In most cases though for well-qualified applicants who can support themselves, there is usually a means available to you, if you\u2019re prepared to be a bit creative.<\/p>\n
This article will guide you through what is possible, what may be possible, and what\u2019s definitely not possible!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Germany Visa and Germany Residence Permit Options Explained (for non-EU\/EEA citizens)<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″ global_module=”48782″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/smartergerman3-small.jpg” title_text=”smartergerman3 small” url=”https:\/\/courses.smartergerman.com\/a\/aff_pkp7yz6c\/external?affcode=110415_cppls47z” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” admin_label=”smarter GERMAN (red, 728×90)” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.2.2″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” custom_padding=”2vw|2vw|2vw|2vw|true|true” background_color=”#e8e8e8″]<\/p>\n
Table of Contents<\/h3>\n
The Basic Criteria Checklist<\/a>
What’s the difference between a German visa and residence permit?<\/a>
Residence for highly skilled employees: EU Blue Card<\/a>
Standard Residence Permit for employees<\/a>
Do I need to speak German?<\/a>
Finding a Job in Germany: How do I do this from abroad?<\/a>
Residence Permit as a Freelancer<\/a>
Starting a Business in Germany: Self-employment and Entrepreneurship<\/a>
Residence Permit for Students<\/a>
Residence Permit to Learn German<\/a>
Residence Permit to complete Vocational Training<\/a>
Germany Visa – entering the country without a residence permit<\/a>
Job Seeker Visa<\/a>
Schengen Visa<\/a>
D Visa<\/a>
Can I move to Germany for retirement?<\/a>
Does Germany offer citizenship by investment?<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”basic” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
The Basic Criteria Checklist<\/h3>\n
To obtain a residence permit, in very simple terms you will need to satisfy one or more of these criteria:<\/p>\n
\n- Have a job offer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Be able to convincingly prove that you can run and sustain your own business or succeed as a freelancer<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- You qualify through other means, such as being the spouse of a German citizen, or having the right to citizenship through ancestry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Are accepted into a German university or higher education institution<\/a>, or into a language school to learn German in Germany.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n- Are pursuing vocational training to enable recognition of qualifications<\/a> to facilitate employment in Germany<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t fall into one of these categories, then it\u2019s unlikely you will be able to migrate to Germany in the immediate future. You\u2019ve got some work to do, either to up-skill and become more employable, or to rethink your strategy of moving to Germany and how you\u2019re going to do it.<\/p>\n
We don’t cover asylum and refugee status in this article.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”difference” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the difference between a German visa and residence permit? (Important!)<\/h3>\n
We need to look at the difference between the a visa and a residence permit, before looking into the details of the different ways you can obtain each of them.<\/p>\n
A visa is a temporary travel document for a specific purpose i.e. tourism, business or job seeking.<\/p>\n
A residence permit is a legal right to live in the country, be that on a temporary or permanent basis.<\/p>\n
Sometimes the words are used synonymously, but there is a very distinct difference.<\/p>\n
The best example of this is the commonly used term of \u201cGerman freelancer visa\u201d<\/a>. In reality, this is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of self-employment through freelancing. It grants you a legal right to reside in Germany for a specific term.<\/p>\n“Freelancer visa” is the term everybody uses, but it\u2019s a residence permit, not a visa.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_module=”48806″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/image007.png” url=”https:\/\/www.worldwidemoving.co.uk\/?so=a&ca=19186″ url_new_window=”on” align=”center” admin_label=”Ad Sirelo” _builder_version=”4.4.2″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”bluecard” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
German Residence Permit for highly skilled employees: The EU Blue Card<\/h3>\n
The EU Blue Card is a pan-European scheme which offers a fast track route to permanent residency for those who tick the necessary boxes.
To obtain the EU Blue Card to work in Germany, you must satisfy ALL of the below criteria:<\/p>\n
\n- Be qualified to degree level (minimum bachelors)<\/li>\n
- Have a formal job offer or a signed employment contract that is relevant to your field of studies.<\/li>\n
- An annual gross salary of at least \u20ac56,800 (in 2021)<\/li>\n
- This is relaxed to a minimum of \u20ac44,304 (in 2021) for professions where there are recognised worker shortages. Examples are IT professionals, scientists, doctors, mathematicians and engineers.\u00a0However, this requires prior approval by the German Federal Employment Agency before a Blue Card is granted under these circumstances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The benefit a Blue Card gives you is that after 33 months you are granted permanent residency (subject to a number of additional criteria being met). This shortens to 21 months if you can prove that you speak German to B1 level.<\/p>\n
Don\u2018t confuse PR with citizenship, which carries a whole different set of criteria<\/a>.<\/p>\nOur recent article covers in much more detail all you need to know about the EU Blue Card<\/a>.<\/p>\nReference: \u00a718(b) of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”employees” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Standard Residence\u00a0<\/strong>Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) for Gainful Employment<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhat if you don\u2019t fulfil the criteria necessary to be eligible for a Blue Card?<\/p>\n
You can obtain a standard, temporary Germany residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) on grounds of obtaining gainful employment<\/p>\n
In plain English, it means you need to have a job offer.<\/p>\n
BUT: Unlike the EU Blue Card, you don\u2019t need to prove minimum salary, nor do you need an academic degree to qualify.<\/p>\n
The recent changes to the immigration law<\/a> which came into effect in March 2020 reformed the previous requirements. Before this, the employer had to first attempt to hire a German or EU\/EEA citizen before offering a job to a non-EU candidate.<\/p>\nThis is no longer the case, although the Federal Agency for Employment may perform checks in certain instances that the salary and working conditions are equivalent to those which would be offered to German workers and EU nationals.<\/p>\n
Employers can\u2019t exploit this law to hire cheaper labour from overseas.<\/p>\n
Candidates must be qualified to perform these jobs, usually either by:<\/p>\n
\n- means of the relevant trade certifications, or;<\/li>\n
