Brexit

On March 29, 2017, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) formally announced its intention to leave the European Union (EU).

The withdrawal agreement negotiated between the negotiating parties to regulate this "Brexit", which would mitigate the withdrawal and also provide for a longer transition period, has not yet found a majority in the British House of Commons. It is therefore not yet clear whether there will be a regulated or unregulated exit (by October 31, 2019 at the latest).

In any case, however, a withdrawal would mean that British nationals and their family members would no longer be entitled to freedom of movement and would require a residence permit in accordance with the Residence Act in order to remain in Germany.

The federal government is currently creating regulations to enable British nationals and their family members who are entitled to freedom of movement to transfer to the existing residence rights and thus ensure their continued residence.

An application for a residence permit must be submitted to the foreigners authority responsible for the place of residence. In districts this is the district administration, in independent cities the city administration.

The relevant authorities provide application forms and offer free advice.