Every parent who is a resident in Germany regardless of German citizen or not is entitled for child benefits (Kindergeld) if they have children which are registered in Germany. Am I eligible for kindergeld? The Child Benefit is provided by the federal government to help the cost of raising children regardless of your income level. The child benefit is up to 250€ (as of 2023) per child which is transferred to your German bank account on a monthly basis. You are entitled to kindergeld by default if you live in Germany with your children. Whether self employed or salaried you get the child benefit as a rule until the children turn 18. You’ll still get paid if your child is still in high school when they are 25 years old or meet certain criterias. Once in sometime, the government increases the amount and from July 2019 it was revised to 204€ per month for the first two children each and 210€ for the third child and €235 for each subsequent child. You’ll still get the child benefit if you adopt a child. The children of your spouse as well as your grandchildren are also qualified for kindergeld if they live in the same house with you. How do I apply for kindergeld in Germany? The kindergeld is provided by the Familienzentrum (Local Family Office) upon submitting an application form. Documents required for kindergeld in Germany Tax ID of the child (steuerliche Identifikationsnummer) Birth certificate Copy of your passports (optional) Proof of residence permit (optional) Processing time for kindergeld application It may take from three to six weeks to get your application checked by the office. However, the time could vary depending on the rush. Once your application has been processed, you will get a notification by post from the Familienkasse.

For the nationals of third countries ( non EU / EEA countries ) a residence permit / Aufenthaltstitel is required to live or work in Germany. If you already have a German national visa, converting it to a residence permit is rather easy. A German residence permit is a legal document that grants non-EU citizens the right to live and work in Germany for a certain period of time. There are various types of German residence permits, including those for employment, study, family reunion, self-employment, and entrepreneurship. Do I need a residence permit to work in Germany? It depends; your nationality and the duration of stay depends on whether you need to apply for a residence permit at all. The Citizens of EU / EEA member countries are exempted from the requirement of having a visa or residence permit in Germany. Citizens of these countries can freely travel, live or work in Germany without a visa or residence permit. However, they are obliged to register at the local citizen’s office / Bürgeramt if they stay in Germany for more than 90 days. While the citizens of Switzerland are free to travel within the EU, they are required to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of living or work at the local Foreigner’s office / Ausländerbehörde Citizens of non EU / EEA countries Citizens from the countries that are not part of the EU and EEA may need to apply for a German residence permit depending on their nationality. Tourists and business travellers who leave the country within 90 days of arrival don't need a residence permit. That doesn't mean that you don't need a visa. You may have to apply for a Schengen visa depending on your nationality. However, If you plan to work in Germany, even if your period of stay is less than 90 days, you need to apply for a German national visa and then convert it into a residence permit. Longer stays If your stay in Germany exceeds 90 days, you need a residence permit. However, if you are nationals of the USA, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, you can enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a residence permit in Germany. A German national visa is required for the citizens of other countries and it has to be applied at the German consulate or embassy in your home country (or sometimes in the country you reside if not living in the home country while applying for the visa) before you can travel to Germany. The residence permit can be applied at your local foreigner’s office once you arrive. Different types of German residence permits Three types of residence permits are issued in Germany. Temporary residence permit / Aufenthaltserlaubnis This is a one year valid permit and extendable as long as your circumstances stay the same. This residence permit is issued for a limited period of time and for specific purposes. This may be applied to attend training or take up employment. Staying for family reasons is also possible and is relevant for those seeking protection, especially in the context of family reunification. Permanent residence permit / Niederlassungserlaubnis You are entitled to apply for a permanent residence permit after completing a certain period of time in Germany. This is generally five years but people with certain highly-qualified skills or the graduates of German universities may get an exception. The permanent residence permit gives you the right to stay in Germany without a time restriction. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

If you have ever wondered how to separate household waste while in Germany, here are some tips to help you out. In Germany, you can get a fine of up to 1.500€ if you do not follow the waste management procedures. One of the confusing questions you may have in your first week relocating to Germany would be how to separate the household waste. The reduction of residual waste allows us to use smaller or fewer residual waste bins, which can reduce the cost of disposal. Materials that are not recyclable The term residual waste refers to waste that can no longer be recycled. Most of these wastes are burned in thermal power stations and converted into electricity and district heating. Unfortunately, a large number of recyclable materials end up in the residual waste bin. The amount of residual waste can be significantly reduced by consistently separating waste at home itself. Nevertheless, using smaller or fewer residual waste bins will reduce your waste fees if you separate your waste better and throw less waste into them. What can be thrown in the gray residual waste bin? Vacuum cleaner bags Litter for cats and small animals Sanitary paper and diapers Carbonless paper and paper wax Etc… Paper wastes Paper and cardboard should be disposed of in the blue bin. Separating paper waste from non recyclable waste saves energy and water and protects forests because waste paper is reused in new paper production. What can you put in the blue paper bins? Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, prospectuses Letters, envelopes Forms, office paper Note books, books without covers Folded cardboard boxes, wrapping paper without tape Clean paper bags paper packaging Pizza box without leftovers Bio or organic waste Kitchen and garden waste should be disposed of in the brown compost bin. It is not allowed to put plastic bags in the organic waste bin! Compost is made from organic waste. Some cities produce green electricity from the fermentation process at the same time. Tree and shrub cuttings can, however, be sent to your city's local recycling depot for disposal. What can you put in the brown bin? Leftover vegetables, salads, and fruits (both raw and cooked) Leftover meat and fish (both raw and cooked) Peels of potato, egg, nut, and fruit Bread and baked goods that are old Ground coffee, coffee filters, and coffee pods Potting soil, flowers and plants (without pots) Trimmings from trees, shrubs, grass, and leaves Newspapers and kitchen paper can also be disposed in bio bins to soak up moisture Bottles and aluminum packages Separate packaging for recycling since it can be reused. In order to put the glass bottles in the packaging, it is necessary to empty it of its contents, no rinsing is required. It is important to separate different materials, such as the aluminum lid of the yogurt pot. What can you put in the glass disposer? Glass bottles. There is no need to remove the lids Containers, plastic packaging, plastic bottles, plastic cups, polystyrene, packaging films (e.g. beverage cartons, plastic packaging) Aluminum foil, aluminum cans, aerosol cans, crown caps, screw caps on bottles and jars, tinplate, tin cans, etc. Shoes and old clothes Unfortunately, there are still a lot of old clothes ending up in the residual waste bins. There is simply no point in throwing away old clothes in non recyclable waste bins. At the recycling depots or in the city area, you will find many containers for old clothes. What can you put in the clothes disposer? Any type of wearable clothes Wearable, clean shoes Gloves and hats Items such as tablecloths and bath towels. Curtains Bed linen Duvets Furthermore, there are recycling depots in every city where bulky waste, problematic materials, and green waste can be dropped off free of charge. Fines for not separating waste in Germany You could end up paying a huge fine if the administration discovers you fail to separate waste and do it regularly. However, the amount of the fine varies from state to state. Bussgeldkatalog has a comprehensive list of offenses and the fines against them on their website.

Getting laid off at an unexpected time can be stressful and difficult, but knowing your rights can make it easier for you to get back on track after a layoff. Losing your job in Germany can be a difficult and stressful experience. While unemployment can happen to anyone, it is important to know what to do when it occurs and what your rights are. In this article, we will explore what happens when you lose your job in Germany and what steps you should take to get back on your feet. What happens when you lose your job in Germany? Get started as soon as possible Getting laid off is devastating, especially if it comes as a surprise. However, you must act immediately. In Germany, you have three weeks from the day you receive a written termination notice to file a dismissal protection suit (Kündigungsschutzklage). All employees who have passed their probationary period (usually six months) are eligible to file a dismissal protection suit. The dismissal protection suit can be filed by you on your own or by a lawyer. Generally, a dismissal protection suit seeks to have you reinstated. Most often, however, both parties agree on severance pay packages. Depending on the number of years you worked for the company, your severance pay could equal your monthly gross salary multiplied by that number. The rate can be even higher if you have only been employed for a short period of time. What steps should you take when you lose your job in Germany? Inform the job center: The job center will help you find a new job, provide you with job search support and offer training and education opportunities. Register as unemployed: To receive unemployment benefits, you must register as unemployed with the job center. You will need to provide proof of your employment and earnings, as well as proof that you have been laid off. Those who are unemployed in Germany are entitled to unemployment benefits, which are funded by contributions from employers and employees. Based on your previous earnings and length of employment, you will receive around 60% of your previous net salary on average. Start searching for a new job: While receiving unemployment benefits, you are required to actively search for a new job. This means you must attend job fairs, send out applications and attend job interviews. Consider additional training or education: If you have difficulty finding a new job, you may consider additional training or education to improve your chances of finding employment. The job center can provide you with information on available programs and how to apply. Seek legal advice: If you feel that your rights have been violated or if you have any questions about your rights, you can seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer. In conclusion, losing your job in Germany can be a difficult and stressful experience, but it is important to know your rights and what steps to take to get back on your feet. With the support of the job center and unemployment benefits, as well as a commitment to actively searching for a new job, you can find employment and get back to work as soon as possible.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled in Germany, you should know your rights as an airline passenger. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline. As an airline passenger in Germany, you have certain rights protected by EU law if your flight is delayed or cancelled. These rights are designed to ensure that you are adequately compensated for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of flight disruptions. Here is an overview of what you can expect. Delayed Flights If your flight is delayed, you may be entitled to care and assistance from the airline. This can include free meals and refreshments, free access to communication (e.g., phone calls or emails), and free hotel accommodation if necessary. The exact type of assistance you are entitled to will depend on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. Cancelled Flights If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to choose between a full refund of the ticket price or rerouting to your final destination. In some cases, the airline may offer you a replacement flight, but you are not obligated to accept this option. If you opt for a refund, the airline must provide it without undue delay and, in any case, no later than seven days after the cancellation. Compensation for Delayed or Cancelled Flights In addition to the assistance and compensation outlined above, you may also be entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled. The amount of compensation you are entitled to will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the length of the delay. Generally, if the flight is delayed for more than three hours, you may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros, although this will depend on the distance of the flight and other factors. How do I complain or get compensated? Know your rights before talking to the airline or tour operator. Ensure that you keep a record of all conversations. You can contact your country's European Consumer Centre, which can assist you with cross-border flights, or a national consumer center for domestic trips if you are not satisfied with the airline's response. A formal EU airline complaint form can be filled out if you believe your airline owes you compensation. In conclusion, if you are affected by a delayed or cancelled flight in Germany, it is important to be aware of your rights as an airline passenger. You are entitled to care and assistance from the airline, as well as compensation in some cases. To ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to, it is advisable to keep all relevant documentation and to contact the airline as soon as possible.