- an academic qualification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This could potentially require recognition of equivalency<\/a> by the appropriate German body responsible for checking qualifications gained outside of Germany.<\/p>\nReference: \u00a718(a) and \u00a718(b) of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code admin_label=”CURRENCYFAIR” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/1afb08527a93355cfbf757751c939d15.gif\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”speakgerman” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\nDo I need to speak German?<\/strong><\/h3>\nGerman language skills are not a prerequisite to obtain a residence permit if you have a job offer.<\/p>\n
HOWEVER:<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t speak the language, then it\u2019s going to make your job search extremely difficult.<\/p>\n
UNLESS:<\/p>\n
\n- You\u2019re experienced in a profession where there are skills shortages<\/li>\n
- The role you\u2019re performing is a back end, non-customer or client-facing role.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Otherwise, you\u2019re going to struggle.<\/p>\n
Why?<\/p>\n
Because, well, think about what\u2019s in it for the employer<\/a>. Why should they hire YOU specifically, when they can hire plenty of other candidates who speak the language and don\u2019t need a residence permit?<\/p>\nYou may have a better chance of getting hired, despite lack of German skills, if you have work experience and qualifications to perform one of these 13 roles<\/a>, for example.<\/p>\nIt’s certainly possible, and many before you have succeeded. But you’ll need to look harder and have a very strong strategy of how you\u2019re going to do it<\/a>.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”findingjob” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Finding a Job in Germany: How do I do this from abroad?<\/strong><\/h3>\nFor both the EU Blue Card and the Standard Residence Permit, you need to have a job offer.
Neither of these options are available for you to come and seek employment without having a job already secured.<\/p>\n
So, how do you find a job, you\u2019re probably asking?<\/p>\n
A good place to start is our jobs page<\/a>, where you can search directly through the Live Work Germany website. We\u2019ve also covered the top 10 job websites and job portals in Germany<\/a> too, so as you\u2019re not wasting time looking on irrelevant sites.<\/p>\nFinding English speaking jobs in Germany<\/a> is not as easy as you probably think. They do exist, but you will need to work harder and smarter than the many other people competing for them if you are going to succeed.<\/p>\nThere are many more candidates than there are jobs. Therefore highly recommended that you learn some basic German<\/a>, to distinguish yourself from the pack.<\/p>\nWe created a short quiz<\/a> which you can download for free to give you some honest feedback of how attractive you are to potential German employers.<\/p>\nDefinitely spend a valuable 10 minutes<\/a> taking a long, hard look at your employability first.<\/p>\nWhat if you have already applied for some jobs but are struggling to get invitations to job interviews?<\/p>\n
Your CV and cover letter are likely the problem. Getting some professional help<\/a> to get these looking like the German standard will be the best low cost investment you can make to boost your chances of being invited to interviews.<\/p>\nWe\u2019ve also covered the common mistakes<\/a> many foreign jobseekers make when putting together their applications for jobs in Germany, to give you a heads-up of what you need to correct.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ background_color=”#e2e2e2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”25px||25px||true|true” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”12px” box_shadow_vertical=”12px” box_shadow_blur=”10px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” global_module=”45571″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_2_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_3_font=”Roboto||||||||” custom_padding=”|50px||50px|false|true”]<\/p>\n
Job Seekers – Boost your chances of success!<\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/James-32-mediumres_done-min.png” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”My Services” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_2_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_3_font=”Roboto||||||||” custom_padding=”30px|50px|30px|50px|true|true”]<\/p>\n
Looking for a job in Germany?<\/strong><\/p>\nYou need to have a stellar CV, cover letter and optimised LinkedIn profile.<\/p>\n
Your international format CV won’t cut it. Cover letters in Germany are also an art.<\/p>\n
Our templates and my coaching for job seekers like you<\/strong>\u00a0will help you to get more interviews!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/services\/job-search-help\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”24px” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”#fbdb47″ button_border_width=”1px” button_border_radius=”20px” button_font=”Roboto||||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”15px||15px||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|40px|10px|40px|true|true” z_index_tablet=”500″ button_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” button_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” button_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_horizontal=”5px” box_shadow_vertical=”5px” box_shadow_blur=”15px” box_shadow_spread=”3px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” locked=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.4)” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”#000000″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.72)”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”freelancer” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Residence Permit through becoming a Freelancer in Germany<\/strong><\/h3>\nFreelancing is a great and relatively straightforward (although bureaucratic) way to to obtain a German residence permit.<\/p>\n
Normally you have to apply from country of residence. This is done through making an appointment at the German embassy or consulate.<\/p>\n
Citizens of the following countries are treated as exceptions, and may apply for this residence permit in Germany after entering the country on a standard 90 day visa-free stay:<\/p>\n
\n- Australia<\/li>\n
- Canada<\/li>\n
- Israel<\/li>\n
- Japan<\/li>\n
- South Korea<\/li>\n
- New Zealand<\/li>\n
- USA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It’s therefore especially attractive to native English speakers from developed countries, especially if you don’t yet speak any German and would otherwise struggle to find employment<\/a>\u00a0in the local German economy.<\/p>\nYou’re typically required to supply the following documents as part of your residence application to be a freelancer<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n- Business plan<\/li>\n
- Proof of income already gained in this capacity<\/li>\n
- Client references<\/li>\n
- Portfolio of work<\/li>\n
- Evidence of prior experience<\/li>\n
- Proof of funds to independently support yourself<\/li>\n
- Letters of intent from German businesses who have expressed an interest in contracting your services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Note that this is the minimum required when applying for a freelance \/ self-employment residence permit from within Germany.<\/p>\n
Various German consulates and embassies across the globe may require additional documents when applying through them. Check in advance with the German diplomatic mission in your country of residence before making an appointment or submitting your application. Each country is different.<\/p>\n
Our online course<\/a> covers the complete process for obtaining a residence permit as a freelancer or sole trader in Germany, with all of the common pitfalls and watch-outs.\u00a0Trying to figure all of this out for free is playing Russian roulette with your plan for a new life in Germany.<\/p>\nReference: \u00a721(5) of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code admin_label=”LINGOKING” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”] ![](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/f270737ab845defa452911f8cddcae35.png\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”entrepreneur” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\nStarting a Business in Germany: Self Employment Residence Permit and Entrepreneurship<\/h3>\n
There is a very subtle but vital difference in Germany between the status of self-employment and freelancing.<\/p>\n
This will also impact the time it takes for your residence permit to be issued.<\/p>\n
While freelancer residence permits are usually approved and issued quickly – sometimes on the same day as your appointment in Berlin for example – anyone who falls under the self-employment category will usually be waiting 3-4 months for a response.<\/p>\n
This is true both for solopreneurs and startup founders alike.<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a721(1) of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Sole Trader<\/strong><\/h4>\nSole traders will have to submit a comprehensive business plan, detailing all of the capital investment required, revenue projections, client acquisition strategy and analysis of the existing marketplace.
Letters of intent from clients aren\u2019t necessary, but otherwise the requirements other than the business plan are similar to what is required for freelancers.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Is there a German Visa for Entrepreneurs?<\/strong><\/h4>\nThere isn\u2019t an explicitly titled Entrepreneur Visa or Entrepreneur Residence Permit.<\/p>\n
In reality though, startup founders or established businesses who want to expand to Germany would simply apply through the self-employment residence permit route.<\/p>\n
The major difference between being a sole trader and being a growing business that employs people is that you will almost certainly need to form a limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit begrenzter Haftung, or GmbH for short).<\/p>\n
Here, I\u2019m afraid you will rub up against the infamous German bureaucracy.<\/p>\n
In more business-friendly countries, setting up a company can be done online, in a few hours, and with little starting capital. Germany is different and sadly, much more old-fashioned<\/a>.<\/p>\nYou\u2019ll need \u20ac25,000 of starting capital<\/a> in most cases and the patience to spend some times filling out forms and dealing with notaries.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”students” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Residence Permit to Study in Germany<\/strong><\/h3>\nWe cover the whole process of how to apply to German universities<\/a> and other higher education institutions separately.<\/p>\nDuring your studies, you are also legally entitled to work for up to approx. 18 hours per week.<\/p>\n
The major advantage of studying in Germany is that upon successful completion of your studies, you can stay for 18 months in order to seek work, provided you have the necessary funds to support yourself.<\/p>\n
Other than being accepted on a course and having the necessary language skills (dependent upon the language of tuition), you will also need to prove you have sufficient funds.<\/p>\n
Students from certain countries will also need to open a blocked bank account<\/a> as part of the visa application too.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”learngermanpermit” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Residence Permit to Learn German<\/strong><\/h3>\nIt\u2019s pretty straightforward to obtain temporary residence to learn German in Germany.<\/p>\n
The added advantage is that while you\u2019re in the country, you can also scope out the jobs market and seek out part-time employment to supplement your studies.<\/p>\n
Just like being a student, you can work for approx. 18 hours a week<\/p>\n
This falls under the umbrella of being a full-time student and, as such, you will need to comply with the same criteria when it comes to proof of funds to support your living expenses.<\/p>\n
You will also need to be enrolled in a recognised and accredited school. The ones that are will all state this on their websites, so be sure to look for this!<\/p>\n
Of course, we would recommend learning basic German for free<\/a> first, and then taking an online course, for example from our friends at smarterGerman<\/a> to get to intermediate standard. It’s WAY cheaper than travelling to Germany to enrol in a language school!<\/p>\nThe obvious advantage of being in the country though is that you can apply for jobs and attend interviews much more easily!<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a716f of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”vocationaltraining” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Residence Permit to complete your vocational training<\/h3>\n
if you\u2019ve gone through the qualification recognition process and you\u2019ve only received a partial recognition for your foreign qualifications, you have the option to obtain a residence permit to come to Germany and complete the missing piece of your vocational education.<\/p>\n
This can be done either through on-the-job experience leading up to an exam at the end, or formal classroom tuition. It is highly dependent upon the trade.<\/p>\n
You may also work up to 10 hours per week in employment not related to the work experience or training associated with the qualifications you are pursuing.<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a717a of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/paid-banners-Q1-affiliate-515×280-eur.jpg” url=”https:\/\/go.nordvpn.net\/aff_c?offer_id=15&aff_id=35853&url_id=902″ url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.2″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”germanyvisa” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Germany Visa: How do I enter the country if I don’t have a residence permit?<\/strong><\/h3>\nShould you apply for jobs from your home country, or travel to Germany in anticipation of attending interviews?<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re based in a European country already and if you have a Schengen visa, it\u2019s feasible to attend job interviews in Germany at short notice.<\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re currently living on the other side of the world, clearly this is not so simple. We covered this dilemma for jobseekers from India<\/a>, but the same logic applies to most third country nationals. We just chose India because we have a lot of Indian readers!<\/p>\nLet\u2019s take a look at obtaining the different types of visas for Germany, to enable you to enter the country<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”jsv” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
The Job Seeker Visa<\/strong><\/h3>\nThis visa allows job seeking candidates to enter and reside in Germany for 6 months for the very purpose of looking for work.<\/p>\n
You need to be well prepared and have a thorough strategy though. Otherwise, it could be a very expensive lesson learned in how finding a job in Germany<\/a> is not as easy as you think.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Who is this visa for?<\/h4>\n\n- Nationalities which can’t enter Germany for 90 days visa-free.<\/li>\n
- Qualified, experienced job seekers in skills shortage professions, who stand a good chance of finding work within 6 months<\/li>\n
- German speakers (if you don’t have a degree)<\/li>\n
- Those who have the financial means to stay in Germany for a 6 month period while looking for work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Who does this visa not benefit?<\/h4>\n\n- Unqualified \/ unskilled workers seeking casual work<\/li>\n
- Inexperienced recent graduates looking for their first job after finishing their studies<\/li>\n
- Anyone who can\u2019t speak German and<\/span> doesn\u2019t have a university degree<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
The Job Seeker Visa must be applied for in your country of residence, typically through your local German consulate or embassy. The exact set of documents and processes required may slightly vary between the different consulates across the world.<\/p>\n
We cover both what you need to have to apply for a job seeker visa<\/a>, as well as the topic of whether or not it\u2019s worth applying for<\/a>, based on your own individual circumstances.<\/p>\nBefore committing thousands of Euro to spend 6 months in Germany with absolutely no guarantee of a job offer, you definitely should do your homework and have a robust strategy of how you\u2019re going to approach your job search.<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a720 of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”schengen” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Schengen Visa (short-term stays)<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf your country is not on the list of nations which do not require a visa to enter Germany, then you will need to apply for a business or tourist short-stay Schengen visa to enter the country.<\/p>\n
The information on the German foreign office website states the following:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n- The purpose of the trip to Germany must be plausible and comprehensible.<\/li>\n
- The applicant must be in a position to finance his\/her living and travel costs from his\/her own funds or income.<\/li>\n
- The visa holder must be prepared to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires.<\/li>\n
- Documentary evidence must be provided of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros valid for the entire Schengen area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”dvisa” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
D Visa (longer-term stays)<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf your stay is longer than 3 months for the purpose of employment, studies, or job seeking, then you will need to apply for a Type D National Visa through your local diplomatic mission in your country of residence.<\/p>\n
This will then be converted into the applicable temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)<\/em> at your local office for the affairs of foreign nationals (Ausl\u00e4nderbeh\u00f6rde)<\/em> in the German city where you take up residence.<\/p>\nYou may only apply for a residence permit from within Germany itself if you\u2019re a citizen of these countries, and enter Germany on the 90-day visa waiver as a tourist:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n- Australia<\/li>\n
- Canada<\/li>\n
- Israel<\/li>\n
- Japan<\/li>\n
- New Zealand<\/li>\n
- South Korea<\/li>\n
- USA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”retirement” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Can I move to Germany for retirement?<\/strong><\/h3>\nNot unless you\u2019re an EU citizen, or you’re able to migrate to Germany as a citizen through ancestry, or on a spousal residence permit.<\/p>\n
Germany is not South East Asia or Latin America. Its immigration requirements and objectives are very different.<\/p>\n
The Germans are seeking to increase their economically active population.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re not looking to import more retirees than they already have!<\/p>\n
Even if you can cover your living costs and health insurance, there isn’t an option to move to Germany as a retiree.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”cbi” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Does Germany offer citizenship by investment?<\/h3>\n
No, Germany doesn\u2019t have a citizenship by investment program.<\/p>\n
But can you get residency in Germany through investment?<\/p>\n
Yes. However, you can\u2019t just rock up, invest in real estate or put a million in the bank and expect to have the red carpet rolled out.<\/p>\n
What you can do is become a resident of Germany by starting your own business. This also includes investing in ventures that benefit the local economy. Everything around entrepreneurship we’ve covered in the self-employment section above.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f8f8f8″ width=”80%” width_tablet=”75%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_width_all=”1px” global_module=”47539″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||0vw||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||1vw||true|false”]<\/p>\n
Looking for helpful content on another topic?<\/h4>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”1vw||2vw||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”FINDING A JOB” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/finding-a-job-1.png” alt=”finding a job in germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Finding a Job” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” 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For non-EU\/EEA nationals, it\u2019s essential that you understand the visa and residence permit requirements to migrate to Germany for work or career reasons before you make any further plans. It may well be that your goal to live in Germany is not attainable based on your current circumstances. In most cases though for well-qualified applicants […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34997,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34977"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34977"}],"version-history":[{"count":44,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34977\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48947,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34977\/revisions\/48947"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34997"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
What’s the difference between a German visa and residence permit?<\/a>
Residence for highly skilled employees: EU Blue Card<\/a>
Standard Residence Permit for employees<\/a>
Do I need to speak German?<\/a>
Finding a Job in Germany: How do I do this from abroad?<\/a>
Residence Permit as a Freelancer<\/a>
Starting a Business in Germany: Self-employment and Entrepreneurship<\/a>
Residence Permit for Students<\/a>
Residence Permit to Learn German<\/a>
Residence Permit to complete Vocational Training<\/a>
Germany Visa – entering the country without a residence permit<\/a>
Job Seeker Visa<\/a>
Schengen Visa<\/a>
D Visa<\/a>
Can I move to Germany for retirement?<\/a>
Does Germany offer citizenship by investment?<\/a><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”basic” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
The Basic Criteria Checklist<\/h3>\n
