Germany Immigration Overview

• Germany is among the top five countries for international immigrants who aspire to settle abroad for a better quality of life as well as higher level of income
• The increasing popularity of the European country can be attributed to its fast growing economy, robust education system, and burgeoning opportunities for employment across all sectors

  What are the pathways for immigration to Germany

  There are a number of different pathways available to you to immigrate to Germany, which will primarily be based on the purpose for which you plan to move to Germany

  • If you are planning to move to Germany for employment, then you will either apply for a work permit visa or a job seeker visa,which will allow you to stay in Germany for six months and find a job
  • If you are planning to move to Germany to study at any of its world renowned universities, then you will need to apply for a study visa
  • If you are planning to set up a business or take over the management of an existing one, in Germany, then you will be applying for a entrepreneur visa
  • If you plan to visit your family in Germany, or take a vacation, you will apply for a tourist visa or a visitor visa

  What are the Types of Visas to Immigrate to Germany?

  The following are the different visas that one can apply for to immigrate to Germany. Apply for one of these visas based on the requirements and purpose of immigration to Germany.

  • i)General Employment Visa
  • ii)Germany Job Seeker Visa
  • iii)Germany Entrepreneur visa
  • iv)European Union (EU) Blue Card
  • v)Permanent Residence Permit for Germany
  • Germany Employment Visa
    

    This visa is one of the most coveted visas for immigration to Germany. Follow the steps to apply for a German employment visa.

    • 1.Look for and get a suitable job in Germany, that is related to the field of expertise and which employs.
    • 2.Apply for a German Working Visa.
  • • a)The employer needs to prove that, they could not find an employee from Germany or European Union to fill the role that the applicant applied for.
    • b)The employer should also prove that the applicant has met all the educational and other requirements for the job. And pay the same remuneration for the applicant as any other German employee filling the same role.
  • • 3.Obtain a working residence permit after moving to Germany.
    • 4.Once one obtains the residence permit, one can work as long as the permit is valid.
    • 5.If the permit is on the brink of expiry, then they can apply for an extension of the permit.
    • 6.Once spent sufficient time in Germany living on a residence permit, then they can apply for a Permanent resident visa that will allow them to settle in Germany permanently.
  • • Germany Jobseeker Visa
      

      This is another extremely popular visa type for entering Germany. This visa allows skilled professionals to enter the country if they fulfill certain conditions. One can obtain this visa, and enter the country and then look for a job. This visa allows the applicants to stay in Germany for six months. During this period they can look for a suitable job. Once found a job, and then they will be able to apply for a work permit, which allows them to live and work in the country for a longer duration.

    • Germany Immigration Visa for Entrepreneurs
      

      Entrepreneurs or investors, who are interested in investing in Germany, can immigrate to the country on this visa. For this visa, one should fulfill the following conditions.

      • One should apply for and obtain a self-employment visa for Germany.
      • One should be able to invest a minimum amount of 250000 in Germany.
      • One needs to prove that they have sufficient funds.
      • One needs to prove that their investment will benefit Germany and contribute to its economic growth.
    • Germany Immigration for Family Reunions
      

      All dependent partners and children who are under 16 years of age will be able to

      • You can expect to earn higher salaries after immigration to Germany. The country is reputed to have the highest salaries among the European Union countries
      • You and your family can enjoy the benefits of living in a multicultural society by living in the larger cities where most of the immigrants tend to live

       to join their family members. They need to fulfill the following conditions to be eligible for this visa.

      • Show proof of relationship with the required documents.
      • Show proficiency in German if they are above 16 years of age.
    • European Union (EU) Blue Card
      

      The EU Blue Card is provided to international skilled workers who are not currently citizens of the EU member countries who have highly skilled qualifications and plan to work in Germany and utilize their skills. One should fulfill the requirements below to qualify.

      • Have a Bachelor’s or Masters’ in any subject.
      • Be employed by a company in Germany, with a minimum l salary of 56,800 Euros per annum.

  The EU Blue Card will enable the applicant to live in Germany for four years. One can apply for permanent residence after this period is over.

  • Permanent Residence Permit for Germany
    

    The permanent residence permit is known as the Settlement Permit. One can apply for Settlement Permit if they have been living in Germany with either a residence permit or an EU Blue Card for a minimum of five years and meet the language requirements.

  What are the benefits of immigration to Germany

  • A German passport is extremely desirable as it offers visa free access to 189 countries, which includes most countries of the European Union, Australia and USA.
  • You can expect to earn higher salaries after immigration to Germany. The country is reputed to have the highest salaries among the European Union countries
  • You and your family can enjoy the benefits of living in a multicultural society by living in the larger cities where most of the immigrants tend to live.

• You can get access to the best medical care in Germany, as it is known as the world center for medical tourism
• You and your family can get access to free public education upto university level

You will be able to travel easily to other countries in the European Union as Germany is geographically located at the heart of the European union

What is the immigration process for Germany?

