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Grafik: Der Weg in den deutschen Arbeitsmarkt EN
From the different types of visas, the requirements, the application process, to the residence permit after entry: This chart shows you the path to the German labor market.
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Back to Germany
Back to Germany Have you been living abroad and would like to come back to Germany? Then, there are a few things you should consider, for example in regard to medical insurance or your international claims to the pension scheme. Social security Unemployment
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In Germany
in Service
Contacts in Germany Are you on the lookout for advisory centres in Germany that will take care of your queries? Here you can find a list including the contact details of contact persons. Points of contact for qualified professionals and their families in the federal states We are pleased to welcome you to Germany. You being able to settle into your new home country easily is something we put great importance on. That is the reason why, on this page, you will be able to find contacts details of local [...] s in Schleswig-Holstein Federal Employment Agency – finding workers Thuringia Important portals and service points for immigrants Welcome Center of the Thuringian Agency für Skilled Personnel Marketing (ThAFF): working and living in Thuringia Das ist Thüringen: working, living and studying in Thuringia „Market Champion“: overview of market-leading industries in Thuringia Network IQ Thuringia: counselling on recognition and qualification Explore Thuringia: portal for tourism Welcome to Jena More contacts [...] point for national and international executives from science and business Welcome service for the South Westphalia region Rhineland-Palatinate Important portals and service points for immigrants Make it in Rheinland-Pfalz: information on working and living in Rhineland-Palatinate Network IQ Rhineland-Palatinate: counselling on recognition and qualification Integration politics in Rhineland-Palatinate Welcome Centers in Rhineland-Palatinate Welcome Center Koblenz Welcome Center Trier Welcome Center
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Kosovo
in Service
the corresponding country below. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Kosovo Brief information in Serbian on working and living in Germany Would you like to receive information in Serbian on career opportunities and life in Germany? The Federal Government’s portal for qualified professionals from abroad summarises the most important information on working and living in Germany, visa and residence, as well as points of contact for you [...] Brief information in Albanian on working and living in Germany Would you like to receive information in Albanian on career opportunities and life in Germany? The Federal Government’s portal for qualified professionals from abroad summarises the most important information on working and living in Germany, visa and residence, as well as points of contact for you. Learn more Pre-Integration at the Goethe-Institut People who would like to migrate to Germany permanently due to professional or private reasons [...] prepare for everyday life and the working life in Germany. The offers particularly include trainings aimed at specific target groups, regional studies and interculturality as well as services for counselling and remedial education. Learn more Supporting service of the Diakonie on site Are you thinking about moving to Germany? The Diakonie supports you with this endeavour in your home country. Is doesn’t matter whether you like to come to Germany as a skilled worker, a prospective apprentice, student
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Settlement permit
basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany. This is usually proven by the “ Living in Germany ” test. You can demonstrate that you have sufficient living space. You can demonstrate that you are able to cover your living costs. Settlement permit for people who have completed higher education or vocational training in Germany If you have successfully completed higher education or vocational training in Germany, special provisions also apply to you with regard to the settlement [...] Settlement permit Would you like to stay in Germany on a permanent basis? Find out about the requirements for obtaining a settlement permit. A settlement permit opens many doors. You can live in Germany with your family without any restrictions. You can also take up employment or be self-employed. Are you already working and living in Germany on a temporary residence permit and would like to stay here permanently? As a skilled worker , you may, under certain conditions, be able to apply for a permanent [...] basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany. This is usually proven by the “ Living in Germany ” test. You can demonstrate that you have sufficient living space. Settlement permit for highly skilled workers In special cases, highly skilled workers can obtain a settlement permit under Section 18c (3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) immediately, without having to spend a certain period of time in Germany first. For example, if you are a scientist with special technical
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Mexico
in Service
