BaseReady OCONUS Guides

PCS to Germany 2026 — Complete OCONUS Move Guide for US Military

SOFA status, housing wait times, 220V electricity, POV shipping, DoDEA schools, and EU pet import rules for every Germany installation.

SOFA Status & Legal Rights

The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) gives US military members and dependents the legal right to live, drive, and work in Germany. It exempts you from most German income taxes and grants access to AAFES and commissary facilities. Every family member receives a SOFA card — carry it at all times.

On-Post Housing Wait Times
  • KL Kaiserslautern/Ramstein: 1–4 months
  • STU Stuttgart: 3–8 months
  • WI Wiesbaden: 3–7 months
  • GR Grafenwöhr: typically 1–3 months
220V Electricity Guide
  • ✓ Laptops, phones, tablets — check for 100–240V label
  • ✓ Modern CPAP/APAP machines — usually auto-voltage
  • ✗ Hair dryers, blenders — burn out on 220V
  • ✗ Coffee makers, electric kettles — replace with dual-voltage
HowTo: PCS to Germany Step by Step
1

Receive orders and notify gaining unit

Contact your gaining unit's in-processing office immediately. Request in-processing dates and housing waitlist application form.

2

Apply for on-post housing

Submit your housing application the same week you receive orders. Earlier applications get higher priority on waitlists.

3

Schedule POV shipment

Book POV shipment through the VPC at your installation. Allow 6–8 weeks transit time to Germany.

4

Start pet import paperwork

Schedule USDA-accredited health exam 60+ days out. Ensure microchip, rabies vaccination, and EU health certificate are completed and USDA-endorsed before travel.

5

Purchase voltage converters

Germany runs on 220V/50Hz. Identify single-voltage appliances and purchase step-down converters or dual-voltage replacements before shipping.

6

In-process and get USAREUR-AF driving permit

Complete installation in-processing, get your driving permit, register your vehicle, and enroll children in DoDEA school.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOFA status in Germany?
The Status of Forces Agreement exempts US military members and dependents from most German taxes, grants vehicle registration rights under US Forces plates, and allows AAFES/commissary shopping. Carry your SOFA card at all times.
Do I need a German driver's license while stationed there?
No. You receive a USAREUR-AF Operator's Permit at your installation's vehicle registration office during in-processing. A written German traffic rules test is required at most installations.
Can I ship my American car to Germany?
Yes. You're entitled to ship one POV at government expense. Transit time is 6–8 weeks. Your car drives on US Forces KFZ plates and doesn't need German specification conversion.
How long is the on-post housing wait in Germany?
Kaiserslautern/Ramstein area: 1–4 months. Stuttgart and Wiesbaden: 3–8 months. Grafenwöhr: typically shorter. Apply immediately when you receive orders.
What are the pet import rules for Germany?
ISO microchip + rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel + EU-format health certificate + USDA APHIS endorsement. No quarantine if all documents are correct. Start 60+ days before PCS.

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