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Integration courses
courses In Germany, integration courses are official language courses and orientation courses. They are a great option for learning more about the German society. Integration courses cover everyday topics such as work and professions, shopping, television or childhood education. Participants also learn how to deal with administrative offices, how to write emails or letters and how to carry oneself properly in job interviews. You will learn about culture and politics, living together in Germany as well [...] yet or could not regularly attend class due to family duties. In this course, you will receive information on daycare facilities and schools, institutions which offer consultations for support in Germany, work and professional life, as well as laws, politics, culture and German history. Discover Germany The German language Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Information on the web Federal Office for Migration and Refugees German courses for children and juveniles [...] adolescents and adults up to the age of 26, among others. At the end of each course, all participants take a final examination free of charge. Who can participate in an integration course? The integration courses are intended for anyone who is new to Germany and whose German language skills are not yet adequate enough for dealing with the demands of everyday life. Whether you are free to attend a course or if the course is mandatory for you depends on your country of origin and your level of fluency in
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Leisure
and German and integration courses. Discover Germany Current information around Germany's politics, economy, science, culture and many others Current information around Germany's politics, economy, science, culture and many others Career and further training in Germany Information on the web Goethe-Institut Pre-integration Welcome Coaches Integration through Qualification (IQ) IQ advisory services for individuals with foreign qualifications in Germany Print page share on LinkedIn share on X (before: [...] Leisure What is life like in Germany? This section contains information on what you can do in your free time and how to meet new people in Germany. Getting to know new people It can be difficult to move to a new country and leave all your friends and family behind. Here are some useful tips to help you settle in quickly in Germany! Do you like to play football, or would you like to try your hand at a new sport? Germany has a strong club culture. You are free to join any sports club and meet new people [...] entirely up to you to decide how to spend your free time in Germany. Whether you fancy hiking through German forests, relaxing in the park, swimming in the lake, cycling or perhaps taking short trips to other German cities: Germany has a lot to offer! Visit “ Germany Travel ” to discover some exciting destinations. Plenty of options also exist for those who prefer indoor activities. There are more than 7,000 museums across Germany, with exhibitions on technology, history and art, to name but a few. Good
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EU Blue Card
qualified professionals . Video: EU Blue Card Webinar on work visas in Germany Job listings Explainer video: Compare academic qualifications via anabin Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Information on the web German Federal Employment Agency (BA) Welcome to Germany! Important information about starting a job in Germany Federal Foreign Office (FFO) To find out which visa you need t come to Germany, use the Visa-Navigator Print page share on LinkedIn share on X (before: [...] EU Blue Card Do you have an academic qualification and you have found a job in Germany? Learn about what requirements you have to meet for an EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card ( Section 18g of the Residence Act [AufenthG] ) is a special residence title for foreign academics and people with comparable qualifications who want to take up qualified employment in Germany. To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, see the “ Do I need a visa? ” section. What are the EU Blue Card requirements? You have [...] The EU Blue Card for IT professionals without a formal qualification Do you want to work in Germany as an IT professional or manager without a formal qualification? Under certain conditions, you may be able to obtain an EU Blue Card. You must be able to demonstrate that you have a specific job offer as an IT professional in Germany. The period of employment must be at least six months. Your job in Germany must enable you to earn a gross annual salary of at least €43,759.80 (as of 2025). You must
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Politics, democracy, freedom
lead a free, autonomous and safe life in Germany and promote diversity in society. The EU & Germany's partners Due to various alliances, partnerships and memberships in organisations, Germany maintains a friendly relationship with many countries and works with them to promote peace, democracy and respect for human rights. Germany is a member of the European Union, which grants citizens the freedom of movement . This means that they have the right to travel, live, shop, study or work wherever they wish [...] moving to Germany and would like to know more about the country’s political system? This page provides you with an overview 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 [...] addition, Germany is a member of the United Nations, NATO, and the group of permanent representatives of the G7 and G20. These international cooperations are complemented by numerous bilateral partnerships and trade agreements. Safe and secure Since its founding, the Federal Republic of Germany has been a very politically stable country. The division of state authority prevents the abuse of power and legal security. This means, that the laws and the independent jurisdiction are reliable. Germany is one
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Physicians
pharmaceutical industry. Out of all academic fields in Germany, doctors earn the highest salaries. Foreign doctors in Germany 64,000 foreign doctors are working in Germany (as of 2024). About 36,000 foreign doctors working in Germany come from non-EU countries. Entry requirements for doctors If you completed your education and training as a doctor abroad, you will require an official licence ( Approbation ) in order to work in your profession in Germany. Without this licence, you may not be able to treat [...] find out about the opportunities available to you for working and living in Germany. ✔ Begin the recognition process: in our " Recognition " section, you can find more information on the recognition of international qualifications. ✔ Apply now: find a suitable position in our “Make it in Germany” job listings and use our tips for a successful job application in Germany. ✔ Get advice: If you are interested in working as a doctor in Germany, the International Services (ZAV) of the Federal Employment Agency [...] doctor in Germany A new generation of medical personnel is urgently required in Germany. The demand will continue to grow in the years to come – especially since many physicians in hospitals will be retiring. When it comes to local doctors, general practitioners as well as family doctors are in demand. Many doctors can no longer find a successor to take over their practice, namely in Eastern Germany and in rural areas. At the same time, the number of international doctors working in Germany has more