In order to immigrate to Germany, you will need to take the following steps

• Choose your reason and pathway for Germany immigration
• Apply for a D category visa for your preferred method of immigration to Germany
• Enter the country on your visa, and apply for a permanent residence permit
• Once you have lived for a period of three years on your permanent residence permit you can apply for citizenship

This article provides an overview of immigration to Germany, its benefits and the process in brief. For a more in depth understanding of the process, and to know your prospects, get in touch with our Germany immigration advisors at Global Tree

Eligibility Criteria for Immigration to Germany

There are a number of different categories for immigration to Germany, and each pathway will have a different eligibility criteria. In order to know more about your eligibility for Germany immigration, you will need to look out for the eligibility criteria, under the relevant immigration category

Eligibility Requirements for Germany Work Permit Visa

• You should have completed a degree or diploma or any professional certification, which is either recognised in Germany or is on par to those, which are conferred by a German educational institution of higher learning.
• If you are planning to work in a regulated profession, while in Germany, then you will need to apply for and obtain a professional practice permit
• Your area of work in your job position and your qualification should be related
• Your wage should be on par with the industry standard for your field of work

Eligibility for Germany Job Seeker Visa

• You should be able to prove that you have qualifications in either academic a vocational training or an academic degree
• You should have qualifications that are recognised by the government of Germany
• Your qualifications should be on par with a degree or diploma from German universities
• If you are planning to come to Germany to seek a job in a regulated industry, you will need to have a professional practice permit
• If you are planning to come to Germany on the basis of vocational training, then you should provide proof of minimum B1 level of proficiency in the CEFR scale for German language
• You should be able to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to cover all the costs of living until you are able to get a job

Eligibility for Germany Eu Blue Card Visa

• You should have a degree, from any university in Germany or equivalent foreign institute of higher learning.
• You should have a valid full time job offer from a company that is based in Germany.
• The job position should be on par with and relevant to your educational qualifications.
• You should be earning a minimum of 56,400.00 EU in general occupations or 43,992.00 in mathematics, IT, engineering, natural sciences, and medicine.

Eligibility Requirements for Germany Student Visa

• You should have obtained admission to an accredited university in Germany for a full-time course and should have received an acceptance letter from them.
• You are required to open a blocked account with one of the participating banks recognized by the government of Germany to show that you have sufficient funds.
• You should submit photographs and relevant documents as required. Our German immigration advisors can guide you through this and all other steps.

Eligibility Requirements for Germany Immigration for Business/Investor Visa

The German investor visa program has the following requirements.

• You should be able to invest a minimum of 25,000 EUR in a new or existing business or or 350,000 EUR in real estate business.
• You should be able to invest an additional 12500 EUR if more than one partner is part of the business plan
• You will need to show that you have the relevant managerial and professional experience to run your company
• You should be able to commit to follow all the rules laid down by the German immigration authorities
• If you are planning to start your own business in Germany, then you will have to apply for a resident permit
• You are required to submit a business plan detailing all the prospects for your proposed company, and its potential for contributing to the economic growth of Germany
• You will need to show that you are able to keep the business viable
• If you are more than 46 years old, you will need to prove that you have enough funds to cover your etirement
• You should not have the passport or citizenship of any other country of the European Union
• Your age should not be less than 18 years old, if you are the primary applicant
• You are required to take health insurance for yourself and all accompanying family members
• You should be able to communicate effectively in the German language
• You should not have any adverse criminal or medical records
• You should be able to commit to residing in Germany for a minimum of 6 months every year

Eligibility for Family Reunion Visa for Germany

• You should have a steady income that will enable you to support your family
• You should have sufficient funds to provide proper housing for you and your family
• All your family members should have a basic understanding of German and should be able to communicate in the language
• If you plan to bring dependent children, then they should be less than 18 years old
• You should either have a temporary residence permit, a permanent residence permit or an EU Blue Card
• You should have taken health insurance for yourself and all your family members

You can get in touch with our German immigration experts to gain an in-depth understanding of all eligibility conditions and to know which category of visa is best applicable to you.

Document Checklist for Germany Immigration

What Documents will you need for Immigration to Germany?

If you are planning to immigrate to Germany, for work, study or to set up a business, then you will need to apply for a long term visa. The type of visa as well as the documents required will depend on the purpose of your visit, and will be listed out in detail later in the article. However, there are a few general document requirements, for all visa types, which are listed below

• You will need a correct and complete Application Form, which has been filled honestly without any errors to the best of your knowledge
• You will need a Passport , which has a minimum validity of three months over the extent of your stay in the country
• You should have your latest Photo, which has been taken within the preceding three months from your application, and one that conforms to the requirements of the German embassy.
• You will need documented proof of having taken Health Insurance for a minimum coverage amount of 30.000 EUR
• You should provide documented proof of your Travel Itinerary
• You should provide proof of having enough funds for your stay or provide proof of a sponsor for your stay

Documents for Germany Employment Visa

You will need to provide the following for Germany employment visa application

• Two application forms, correctly completed and signed
• Two passport size photographs which conform to all standards
• A Valid passport from the country of your origin
• Valid Proof of residence, which can include a driver’s license or electricity or water bill
• Proof of Health insurance from your employer
• contract of employment with details about your annual gross salary and job description
• Proof of Approval by Federal Employment Agency if required by the job position
• The latest CV, detailing your work experience and your educational qualifications
• Documented Proofs of all your educational and professional qualifications
• A covering letter that explains all the details and purpose of your stay
• Proof of having a clean criminal record.
• Proof of having paid the required visa fee.

