What You Need to Know About Relocation to Germany

Here is an overview of the process for relocation to Germany for those planning a new life in Germany.

Residence Permits

All foreigners living in Germany for more than three months must apply for a residence permit, which also provides the basis for the right to work. These are granted on either an unlimited basis (for EU Nationals) or for a specific duration.

You need a valid passport and proof that you have a place to live and a means of supporting yourself. In addition, some applicants may have to prove they have a critical skill for the German employment market or are married to a German resident.

Applying for a Residence Permit

The majority of non-EU nationalities must apply directly in their home country to their local German Embassy for a residence permit. Citizens of some countries however, such as America, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, may apply for a residence permit whilst staying in Germany.

The final decision to grant a residence permit lies with the immigration office and the employment office (Arbeitsamt) in the area you are planning to work in.

Once approval is given you will be issued with an entry visa but you must then apply for a residence and work permit when you have relocated to Germany.

Relocation to Germany - Work Visas

EU nationals, except those belonging to one of the new member countries, do not need a work visa.

There are a number of different work visas available in Germany. Highly skilled workers (particularly IT specialists and scientists) can be fast tracked to a permanent residence permit. Unskilled workers are unlikely to be successful in their work permit application.

To be eligible for a German work visa you must be able to show a job offer for a general work visa and proof that you are a skilled professional for a specialist professional work visa.

The employer must be able to prove that they have been unsuccessful in filling the position with a German or EU citizen, require at least a degree level qualification for the role and be registered with the German labour authorities.

Special visas are available for au pairs to work in Germany for up to 12 months.

German work visas are also available for self-employed persons, so long as there is an investment of 1 million euro and a minimum of ten new German jobs created.

Relocation to Germany - Permanent Living in Germany

For non-EU citizens there are a number of ways to make living in Germany permanent. You may apply for a permanent residence visa for Germany after a period of five years of living, working and paying taxes in the country. You will be tested on the German language and society.

You may be eligible for German citizenship after eight years of living in the country.

Relocation to Germany -Accompanying Families and Visa Requirements

Family members may accompany highly skilled workers and can gain the right to work. Those married to a German citizen or resident have the right to work without a work visa.