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

Immigration Immigration plays an important role in the German society. Learn more about the immigration flow in Germany. Germany’s population is growing due to immigration Germany is known for being a good place to live and work in and therefore is more attractive for immigrants than ever. Since 1950 there have only been a few years in which more people emigrated from than immigrated to Germany. German reunification in 1990 paved the way for high immigration figures, which peaked in 1992. The positive [...] to the high number of refugees, decreased in 2016. In conclusion, more and more people are coming to Germany to pursue their professional career. Young immigrants in particular come to Germany, which could close the expected gap caused by the low birth rate. As of 2021, 83,2 million people are living in Germany, averaging at 44,7 years of age. Given the low birth rates, the younger people in Germany cannot replace their parents' generation quantitively. Because they are typically younger than the average [...] If only qualified immigrants were taken into account in this kind of estimate, the results would be even more positive. Diverse ways of living Migration and integration in Germany Facts & figures about migration and integration in Germany Information on the web Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community Labour migration in Germany Brochure Welcome to Germany - Information for Immigrants Print page share on LinkedIn share on X (before: Twitter) share on Facebook share on WhatsApp mail

a recognition partnership. In several cases, you will need to apply for recognition of your foreign qualifications before entering Germany. In some cases, you can apply for recognition of your qualification after you have arrived in Germany. For individual advice on the recognition procedure and immigration to Germany, please contact the “Working and Living in Germany” hotline . Further information on the recognition of foreign qualifications is available in the “ Recognition of foreign qualifications [...] long-term mobility in Germany. For a maximum stay of 90 days, Blue Card holders from other EU countries are able to come to Germany and stay here for the purpose of a business activity directly related to their employment. Neither a visa nor a work permit from the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is required for such short stays. After a minimum stay of twelve months with an EU Blue Card in another EU country, long-term residence in Germany is possible without a visa. After entering Germany, the professional [...] holders who have already lived in another EU Member State with their family are entitled to privileged family reunification . If these family members require a visa due to their nationality, they are entitled to enter and reside in Germany as family members of an EU Blue Card holder with the residence permit issued in the previous Member State without having to undergo a visa procedure beforehand. When a residence permit is issued in Germany, the requirements of sufficient living space ( Section 29 para

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 national [...] entitled to take up employment in Germany without restriction. Info box If your visa or residence permit for gainful purposes was issued for the first time after 1 March 2024, you have the option of bringing your parents or parents-in-law to Germany. To find out what rules apply to parental reunification, contact the relevant German embassy or foreigners authority in Germany. In addition to the option of parental reunification, your family members are permitted to enter Germany for temporary family visits [...] 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:

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 spouse to Germany? As an EU citizen, you are [...] are entitled to freedom of movement , and your spouse and children can live and work in Germany. Whether your family members need a special temporary residence permit depends on their nationality. Spouses who are EU (European Union) or EEA (European Economic Area) citizens If your spouse is an EU or EEA national, they can join you in Germany very easily and live and work here without restrictions. You do not need to apply for a special residence permit. Spouses who are third-country nationals If you [...] advance and submit your application in good time. Spouses arriving in Germany must register their new address at the Einwohnermeldeamt ( Residents' Registration Office ) and then apply in person for a temporary residence permit for spouses joining their partners. Once a residence title has been granted, your spouse is immediately entitled to take up any kind of employment in Germany. Video: Living together with your family in Germany Explainer video: Child benefit Getting a visa, or learning German?

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. Written [...] Written enquiries to the hotline cannot be processed promptly at the moment either. Availability Our “Working and Living in Germany” hotline is available via telephone by calling the following number: +49 30 1815 – 1111 If you have questions regarding the recognition of foreign qualifications , entry and residence , as well as learning German in Germany and abroad , you can contact the hotline at the following times (CET): Monday: 9 am – 12 pm Tuesday: 9 am – 12 pm Wednesday: 1 pm – 4 pm Thursday: 1 pm [...] Christmas Day) • 26/12/2025 (2nd Christmas Day) • 31/12/2025 (New Year's Eve) • 01/01/2026 (New Year) Telephone charges Calls from a landline in Germany are subject to the usual charges. Charges for mobile telephone calls may differ. Calls from abroad are subject to the international charges applicable under your plan. Privacy notice The “Working and Living in Germany” is operated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) . Both the BAMF and the BA attach