Documents for Germany Job Seeker Visa

You will need to keep the following documents for Germany job seeker visa

• A valid passport, which has been issued in the previous 10 years and which will be valid for 12 months or more after you plan to return.
• A copy of the data page on your passport.
• Three passport pictures, which are based on your biometric specifications.
• A cover letter to explain the purpose of your visit to Germany.
• Proof of educational qualifications.
• Your latest updated CV.
• Proof of having secured a place to stay in Germany during your visit.
• Proof of sufficient funds, which could be either.
  • a.Letter from a sponsor.
  • b.Statement of bank account.
  • c.Blocked bank account.
• Birth certificate and marriage certificate if applicable
• Proof of having taken health insurance

Documents for Business Visa to Germany

You will need to provide the following documents for applying for a business visa to Germany

• A short-stay visa application form, which is complete and correct in all aspects along with a declaration of accuracy.
• Two photographs taken within three months, of the application.
• A Valid passport, which is not older than ten years with expiry more than three months after your proposed stay in the country.
• One copy of data page on your passport.
• Proof of health insurance,
• Documents to show your travel Itinerary.
• Proof of having secured accommodation for your stay.
• Proof of your civil status.
• Proof of funds.
• Letter of invitation from business partner in Germany.
• Covering letter from your company with details of your travel and stay.
• Certificate of Incorporation of the company.

Documents for German student visa

• Two visa applications forms complete and correct in all respects.
• Valid passport.
• Two photographs conforming to the standards
• Proof of having procured admission at an education institution in Germany
• Proof of proficiency in German
• Proof of proficiency in English
  • a.TOEFL with minimum of 550 points on paper-based test and 213 Points computer based test
  • b.IELTS with a minimum band of 5 – 6.5.
• Transcripts of previous educational qualifications
• Latest updated CV
• Proof of funds to cover the cost of your education and stay
• Proof of having taken health insurance
• Purpose of stay letter
• Proof of payment for application fee.

Documents for Germany Family Reunion Visa

You will need the following documents for German family reunification visa

• A valid passport with more than three more months for expiry over the planned period of stay
• Two sets of application forms
• Two sets of notification/explanation forms which have been completed and signed
• Two recent photographs
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of Health Insurance for travel to Germany
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Letter of invitation from family in Germany
• Proof of basic German language proficiency
• Proof of relationship with sponsor

Application Process for German Immigration

The application process for immigration to Germany, will mainly depend on the category of visa that you intend to apply for. The detailed application process for each visa type has been given below

Application Process for a Germany Work Visa

The step-by-step process for application for Germany Work visa goes as follows:

• Get a valid job offer from an employer in Germany
• complete and submit your visa application in full
• Book an appointment at your nearest consulate
• Go to the Visa Application Center to submit your application along with all the required documents
• Submit your biometric information
• Wait for the decision on your visa application. You will need to leave your passport with the application center during this time and it will be returned to you once your visa is confirmed

Application Process for Germany Job Seeker Visa

• Check the eligibility criteria for job seeker visa to determine that you are eligible
• make a checklist of all required documents and gather them in place
• complete and submit your application with all required documents
• Book a visa appointment with your nearest German consulate
• Go to the Visa Application Center to submit your application along with all the required documents
• Submit your biometric data at the visa application center
• Wait for the German consulate to take a decision on your application for job seeker visa

Application Process for Germany Family Reunion Visa

• Check all the eligibility requirements to make sure that you are eligible for a family reunion visa
• make a checklist of all the documents that are required for your visa type
• Complete your application form and submit it with all the required documents
• Book your visa appointment with your nearest German consulate
• Go to the Application Center and submit your visa application with all the documents for your visa type
• Submit your biometric data at the visa application center
• Wait for your consulate to approve your family reunion visa

Application process for EU Blue Card Visa

• Set up an appointment for visa application at German consulate
• Gather the documents that are required for employment permit
• Complete and submit your application with the necessary documents
• After arriving in Germany, you should submit an application for the EU blue card

Once you have completed all the steps on your application process successfully and have received,you can enter Germany. You can get in touch with our Germany immigration advisors to know more about the visa application process for Germany

Application process for Germany Business Visa

• Set up an appointment for a business visa at the German Consulate near you
• Complete and submit your application along with the mandated documents for a German business visa
• Attend the interview for a German business visa
• Await response from your German Embassy/Consulate