There is a great love for animals among Germans. There is at least one pet in every two homes in Germany, according to the statistics from 2016. A survey conducted by the Market Research Institute GfK in 2016 reveals that there is at least one pet in every two homes in Germany. The most favorite pets are cats and dogs. Birds, fish, hamsters, and dwarf rabbits are also popular pets to Germans. How to become a Veterinary surgeon in Germany? There are two options to become a Veterinary surgeon in Germany. Study Veterinary medicine in Germany Migrate to Germany as a Veterinary surgeon with a degree earned abroad Study Veterinary medicine in Germany Veterinary medicine is one of the most popular degree courses among German students. It is therefore difficult to find a seat in a university, just like it is for medicine. Due to its popularity, Germany has very strict admission requirements for this subject. Therefore, applicants are required to have high grades in order to qualify. Like many other degrees, Veterinary medicine seats are allocated by the Foundation for University Admissions (Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung). If you are planning to study Veterinary medicine in Germany, it is recommended to check whether you get a scholarship. Although German universities don't charge tuition fees, there are other expenses such as flight tickets, accommodation, food, etc. If you are able to obtain a scholarship, you will be able to reduce your stress and be greatly aided. Veterinary medicine Course structure and practice The veterinary medicine degree takes about six years in Germany. During this phase, students gain both theoretical as well as practical experiences. As part of the program, students are required to complete work placement weeks in food quality and control, the slaughterhouse industry, and public veterinary services. Veterinary medicine students complete their degree with the state examination after completing a work placement year. Many graduates open their own practices after completing the course. Another fact is, the majority of the vets in Germany practice independently and are self-employed. Other people work in medical practices and clinics, in health monitoring, as pharmaceutical industry consultants or as managers and monitors of the cattle trade. Migrate to Germany as an experienced Veterinary surgeon If you have acquired a professional qualification as a veterinary surgeon abroad, you need an official, state-issued accreditation called "approbation" to work in Germany. The approbation is nothing but an unrestricted occupational license and valid across the country. The approbation can be acquired by recognizing your foreign degree in Germany. During the recognition process, the competition authority will compare your degree with a corresponding German degree and certify that your degree is fully or partially recognized in Germany. To practice as a veterinarian in Germany or to open your own practice, the approbation is a mandatory factor. If you have additional veterinary job specialization and a qualification as veterinary specialist, you can also apply for recognition of those specialized professional titles in Germany. However, you need to apply for the approbation for a veterinary surgeon before you can apply for the recognition of your specialized title. What do Veterinary surgeons get to do in Germany? Among other activities related to animal husbandry, the veterinarians perform a wide range of tasks, but primarily examine animals, record findings, diagnose illnesses, specify therapeutic measures, and carry out treatments and interventions. Veterinary surgeons get to work in veterinary practices and clinics, do research and teaching in the institutions, etc. Veterinarians also work for the government veterinary authorities, health authorities and veterinary chambers as well as in pharmaceutical Research. Veterinary degree recognition in Germany Many professions require recognition in Germany. It is not possible to work in these professions without having your degree recognized in Germany. Recognition is a procedure to make sure that the degree you possess abroad is equivalent to a German degree. There is a competent authority for every recognition procedure based on which state in Germany you wish to work in. If your degree is not from any of the EU member states, or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, you are not permitted to work in Germany as a veterinarian without recognition. How to start the recognition procedure in Germany? To start with, you can get free counseling about the procedure from a ProRecognition agency. If you are from Algeria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, India, Iran, Italy, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Serbia, and Vietnam, you have the opportunity to get counseling in your home country for free. Alternatively, you can contact the “Working and Living in Germany” hotline run by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees and the Federal Employment Agency offers telephone guidance. You can reach the hotline Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm (Central European Time). During the counseling, the agencies try to clarify your questions like whether you’ve selected the correct reference profession, the details about the recognition procedure, documents and forms to be submitted, etc Prior to applying for recognition, it is recommended that you seek counseling first. By doing so, any mistakes in the application can be avoided as well as delays in the processing. Recognition procedure for Veterinary degree in Germany To understand the procedure easily, the information portal of the German government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research has prepared a very detailed documentation in English. Please note that this specific documentation is only for the candidates seeking to work in Munich. You can go to the Your place of work section and choose the city you wish to work in. This is because the recognition procedure is different in different states. How to move to Germany as a Veterinary surgeon? As soon as your professional qualification is recognized in Germany, you can start applying to hospitals, medical universities, care homes, or basically any medical organization that requires your qualifications. Alternatively, you can also check LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed for openings as well as the websites of hospitals and other organizations. Vets can also work in zoos, agriculture, pharmacy, research and veterinary authorities. In Germany, most veterinarians practice privately or run a combined practice with other vets. However, to practice individually or start a clinic with other vets, you need to have a self employment visa. Checkout this detailed article from make-it-in-germany for the requirements and process for a German self employment visa. Do I need to know German to become a Veterinary surgeon in Germany? To get the license to practise / work in Germany, you need sufficient German language skills. Having a good understanding of German medical terms is essential. It is usually necessary to have at least a B2 level of German. Additionally, you may need to take an exam to prove your knowledge of medical terminology. However, precise regulations are defined by the corresponding states which conduct the examination. Temporary permission to work as a veterinarian in germany It is possible to apply for a temporary work permit if you plan to work for only a short period of time. However, you will be restricted to work in a specific location, for a specific period and in a particular field of work. The temporary permission can only be extended in rare cases. Permission will only be granted if you can prove you have completed a veterinary degree. It is important to note, however, that your foreign professional qualification is not recognized as part of your permission to work. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

Although there are many scholarship options you may see on the internet to pursue a degree in Germany, the DAAD funding opportunity is the most popular among them. DAAD scholarship is the largest funding opportunity for international students from the developing countries in the world. Founded in 1925, DAAD helped millions of students to study in Germany. There are a wide range of degree programmes offered by the DAAD and are available in both German and English. Why should I choose a German University? With a large number of internationally recognized universities, a wide variety of course options, and an affordable living cost, Germany is a great place for students. Degrees from German universities are highly valued worldwide, and German universities offer students enormous professional and personal benefits. Furthermore, the German job market is always seeking talented individuals who can contribute to the growth of the country. Despite having free tuition fees, there are costs involved in studying here. Scholarships are therefore necessary for students from the majority of developing countries. Compared to other European countries, Germany is not particularly expensive. However, to be able to study here successfully, you must correctly estimate the costs and be able to cover them. Do I need to learn German to pursue a degree in Germany? It depends on the course you choose. If you choose a course where German language proficiency is necessary, you may need a certain level of German language knowledge and might also need to submit the corresponding certificate during the application. DAAD scholarship requirements Students who want to pursue a full-time course in Germany may apply for DAAD scholarships. Students who qualify for the scholarship will receive a monthly stipend to cover their expenses during their studies. The applicant must, however, have completed their Bachelor degree within the last six years in their country of residence. There may be additional requirements, such as a German proficiency certificate or English proficiency, depending on the course you choose. At the time of application, you must have lived in your country of residence for at least one year if the length of your course is up to six months. For a stay of more than six months, you must have completed your last degree in your home country. Preparing your DAAD application form The application has to be submitted online. To start with, you need to register on the DAAD website. During the course of filling out the application form, you may need to upload the documents that prove your nationality, the course you completed in your home country, language proficiency, work experience, etc. There are clear guidelines about the supporting documents in the application form. Furthermore, you must submit a letter of motivation when applying for a Study Scholarship. In order to qualify for a Research Grant, you must submit a detailed proposal. Also, you may need to submit a letter of recommendation from a professor from the university where you earned your degree. Please make sure to check DAAD’s website for information that might have changed. How much is the DAAD scholarship stipend? Students enrolled in doctoral degree courses will receive 1,200 euros. The stipend for postgraduate students is 850 euros per month. DAAD scholarships also include free accommodation in university dorms. In addition, DAAD covers the health insurance of Postgraduate and Doctoral students. They might also get a travel grant. Basically, your monthly stipend covers your living expenses, health insurance, and some travel expenses. An additional benefit of DAAD scholarship is that you may also get the opportunity to take your spouse and children along with you if your course duration is more than 6 months. Unlike most universities in Germany, some might have a tuition fee. However, the DAAD scholarship does not cover tuition fees. While on your scholarship, if you wish to work part-time, you must first request approval from the DAAD. You should also get the consent of your supervisor or from the course coordinator. Make sure, however, that the part-time employment does not interfere with your scholarship. The income that exceeds € 450 gross per month will be deducted from the monthly stipend. Preparing the documents for your DAAD scholarship Apart from the duly filled online application form, your academic and work experience certificates, you also need a couple of additional documents to support a successful DAAD scholarship. How to prepare the letter of motivation for DAAD scholarship In less than three pages, explain why you want to study in Germany for personal and professional reasons. Additionally, it may include information about your academic background, skills and work experience (if any). Information about your degree, how many semesters you completed, your professional experience, your language skills, and any recognitions you have won. You may also include the reasons why you want to pursue the course you have chosen, the university you prefer, and your academic and personal expectations. How to prepare the testimonial for DAAD scholarship The letter of reference or testimony must be written by a professor in your university. It may include a professor's view about you as a scholar, your academic achievements, the significance of the scholarship for your career, etc. How to prepare the project proposal for DAAD scholarship Applicants should submit a detailed project proposal when applying for a Research Grant. Details about the project you will be working on should be included in the proposal. Your research field, your research in the past about the chosen topic, the theories, etc., and the reasons for using them. Additionally, if you anticipate any difficulties related to data collection or any obstacles you may come across during the execution of the research, etc. Basically, your detailed project proposal should include all the information you have currently available. Application Once you have the documentation ready, you may apply for the scholarship on the DAAD website. Both the quality of the project and the applicant's academic achievements determine whether you get the scholarship. Don't worry if you didn't pass the assessment. The application has no maximum limit. Improve your proposal, testimonial, and motivation letter, gain more experience, and reapply! The DAAD website has a very comprehensive FAQ section. Make sure to check it for more detailed and up-to-date infomration. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

In general, it takes at least eight years for a person to become eligible to apply for German citizenship. However, this can be shortened to as short as seven, six, or even three years in some cases. Among other countries in Europe, Germany has strict citizenship rules, which require expats to live in the country at least for eight years before being eligible to apply for its citizenship in a normal scenario. How do I become a German citizen? If a person has lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possesses the appropriate residence permit, they are eligible to apply for German citizenship. Applicants for naturalization must also declare their allegiance to the constitution of Germany and know the German language well. For integration into German society, German language knowledge is essential. A candidate for naturalization must understand the legal system, society and living conditions in the Federal Republic of Germany and be able to support themselves without social assistance, unless circumstances beyond their control prevent them. There should also be no serious criminal offenses on the candidate's record. Additionally, when you apply for German citizenship, you must renounce your previous citizenship. However, multiple nationalities may be considered in some cases and for certain groups of people. How to get German citizenship by derivative naturalization It is also possible to speed up your citizenship application by applying for derivative naturalization. This basically means that, in a registered relationship, someone who has not completed the required period of residence in Germany can still apply for citizenship at the same time as their other partner who has completed all citizenship requirements. Similarly, minors can apply with their parents at the same time. Read more about Derivative naturalization in the Federal Ministry of Interior and Community’s website Apply for German citizenship after seven years You have the possibility to apply for German citizenship after completing 7 years in Germany if you pass the German integration course. In this special integration course, you will gain a thorough understanding of German culture, laws, and everyday life. Moreover, you may be exempt from the integration course costs. To apply, you must write to your contact person at the Federal Office for Migrants and Refugees. Local integration course organizers can be found by searching for integration courses (available only in German). Alternatively, you can obtain their addresses from the Foreign Nationals Authority or a migrants' advice center. Otherwise, a 700-hour German integration course would cost €1,540, which is about 2.20 per teaching hour. Apply for German citizenship after six years The refugees and specially integrated are the two groups eligible for citizenship after six years. Asylum seekers, refugees, and stateless adults who have lived legally in Germany for at least six years, including the period of time they waited for a decision on their asylum application, are considered refugees. Additionally, this group of people benefits from the fact that Germany generally allows dual nationality. In the second category of applicants, those who can pass a B2 level of German language examination will generally be eligible to apply for citizenship after six years. Additionally, you can still try to apply for citizenship if you hold a master's degree or doctorate from a German university, complete a vocational training in the country or showcasing high professional or academic achievements even if you don’t have a B2 certification. Apply for German citizenship after three years You will be eligible to apply for German citizenship if you marry a German citizen. However, you must be in a registered partnership or have been married to a German citizen for at least two years when you file the application. Additionally, other citizenship requirements, such as proficiency in the German language and passing a citizenship test, also apply. Finally, the coalition government parties pledged in the election campaigns in 2021 that the residency requirements for citizenship would be reduced from eight to five years, and that the residency requirements for exceptionally integrated people would be reduced from six to three years. It's unclear when this legislation will become law, but it's considered a priority project by the Interior Ministry. Which means, as long as all other requirements are met, people with B2 German language skills may be eligible to apply for citizenship after just three years in the country.

The German government is considering introducing its own green card to address the shortage of skilled labor. The program aims to make finding work in Germany a lot easier for non-EU nationals. German officials are preparing to unveil their new immigration strategy in the autumn, and details of the policies it is likely to include are beginning to emerge. According to what we know so far, Besides making it easier to become a German citizen, the German government’s idea to introduce a new points-based immigration system would help migrants to come to Germany without a confirmed job offer. Germany's opportunity card requirements Labor Minister Hubertus Heil presented this week a new "opportunity card" that will allow foreign nationals to search for employment in Germany without a job offer, as long as they fulfill three of four requirements: A university degree or professional qualification Professional experience of at least three years Language skill or previous residence in Germany Aged under 35 There are similarities between the criteria used in Canadian points systems, but the weight system is more complex and includes limits and conditions. Depending on demand on the labor market, the German government will limit the number of cards issued each year. With the new opportunity card, the government will introduce its own version of America's "green card," which uses a points system to target immigration to the most in-need sectors. German opportunity cards vs. jobseeker's visas In order to get their visa accepted, most foreign workers need a job offer from a German company. It is possible to apply for a visa for jobseekers, but the process is often long and bureaucratic. Germany allows citizens of certain countries to enter without a visa for up to 90 days, but they can't enter into long-term employment agreements. Instead of having to apply from abroad, the Chancenkarte will make it easier for non-EU citizens to find work and get a residence permit in Germany. A workers' plight in Germany It is a daunting task for Germany to address its growing workforce shortage while also overhauling bureaucratic and paper-based systems that slow immigration processes. For instance, obtaining official recognition of foreign qualifications is difficult in Germany, which even discourages people from applying. 44 percent of businesses, according to a German Economic Institute report in June 2022, perceive worker shortages as a hindrance to growth. Since the survey began in 2011, this proportion has been the highest. Germany's most staff-short industries As shown in an IFO survey, the service sector has been hit hardest - particularly the hotel and event industries. In the next four sectors, we see warehousing and storage, service providers, and manufacturing, especially in food, data processing equipment, machinery, and metals. A shortage of staff is also being reported by many retail businesses, construction companies, and wholesalers. Skilled workers are in short supply in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries as well. A slight shortage is also seen in the automotive and mechanical engineering industries.

Whether you have to follow the end to end process towards the driving license exam or you just have to attend the practical exam, or even you just need to convert your driving license to a German one without doing any of these steps, it depends on your home country's bilateral agreement with Germany. If you already own a driver’s license from another country, check out how you can convert your driving license in Germany. Below we list down the process of applying for a driving license and the process of learning to drive in Germany for the first time. Register at a Fahrschule (driving school) The driving schools or Fahrschule conducts the theoretical and practical exams in Germany. Therefore, you must register at a driving school to take these tests even if you have enough driving experience. If you don't know how to drive, it is mandatory that you enroll in a driving school. You cannot be taught by a friend or family member. As it is regulated by law, a new driving student must attend a Sonderfahrten (special training) which consists of a minimum of 14 theory classes and 12 practical classes. All of these sessions must be completed before you can apply for a theory or practical exams. An experienced driver may not have to start from these steps. Even though you may have to attend a couple of practical sessions, a theory lesson in the classroom may not be mandatory for you. Which can save you a good amount of money as well as time! Therefore, please check with the Fahrschule if you need a classroom theory session or not. Experienced drivers Even though you may not have to attend the classroom theoretical sessions, you have to prepare for the theory exam. There are several apps out there in AppStore and PlayStore. Simply search for “fahren lernen” and you’ll get many suggestions. You need to have an account and an activation / license key to use most of the apps; which the Fahrschule will provide you with a fee. It usually costs around 60€ - 80€ for a three months license. You can always extend it with an additional fee. Eye test for the driver’s license You must pass an eye test for most of the categories of driving licenses. The test can be done at an eye specialist or even at an opticals. You need to tell them that the test is for a driving license application. The test costs around 10€ - 30€. However, this cost is usually covered by your health insurance if you submit the invoice. Erste Hilfe Kurs / First aid training All driving license applicants must complete an Erste Hilfe Kurs / First aid training before they can attend the theory exam. While ADAC and the German Red Cross are popular ones, there are many agencies out there conducting this course. It is usually a full day (7-8 hrs) course at a training center detailing how to handle an emergency when you are out there driving. It costs around 40€ - 50€. Even though the course is for the driver’s license applicants, anybody interested can join the course and we really recommend taking this course if you are not planning to get a driving license. Apply for a learner’s driving license Once you complete all of the above steps, it's time to apply for a learner’s driving license. Make an appointment at your respective driving license authority and submit your request in a prescribed form. You only need to do this if you don’t have a driving license neither German nor foreign issued. The learner’s driving license will cover you while you are taking your practical classes or learning to drive in general. Theorieprüfung or Theoretical exam As mentioned above, if you are a new driver, you need to complete 14 theoretical classroom sessions before you can apply for the theoretical exam. If you are an experienced driver, you must have completed all goals in the fahren lernen app and you have the green light in the app (you’ll get to know about it as soon as you register and open the app). When you feel ready, your driving school will book an exam appointment for you at the driving license authority. In Germany, Tüf conducts the tests in many cities. The theoretical exam can be attended in German, English as well as in French. There would be 30 multi choice questions, a total of 110 points. You need to score 100 points minimum. Or, you can only make 10 minus points. It could be one question of 10 points or two questions with 5 points or three questions with 3 points each. The test costs around 22,50€. The cost may vary depending on the city you are attending the exam. Praktische Prüfung or Practical test You can attend the practical exam or praktische Prüfung only when you pass the theory exam. The practical test is arranged by your driving school. You must attend the practical test within a year of passing the theory exam. During the test, your driving instructor takes the passenger seat beside you and the examiner gets into the back side of the car id you are applying for the category B driving license. For two wheeler exams, you have to ride the bike and the instructor and the examiner will follow you in a car. The instructions will be handed over to you though a wireless communication device fixed on your helmet. The exam is only conducted in German. Therefore, consider attending a German language training before the driving exam. Otherwise, make sure you learn the basic words from your instructure. The Fahrschule usually provides you with a list of potential questions which you can learn before the practical exam. During the exam, The examiner will ask you a couple of questions about the vehicle you are going to drive. Some examiners will not let you drive until you answer these basic questions correctly. Then you’ll be asked to drive in different real life scenarios including city traffic, 30 zone, autobahn, emergency braking, etc. After the test, the examiner will inform you about the result. If you pass, a document with the result will be handed over to you. Note that, this is not the diving license and you should not drive before you get the original driving license. You can then collect your driving license from the licensing authority. Nowadays, your driving license should already be printed and ready to collect on the same day. However, it may take upto four weeks before you can collect it depending on the rush. Important before you start driving with your new driver’s license: Even if you are an experienced driver who just converted your driving license to a German one, you have to undergo a probation period of 6 months. The person in the driving license authority will inform you about this while collecting your license. If you are a new driver, you are under probation for the first two years of passing the German driving license exam. Which means, if you commit any violations especially drunk and drive (even in small amounts) during this period you may lose your license.

German driving licenses are valid for 15 years if you are a new driver or an experienced driver converted to the German driving license. How to renew a driving license in Germany From the date of issue (section 14(10) in a driving license) a German driving license is valid for 15 years. If it's time to renew yours, simply make an appointment at your local driving license office before your existing driving license expires. It's better to start the processes 3 - 4 weeks earlier as it might be difficult to get an appointment at some offices. Documents required Current driving license One passport size photo (not older than 6 months) Costs Your renewed driving license costs around 24€ and should be ready to collect in three to four weeks. However, different driving license offices may have different timelines depending on the rush A driver's license issued by a foreign country cannot be renewed in Germany. If you have a foreign driving license, you will have to apply for a new German one. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com.

Being the strongest player in the European economy, Germany is one of the most preferred among people who wish to migrate abroad. Besides being the 4th largest economy in the world with a GDP of a whopping 4.22 trillion euros, there are many other reasons to choose Germany as your destination. Work - life balance in Germany In Germany, the average working hours are strictly regulated between a sweet spot of 36 and 40 hours per week. Daily working hours are limited to eight hours, and weekly working hours are limited to 48 hours with a lunch break ranging between 30 and 60 minutes. Generally, you are entitled for additional compensation or additional holidays if you work more than the regulated time. For instance, my company offers me 30 paid leaves per year. In 2022, I did carry forward 22 of my paid leaves from the previous year and still had around 45 days of paid time off in 2021 by utilizing the overtime benefit. Despite not being forced to work over hours, my company allowed me to enjoy the additional time I spent for them. Occupational opportunities for skilled workers in Germany There is no doubt that the German economy is doing well; however, it could be doing even better. According to the state development bank KfW's semi-annual 'skilled labor barometer' report, about one in two companies were hampered by the lack of skilled workers in 2022. In the manufacturing sector, skilled workers are in short supply at an all-time high. As of April 2020, there was a shortage of around 320,000 skilled workers, specialists, and academics in the fields of mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, and technology. You Need To Look In The Right Place For Jobs Among many job portals out there, LinkedIn, Indeed, Xing - known as Germany's LinkedIn, Make It In Germany, Munich Startup Jobs, Startuplist, Arbeitnow are few websites that can help you land the right job in Germany without having to know German. Furthermore, if you've already shortlisted a few companies where you'd like to work, check out their own career websites to find opportunities that may not be listed elsewhere. Allianz World Wide Careers, Microsoft Careers, Jobs at Brainlab, Zalando Careers are just a few. In addition, make sure your LInkedIn profile is up to date. On LinkedIn, recruiters contact potential candidates directly, and a lot of great companies post their jobs, so you can apply directly. Alternatively, if you wish to search for a job in Germany, you can apply for a German job seeker visa which is valid for up to six months and the possibility to convert to a residence permit. Get German permanent residency in 21 months You can apply for a German PR if you come to Germany with an unlimited job contract and have an EU Blue Card. Also, you must have made monthly contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund for at least 33 months while employed in a qualified job. Furthermore, you possess a basic understanding of the German language (A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)). By demonstrating German language proficiency at B1 level, the 33-month requirement can be shortened to 21 months. Free education in public universities in Germany In Germany, everyone can study tuition-free! No matter whether you are a German or a European citizen. Non-Europeans can also study in public universities in Germany without paying tuition fees. Almost every German public university offers tuition fee free programs. Which means, you have the opportunity to choose from over 1,000 study programmes at almost 300 public universities in Germany. Travel visa free in 40+ countries If you decide to move to Germany, you will have to obtain a Schengen visa. With a Schengen visa, you can travel between 26 Schengen member states without applying for separate visas. Additionally, the Schengen visa also allows foreigners to enter other countries outside of the European Union or the Schengen zone as long as they hold a valid multiple entry visa. A warm and friendly atmosphere Well, the outside world has mixed opinions about the friendliness of Germans. However from my experience, visiting Germany every year since 2012 and permanently living here since 2016, it is likely that when a German makes friends with you, they’ll become your true friend. Germans may be straight to face, reluctant to speak a foreign language and stick to the rules almost 100% almost every time, they are very friendly, keen and understanding people. You may find it hard to make a German friend. But, when you make a German friend, they’ll be your friend for life long. Finally, these are just 6 top reasons you should consider moving to Germany if you are planning to migrate abroad. However, there are many other benefits too such as child benefits, parental benefits, unemployment benefits, strong social security, etc.

So you've been dating a German or another expat in Germany for a while and finally want to get things on the paper. This guide will help you register your partnership as an expat in Germany. Germany places a high value on relationships and family. Expatriates may already have noticed the several laws, as well as the financial and mental support provided by the country’s social security system when it comes to family and children. Is it easy for expats to get married in Germany? In Germany, you must be at least 18 years old to get married. There are a few extra things to consider if you or your partner is not German. If you wish to give notice of your intention to marry, you must have lived in the town where you plan to get married for at least 21 days before visiting the town hall. It is usually not possible for foreigners who are on a visitor visa to get married in Germany. It is instead necessary for them to obtain a visa that is longer than 3 months. Normally, if you marry a German citizen, you will be able to acquire a residence permit - if you don't have one already. If you want to get married in Germany, make sure you start planning at least 18 months in advance. Documents required to register a marriage in Germany Generally you only need the following documents to register your marriage in Germany. However, please note that the registration office may ask you to present additional documentation if that's necessary. This is a case by case scenario. A valid passport Birth certificates Proof of continuous residence in Germany for at least 21 days (Meldebescheinigung) Ledigkeitsbescheinigung (Affidavit confirming that both parties are single) If applicable, birth certificates of the couple's children Application and questionnaire from the Standesamt Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) (Befreiung vom Ehefähigkeitszeugnis) A copy of a marriage certificate from a previous marriage Death certificate of the previous spouse (if applicable) Confirmation of name change (if applicable) Financial statement How much does it cost to get married in Germany? You need only calculate the fee for the registrar, the fee for the registration, and the fee for a translator if necessary if you are only registering the marriage in Germany. Though this would be different from state to state, you can expect anywhere between 50€ to 200€, When planning a wedding ceremony, the cost will depend on the style of the ceremony, the location, and the number of guests you invite. As we calculate from different forums on the internet, the cost can range from just a couple of thousand euros to more than a hundred thousand euros if you wish to go luxurious. Some couples choose to have their wedding day organized by a wedding planner. Although it may cost more, this will help you run things much smoother as an expat; especially if you don't understand the language. Anyway, a regular wedding in Germany commonly costs between €8000 and €20,000. Final thoughts In addition to the time it takes to get all these documents sorted, you will need to factor in a waiting time of anywhere from six months to a year and a half, depending on your personal case as well as the town you choose to register your marriage. It is more likely that the waiting period will be much lower in a smaller city, based on our friends' experience.

No Matter where you are, an emergency situation is never a cool thing to pass by. Thankfully, Germany has a great emergency service system you can rely on anytime. 112 & 110 These are the two emergency numbers you need to remember always. Just like many European countries, dial in 112 if you want to connect to the Fire Brigade and Ambulance services. Remember, 112 is the Single European union emergency number. You can dial this number anywhere within the European Union if you are in a medical emergency and need an ambulance or fire brigade. Polizei (Police) in Germany Police in Germany will help you with many services. Enforcement of law being their main objective, they also protect the German border, investigation on cases, and a number of other services too. You can always reach out to police on 110 while in Germany unless it is not an emergency. Instructions: Dial the number and wait until an operator picks up the call. Usually the call will be answered within 3 - 5 rings Explain the incident You need to tell them your location and how they can reach you If possible, keep your phone not busy after ending the call, as they might have to call you back. Bonus; set up the emergency number on your phone. Therefore, if you are not in a position to dial the number, you can press the power button rapidly 5 times and a call will be placed to the emergency number. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

As you may already know, Germany is part of the Schengen area and therefore, Germany also offers a Schengen visa. The type of visa you get depends on the purpose of your visit. You can get a Schengen visa for both short term and long term stays. For the citizen’s of most countries, a visa is mandatory to enter Germany / Schengen area regardless of whether you’re planning a short term or long term trip. Citizens of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Liechtenstein do not need a visa to enter Germany. They can visit Germany for any duration of stay and any types of purpose such as visit, work or study. Exemption As per the Overview of visa requirements or visa waivers when entering the Federal Republic of Germany, the European Community has regulated the requirements for foreign nationals when entering Germany. You can enter Germany without a visa and stay up to 90 days within a 180 days period. You need a visa prior to arrival if you plan to stay more than 90 days and a residence permit once you enter the country. Visa requirements and longer stays If your country is not listed as exempted, you need to apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to Germany. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days even if your country is exempted from the visa requirements you need to apply for a long stay Schengen visa in your home country before you can travel to Germany. However, the nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and the United States of America can still enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a residence permit from their local foreign office in Germany. Citizens of all other countries who plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days must apply for a long term visa in their home country or country where they reside before traveling to Germany. Schengen area and types of visa List of countries which are part of the Schengen area The Schengen area is an area made up of 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passports and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy List of Countries participating in the Schengen Area Schengen visa types Schengen visa If your country of nationality doesn’t have the visa exemption, you need to apply for a short term Schengen visa (category C). This visa will be valid for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days in the entire Schengen area including Germany. Entry types The entry to the Schengen area on a Schengen visa is regulated by the number of entries one can make. There’s a specific place in the visa application form to mention the number of entries you want. The cost of the application may slightly vary for double or multi entry visas. You may enter a Schengen area once, two times or multiple times depending on the number of entries marked in the visa you received. If you have a single entry visa, use it for one continuous 90 days of stay. If the number of entries column is marked as 02, you can enter the Schengen area two times but not exceeding 90 days of stay from the first arrival and within 180 days time period. Eg: you can enter the Schengen area on 01-01-2022 and leave on 15-02-2022. Then you may come back on 15-05-2022 and leave on or before 30-06-2022. The multi entry visa holders may enter the area as many times as they want within the 90 days period. If you complete your stay for the whole 90 days in a Schengen country or anywhere in the Schengen area, you have to exit the Schengen area for another 90 days before you can apply for another Schengen visa. 2. German national visa If your home country is not exempted from having a visa to enter Germany / the Schengen areas and you need to stay in a Schengen area longer than 90 days you need to apply for a category D national visa before you can travel. The national visa requires you to apply for a residence permit after entering the country. You have to convert to a residence permit within three months of arriving in Germany. Read more about applying for a residence permit in Germany here. You may apply for the German national visa not only to take up a job in Germany but also to join your spouse or family member, for academic purposes, to seek a job, participate in a training, to start a business or to seek asylum. Remember that you can only convert specific types of national visas to the same types of residence permit. Such as a work visa can only be converted to a work residence permit. If you have a student residence permit, you have the opportunity to apply for a different type of residence permit (e.g. a working residence permit) once you complete your studies. 3. Airport transit visa An airport transit visa is required if you stopover in an airport in Germany and take a flight to your final destination which is outside the Schengen area. Note that the airport transit visa does not allow you to leave the airport. If you need to exit the airport and continue your travel by another means of transport, you need a Schengen visa. How to apply for a German visa You must apply for a visa before you travel to Germany if your home country is not exempted from visa requirements. While for short term as well as long term visas, you have to apply at the German consulate or embassy in your home country, you can also contact agencies such as VFS Global to apply for a short term visa. You can also reach out to a German mission in a country near to you if there is no German mission in your home country. Find a list of German consulates / embassies here. Prepare the documents required Documents required to apply for a German visa Valid passport. Photo (2 nos) as per Schengen visa measurements Application form, fully filled and signed in the designated places. Proof of accommodation covering the entire stay. Travel insurance that covers medical purposes as well. Additional documents Itinerary - short term visas. Proof of financial situation (bank statements, pay slip, proof of financial support (eg: a signed declaration from the person is sponsoring your trip, etc) - short term visa. Document detailing the purpose of travel, (eg: an employment contract, letter of admission in case traveling for academic purpose, etc). Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (if traveling for employment). Proof of financial independence (if applicable) Proof of financial independence If you are applying for a long term visa and you don't plan to earn an income by working in Germany, you need to prove that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your stay. The most common method to prove this is to open a blocked bank account in advance to your visa interview appointment. This special type of bank account requires the account holder to deposit a predefined amount to the bank account, which can be withdrawn in small monthly amounts after the approval of the visa. 2. Schedule an appointment at the consulate / agency You need to schedule an appointment and visit the agency (eg : VFS Global) for a short term visa interview. They will clarify the questions if any and take your biometric details such as thumb impression, etc. You need to make an appointment at your local German mission for a long term visa. You must bring all the required supporting documents along to this appointment. The person at the consulate will ask you questions if required and get your biometric details. German visa application fees Below you may find the fees for each visa types Please check the official German visa information for the current information. There are certain nationalities where a fee waiver is applicable. Please see this detailed documentation on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. German visa processing time The average processing time for a short term Schengen visa is around two weeks. A long term visa may require more time from weeks to months sometimes. You should also expect a longer waiting period during the holiday season. German visa application rejected If your visa application is rejected, you will get notified by your consulate / embassy / agency in the case of a short term Schengen visa about the rejection. You will get one month to appeal the decision by writing to the German mission. Your application will then be reconsidered and a new decision will be made. If the authority still finds that you do not meet the conditions for granting a visa, they will inform you in writing. If you still want to appeal the decision, you may approach the administrative court in Berlin within a month period. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

When you complete a certain amount of time living in Germany on a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), you’d become eligible for a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) which gets you the right to remain in Germany permanently. Permanent residence permit and Permanent settlement permit Germany offers two types of residence permits; permanent residence permit and permanent settlement permit The Permanent settlement permit lets you reside in Germany for an indefinite amount of time. You’ll also be removed from any obligations to be bound to a specific job. While the permanent settlement permit is available to the ones who have been living in Germany for five years on a temporary residence permit and also comply with other requirements, people who fall into certain categories may obtain a permanent settlement permit earlier. The requirements for a Permanent residence permit are similar to the requirement for a permanent settlement permit. However, the holders of a permanent residence permit get the freedom of movement and the right to temporarily reside within any European Union member states. Requirements for a permanent residence permit In order for you to apply for a permanent residency in Germany, you need to qualify the below conditions. You have been living in Germany for five years with a residence permit You have a valid residence permit that has not been issued for a temporary purpose (such as study or training). You have a secured livelihood. You have sufficient health insurance. You have a sufficient pension (at least 60 months of compulsory contributions or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance or comparable benefits). You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family members. You have sufficient knowledge of German language and basic knowledge of the legal and social order in Germany. You have no criminal record. You have a chance to get the permanent settlement permit earlier if you fall into any of the below categories If you hold an EU Blue Card If you have a Blue Card issued by an EU member state and you comply with all the points in the Requirements section above, you can apply for a permanent settlement permit after 33 months residing in Germany. Provided, you should have been employed and contributed to the statutory pension scheme for the duration. You can apply of the permanent settlement permit in 21 months if you have a B1 certification If you are a highly skilled professional If you are a scientist or a professor in a notable position, or if you are a researcher with special expertises you are considered as a highly skilled professional and you may get a permanent settlement permit immediately if you fulfil the points in the Requirements section above. Although, you may require an approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). If you are self employed If you are an entrepreneur or self employed in Germany, you are eligible to apply for a permanent settlement permit after 36 months. If you have a valid residence permit for self employment and successfully set up your business; and if you can prove that you have the necessary financial stability to support yourself, you may approach your local citizen’s office to process your application. If you are a graduates of a German university If you graduated from a German university and your job is related to your graduation stream, you may apply for a permanent settlement permit after 24 months. You also need to prove that you’ve contributed to a statutory pension scheme continuously for 24 months in addition to the qualifications in the Requirements section above. If you hold a residence permit for studying, you are not eligible to apply for a permanent settlement permit until you complete your studies. You may apply for a work permit before you can apply for the permanent residency. Documents required to apply for a German permanent residency Apart from the documents mentioned below, your situation at the time of the application determines the additional documents required to support your application. Generally, you’d require Fully completed application for a settlement permit Valid passport or passport replacement Current biometric passport photo (photo booths can be found in the Foreigners' Registration Office) Proof of health insurance Proof of secure livelihood and housing: In the case of a family partnership in a marriage or registered civil partnership, proof of subsistence and retirement provision can also be provided by the spouse or life partner. Proof of benefits such as parental allowance, child benefit, child supplement, childcare allowance and maintenance can also be attached. Proof of sufficient pension provision: Waiting time information from the German Pension Insurance (Information on waiting time can be obtained from the municipal Insurance office in the district administration department). If the Proof of sufficient pension provision is not available, the proof of entitlement to comparable benefits from an insurance or pension institution or an insurance undertaking is enough. Proof of sufficient living space: Registration document (Meldebescheinigung) For rental apartments: Rental agreement with indication of the apartment size in square meters and bank statements showcasing the transfer of the rent Proof of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) In the case of condominiums: Purchase contract with indication of the apartment size in square meters and, if necessary, proof of the installment payments for loans and the monthly housing benefit / house money. Proof of sufficient German knowledge and basic awareness of the legal and social order in Germany (either of the below): Proof of successful participation in an integration course Certificate of a German school, training or university degree Certificate of German language skills of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for languages at least at level B1 Or other proof of language proficiency Additional documents : Employees Pay slips (certificates of earnings of the last three months) Confirmation of the employment relationship For self employed / freelancers Proof of profit after tax (last income tax assessment, current profit and loss account of the tax consultant) Business registration (if required by trade law) Certificate from the tax office (information in tax matters) In individual cases, additional documents may be requested by the authority How to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany You need an appointment at your local foreigners’ office to submit your application for permanent settlement permit. It may not be possible to schedule an appointment at some offices in advance. Therefore, please check with your ausländerbehörde in advance. During the appointment, an official will verify your application form and supporting documents. As long as you meet the requirements, your application is usually successful and you get your new permanent residence card by post. Your settlement permit is still valid even if your previous passport has expired and you have already received a new passport. In case your application is not successful, you will get a notification by post and you’d be given a chance to lodge an appeal. Please note that your permanent settlement permit may expire If you leave Germany for a consecutive period of more than six months. If you have an EU permanent residence permit, it may expire after 1 year of stay outside the EU. How much does it cost to apply for a permanent residence in Germany? The cost depends on different aspects such as location, your professional and personal circumstances, etc. However, it generally costs around 113€. For Turkish nationals it may cost around 37 € (from 24 years) or 22.80 euros (up to 24 years) On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

As soon as you get your German citizenship, you can apply for a German passport (deutscher Reisepass). You’d require a passport to travel outside of the EU Being one of the strongest passports in the world, you’d be able to travel up to 170 countries without having a visa prior to your travel if you have a German passport. How do I apply for a German passport You need to make an appointment at the Bürgeramt (Local citizen’s office) where you are registered. Please note that you have to be present at the appointment in person and nobody else can apply on your behalf. You may also apply at the local citizens’ offices in other municipalities. However, additional fees may be charged. Documents required for a German passport application When you make the appointment, you need to bring the below mentioned supporting documents along with you. Documents to prove your German nationality as well as your identity. (it could be your old passport or any type of photo ID card) Two identical biometric recent passport photos with respect to the guidelines issued by the Federal government. Your German naturalisation certificate, (optional). Completed application form Other supporting documents if required Biometric details such as the fingerprints of your left index fingers will be collected at the time of your appointment. German passport application cost The cost depends on the location you apply for, urgency, your age, pages required, etc. Information as per the German mission in the USA The German passport of an adult is valid for up to 10 years. The passports of people under 24 years old are valid for six years. The child passport (Kinderpass) is also valid for six years or until the child reaches 12 years of age. Processing time for a German passport application In general a German passport application could take from three to six weeks. Once ready, you’ll get a notification and then you can pick it up from your local citizens' office. You may also authorize someone else to collect it on behalf of you. However, you need to provide a signed authorization letter to the person representing you. You can also speed up the process if you need the passport quicker. Upon paying additional fees, you might be able to pick up your passport within three working days. However, this depends on the rush in the office. How to renew a German passport? The renewal procedure is the same as applying for a new passport. However, you need to surrender your expired passport along with the other documents required for a new passport. However, you may be allowed to keep your old passport (only if it is still valid) if you have to travel while your renewal application is being processed. How do I apply for a German passport from abroad A German citizen living abroad may renew / apply for a new German passport at the German mission in the country of residence. You have to visit the German mission abroad in person after making an appointment in advance. You have to bring a completed and duly signed passport application form as well as other supporting documents. It may take around four to six weeks to process your application abroad. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

Living in Germany for a certain period of time may grant you the opportunity to apply for German citizenship upon fulfilling additional criteria. There are a couple of ways you can acquire your German citizenship. However, we discuss only the options that are relevant to an expat living in Germany on a residence permit for a long period. If you plan to apply for German citizenship, you need to meet and follow a few strict requirements and guidelines. Rights I get through German citizenship German citizenship comes with many rights including but not limited to The right to participate and vote in the national as well as state elections. The ability to enter and leave the country freely. The right to apply for a German passport. The right to be a civil servant. Additionally, you will automatically get European Union citizenship with the right to freedom of movement. German citizenship by naturalisation Although it involves undergoing several processes and longer waiting periods, expats who wish to obtain German citizenship usually choose this option as it is more meaningful and approachable to them. Requirements to obtain German citizenship by naturalisation To be eligible for naturalization, a person has to have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possess the appropriate residence permit. Foreigners who have successfully completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization after seven years. Even if you do not fulfill any of the requirements mentioned below, you may still apply for a Discretionary naturalisation (including renaturalisation of former German citizens). However, the final decision is taken by your local authorities. In general, consider yourself eligible if you satisfy below listed criteria. The local authority will let you know if additional requirements have to be met according to your particular situation. You can or are willing to give away your previous citizenship (s) You should have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possess the appropriate residence permit. You can financially support yourself as well as your dependents without the supporting benefits from the federal government (unemployment benefits, child benefits or Housing benefit, etc) You’ve successfully passed the German naturalisation test. You do not have a criminal record or you are not an extremist. You have sufficient German language skills (B1 level) Even though it is required to complete eight years to apply for the citizenship, it is not required if you have a local like German proficiency with more than six years living in Germany OR if you are married to a German citizen (by birth or by naturalization) for more than two years and you are living in Germany for more than three years, OR if you live in Germany for more than seven years and you’ve done a German integration course in a Volkshochschule. Documents required for German citizenship application While each person’s individual situation demands additional documents to support their German citizenship application, below listed are the generally applicable documents. Current passport Proof of financial stability (your salary slip,investment statement,bank statement,etc) Birth certificate Marriage / partner registration certificate (if applicable) German language proficiency certificate Naturalisation test certificate How to apply for German citizenship? Once you find out that you satisfy all the mandatory criteria and you have all the documents, you need to contact your Ausländerbehörde (Local Foreigners’ Office) or the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt). Which authority in Germany is responsible to process your application depends on which Land (federal state) you reside. Therefore, it is best to ask your municipal or district authorities or foreigners authority to make sure that you are applying to the right body. The citizenship authority responsible for people who do not have their habitual abode in Germany is the Federal Office of Administration, a subordinate agency of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (www.bva.bund.de). If this applies to you, please seek initial advice from the German Embassy or Consulate-General responsible for your place of residence. Numerous German missions abroad have information about citizenship issues on their websites. The citizenship authority which is responsible for you will then invite you for an initial sitting and provide you with all the necessary information and forms. Then you can follow the guidelines, fill the forms and finally submit your application. You can request for your children under the age of 18 years to be naturalised along with you to get German nationality for them too. German citizenship application cost The fee for regular or discretionary naturalization is €255. A reduced fee of €51 applies for each dependent minor child naturalized along with a parent. Fees may be reduced or waived completely in certain cases depending on each individual’s situation. How long does it take to process the German citizenship application? Depending on the federal state where you’ve applied, your application can take from a couple of weeks to months to get a decision on your application. Decision on German citizenship application If your citizenship application is successful, you will get a notification by post with in few weeks of your application. You must follow a guideline and finally attend a citizenship awarding ceremony to complete the process. Your letter will contain instructions on how to complete this process. You swear an oath of faithfulness to Germany’s custom and laws in the event. What to do if my German citizenship application is rejected? If your application was unsuccessful, you will receive notification by post detailing the reasons behind the rejection. You can speak to your citizenship authority or local foreigner’s office to see if you can go for an appeal. In that case, you may have to contact a lawyer to help you file the appeal. Please check the benefits of having legal insurance in Germany. Retention of your old citizenship Upon receiving German citizenship, you may have to surrender your passport and citizenship from your home country. However, you can still keep your previous citizenship if You are a European Union or Swiss national. If you get the permission from the German officials to keep your previous citizenship under special cases.. Your country doesn’t allow you to surrender your citizenship due to a special reason. There could be other reasons that can prevent you from surrendering your previous citizenship. Please check with your foreign ministry office if you can still keep your citizenship. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

People who live and work in Germany contribute to the German Sozialversicherungssystem or social security. This is a collectively-financed system and it is designed to protect the livelihood of the people who need additional support. The system is mainly designed to support people with low income with various allowances and benefits to overcome their struggle in maintaining their livelihood although most of the unforeseen events in life are covered by the insurance. Social security ID (Sozialversicherungsausweis) Once you start making contributions to a statutory insurance scheme, you will get a social security ID (Sozialversicherungsausweis) to prove that you are a contributor to the system. The Social security ID is necessary to start a new job, claim benefits, or to start drawing pension. Benefits from German social security The German social security system facilitates various benefits and allowances as well as statutory health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, etc. The benefits are available to anyone who are in need to cover their basic subsistence costs such as rent and raising children: Maternity benefit (Mutterschaftsgeld) You are entitled to maternity benefit for six weeks before and at least eight weeks after the delivery if you are a member of a statutory health insurance scheme. You may claim benefits from the Federal Insurance Office if you are not covered by a statutory insurance scheme. Parental allowance Elterngeld or parental allowance is provided to both father and mother to support them during the first months of the delivery. The benefit covers the loss of income and helps both the parents to spend time with their new baby. Child benefits Child benefits or kindergeld supports parents for raising their children and providing them with basic things like food, clothing, education, etc. Child benefit is available to almost all parents in Germany. Child sickness benefit (Kinderkrankengeld) If your child is sick, you are entitled to take time off from work to take care of the child. While some employers pay your salary during this period, the public health insurance provider will support you otherwise. The Kinderkrankengeld also reimburses the loss of earnings partially. Sickness benefit (Krankengeld) You are automatically qualified for sickness benefit if you contribute to a statutory health insurance scheme. If you are unable to work due to illness, you will be covered for up to 78 weeks, either by your employer or by your health insurance provider. Housing benefit (Wohngeld) German social security provides housing benefits to those who have lower incomes to ensure everybody has adequate, family-friendly housing. You may apply for the housing benefit if you need support for rent (Mietzuschuss), or mortgage and home support (Lastenzuschuss), if you own a house. German statutory insurance system You are obliged to contribute to social security if you are employed in Germany. However, the contribution is split evenly between the employer and the employee. The average total social security contribution is around 20 - 22% of your salary. The monthly deducted social security contribution cover the following aspects: Statutory Health Insurance Unless you are self-employed or your annual income is more than 64000€, almost everyone is required to contribute to statutory health insurance. You can also choose to get private health insurance or voluntarily contribute to statutory health insurance if you are self-employed or your annual income is more than 64000€. Pension insurance (Rentenversicherung) You are obliged to participate in a pension insurance scheme if you work in Germany. Over time, your contributions build up to provide you with a basic provision for your retirement. However, you have a chance to choose whether to opt into the statutory pension insurance scheme or start a private pension plan if you are self-employed. Unemployment insurance (Arbeitlosenversicherung) Employees in Germany are required to contribute to arbeitlosenversicherung unemployment insurance. These contributions are used to provide unemployment benefits to anyone who is out of work. Occupational accident insurance (Unfallversicherung) Occupational accident insurance offers protection and assistance in the event of accidents or job-related illnesses happening at your workplace. If you are employed or in occupational training, you are automatically covered, no matter how much you earn. The insurance scheme also covers school-age children and students. If you are self-employed or run your own business, you can get voluntary insurance for yourself On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

Soon after your delivery in Germany, you may be eligible to receive Elterngeld - a social benefit provided from the German social security system. Parental benefit is given to all new parents to manage the loss of earnings caused by the time off work due to the birth of your child. Parental allowance provides support for parents who work less or not at all after the childbirth to take care of the child. Parental allowance is available to each parent. While receiving parental allowance, you may work up to 30 hours per week. However, It is also possible to not work at all. Which means, you don’t have to interrupt your higher education or vocational training in order to receive parental allowance. Eligibility To become eligible for receiving parental allowance, You look after the child from his / her birth by yourself. You may work only up to 30 hours per week during the period you receive the allowance. You and your child must be living together in the same house. You must hold a permanent residence permit, or a work permit. You and your partner’s (if applicable) combined annual income must not exceed €500.000. You may also claim parental allowance if you look after a child from birth, even if it is not your own child, OR if you adopt a child aged up to eight years. Types of parental allowances There are three kinds of parental allowance: basic parental allowance, parental allowance plus, and the partnership bonus. You receive basic parental allowance for at least two months and up to your child's first birthday. If you both draw parental allowance, you can receive it for 14 months in total. You are free to divide up these months between the father and the mother / partners. You can draw basic parental allowance together, consecutively or alternately. Single parents are also entitled to the additional two months. Basic parental allowance ranges from 300 to 1800 euros per month, depending on your income prior to the birth of your child. As a rule, it amounts to 65 percent of your net income. Parents with a low income receive up to 100 percent of their net income. If you are working part-time while drawing parental allowance, this has an impact on the level of your parental allowance. Your income after your child's birth is taken into account. If you had no income before the birth, you can receive a minimum amount. If you have other small children or the newborns are twins, you may receive higher amounts. Use the parental allowance calculator to calculate how much exactly you can get. Parental allowance Plus You can extend the period of receiving the allowance with the parental allowance plus. Parental allowance plus is provided for twice as long as the duration of basic parental allowance. If you do not work after the birth, parental allowance plus amounts to half as much as basic parental allowance. If you work part-time after the birth, parental allowance plus may amount to the same as basic parental allowance in combination with part-time work. Parental allowance plus may be especially worthwhile then because it is the same or almost the same amount but can be drawn for twice as long as basic parental allowance. Parental allowance plus amounts to between 150 and 900 euros per month. You may combine both basic parental allowance and parental allowance plus to better use the benefits. Partnership Bonus Parents who share the responsibilities of the family and career evenly may receive the partnership bonus. It amounts to four additional months of parental allowance plus, which you receive if you both work part-time at the same time. If you are a single parent, it is enough if you alone fulfil the prerequisites. Single parents can claim the bonus by working for 25 - 30 hours per week for four months. How to apply for parental allowance? You can fill out and submit your parental allowance application online if you live in Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein or Thuringia with ElterngeldDigital. After the calculation, your data may be transferred from the parental allowance calculator to ElterngeldDigital. Which rules out the inconvenience of entering your details twice. The expansion of ElterngeldDigital to other federal states is in the planning phase. You may find the application forms for the other federal states here. You must submit your application to your parental allowance office in person or by post. Documents required to apply for the parental allowance Birth certificate of the child Copy of your passport Proof of income (employment contract, bank account statement, etc) It takes around four weeks to process your application and receive a decision in the post once you submit the application. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

Munich offers special payments for students who start school for the first time or change from a primary school to a secondary school. In addition to the statutory flat rate for school supplies, Munich city council provides a voluntary special payment. Students attending their first school in Munich or going to a secondary school (middle school, junior high school, grammar school, comprehensive school) can receive this service. In order to qualify, applicants must already receive benefits from SGB II, SGB XII, or Asylum Seekers Benefit Act (AsylbLG). Documents required A confirmation from the school that the child will be attending school for the first time or transferring to a secondary school. An information letter or current decision from the Munich job center if you draw the unemployment benefit II. There are no application fees for this program. How does the special payment work? Students are eligible for a payment of 103€ for the statutory school supplies at the beginning of the school year. A payment of 51.50€ will be made in the second half of the school year. Additionally, the City of Munich offers a school start fee as a voluntary benefit to students who start school. It is intended for many purchases such as stationery, paint boxes, workbooks, etc. Who receives the special payment? Those who are entitled to subsistence benefits under SGB II, SGB XII or the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG), who attend school for the first time in Munich or switch to secondary school (middle school, junior high school, grammar school or comprehensive school) receive the special payment. How do you get the special payment? When the special payment is requested, you will receive it in cash at the checkout counter of your responsible social community center. A transfer to your account is also possible if you request. Applications can be submitted until October 31st of the current year. Please contact your local social center to begin the application process. Make sure to carry all the required documents with you when you get there. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

Families with low incomes and single parents are supported by the child supplement program. You can submit the application online. Working parents who earn just enough to meet their family's needs may benefit from the child allowance as an additional support. Since July 1, 2022, the child supplement has been raised up to 229€ per month, which covers a child's needs in conjunction with the child benefit. Those who receive the child supplement are also entitled to benefits for education and participation and can be exempted from day-care center fees. How do I apply for a child allowance? If you meet the following requirements, you can receive the child supplement for each unmarried child up to the age of 25: Your child lives in your household and receives child benefits. Your income must not exceed a certain minimum limit. For couples, the minimum income limit is EUR 900 gross, and for single parents, it is EUR 600 gross. In addition to the child allowance, the child benefit, and any housing benefit you are entitled to, you can provide enough income to support your family. Your income, along with the child allowance, is not so high that the child allowance is reduced to zero. You can also receive the child allowance if your income from work, the child allowance and the housing benefit is no more than 100 euros below the SGB II entitlement. You can submit the online application on the website of the Family Benefits Office. You can use the KiZ-Lotsen of the Familienkasse to check whether you are eligible for a claim. If you have questions about the child supplement, your local family benefits office will help you. How does the education and participation package work? Anyone who receives child supplement or housing benefit is also entitled to benefits for education and participation. The education and participation package consists of cash and non-cash benefits. Providing benefits in kind ensures that these benefits also reach children and young people as individual support. Education and participation benefits include: One-day excursions from school, Kita or day care, Multi-day class trips from school, Kita or day care, 156 euros for the provision of school supplies per school year, Assumption of costs for public transport tickets for school children - even if the tickets can be used for other journeys, Assumption of costs for appropriate learning support for school children - regardless of an immediate risk of being promoted, Free communal lunches in schools, daycare centers, or after-school care centers, 15 euros per month for social and cultural activities like sports clubs and music schools. Many cities or municipalities also offer vouchers or special discounts. An overview from the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs shows which contact points can be used to apply for benefits for education and participation. Checkout the official website of Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend here for more info. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

For you to be able to work in Germany, your degree or professional certificate may need to be recognized according to the German system. Anerkennung in Deutschland or simply Recognition in Germany is the central information portal of the Federal Government for recognizing foreign professional qualifications in Germany. At both the federal and state levels, the portal implements the legal regulations on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). What is it like to work in Germany? Do you want to work in Germany in the field in which you earned a professional qualification in your home country? There is no need to have a confirmed job offer before applying for recognition. This is also possible from abroad. Find out more about working in Germany at Expatova Recognizing your professional qualifications Obtaining information about reference occupations and receiving advice Find your profession in the Recognition Finder: www.recognition-in-germany.de/finder (the site is availalbe both in German and English). On this page, you will find information about different German professions, and you can select the reference occupation that is relevant to you and figure out whether recognition is needed for you. There are several factors to consider, including your profession and your country of origin. When looking for a job, recognition is always helpful. You can find contact information for a recognition advisory center and the authority responsible for processing your application through the Recognition Finder. Even though the competent authority communicates only in German, the advisory centers often offer guidance in a variety of languages. It's a good idea to seek advice before submitting an application for recognition. Guidance is also available if you are unable to locate your profession in the Recognition Finder. In addition, you will receive information about financial support. The application process In order to apply, you must hold a professional qualification such as completion of vocational education and training or completion of a degree. Application for recognition must be submitted to the competent authority that is responsible for you. Information regarding the necessary documents is provided by the recognition finder. The cost of obtaining recognition varies depending on the profession and the federal state. The cost of recognition generally ranges from 200 to 600 euros. However, a detailed estimate of the costs will be provided to you by the competent authority. Evaluation of the application Upon receipt of your application, the competent authority processes it. Approximately one month after the application is submitted, you will be notified. Depending on the situation, this may indicate that the competent authority has received all the documents or that additional documents need to be submitted. A comparison is made between your professional qualification and that of the German reference occupation by the competent authority. During this process, your professional experience and other qualifications are taken into consideration. Receipt of your recognition notice It usually takes three to four months for the recognition process to be completed. Following this, you will receive your recognition notice. The full recognition of your qualification means that it is fully equivalent to the German qualification. Recognized partially or not recognized at all? It is possible that your notice indicates that there has been no recognition or partial recognition on your application. However, you may also be able to work without full recognition depending on your profession. You may also be able to complete additional training in Germany in many cases. You will receive advice from the competent authority regarding your options. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

