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5 reasons
convince yourself of the country’s advantages. 1. Strong: a dynamic economy Significant spending power, the spirit of innovation, its location at the heart of a dense transport network in the centre of Europe and highly skilled workers – all of these are benefits offered by Germany as a business location. Science and research with a practical orientation and well-trained qualified professionals have generated an excellent environment for innovation – and as a result, Germany is one of the European leaders [...] your business in Germany, you will be choosing a country offering a high quality of life. In addition, Germany’s culture, the diversity of its people and its family friendliness make the country extremely attractive. More than 13.9 million people from other countries call Germany their home. This co-existence of various cultures and religions has given rise to a lively, international arts and culture scene. A high quality of life and a stable democracy also contribute to peaceful coexistence in Germany [...] Roughly 830,000 km of roads, 39,800 km of railways and a modern telecommunications network will take you, your ideas and your products to your destination. 2. Stable: a good home for your ideas As an entrepreneur in Germany, you can expect a stable political and economic environment for your ideas, which are protected by the law. Inventions, company logos and concepts – in Germany, your intellectual property is protected. The Copyright Act, Patent Law and Trademark Law are all designed to safeguard
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Visa for research
dynamic world of research in Germany? Then a visa for research is probably exactly what you need. Are you looking to work in Germany as a researcher? If so, you will need to apply for a visa for research in accordance with Section 18d on the Residence Act - AufenthG . To find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany, see Who needs a visa? What are the requirements to receive a visa for research? You have concluded a hosting agreement or a work contract with a research institute in Germany. The research [...] apply for a residence permit for jobseekers in accordance with Section 20 (1) no. 2 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) at your nearest foreigners authority . Residence permit for doctoral students Doctoral students from third countries can obtain a residence permit for research. As a requirement, they must complete their doctoral thesis as part of a work contract with a research facility in Germany. If the research position is a component of the PhD program as a full-time program, only a visa for studying [...] about the procedure for the entry and visa process . Who qualifies as a researcher? You are considered a “researcher” if you have at least a PhD/doctorate or a suitable academic qualification enabling you to access PhD degree programmes ( Article 3 of Directive (EU) 2016/801 ). Alternative: EU Blue Card for researchers Are you a highly qualified professional in the fields of science or research? Do you not fulfil the requirements for a research visa in accordance with Section 18d of the Residence Act
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Placement agencies
employment with a temporary employment agency can only be issued if the residence title does not require approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA), such as the “big” EU Blue Card under Section 18g (1) of the Residence Act [AufenthG] . According to Section 40 of the Residence Act [AufenthG] , residence titles or residence permits subject to approval by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) are denied for foreigners intending to take up employment as a temporary worker (Section 40 (1) No. 2 of the [...] placement agencies are another way of finding a job in Germany and organising the entry process. There is no special certification or licensing requirement for private placement agencies in Germany. The following information will help you assess whether a placement agency is reputable and will provide you with reliable and appropriate services. Legal principles in Germany In the Third Book of the Social Code [SGB] (Sections 296 to 299 SGB), the German law sets out a number of requirements for agencies. Section [...] stipulates that a written placement contract must be concluded between the recruitment agency and the applicant. This placement contract must include transparent information about the agency’s fees and services . In addition, you only have to pay a fee if the placement results in an employment contract. Payments in advance are not permitted! Placement services: maximum fee is €2,000 The German Social Code [SGB] stipulates that fees for simple placement (bringing you together with a company in Germany)
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Integration courses
authority will let you know whether you are free or required to attend a course. More information on the conditions of participation and costs can be found here . How to find an integration course Integration courses are offered by over 1,600 local language schools and they are funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) . If you come from a country outside the EU, go to your local foreigners authority which will issue a Berechtigungsschein (permit to attend an integration course). EU [...] that also offer childcare during the course. Ask your course provider, e.g. a language school, about these options. Women’s integration courses: Learning in a comfortable environment The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) offers a women’s integration course that is specifically created for women. It is targeted towards women who wish to learn German with other women, raise children, were not able to attend a German course yet or could not regularly attend class due to family duties. [...] for participation: As an EU citizen , you are welcome to take part in a free integration course if you want to learn German or improve your German skills, provided that a place is available. However, you are not required to do so. Non-EU citizens are also allowed to take these courses. If your German language skills are not particularly good yet, you may also be required to attend. If you work and do not have time to attend a full or part-time course, you can be exempted from attending the course
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Politics, democracy, freedom
of the topic. Key facts at a glance Population 83.5 million Form of government Parliamentary democracy Capital Berlin Currency 1 euro (EUR) = 100 cents Democracy Since the German nation state was founded in 1871, Germany has had a long history. There were many challenges, including the world wars and the dictatorship of the national socialists. The Federal Republic of Germany was founded in 1949, and it learned its lessons from its history. The 76-year-old Basic Law and a stable democracy supported [...] Perceptions Index of 2023 Germany is one of the ten countries most resistant to corruption. To preserve domestic peace and stability, the federal government invests a lot in security research. In case of emergency, these is a network of security authorities and rescue services ensuring the population’s safety and providing emergency services on a high technological and organisational level. Current information around Germany's politics, economy, science, culture and many others The central reference guide [...] on or a new constitution. Individual freedom The constitution also guarantees other fundamental rights to every person, such as the development of their personality, equality before the law, freedom of faith, freedom of the press and of expression, peaceful freedom of assembly without weapons, occupational freedom and protection from political persecution. The General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG) additionally protects rights, such as the sexual identity. These laws allow everyone to lead a free,
