All EU nationals have the right to travel and live in Germany.

As long as you've got a valid passport, you can stay for up to 3 months without any extra documentation. If you plan to stay for longer than that you should get yourself a Residence Permit, eine Aufenthaltsgenehmigung. Once granted the Residence Permit is renewable every 5 years. There is a straightforward yet time-consuming procedure that you'll need to follow. It's probably worth doing this as early as possible in the day to avoid the inevitable queues.
EU citizens have the right to live and work in Germany without the need for a work permit. UK/EU citizens working in Germany have the same rights as citizens of that country in regards to pay, working conditions, access to housing, vocational training, social security and trade union membership. Families and immediate dependants are entitled to join them, and have similar rights.

Before leaving:

• Make sure you've a valid passport - you'll need this for identification.
• Birth/Marriage/Divorce papers should be officially translated.

Once you get there:

• If you plan to look for work in Germany you'll need to register at the local citizens' Administration Office, das Einwohnermeldeamt, in order to get a Registration Certificate, eine Meldebescheinigung. Take this and your passport to the Foreign Nationals Authority, das Ausländeramt, to receive a Residence Permit, eine Aufenthaltsgenehmigung.
• With the application form you'll need to present some Proof of Residence, eine Wohnbescheinigung, signed by your landlord or estate-agent.

Getting there index