To obtain a residence permit, in very simple terms you will need to satisfy one or more of these criteria:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Have a job offer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Be able to convincingly prove that you can run and sustain your own business or succeed as a freelancer<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- You qualify through other means, such as being the spouse of a German citizen, or having the right to citizenship through ancestry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Are accepted into a German university or higher education institution<\/a>, or into a language school to learn German in Germany.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Are pursuing vocational training to enable recognition of qualifications<\/a> to facilitate employment in Germany<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t fall into one of these categories, then it\u2019s unlikely you will be able to migrate to Germany in the immediate future. You\u2019ve got some work to do, either to up-skill and become more employable, or to rethink your strategy of moving to Germany and how you\u2019re going to do it.<\/p>\n
We don’t cover asylum and refugee status in this article.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”difference” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the difference between a German visa and residence permit? (Important!)<\/h3>\n
We need to look at the difference between the a visa and a residence permit, before looking into the details of the different ways you can obtain each of them.<\/p>\n
A visa is a temporary travel document for a specific purpose i.e. tourism, business or job seeking.<\/p>\n
A residence permit is a legal right to live in the country, be that on a temporary or permanent basis.<\/p>\n
Sometimes the words are used synonymously, but there is a very distinct difference.<\/p>\n
The best example of this is the commonly used term of \u201cGerman freelancer visa\u201d<\/a>. In reality, this is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of self-employment through freelancing. It grants you a legal right to reside in Germany for a specific term.<\/p>\n
“Freelancer visa” is the term everybody uses, but it\u2019s a residence permit, not a visa.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_module=”48806″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/image007.png” url=”https:\/\/www.worldwidemoving.co.uk\/?so=a&ca=19186″ url_new_window=”on” align=”center” admin_label=”Ad Sirelo” _builder_version=”4.4.2″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”bluecard” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
German Residence Permit for highly skilled employees: The EU Blue Card<\/h3>\n
The EU Blue Card is a pan-European scheme which offers a fast track route to permanent residency for those who tick the necessary boxes.
To obtain the EU Blue Card to work in Germany, you must satisfy ALL of the below criteria:<\/p>\n- \n
- Be qualified to degree level (minimum bachelors)<\/li>\n
- Have a formal job offer or a signed employment contract that is relevant to your field of studies.<\/li>\n
- An annual gross salary of at least \u20ac56,800 (in 2021)<\/li>\n
- This is relaxed to a minimum of \u20ac44,304 (in 2021) for professions where there are recognised worker shortages. Examples are IT professionals, scientists, doctors, mathematicians and engineers.\u00a0However, this requires prior approval by the German Federal Employment Agency before a Blue Card is granted under these circumstances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The benefit a Blue Card gives you is that after 33 months you are granted permanent residency (subject to a number of additional criteria being met). This shortens to 21 months if you can prove that you speak German to B1 level.<\/p>\n
Don\u2018t confuse PR with citizenship, which carries a whole different set of criteria<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Our recent article covers in much more detail all you need to know about the EU Blue Card<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a718(b) of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”employees” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Standard Residence\u00a0<\/strong>Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) for Gainful Employment<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What if you don\u2019t fulfil the criteria necessary to be eligible for a Blue Card?<\/p>\n
You can obtain a standard, temporary Germany residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) on grounds of obtaining gainful employment<\/p>\n
In plain English, it means you need to have a job offer.<\/p>\n
BUT: Unlike the EU Blue Card, you don\u2019t need to prove minimum salary, nor do you need an academic degree to qualify.<\/p>\n
The recent changes to the immigration law<\/a> which came into effect in March 2020 reformed the previous requirements. Before this, the employer had to first attempt to hire a German or EU\/EEA citizen before offering a job to a non-EU candidate.<\/p>\n
This is no longer the case, although the Federal Agency for Employment may perform checks in certain instances that the salary and working conditions are equivalent to those which would be offered to German workers and EU nationals.<\/p>\n
Employers can\u2019t exploit this law to hire cheaper labour from overseas.<\/p>\n
Candidates must be qualified to perform these jobs, usually either by:<\/p>\n
- \n
- means of the relevant trade certifications, or;<\/li>\n
- an academic qualification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This could potentially require recognition of equivalency<\/a> by the appropriate German body responsible for checking qualifications gained outside of Germany.<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a718(a) and \u00a718(b) of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code admin_label=”CURRENCYFAIR” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”]
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”speakgerman” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\nDo I need to speak German?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
German language skills are not a prerequisite to obtain a residence permit if you have a job offer.<\/p>\n
HOWEVER:<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t speak the language, then it\u2019s going to make your job search extremely difficult.<\/p>\n
UNLESS:<\/p>\n
- \n
- You\u2019re experienced in a profession where there are skills shortages<\/li>\n
- The role you\u2019re performing is a back end, non-customer or client-facing role.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Otherwise, you\u2019re going to struggle.<\/p>\n
Why?<\/p>\n
Because, well, think about what\u2019s in it for the employer<\/a>. Why should they hire YOU specifically, when they can hire plenty of other candidates who speak the language and don\u2019t need a residence permit?<\/p>\n
You may have a better chance of getting hired, despite lack of German skills, if you have work experience and qualifications to perform one of these 13 roles<\/a>, for example.<\/p>\n
It’s certainly possible, and many before you have succeeded. But you’ll need to look harder and have a very strong strategy of how you\u2019re going to do it<\/a>.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”findingjob” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Finding a Job in Germany: How do I do this from abroad?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
For both the EU Blue Card and the Standard Residence Permit, you need to have a job offer.
Neither of these options are available for you to come and seek employment without having a job already secured.<\/p>\nSo, how do you find a job, you\u2019re probably asking?<\/p>\n
A good place to start is our jobs page<\/a>, where you can search directly through the Live Work Germany website. We\u2019ve also covered the top 10 job websites and job portals in Germany<\/a> too, so as you\u2019re not wasting time looking on irrelevant sites.<\/p>\n
Finding English speaking jobs in Germany<\/a> is not as easy as you probably think. They do exist, but you will need to work harder and smarter than the many other people competing for them if you are going to succeed.<\/p>\n
There are many more candidates than there are jobs. Therefore highly recommended that you learn some basic German<\/a>, to distinguish yourself from the pack.<\/p>\n
We created a short quiz<\/a> which you can download for free to give you some honest feedback of how attractive you are to potential German employers.<\/p>\n
Definitely spend a valuable 10 minutes<\/a> taking a long, hard look at your employability first.<\/p>\n
What if you have already applied for some jobs but are struggling to get invitations to job interviews?<\/p>\n
Your CV and cover letter are likely the problem. Getting some professional help<\/a> to get these looking like the German standard will be the best low cost investment you can make to boost your chances of being invited to interviews.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve also covered the common mistakes<\/a> many foreign jobseekers make when putting together their applications for jobs in Germany, to give you a heads-up of what you need to correct.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ background_color=”#e2e2e2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”25px||25px||true|true” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”12px” box_shadow_vertical=”12px” box_shadow_blur=”10px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” global_module=”45571″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_2_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_3_font=”Roboto||||||||” custom_padding=”|50px||50px|false|true”]<\/p>\n
Job Seekers – Boost your chances of success!<\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/James-32-mediumres_done-min.png” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”My Services” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_2_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_3_font=”Roboto||||||||” custom_padding=”30px|50px|30px|50px|true|true”]<\/p>\n
Looking for a job in Germany?<\/strong><\/p>\n
You need to have a stellar CV, cover letter and optimised LinkedIn profile.<\/p>\n
Your international format CV won’t cut it. Cover letters in Germany are also an art.<\/p>\n
Our templates and my coaching for job seekers like you<\/strong>\u00a0will help you to get more interviews!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/services\/job-search-help\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”24px” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”#fbdb47″ button_border_width=”1px” button_border_radius=”20px” button_font=”Roboto||||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”15px||15px||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|40px|10px|40px|true|true” z_index_tablet=”500″ button_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” button_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” button_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_horizontal=”5px” box_shadow_vertical=”5px” box_shadow_blur=”15px” box_shadow_spread=”3px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” locked=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.4)” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”#000000″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.72)”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”freelancer” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Residence Permit through becoming a Freelancer in Germany<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Freelancing is a great and relatively straightforward (although bureaucratic) way to to obtain a German residence permit.<\/p>\n
Normally you have to apply from country of residence. This is done through making an appointment at the German embassy or consulate.<\/p>\n
Citizens of the following countries are treated as exceptions, and may apply for this residence permit in Germany after entering the country on a standard 90 day visa-free stay:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Australia<\/li>\n
- Canada<\/li>\n
- Israel<\/li>\n
- Japan<\/li>\n
- South Korea<\/li>\n
- New Zealand<\/li>\n
- USA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It’s therefore especially attractive to native English speakers from developed countries, especially if you don’t yet speak any German and would otherwise struggle to find employment<\/a>\u00a0in the local German economy.<\/p>\n
You’re typically required to supply the following documents as part of your residence application to be a freelancer<\/a>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Business plan<\/li>\n
- Proof of income already gained in this capacity<\/li>\n
- Client references<\/li>\n
- Portfolio of work<\/li>\n
- Evidence of prior experience<\/li>\n
- Proof of funds to independently support yourself<\/li>\n
- Letters of intent from German businesses who have expressed an interest in contracting your services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Note that this is the minimum required when applying for a freelance \/ self-employment residence permit from within Germany.<\/p>\n
Various German consulates and embassies across the globe may require additional documents when applying through them. Check in advance with the German diplomatic mission in your country of residence before making an appointment or submitting your application. Each country is different.<\/p>\n
Our online course<\/a> covers the complete process for obtaining a residence permit as a freelancer or sole trader in Germany, with all of the common pitfalls and watch-outs.\u00a0Trying to figure all of this out for free is playing Russian roulette with your plan for a new life in Germany.<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a721(5) of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code admin_label=”LINGOKING” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”]
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”entrepreneur” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\nStarting a Business in Germany: Self Employment Residence Permit and Entrepreneurship<\/h3>\n
There is a very subtle but vital difference in Germany between the status of self-employment and freelancing.<\/p>\n
This will also impact the time it takes for your residence permit to be issued.<\/p>\n
While freelancer residence permits are usually approved and issued quickly – sometimes on the same day as your appointment in Berlin for example – anyone who falls under the self-employment category will usually be waiting 3-4 months for a response.<\/p>\n
This is true both for solopreneurs and startup founders alike.<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a721(1) of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sole Trader<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Sole traders will have to submit a comprehensive business plan, detailing all of the capital investment required, revenue projections, client acquisition strategy and analysis of the existing marketplace.
Letters of intent from clients aren\u2019t necessary, but otherwise the requirements other than the business plan are similar to what is required for freelancers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Is there a German Visa for Entrepreneurs?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
There isn\u2019t an explicitly titled Entrepreneur Visa or Entrepreneur Residence Permit.<\/p>\n
In reality though, startup founders or established businesses who want to expand to Germany would simply apply through the self-employment residence permit route.<\/p>\n
The major difference between being a sole trader and being a growing business that employs people is that you will almost certainly need to form a limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit begrenzter Haftung, or GmbH for short).<\/p>\n
Here, I\u2019m afraid you will rub up against the infamous German bureaucracy.<\/p>\n
In more business-friendly countries, setting up a company can be done online, in a few hours, and with little starting capital. Germany is different and sadly, much more old-fashioned<\/a>.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll need \u20ac25,000 of starting capital<\/a> in most cases and the patience to spend some times filling out forms and dealing with notaries.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”students” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Residence Permit to Study in Germany<\/strong><\/h3>\n
We cover the whole process of how to apply to German universities<\/a> and other higher education institutions separately.<\/p>\n
During your studies, you are also legally entitled to work for up to approx. 18 hours per week.<\/p>\n
The major advantage of studying in Germany is that upon successful completion of your studies, you can stay for 18 months in order to seek work, provided you have the necessary funds to support yourself.<\/p>\n
Other than being accepted on a course and having the necessary language skills (dependent upon the language of tuition), you will also need to prove you have sufficient funds.<\/p>\n
Students from certain countries will also need to open a blocked bank account<\/a> as part of the visa application too.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”learngermanpermit” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Residence Permit to Learn German<\/strong><\/h3>\n
It\u2019s pretty straightforward to obtain temporary residence to learn German in Germany.<\/p>\n
The added advantage is that while you\u2019re in the country, you can also scope out the jobs market and seek out part-time employment to supplement your studies.<\/p>\n
Just like being a student, you can work for approx. 18 hours a week<\/p>\n
This falls under the umbrella of being a full-time student and, as such, you will need to comply with the same criteria when it comes to proof of funds to support your living expenses.<\/p>\n
You will also need to be enrolled in a recognised and accredited school. The ones that are will all state this on their websites, so be sure to look for this!<\/p>\n
Of course, we would recommend learning basic German for free<\/a> first, and then taking an online course, for example from our friends at smarterGerman<\/a> to get to intermediate standard. It’s WAY cheaper than travelling to Germany to enrol in a language school!<\/p>\n
The obvious advantage of being in the country though is that you can apply for jobs and attend interviews much more easily!<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a716f of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”vocationaltraining” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Residence Permit to complete your vocational training<\/h3>\n
if you\u2019ve gone through the qualification recognition process and you\u2019ve only received a partial recognition for your foreign qualifications, you have the option to obtain a residence permit to come to Germany and complete the missing piece of your vocational education.<\/p>\n
This can be done either through on-the-job experience leading up to an exam at the end, or formal classroom tuition. It is highly dependent upon the trade.<\/p>\n
You may also work up to 10 hours per week in employment not related to the work experience or training associated with the qualifications you are pursuing.<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a717a of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2.2″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/paid-banners-Q1-affiliate-515×280-eur.jpg” url=”https:\/\/go.nordvpn.net\/aff_c?offer_id=15&aff_id=35853&url_id=902″ url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.2″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”germanyvisa” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Germany Visa: How do I enter the country if I don’t have a residence permit?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Should you apply for jobs from your home country, or travel to Germany in anticipation of attending interviews?<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re based in a European country already and if you have a Schengen visa, it\u2019s feasible to attend job interviews in Germany at short notice.<\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re currently living on the other side of the world, clearly this is not so simple. We covered this dilemma for jobseekers from India<\/a>, but the same logic applies to most third country nationals. We just chose India because we have a lot of Indian readers!<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a look at obtaining the different types of visas for Germany, to enable you to enter the country<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”jsv” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
The Job Seeker Visa<\/strong><\/h3>\n
This visa allows job seeking candidates to enter and reside in Germany for 6 months for the very purpose of looking for work.<\/p>\n
You need to be well prepared and have a thorough strategy though. Otherwise, it could be a very expensive lesson learned in how finding a job in Germany<\/a> is not as easy as you think.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Who is this visa for?<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Nationalities which can’t enter Germany for 90 days visa-free.<\/li>\n
- Qualified, experienced job seekers in skills shortage professions, who stand a good chance of finding work within 6 months<\/li>\n
- German speakers (if you don’t have a degree)<\/li>\n
- Those who have the financial means to stay in Germany for a 6 month period while looking for work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Who does this visa not benefit?<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Unqualified \/ unskilled workers seeking casual work<\/li>\n
- Inexperienced recent graduates looking for their first job after finishing their studies<\/li>\n
- Anyone who can\u2019t speak German and<\/span> doesn\u2019t have a university degree<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
The Job Seeker Visa must be applied for in your country of residence, typically through your local German consulate or embassy. The exact set of documents and processes required may slightly vary between the different consulates across the world.<\/p>\n