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Applying for a job
might be a sentence at the end about what kind of application is required and what documents must be submitted. These usually include a cover letter, a CV and additional references. Cover letter/motivation letter The cover letter gives the company a first impression of you. You should introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in the job and describe your own strengths. Use examples from your previous jobs. Try to express yourself convincingly and present yourself in a way that distinguishes [...] of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as a guide, for example: “English: C1”. Unique skills and interests: do you happen to have any extraordinary computer skills or private interests that are important for your job? Have you been socially or politically active? How to apply: Use Europass as a starting point On the Europass website, you will find helpful information on the formal design of your CV and cover letter, and you can create your CV online according to a standardised format in German or in English [...] Applying for a job From the application to the job interview – this is how you ideally prepare yourself for the application process in Germany. Your application Did you find an exciting job advertisement? Then it is time to send in your application. In Germany, documents are usually sent in a PDF file within an email , or they are uploaded directly to the company's career website. Applying by post with a special application folder is rarely required. Read the job advertisement carefully: there might
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Schleswig-Holstein
olstein not only offers international professionals the chance to realise their career dreams in the “true north of Germany”, but also makes them want to spend their free time here doing leisure activities. Schleswig-Holstein offers a professional environment with a strong middle class and worldwide successful companies in future industries. Due to the proximity to Scandinavia in the north and the metropolitan region of Hamburg in the south, many companies inside the federal state maintain good networks [...] environment, offer flat hierarchies, fast promotion opportunities and family-friendly working models. Numerous projects and initiatives in the state provide good conditions for entering the job market and for further professional training. At the same time, 1,190 kilometres of coastline on the North and Baltic Sea invite you to go for walks or do water sports such as sailing or kiteboarding. Keyfacts for Schleswig-Holstein Capital Kiel Important industries Logistics Craft business Tourism Care Population
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German states
Rhineland-Palatinate a lovely place to be. Further information Saarland From a traditional mining and steel location, the state of Saarland has evolved into a modern, international business region. Positioned in the Southwest of Germany bordering France and Luxembourg, Saarland boasts beautiful landscapes and a low cost of living. Further information Saxony-Anhalt A dynamic business environment set at the heart of Europe, high levels of direct investment, excellent universities and a host of research [...] Further information Hamburg Hamburg is a green city located near the sea and offers a host of things to do in your free time, including plenty of cultural activities. Its international flair and comparatively young population make it a very pleasant place to be. Further information Hesse Home to one of the largest European airports, Hessen offers an excellent transport network. Frankfurt, as an international financial centre, has a strong influence on Hessen as a service region. Similarly, well-known [...] well-known international industrial companies define Hessen as a technology location at the heart of European markets. Further information Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Northern landscapes, the beautiful Baltic seaside, clear lakes, open fields, untouched nature, a maritime flair and lots of space – all of that defines Mecklenburg-West Pomerania – a place to live. As a business location, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania relies on a healthy mix of innovative, future-oriented industries and traditional businesses,
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Spouses joining citizens of non-EU countries
Your spouse is a citizen of Switzerland or an EU/EEA Member State Even if you are a third-country national, if your spouse is a citizen of an EU or EEA member state, they are entitled to freedom of movement and can live and work in Germany without restrictions. All they need to enter the country is a national identity card. Your spouse is a not a citizen of Switzerland or an EU/EEA Member State You can look forward to a future together in Germany, even if your partner comes from a third country [...] The following requirements must be met for a spouse to join their skilled worker from a third country: Residence title : as an employee, you have a residence permit , a settlement permit or an EU Blue Card for Germany. Health insurance & money: you have adequate health insurance coverage and resources to care for your family. If you are a citizen of another EU country with an EU Blue Card and would like to live in Germany with your family members on a long-term basis, you only need to provide proof [...] your spouse to Germany? If your spouse (registered partner) requires a visa to enter Germany, they must apply for it at the German embassy or consulate in their country of residence. You can find a list of all the diplomatic missions of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad on the “ Advisory & contact services ” world map. To apply for a visa for the purpose of family reunification, you will generally need to produce a passport and a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or registered
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Research
to apply for a corresponding visa before entering the country. In order to work as a researcher in Germany, you can apply for a visa for research with a hosting agreement from the research institution or a respective contract. If you meet the requirements, you can also apply for an EU Blue Card . In this case, you are free to choose which residence permit best suits your individual situation. As a doctoral candidate, you also have the right to choose between a visa for studying or a visa for research [...] Employment at a higher education or non-academic research institution Of course, you can also apply for a job position at a German higher education or non-academic research institution. Many universities as well as universities of applied sciences are looking for international recruits. You can also combine a job as a research assistant with a doctoral thesis. Non-academic research institutions often have an international focus and offer both jobs and scholarships. Guest lectureship at a higher education [...] finance their research stay, if they have a full-time job. You can also secure funding for your research stay through a research scholarship . This is especially worthwhile if you want to carry out a project for a limited time period. Many institutions support international researchers from all disciplines. You can find an overview on the Research in Germany website. 3. Visa: The “ Who needs a visa? ” section provides information on whether you need an entry visa or a residence permit for your research
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