How to Leave Germany

19 days ago

Quit your job with a notice period of 1 to 3 months.
Register as unemployed to receive benefits until leaving the EU.
Inform health insurance about unemployment status for cost adjustments.
Use or get paid for unused vacation days.
End your lease with a 3-month notice period; find a new tenant to leave sooner.
Deregister your address (Abmeldung) to stop tax obligations in Germany.
Cancel contracts (health insurance, utilities, phone, gym) with respective notice periods.
Save important documents (pension records, medical records, tax assessments).
Close your business by informing Finanzamt, IHK, and paying exit tax if applicable.
After leaving, claim last bonus, apartment deposit, and make a tax declaration.
Optional: Register on ELEFAND for crisis communication from Germany.
Public pension, private pension, and unemployment benefits may continue abroad.
German citizenship remains; health insurance and residence permits may expire.
Keep your German bank account for financial transactions post-move.
Understand tax obligations post-move, especially for stocks, ETFs, and businesses.

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