and educated workers. Therefore, the relevance of the EU Blue Card is increasing. The numbers for issuing this residence title rose from 2,190 in 2012 to 11,768 in 2021. Additionally, in 2021, nearly 924 new residence titles were granted for self-employment and 3,434 for research . Bring your family to join you Germany welcomes children of all ages. It is easy for workers with a residence or settlement permit , especially with an EU Blue Card for Germany, to get their family to join them if their [...] n Act ( Anerkennungsgesetz ), which came into force in 2012, immigrants and anyone thinking of immigrating can have their foreign qualifications recognised in Germany. This is a necessary step for non-EU immigrants who do not have an academic degree and wish to take up employment in Germany. For EU nationals who work in a regulated profession – doctors or lawyers, for example – recognition is also a prerequisite for exercising their profession in Germany. The chances of success are high: the total [...] titles to qualified migrants Many highly qualified people come to Germany to build their future professional career. Fundamental differences exist here: nationals from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland have free access to the German labour market and do not need a residence title . However, nationals from non-EU countries require a visa . The number of third-party nationals who received a residence title in their respective capacities of qualified professional or highly skilled

Nevertheless, if you are applying for a visa for your spouse or children to join you in Germany, you do not need to provide evidence of their language skills if you have one of the following residence permits: EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act [(AufenthG])) ICT Card and Mobile ICT Card (Sections 19, 19a AufenthG) Residence permit for skilled workers (Section 18a AufenthG or Section 18b AufenthG) Settlement permit for highly skilled workers (Section 18c para. 3(3) AufenthG) Residence permit

yourself due to a serious illness – in other words, if you need the help of a carer. What is the health card (eGK) / European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)? If you are a member of a statutory health insurance scheme, you will receive an electronic health card , which is similar to a health insurance membership card. Bring this card with you every time you see your doctor. It is also valid in all EU countries as well as in Great Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. This means that [...] paying into statutory health insurance. Apprentices, students and interns: You are generally required to take out statutory health insurance. There are a few exceptions, e.g. students over the age of 30. Jobseekers: EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card. People without EU or EEA citizenship who are not in employment, for example because they have a jobseeker visa, must take out private health insurance. There are special rates for expats in this case. Explainer video: Sick leave – [...] that if you fall ill in these countries during a holiday or a business trip, you will get access to local medical care with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You do not have to apply for an EHIC. It is automatically printed on the back of your insurance card. It is a good idea to check with your health insurance company about emergency procedures in due time before travelling abroad. Private health insurance Above a certain salary, you can opt for private health insurance. This salary level

too ill to go to the doctor, the emergency medical services can also send a doctor on call to your home. How can I buy a SIM card? You can buy a German SIM card in places like supermarkets, discounters and drugstore chains, or directly from a mobile phone provider’s shop, and sometimes at kiosks and petrol stations. You will need to bring proof of identity to activate the card. If you do not yet have German documents such as a registration certificate or a residence permit, you may have problems with [...] asked questions about Germany. Topics range from public holidays and emergency numbers to mobile phone contracts. Useful everyday knowledge Many things are different in Germany, such as opening hours of stores, waste separation or the purchase of a SIM card. Here you will find answers to the most important questions about everyday life in Germany. What public holidays are there in Germany? In Germany, public holidays are determined by the federal states. The only exception is the national holiday on 3 [...] Germany” website under the heading Mobile Phone Contracts . What do I need to consider when taking out a mobile phone contract in Germany? To take out a mobile contract in Germany, you need to meet a number of requirements: you must have an identity card or passport, bank details and a place of residence in Germany. Mobile phone providers often also require a Schufa report – a document that proves your creditworthiness. In most cases, however, you do not have to provide the Schufa report yourself,

weekends and on public holidays. Driving licences If you hold a driving licence issued in your home country, different rules apply in Germany depending on the country where you originally obtained your driving licence. Driving licences issued in the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland: Your driving licence is valid without restrictions. You do not need to have anything amended or exchanged. Driving licences issued in another country: You can use your driving licence to drive in Germany for six months [...] (see above). What else should I be aware of when driving in Germany? Right-hand driving is compulsory in Germany, as are seat belts, winter tyres and child seats. You must also carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document and identity card with you at all times when driving. If you are involved in a car accident, call the emergency number 110 (police emergency number). There are also strict alcohol limits for drivers in Germany. For serious traffic offences, such as speeding, penalty