We cover both what you need to have to apply for a job seeker visa<\/a>, as well as the topic of whether or not it\u2019s worth applying for<\/a>, based on your own individual circumstances.<\/p>\n
Before committing thousands of Euro to spend 6 months in Germany with absolutely no guarantee of a job offer, you definitely should do your homework and have a robust strategy of how you\u2019re going to approach your job search.<\/p>\n
Reference: \u00a720 of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”schengen” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Schengen Visa (short-term stays)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If your country is not on the list of nations which do not require a visa to enter Germany, then you will need to apply for a business or tourist short-stay Schengen visa to enter the country.<\/p>\n
The information on the German foreign office website states the following:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
- \n
- The purpose of the trip to Germany must be plausible and comprehensible.<\/li>\n
- The applicant must be in a position to finance his\/her living and travel costs from his\/her own funds or income.<\/li>\n
- The visa holder must be prepared to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires.<\/li>\n
- Documentary evidence must be provided of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros valid for the entire Schengen area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”dvisa” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
D Visa (longer-term stays)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If your stay is longer than 3 months for the purpose of employment, studies, or job seeking, then you will need to apply for a Type D National Visa through your local diplomatic mission in your country of residence.<\/p>\n
This will then be converted into the applicable temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)<\/em> at your local office for the affairs of foreign nationals (Ausl\u00e4nderbeh\u00f6rde)<\/em> in the German city where you take up residence.<\/p>\n
You may only apply for a residence permit from within Germany itself if you\u2019re a citizen of these countries, and enter Germany on the 90-day visa waiver as a tourist:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
- \n
- Australia<\/li>\n
- Canada<\/li>\n
- Israel<\/li>\n
- Japan<\/li>\n
- New Zealand<\/li>\n
- South Korea<\/li>\n
- USA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”retirement” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Can I move to Germany for retirement?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Not unless you\u2019re an EU citizen, or you’re able to migrate to Germany as a citizen through ancestry, or on a spousal residence permit.<\/p>\n
Germany is not South East Asia or Latin America. Its immigration requirements and objectives are very different.<\/p>\n
The Germans are seeking to increase their economically active population.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re not looking to import more retirees than they already have!<\/p>\n
Even if you can cover your living costs and health insurance, there isn’t an option to move to Germany as a retiree.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”cbi” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Does Germany offer citizenship by investment?<\/h3>\n
No, Germany doesn\u2019t have a citizenship by investment program.<\/p>\n
But can you get residency in Germany through investment?<\/p>\n
Yes. However, you can\u2019t just rock up, invest in real estate or put a million in the bank and expect to have the red carpet rolled out.<\/p>\n
What you can do is become a resident of Germany by starting your own business. This also includes investing in ventures that benefit the local economy. Everything around entrepreneurship we’ve covered in the self-employment section above.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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Looking for helpful content on another topic?<\/h4>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”1vw||2vw||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”FINDING A JOB” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/finding-a-job-1.png” alt=”finding a job in germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Finding a Job” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”RESIDENCE PERMITS” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/visas-and-residence-permits.png” alt=”visas and residence permits” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Visas” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”%22HOW TO%22 GUIDES” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-articles.png” alt=”how to articles” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”How to Articles” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”0vw|auto|0vw|auto|true|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|2vw|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ 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background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HEALTHCARE” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/healthcare.png” alt=”health insurance in Germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Healthcare” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HOUSING” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/housing.png” alt=”apartments in Germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Housing” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” 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For non-EU\/EEA nationals, it\u2019s essential that you understand the visa and residence permit requirements to migrate to Germany for work or career reasons before you make any further plans. It may well be that your goal to live in Germany is not attainable based on your current circumstances. In most cases though for well-qualified applicants […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34997,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34977"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34977"}],"version-history":[{"count":44,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34977\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48947,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34977\/revisions\/48947"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34997"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Are pursuing vocational training to enable recognition of qualifications<\/a> to facilitate employment in Germany<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Are accepted into a German university or higher education institution<\/a>, or into a language school to learn German in Germany.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- You qualify through other means, such as being the spouse of a German citizen, or having the right to citizenship through ancestry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Be able to convincingly prove that you can run and sustain your own business or succeed as a freelancer<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/1f5069142727648138a54524b5beeb58.gif\")
[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_id=”speakgerman” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n