Have you moved to Germany or are you thinking of relocating here? In a country famed for its bureaucracy, there are quite a few things that newly-arrived expats need to take care of. Many of these things need to be sorted out before you even arrive in Germany. Some processes, such as visa applications, can last up to several months, so it is wise to start preparing for your move well in advance.
Relocation services
If you are relocating to Germany or are a company wishing to assist an international employee with their move, you might consider working with a relocation company to make the transition easier. Many international companies offer relocation services to new employees as part of their work contract.
As well as moving your belongings from oversees and importing vehicles, relocation companies in Germany offer a wide range of departure and destination services, including advice on immigration matters like visas and residence permits, finding housing or schools, and even orientation or training once you've arrived in Germany.
German visas
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa before you are allowed to enter Germany. Visas in Germany cover both short- and long-term stays: while Schengen visas enable you to stay for a period of up to 90 days, national visas enable you to enter Germany if you wish to stay longer than this, or if you wish to work. This type of visa is then converted into a residence permit once you have arrived.
Residence permits in Germany
In contrast to many other countries, there are no separate work permits in Germany. Instead, various different types of residence permits are on offer, which determine the extent to which you are allowed to work. They can be broadly divided into two types: temporary residence permits, which are usually valid for 12 months, and permanent residence permits, which allow you to remain in Germany indefinitely. Find out about the different types of residence permits you can apply for and learn what to expect during the application process.
Permanent residence permits
Once you have been living and working in Germany for a while, you might consider applying for permanent residency and therefore being allowed to remain in the country indefinitely. Successfully applying for a permanent residence permit comes with a number of benefits, including the ability to freely enter and leave Germany at will, change jobs without restrictions, or pursue self-employment.
Registering in Germany
If you are planning on staying in Germany for longer than three months, or you wish to work or study here, you will need to register your address at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt). This process is known as the "Anmeldung" and is one of the most important first steps to getting settled in Germany.
Registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung)
Once you have registered, you will receive your registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung), an important piece of paperwork that you will need for all kinds of other bureaucratic processes in Germany. You will need a registration certificate for all kinds of different administrative processes, including: