The new Skilled Immigration Act at a glance The new Skilled Immigration Act (FEG) makes it easier for skilled workers with vocational training and individuals with practical knowledge to immigrate to Germany. With the new law, existing mechanisms for skilled workers with a university degree, such as the EU Blue Card , continue and were in some cases extended. In addition, the new opportunity card (Chancenkarte) enables third-country nationals to seek employment. The new law has several parts. Th...

Spouses joining citizens of non-EU countries Why not live together with your family in Germany? Find out what you need to know if your spouse from outside the EU wants to come and live with you. Citizens of countries other than Switzerland, EU or EEA member states can bring their family members to Germany. The rules that apply depend on the nationality of the family members who wish to join you. Your spouse is a citizen of Switzerland or an EU/EEA Member State Even if you are a third-country nat...

Spouses joining EU citizens You are an EU citizen, have settled in Germany and now want to bring your spouse over? Read here what you need to bear in mind when it comes to family reunification You can look forward to spending your time in Germany with your partner and children. Although there are some conditions attached to family reunification , as an international skilled worker , you are sure to fulfil them. Are you an EU citizen living and working in Germany and would you like to bring your...

Hotline Do you prefer a personal conversation? Please call the "Working and Living in Germany" hotline. Experts will provide you with advice either in German or English. Quick-Check In Germany, I’d like to... work. study. do vocational training. start up a business. do research. Start Important notice Unfortunately, the hotline, operated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA), is often occupied due to the great interest in our topics. Wri...

Family reunification You want to live in Germany together with your spouse and children? In this section you can find out what you need to bear in mind when applying for a visa for family reunification. Spouses joining EU citizens Spouses joining citizens of non-EU countries Family reunion for children...

Mobility in Germany There are a number of ways to get around in Germany. The main means of transport are cars, buses, trains and bicycles. Bicycles and electric scooters Cycling can be a quick and cheap alternative in both rural and urban areas. Second-hand bicycles can be bought at a low cost, for example at specialist bike flea markets. Many large cities also offer rental bikes, enabling you to rent a bike long term (subscription) and obtain services such as repairs. If you prefer to cycle onl...

Living permanently in Germany Would you like permanently settle down in Germany? Here you can find all information on the settlement permit, the permanent EU residence permit and naturalisation. Settlement permit Permanent EU residence permit Naturalisation...

Contacts worldwide Are you looking for a competent German mission abroad? You can find their services and contact details in our overview of advisory and contact points. Enter the corresponding country below. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Philippines Pre-Integration at the Goethe-Institut People who would like to migrate to Germany permanently due to professional or private reasons receive qualified support to prepare for...

Contacts worldwide Are you looking for a competent German mission abroad? You can find their services and contact details in our overview of advisory and contact points. Enter the corresponding country below. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in United States of America Ask Me Anything – EU Blue Card...

Settling Here you can find information about everyday life in Germany. The section provides information on leisure activities, integration and settling in Germany. Leisure Find out how you can make a new life for yourself in Germany and get used to living and working here. Useful everyday knowledge What are the post office opening hours? How does waste sorting work? These FAQs tell you everything you need to know about everyday life in Germany....