How To Move to Germany (2024 Guide)
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Moving to a new country is exciting but requires a complicated immigration process and an adjustment to an unfamiliar location. German residents and citizens enjoy a strong economy, low cost of living, and reasonable work-life balance. To help you enjoy the benefits of a move to Germany, we’ll demystify the German immigration process and offer tips for making your relocation as smooth as possible.
Requirements To Become Eligible for German Immigration
You must meet certain eligibility requirements to immigrate to Germany and qualify for German citizenship. Individuals must have a basic understanding of the constitution and legal system and must also meet the following qualifications:
- Basic language skills: Moving to Germany without basic language proficiency will be more difficult. Speaking German with basic or advanced proficiency is a requirement for some permits.
- Constitutional allegiance: Those who wish to become naturalized German citizens must declare their allegiance to the constitutional principles and renounce their previous citizenship.
- Financial stability: Individuals must prove they can support themselves and won’t need financial welfare from the government.
- Naturalization test: To become a naturalized citizen, you must take an integration course and pass a naturalization test after eight years of living in the country.
- No criminal record: Germany won’t accept applicants who have committed a serious crime.
- Proper visa: All foreign nationals must apply for a visa if they plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days.
- Residential permit: You must have the proper residence permit for eight years before you can become a naturalized citizen.
Visas To Move to Germany
Obtaining a visa is a must when moving abroad. In Germany, you need to apply for a long-term visa, or D visa, if you stay in the country for more than 90 days. You will choose from many visa types depending on the reason for your stay. Each visa type requires a U.S. passport and application, and you’ll pay application fees.
Below, we outline the different types of visas available to move to Germany:
Educational Visas
Individuals who plan to study in Germany can apply for educational visas. You must prove that you can support yourself financially, and some visa types require language proficiency. You’ll also need a letter of acceptance from an educational institution for most educational visas.
Depending on the reason for your studies, you can apply for different types of educational visas, which include the following:
- German school visas: Students under 18 years old can apply to study at an independent German school or as an exchange student under this visa type. You’re allowed to study for the length of placement up to five years.
- Language studies visas: You can immerse yourself in German culture while studying a language course. These allow students to stay for the duration of their course up to one year.
- Student applicant visas: Individuals can gain entry as they apply for placement at schools. You can obtain this visa even if you haven’t been accepted into a school or program yet. It allows you to stay in the country for nine months.
- Study visas: A study visa allows you to attend a German university or college. Visas are usually for four years, and you’re allowed to stay in the country for two years to work after the program ends, allowing you to qualify for a residence permit.
- Vocational training visas: You can obtain a visa if you plan to receive school- or company-based vocational training. You have to be 25 years old or younger, a vocational training program must have accepted you, and you must reach a B1 level of language comprehension to qualify.
Employment Visas
You can obtain a visa if you’ve secured work in Germany. Individuals who plan to work in the country immediately after arrival must apply for their work visa at a German embassy or consulate and must apply for a residence permit before starting their jobs.
You can file for the following work visa types:
- EU: You can apply for an EU Blue Card for Germany if you make EUR 56,400 per year or if you make EUR 44,304 per year in a shortage occupation.
- General: Individuals may apply for a general work visa if they’ve accepted a job that an employer couldn’t fill with an EU national. You must be qualified for the position.
- Highly skilled: Employees with a lot of experience and a high income qualify for this visa.
You must present the following items during the visa application process:
- Curriculum vitae
- Employment contract or job offer letter
- Personal cover letter stating your intent
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of qualifications, such as a diploma or professional certificate
- Proof of residence
Family Reunification Visas
A German citizen’s spouse, partner, or parent can apply for permanent residency. You can also apply for this visa type if your family member is a foreign national working or studying in the country, but the German resident must meet the following guidelines:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Can financially support the spouse, partner, or child
- Know the German language
- Possess a settlement permit in the form of an EU card, residence permit, or EU long-term resident permit
The spouse or partner applying for the visa must be over 18 years old and have a basic understanding of the German language.
Children of German residents also have to meet certain criteria. An adult child may join their parent only if it’s to prevent unavoidable hardship, and the individual must not be married. Minor children can apply for a visa if both parents reside in Germany. A single parent can apply for family reunification if they have sole custody of their minor child. If parents share custody, the other parent must grant them custody to qualify.
You must submit the following items to apply for a family reunification visa:
- Copy of spouse, partner, or child’s passport
- Original birth or marriage certificate
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill
- Proof of German housing, such as a rental agreement
- Proof of language level, which must be A1 for this visa
Job Seeker Visas
You can typically stay in Germany for six months under this visa type. Individuals must meet certain criteria to qualify for this visa, including the following:
- Completing academic or vocational training
- Possessing a minimum of five years of experience
- Supporting yourself financially
You must submit the following items during the visa application process:
- Cover letter stating your intent
- Proof of financial means
- Proofing of health coverage
- Proof of housing
- Resume
- University degree or certificate
Research Visas
A research visa allows researchers and guest scientists to study in Germany for an extended period. You must have a doctorate or similar degree to qualify. You must receive an admission contract or agreement to study at a university or an organization’s research department.
It could take between two weeks and six months to secure the visa, depending on the number of applicants. You must provide the following items to qualify for this visa:
- Acceptance letter from an organization or university under which you’ll conduct research
- Proof of education credentials
- Proof of German housing, such as a rental agreement
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Written statement declaring that you can support yourself during residency
You’re allowed to stay in Germany up to nine months after your contract expires to secure work in the country, but your job must match your qualifications.
Self-Employment Visas
Self-employed or freelance workers can obtain a visa to work in Germany. This work permit allows you to start your business under certain conditions. You can set up a business under a self-employment visa and obtain a residence permit if you meet the following qualifications:
- Your business fulfills economic demand.
- Your business will create positive economic growth.
- You can meet financial expectations through your capital or from a loan.
- You have an established pension fund if you’re 45 years or older.
Individuals who want to pursue a liberal profession can qualify for a freelancer visa, which is different from setting up a business. You can file your freelance business under the tax office and work as a freelancer for three months before converting your visa into a residence permit. The German authorities recognize professionals as freelancers if they work in the following industries:
- Business and tax counseling
- Healthcare
- Law
- Linguistic and information
- Scientific and technical
Self-employment visas and residence permits last up to three years, but the government will extend them if you can prove financial stability.
Other Visas
Individuals can file for other visas if they’d like to enter the country as an au pair or for an internship. You must meet the following requirements:
- Au pair: Those seeking a visa to work as an au pair must be 27 years or younger and understand basic German. You can’t work for a family that shares your nationality.
- Internship: Your internship must be linked to your course of study, and the government considers it part-time work, even if it’s unpaid.
Types of German Residency Permits
Germany requires individuals to obtain a German residence permit if they’re in the country for more than 90 days. You can file for one of three different residence permit types:
- Temporary residence permit: This permit allows you to live and work or study in the country for the same length of your visa.
- Permanent settlement permit: The permanent residence permit is available to those living in Germany for five years or more on a temporary residence permit. You must meet certain criteria, such as paying into the pension plan for 48 months and passing the integration course, before qualifying for this residence permit.
- European Union Blue Card: The EU Blue Card allows highly skilled workers working in a high-demand industry, such as technology, to live in the country for up to four years or the length of their employment contract. You must have an advanced degree and at least five years of work experience.
Moving to Germany as a U.S. Citizen
A short-term visa, or Schengen visa, allows visitors from certain countries, such as the United States, to stay in the country for up to 90 days within 180 days. You’re not allowed to conduct business during this time, and you have to prove you can support yourself financially during your visit.
Applying for a D-type visa allows you to stay in the country longer. You can request a residence permit after you’ve arrived in Germany at the local immigration office, Ausländerbehörde. You have to secure your permit before you begin working, but if you apply and receive it before arriving in Germany, you may start working immediately.
Cost To Move to Germany
Moving is expensive, and it gets even pricier when moving internationally. The cost of moving includes many factors, such as when you’re moving and the services you require. An overseas move may require additional services, such as customs clearance, vehicle shipping, and logistics management.
The estimated cost to move to Germany from the United States is $4,450, according to international moving company Allied Van Lines. According to International Van Lines, it could cost up to $12,000. Some costs associated with your move may include the following:
- Customs and import fees and taxes
- Delivery fees
- International flight
- Moving insurance
- Packing and unpacking
- Shipping costs
- Visa application
Germany has a more affordable cost of living than the United States and some other European nations. Note that it costs more to live in the western versus the eastern part of the country, and cities such as Munich and Berlin are more expensive to live in than rural areas.
Factors To Consider When Moving to Germany
Consider the following factors to get settled within your first few weeks and months of moving to Germany.
Our Conclusion
Many Americans move to Germany for its affordable cost of living, abundant education and job opportunities, and vibrant culture. Be sure to research which visa best applies to your situation before applying, and ensure you meet eligibility requirements.
We recommend hiring professional movers when moving overseas. Request moving quotes from multiple companies to assess your needs and get the most competitive price. You can also save by packing up your house yourself instead of leaving it for your movers.
FAQ About Moving to Germany
What are the benefits of moving to Germany?
The benefits of moving to Germany are the low cost of living, robust health care system, excellent public transportation, high-quality education system, and strong economy.
Is it easy to find a job in Germany?
It’s easier to find a job in Germany than in some other European nations, but the job market is still competitive. Some roles are easier to find than others for expats, such as jobs in the medical field. You will have a better chance of securing a role if you speak German.
Can I move to Germany without a job?
Yes, you can move to Germany without a job under a job seeker visa. You can stay in the country for approximately six months while you search for a job.
How much money do I need to immigrate to Germany?
To immigrate to Germany, you must have enough money to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself in the country. Budget between $4,450 and $12,000 for your moving expenses depending on several factors, such as where you’re moving from, what you’re bringing, and the location to which you’re headed.
Can you move to Germany with pets?
Yes, you can move to Germany with pets if you adhere to specific guidelines. The country requires you to vaccinate dogs and cats for rabies at least 21 days before entering. Certain dog breeds are banned, including American Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers, pit bull terriers, and Staffordshire terriers.
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