Enter the corresponding country below. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Mexico Information on working and living in Germany for Mexicans Would you like to receive information in Spanish on career opportunities and life in Germany? The Federal Government’s portal for qualified professionals from abroad summarises the most important information on working and living in Germany, visa and residence, as well as points of contact in Mexico [...] more Mexican ICT professionals for Germany The project of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) offers specialised advice to Mexican ICT/IT professionals concerning visas, living and working in Germany, support while looking for a job, the recognition of qualifications and the examination of application documents. Within this context, ICT/IT professionals also have the opportunity to learn German free of charge to increase their chances of getting a job in Germany. Learn more We made it: Successful [...] Family Reunification in Germany 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 everyday life and the working life in Germany. The offers particularly include trainings aimed at specific target groups, regional studies and interculturality as well as services for counselling and remedial education. Learn more I made it - Francisco from Mexico
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Securing funding
yourself financially during your time in Germany. The question of financing your studies in Germany is vital. If you come from a country outside the EU/EEA and need a temporary residence title for the purpose of studying, you have to prove that you have the financial means to study and live in Germany. To this end, you can set up a blocked bank account in Germany with a minimum amount of €11,904 (as of 2025). Alternatively, you can ask friends or relatives in Germany to hand in a Declaration of Commitment [...] You can find out more about funding options from DAAD and other selected funding organisations for international students on the DAAD website. Cost of living How much money do you need on average in order to live while studying in Germany? You will find detailed information on the cost of living during your studies in Germany on the Study in Germany website. Financing your studies Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Information on the web DAAD Scholarship database [...] can find more information on proof of financial means on the Study in Germany website. Making enquiries about scholarships Would you like to fund your studies by means of a scholarship? Numerous institutions in Germany provide financial support on a monthly basis to students who meet certain requirements (e.g. extraordinary grades or commitment to social responsibility). However, you need to be aware that scholarships in Germany are rarely awarded from the first semester onwards. Students in higher
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Poland
in Service
the corresponding country below. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Poland Brief information in Polish on working and living in Germany Would you like to receive information in Polish on career opportunities and life in Germany? The Federal Government’s portal for qualified professionals from abroad summarises the most important information on working and living in Germany, visa and residence, as well as points of contact for you
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Family reunion for children
course, your children can also live with you in Germany. You can find out here how to bring them to you. Bringing your children to Germany If you or your spouse are entitled to live in Germany, your children under the age of 18 are also entitled to a temporary or permanent residence permit . If your children are citizens of a member state of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), they do not require a visa to enter Germany and can live and work in Germany without restriction. If your [...] birth. In special cases, children can obtain German nationality at birth in addition to the nationality of their parents. You can find more information about the rules which apply in this case in the section on living permanently in Germany . Video: Living together with your family in Germany Checklist for qualified professionals from non-EU countries Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Information on the web Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women [...] your children are citizens of a country which is not in the EU or the EEA, they will generally need a visa to enter Germany. If you and your spouse hold temporary resident permits for Germany, your children under 16 years of age will also receive a temporary resident permit in order for them to join you ( Section 32 of the Residence Act [AufenthG] ). If you are a single parent, you can also apply for a visa for your children. However, in this case, you will need to obtain the consent of the other parent
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Arrival
open a current account with a bank in Germany as soon as possible. Most institutions offer an account of this sort free of charge for students. You will find more information, for example what documents you require in order to apply for an account, in the " Living in Germany " section. Find a dormitory Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Settling in Germany Information on the web Study in Germany How to find accommodation in Germany Print page share on LinkedIn share [...] Arrival Finding a flat, registering your residence and opening a bank account – those are the first steps you should take in Germany. Finding accommodation Many students in Germany live in halls of residence. The rooms are affordable and you can get to know other students quickly. The “ Find student hall ” option on the Study in Germany website will assist you in the process of looking for a hall of residence in the area of your preferred university. Additionally, DAAD provides comprehensive information [...] services on the website of the Deutsches Studentenwerk . The International Office at your university will also help you with your search. You will find more information on finding accommodation in Germany in the " Living in Germany " section. Registering your place of residence Every time you move houses in Germany, you need to register with the Residents' Registration Office. You have 14 days to do so, once you have found accommodation. You can also register your new address at the Citizens' Registration
Do you have any questions?
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