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Recognition procedure
qualifications in Germany and abroad. This service is free of charge. You can call or send an email to the “Working and Living in Germany” hotline of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) . Via this hotline , you can get initial information on the topic of recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany –in English and German. For more in-depth advice and support during the recognition procedure you will be referred to an advice center in your area in Germany or to the Service [...] official notice called “Anerkennungsbescheid” ( recognition notice ). Learn whether you require the proof on the professional recognition for employment in Germany in the „ Who needs recognition ?” section. Info box With the visa for a recognition partnership, you can enter Germany without the previous recognition. Then you can work in Germany and simultaneously go through the recognition procedure. Please find more information on this in the “ Visa for a recognition partnership ” section. Use the [...] recognition procedure in the countries of origin Outside Germany, you can contact the advice centres of the ProRecognition project, aside from the ZSBA, for a more in-depth consultation on site. The advisors abroad are happy to support you in word and deed with any questions regarding the recognition procedure or language requirements, visas and job search. They are well connected to important partners in Germany and abroad, who pave the way to Germany for you. Aside from German and English, the respective
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Useful everyday knowledge
knowledge Find answers to frequently 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 [...] climate in Germany Germany has a temperate climate with continental influences. This means that there are distinct seasons with different temperatures. The average annual temperature is 10.9 degrees. In the north of Germany, especially in the coastal regions, the climate is often cooler and harsher. Here the weather is characterised by wind and rain. Southern Germany has a lot of forests and mountains, with an alpine climate in some high-altitude areas. Despite its climate zone, Germany has a relatively [...] (Verbraucherzentrale) in the federal state where you live. For more information on mobile phones and contracts, please refer to the “Handbook 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
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Visa for research
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 institute [...] 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 can be issued. Mobility arrangements for international researchers International researchers from non-EU member states who are legally residing in EU Member States may perform part of their research in Germany. In such cases, there are two options that allow you to stay in Germany: A residence permit for short-term research stays is [...] purposes. This permit must be valid for the duration of your planned stay in Germany for research purposes. You must submit a copy of a valid passport or travel document issued in lieu of a passport. You have a concluded a hosting agreement or a contract with a research facility in Germany. You must apply for the residence permit at your local foreigners authority at least 30 days prior to starting your stay in Germany. The application can also be submitted to the Federal Office for Migration and
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Additional insurances
our old-age security system. An additional retirement plan is worthwhile and necessary in order to be able to maintain your existing standard of living in old age. Building up such a supplementary pension has been state-subsidised since 2002. The principle is as simple as it is effective: if you supplement your statutory pension for your old age in Germany, the state will help by providing subsidies. Find the competent authority German social security Information on the web Federal Office for Migration [...] Additional insurances Safety first: find out which insurances you should take out in Germany. Liability insurance Liability insurance pays if you damage or destroy another person's belongings. For example, if you break a vase or spill coffee on a friend's smartphone. Most Germans have that kind of insurance because it is inexpensive and protects you from having to pay for the damage with your own money. Household contents insurance This insurance covers all items inside your house or flat. For example
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Introducing the project THAMM
in Service
after they have arrived in Germany. In which area do you see a need in this respect? The THAMM project comprehensively prepares project participants for life in Germany, and also provides them with support once they have arrived in the country. There is a particular need for language acquisition, raising awareness of cultural differences between the countries of origin and Germany, and support with bureaucratic processes before leaving their home country as well as in Germany. 6. In your experience, [...] applications and entry to Germany. Once the participants have arrived in Germany, the project organises welcome events and regular consultation hours for both the participants and the companies involved, making it easier for both sides to ensure the newcomers’ successful integration. 2. Which sectors does the project focus on, and how are they chosen? The sectors in which THAMM places trainees and skilled workers are selected based on needs in the partner countries and in Germany. The joint decision is [...] organises virtual interviews. If a candidate is hired, THAMM coordinates the visa process and the migrant’s entry to Germany. THAMM also helps skilled workers to obtain recognition of the degrees and qualifications they have acquired abroad. THAMM project participants are highly motivated to enter training or employment in Germany, and have prepared intensively for this new stage in their lives. Nevertheless, language barriers can be challenging, as well as the process of settling into a new environment
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