Simple Immigration Solution

Germany is one of the biggest economies in the world. When you also factor in the universal healthcare system, affordable education, and work opportunities, it’s easy to see why so many dream of moving to Germany.

But, for most, moving to Germany isn’t as easy as packing up and leaving – there’s also the small detail of getting a visa.

1. How to Move to Germany?

The most direct way to move to Germany is as a skilled worker. You must be qualified in one of the in-demand professions, have a job offer from a German employer, and apply for a work visa. If you are a freelancer, you have to prove that there is a demand in Germany for your services before being granted a visa. Professions that are considered in demand in Germany, according to the German Federal Government are: doctors, engineers, IT specialists and managers.

2. How Hard Is It to Move to Germany?

If you are non-EU, the difficulty of moving to Germany depends largely on your nationality, the industry in which you work, and whether you speak German. It is easier if you speak German (at least on a basic level), as it helps you access the work market. It is also easier to immigrate to Germany if you are a skilled worker in one of the in-demand professions (such as software development, IT, medicine, law, engineering, elderly care, construction, etc.).

When it comes to nationality, the immigration process is simplified for citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Andorra, New Zealand, San Marino, Israel, Japan, and South Korea. If you are from one of these countries, you can obtain a residence permit after entering Germany, which means you can be in Germany while you job-hunt or look for accommodation.

3. Moving to Germany as an EU Citizen

If you are from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you have it pretty easy if you want to move to Germany. As long as you can find a place to live, you can simply pack up and go! You can work in any profession you want, and technically, you don’t even need a work offer or contract. If you have a job, the position does not need to fulfill the in-demand or salary criteria. All you have to do is register at the local registration office if you plan to stay in Germany for longer than three months.

Remember, after Brexit UK citizens who want to move to Germany are also considered non-EU citizens.

4. Moving to Germany as a Non-EU Citizen

In simple steps, the process of immigrating to Germany as a non-EU citizen is as follows:

1. Find and apply for a job. You can find a job online through the JOBBÖRSE (Job Board) of the German Federal Employment Agency, or the EURES portal, which contains job postings from across Europe.

2. Apply for a work visa and work permit. Once you have a work contract, your employer has to apply for a work permit on your behalf. You must get a work visa from the German embassy in your country.

3. Register for German health insurance. After you get to Germany, you must register for health insurance as it is compulsory for all German citizens and residents.

4. Obtain a German residence permit. You apply for the residence permit at the Immigration/Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde).

5. Start working. Once you have your residence permit, you can start to work. Within five years, you will become eligible for settlement as a permanent resident in Germany.

5. Can I Move to Germany Without a Job?

If you are a non-EU national, you cannot live in Germany longer than three months, unless you are working or studying. However, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for a job-seeker visa which allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months as you look for employment.

If you live in Germany longer than three months, without the appropriate visa, you will be deported when discovered. This will affect any future chances of immigrating to Germany. You may also have to pay a fine or face other legal penalties.

The only instance when you can move to Germany without working or intending to work is if you are married to a German citizen or permanent resident and they have the financial means to support you as a dependent.

6. How Much Does It Cost to Move to Germany?

You can expect your move to Germany to cost well over €3,000 ($3,400). Factors that increase the cost include where in Germany you will live (rent) and from where you will travel (flight costs). You will need the following:

Don’t forget to include the costs of moving your personal items – including your furniture – to Germany.

7. Things to Know Before Moving to Germany

Here are some of the main things to know before your move to Germany:

– You will have access to German public health insurance. 90% of the German population are enrolled under public (statutory) healthcare, which provides free medical treatment in public hospitals in Germany. The public health scheme is funded by monthly contributions, deducted from your income.

– You should decide which items to bring with you. Relocating to a whole new country is a chore on its own without the hassle relocating your personal things. Some expats prefer to sell most of their belongings, while others choose to keep them in storage and bring them over after settling in Germany.

– You should learn a little German. Even though you may find a job which you can do in English, you should learn German if you want to integrate better. Knowing the language will make everything easier for you, starting from documents for your residence permit application, to health insurance, to interacting with coworkers, neighbors, to stopping by a local market.

– There are “quiet times”, which are regulated by law. This means, after 10 PM and until 6 AM, you cannot disturb your neighbors by loud noises, be it music, a washing machine, vacuuming, or house repairs. On Sundays and public holidays, the quiet times last all day. Some apartment building may even have their own additional quiet hours, from 1 PM to 3 PM.

– Germans have insurance for everything. Health insurance is a given, but you’ll find a large portion of Germans also have liability insurance (for damages you may cause to someone else), legal insurance (if you are ever in a legal dispute), and even pet liability insurance – to just name a few.

– You have to learn to follow all the rules. Germans are known for being very fair and rule-abiding. So, respect the lines at stores, recycling rules, traffic rules, quiet times, and any and all signs – otherwise, you will get a stink eye and maybe be called out.