to show proof of insurance in order to register your dog/dogs with the HCSO (Housing and Community Support Officer) – see below. | Pop into your local HIVE for details of insurance companies or go to www.siiap.org for details of companies that supply insurance services to the Forces overseas |
| If you have a dog(s) or ferret(s), these must be registered (cats and other pets don’t need to be registered) | Within 2 days of arrival | HCSO’s Department (Housing and Community Support Officer) |
| Back to checklist | ||
Cancelling a phone contract
When arriving in Germany many people sign up to a 2-year minimum mobile phone contract. There are also quite a lot of ‘cold callers’ in Germany selling mobile and land-line deals which can tie you into a fairly lengthy contract. Please be aware that for someone posted out of Germany earlier than expected, there can be difficulties getting out of these contracts. Some companies will try to refuse to release you from a contract until it has expired, regardless of your reason for wanting to do so. If there is any possibility you could be posted early, or maybe deployed (and you don’t want to pay contract charges for a phone you can’t use), think twice about signing up to a contract phone. If you are having problems trying to cancel a phone contract, contact Army Legal Assistance on 0521 9254 3191/3196.
How to insert BFPO addresses on internet forms
We know that families around the world have had problems in getting internet sites to recognise BFPO addresses. We have been told of two possible solutions to getting a BFPO number accepted when filling in forms on the internet – let us know if they work for you!
Put your BFPO number in the main address section as part of your address, and leave the Postcode section blank; or
Again, put your BFPO number in the main address section and, as UK postcodes are of the form 'letter:letter:number – number:letter:letter', put in ‘XX0 0XX’ in the postcode section. We are told this usually keeps the computer happy!
How to become a childminder in Germany
There is an enormous demand for childminders, especially in BFG. Becoming a childminder would enable you to develop new skills and gain qualifications whilst working from home.
Headquarters United Kingdom Support Command (HQ UKSC (G)) are now offering start up grants of up to £250 to help cover some of the costs of setting up as a childminder. Once you have received your Registration Certificate and Registration number from British Forces Early Years Service (BFEYS) you will be sent a grant application form
Your local Army Welfare Service (AWS) will administer the grant and provide you with details of what you can claim for. The start-up grant is paid on the condition that you continue to practice as a childminder for at least 12 months after registration so you will need to take this into consideration.
Prior to registration, it will be necessary to complete training in childminding and First Aid. If this is not possible, then it needs to be completed within 6 months of your registration. Your local AWS Childminding Co-ordinator (CMC) can tell you how to access this training. Once registered with BFEYS you can care for up to six children under the age of 8 years old (only three children may be under the age of five and normally only one child under the age of one - this also has to include your own children).
For further information, contact your local AWS CMC who is responsible for providing training, information and support for new childminders. Your local AWS telephone number can be found in your local directory.
Additional Needs and Education
If you or a member of your family have any additional needs requirements, it will help you to notify the housing authorities and, if applicable, Service Children’s Education schools, where you are posted. They can then advise you on the facilities available and will be aware of any particular needs you may have. Information can be found on their website at www.sceschools.com When posted to Germany, soldiers with additional needs dependents need to contact their unit to ensure they are registered under AGAI 108.
For information on Nurseries/Preschools in your area contact HQ Service Children’s Education (SCE) on: 0049 2161 908 2315 Free child places are available for all 3 years olds, who will join FS1 (Foundation Stage 1) the term after their 3rd birthday. For information on schools in your area contact HQ SCE on: 0049 2161 908 2305. OFSTED reports on most SCE schools in Germany are available from SCE, AFF Central Office or the OFSTED website at www.ofsted.gov.uk
Passports
You will need a valid passport to come to Germany – and so will each of your children, who have to have passports in their own right. If you need new passports, the Passport Office’s passport application form SE03 will now only be issued to their High Street partners - Post Office Branches and Worldchoice Travel Agents - and will no longer be issued to Army units.
If you cannot get to a branch of either partner, you can contact a Regional Passport Office for a form, or apply direct to the Passport Office for up to five application forms by calling 0901 4700 110.
You can also call the 24-hour helpline on 0870 521 0410 and ask the operator to help you complete a form over the phone; or log onto the Passport Office website at www.ukpa.gov.uk to request, or complete, an application form. Individuals should contact their unit with regards to getting a passport, as these are paid for from Public Funds on posting to Germany.
Health and Dental Provision
Free medical care and prescriptions are available for all dependants in Germany. Primary healthcare is provided at local medical and dental centres. Hospital care is provided in German hospitals through the BFG Health Alliance. Liaison officers are on hand to help with any language problems.
For full details on dental care withing BFG log onto www.army.mod.uk/bfghs/ (click on Defence Dental Agency) or www.bfgnet.de (click on Dental Care in BFG)
Will your child be a boarder in Germany?
Of the six worldwide SCE (Service Children’s Education) secondary schools, four are located in Germany. Three of these secondary schools provide boarding facilities for the children of families stationed too far away for them to travel to and from school on a daily basis SCE maintains boarding houses at Prince Rupert School, King’s School, and Windsor School.
Boarding is free of charge to entitled families, except for payment of a Home Savings Contribution. Boarding is either on a weekly or termly basis, depending on where the family lives within Germany. Full details of SCE, its schools and the service it provides are available through the SCE web pages –www.sceschools.com