British Embassy Berlin

Embassy of UK in Berlin, Germany

EmbassyUKBerlinGermany

Overview

The British Embassy in Berlin serves as the United Kingdom's principal diplomatic mission in Germany. The embassy handles visa applications for German residents, provides consular services to British nationals, and facilitates bilateral trade, investment, and cultural relations between the UK and Germany.

Visa Services

UK visa applications for German residents are processed through VFS Global application centers located throughout Germany including Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf. The embassy does not accept walk-in visa applications. Applicants must complete an online application form, book an appointment at a VFS Global center, and provide biometric data. Standard visitor visas typically take 3 weeks to process. Work visas, study visas, and settlement applications have varying processing times ranging from 3 to 12 weeks depending on complexity. Priority and super-priority services are available for expedited processing at additional cost.
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Consular Services

The consular section provides services for British nationals including emergency travel document issuance, notarial and documentary services, birth and death registration, and assistance during emergencies. British nationals who are arrested, hospitalized, or victims of crime can receive consular support. The embassy does not provide legal advice but can provide lists of English-speaking lawyers and medical professionals. Passport renewals for British nationals are processed through HM Passport Office in the UK. Most consular services require advance appointments booked through the gov.uk website.
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Trade & Export Support

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team at the embassy supports UK companies entering or expanding in the German market. Germany is the UK's second-largest export market with over £90 billion in bilateral trade annually. Key sectors for UK exports include automotive technology, aerospace, financial services, renewable energy, life sciences, and creative industries. The embassy provides market entry strategy consultations, regulatory guidance, partner identification, and support for trade missions. DBT maintains strong relationships with German industry associations, chambers of commerce, and government agencies to facilitate market access for UK businesses.
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Investment Opportunities

Germany represents significant opportunities for UK investment and business partnerships, particularly in advanced manufacturing, green technology, fintech, and biotechnology sectors. The embassy's investment team provides information on the German business environment, connects UK companies with German partners, and facilitates introductions to regional investment agencies. Major UK companies including BP, Shell, Vodafone, and Unilever have substantial operations in Germany. The embassy supports both large corporations and SMEs seeking to establish German operations, acquire German companies, or form strategic partnerships.
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Business Support

The British Chamber of Commerce in Germany (BCCG) works closely with the embassy to provide networking opportunities, business briefings, and advocacy for UK companies. The embassy hosts regular business events including sector-specific roundtables, market outlook briefings, and CEO forums. Services include introductions to German government officials, assistance with regulatory challenges, and support for resolving commercial disputes. The embassy coordinates closely with UK Export Finance (UKEF) to help companies access financing for German projects. Business visitors can arrange meetings with embassy commercial staff to discuss specific market entry or expansion plans.
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Cultural & Educational Programs

The British Council operates alongside the embassy to promote UK education and cultural exchange. Programs include English language teaching, educational partnerships between UK and German universities, and cultural events showcasing British arts, music, and film. The DAAD-British Council scholarship program supports student exchanges. The embassy hosts cultural events including film screenings, art exhibitions, and author readings to strengthen people-to-people connections. Educational advising services help German students interested in studying in the UK understand application processes, visa requirements, and scholarship opportunities.
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Service Area

The British Embassy in Berlin is responsible for all of Germany. Additional British consulates operate in Düsseldorf and Munich to provide regional consular support. The embassy coordinates with state governments and maintains relationships with businesses, universities, and cultural institutions throughout Germany. Honorary consuls in other German cities provide limited consular assistance.
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Appointment Information

All consular services require appointments booked in advance through the online booking system on gov.uk. Visa appointments must be scheduled through VFS Global's website. Walk-in visits are not accepted except for genuine life-threatening emergencies. Business inquiries can be submitted through the embassy website or by emailing the commercial section directly. Emergency consular assistance for British nationals is available 24/7 by calling the embassy switchboard. Security screening is required for all embassy visitors.
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Special Notes

Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification to enter the embassy. Mobile phones, large bags, and electronic devices (except those needed for accessibility) are not permitted inside. The embassy recommends arriving 10-15 minutes before scheduled appointments for security screening. Parking is extremely limited; public transportation is recommended. The nearest U-Bahn station is Mohrenstraße on the U2 line. The embassy is closed on both UK and German public holidays - check the embassy website for a complete list of closure dates.
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British Embassy Berlin