Despite Germany having a very stable healthcare system, nursing professionals remain in high demand and their contribution is more vital than ever. In order to meet the increasing demand in the healthcare and nursing professions, hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities are searching for nursing personnels with different levels of qualifications and experience. According to forecasts, this demand will rise in the near future. What are the requirements to become a nurse in Germany? Nurses who wish to work in Germany require official authorisation to practise the profession in the country. In order to work in the nursing profession in Germany, you must meet the following requirements. Qualification to become a nurse in Germany To become a nurse in Germany, your nationality does not matter. However, your degree or diploma needs to be recognized in Germany in order to determine whether it meets German standards. If your certificate is not recognized, you may take an assessment test or undergo an adaptation period to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge. A professional recognition application can be submitted to the competent authority in the state where you intend to work. Professional recognition obtained in Germany is valid throughout the country. German language skills to become a nurse in Germany As a medical professional, you need strong and in-depth knowledge of the German language, as you will be working closely with patients. Depending on where you intend to work, you will need a level equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) B2 or B1. It is, however, not too difficult to learn German these days. You can find many courses online or you can even come to Germany for a short period to learn the language if you find that practical. This will help you get a first impression about the culture, the people and the system. Furthermore, you can also make connections in Germany that will help you land a job in the future. Physical and mental fitness to become a nurse in Germany A German doctor must certify that you are physically and mentally fit before you can be hired as a nurse. Furthermore, you will have to prove that you don't have a criminal record. It may be sufficient to provide a certificate of good conduct from your country of origin or a German certificate of conduct (Führungszeugnis). How to become a Nurse in Germany There are three options to become a nurse in Germany. Study nursing in Germany in a German university Vocational nursing training and apprenticeship in Germany Migrate to Germany as a professional nurse Study nursing in a German university This is probably the most expensive way to become a nurse in Germany. However, the chances of getting hired in a German hospital or other care facilities are much higher than the other two options. It is the same process as coming to Germany to study any other courses. As soon as you’ve completed your higher secondary school, you can explore the nursing courses in Germany and start applying. In addition, you may be able to get scholarships that cover your entire stay in Germany, including your flight tickets, accommodation, and health insurance. Therefore, don’t forget to explore how to get a scholarship in Germany. Nurse apprenticeship in Germany You have completed your higher secondary and are currently pursuing a degree in another field, or you have already completed your degree in another stream, but you still wish to become a nurse in Germany, you may be able to do that by applying for a nurse apprenticeship. A positive about this program is that you will be paid during the training, so that you can live comfortably in Germany until you begin receiving your regular salary. However, there may be limited apprenticeship vacancies and a high number of applicants. Therefore, you should demonstrate your skills clearly, noticeably, and understandably. Where to find Nurse apprenticeship openings in Germany If you Google Nurse apprenticeship in Germany or ‘Ausbildung zur Krankenschwester in Deutschland’, among the genuine recruiters, you will see millions of websites with advertisements and most of them only waste your time, steal your money or sometimes even endanger you. Therefore, always be careful when planning your career. We suggest you shortlist the cities or towns you want to work and live in Germany. Once you have a final list, start searching for the hospitals and medical universities around there. Frequently check their web pages and follow them on LinkedIn, Indeed, Xing, etc and apply for the apprenticeship as soon as you see an opening. This way, you can avoid middlemen, save some money on commissions, and take advantage of being an early bird. Migrate to Germany as a professional nurse Applicants from EU member states may directly apply for relevant positions in German hospitals, clinics, etc. Many of these institutions offer nurse training programs to help you onboard. Additionally, applicants from any EU country can start an apprenticeship as a nurse in Germany. If you are interested in one of these options please apply directly. However, you need to demonstrate German language skills at least on B1 level. How to get a job in Germany as a nurse? If you already have finished your diploma or degree in Nursing in your home country and you have practical working experience, there might be an option to start as a nurse or nursing helper in Germany. However, your foreign degree must be recognized in Germany. Please note that despite your experience, you must have German language skills of level B1 or B2 in order to work as a nurse in Germany. To start with you need to translate your degree certificates and your experience certificates to German. You can find translation services in your home country which might be cheaper. However, make sure that they are certified translators for official purposes. Alternatively, here’s a list of translation services listed in muenchen.de, an official website of the city of Munich. Once the certificates and documents are translated, you need to send them to the competent authority in the province of your choice by post. Please note that you only need to send the certified copies of Originals. Recognition procedure as General nurse in Germany To understand the procedure easily, the information portal of the German government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research has prepared a very detailed documentation in English. As soon as your professional qualification is recognized in Germany, you can start applying to hospitals, medical universities, care homes, or basically any medical organization that requires your qualifications. It is also worth noting that there’s no age limit to migrate to Germany as a nurse. As long as you fulfill the criteria of academic comparability, work experience and language skills, you can always give it a try. How to find Nurse vacancies in Germany? As mentioned earlier the easiest method is to shortlist the cities or towns you want to work and live in Germany. Once you have a final list, start searching for the hospitals and medical universities around there. Frequently check their web pages and follow them on LinkedIn, Indeed, Xing, etc and apply as soon as you see an opening. Finally, you may also approach any reputed recruiters you trust and seek help. They mostly charge you a fortune. If you are able to afford this option, consider it only as your last resort. How to get a German visa for nurses? As a citizen of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, you require neither a visa nor a residence permit to work in Germany. Citizens of other countries on the other hand require a residence permit. Once you have successfully completed an interview and secured a job offer, you can apply for a German visa and work permit. The procedure is not different to other job categories. Upon completion of your professional training, you can also come to Germany to look for a job for up to 6 months on a German job seeker visa. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi

To work as a pharmacist in Germany, you will need the permit to practice as a pharmacist otherwise known as approbation. Currently, Germany has one of the most employable healthcare sectors in the world. As long as you have a license as a pharmacist and meet certain conditions, you should have no trouble finding employment. How to become a Pharmacist in Germany There are two options to become a pharmacist in Germany. Study pharmacy in Germany in a German university Migrate to Germany as an experienced Pharmacist Study Pharmacy in a German university This is probably the most expensive way to become a pharmacist in Germany. However, the chances of getting hired in a German hospital, apotheke or other organizations are much higher than the other options. It is the same process as coming to Germany to study any other courses. As soon as you’ve completed your higher secondary school, you can explore diploma or degree courses in pharmacy in Germany and start applying. In addition, you may be able to get scholarships that cover your entire stay in Germany, including your flight tickets, accommodation, and health insurance. Therefore, don’t forget to explore how to get a scholarship in Germany. Migrate to Germany as a professional Pharmacist If you have completed your degree in Pharmacy in a non EU member state or Switzerland, you need to get your academic credentials recognized in Germany. The process evaluates whether your education is equivalent to a German degree. Those who have earned degrees in another country are entitled to have their degrees equivalence assessed. It will be easier if you have already had your degree recognized in an EU-member country. The process for assessing equivalency As part of the equivalency assessment, the competent authorities compare your degree with the corresponding German degree to determine whether the two are comparable in terms of content or duration. If there are no significant differences, the authorities will certify equivalency. You don't receive a German degree certificate. However, it grants you the same legal rights as someone who has completed the corresponding degree in Germany. Pharmacist degree recognition Procedure in Germany To understand the procedure easily, the information portal of the German government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research has prepared a very detailed documentation in English. Documents required for the recognition procedure in Germany To start with you need to translate your degree certificates and your experience certificates to German. You can find translation services in your home country which might be cheaper. However, make sure that they are certified translators for official purposes. Alternatively, here’s a list of translation services listed in muenchen.de, an official website of the city of Munich. In addition to the application form, the following documents and additional supporting evidences must be submitted: Proof of identity - copy of passport Proof of work experience, education, and training If applicable, evidence of your right to practice in your country of origin Fitness certificate from a certified doctor Certificate of good conduct (Führungszeugnis) from a certified doctor Proof of German language skills. Please note that you only need to send the certified translations of your certificates for the recognition process. The competent authority will let you know if they need to see any original documents. The cost of your degree recognition process will be depending on the state you choose. The corresponding competent authority will inform you about the actual costs. When your degree is only partially recognized in Germany If substantial differences between your education and the German standard are determined, you can prove that you have the occupational knowledge and skills necessary to practice the pharmacist profession as per paragraph 3 of the Federal Pharmacists Regulation by taking the assessment exam. The assessment exam’s content is similar to that of the final state exams for German pharmacists. It covers the pharmaceutical practices as well as some legal points related to pharmacies. Additionally, it will touch the subject that was determined to have considerable differences by the competent authority. As per our research, the classes offered to intern pharmacists (PhiP) to prepare for this exam could help you too. The pharmacist's chamber offers the classes to help the pharmacist trainees to prepare for their state exams. You can get more information from the Chamber of Pharmacists in the state where you wish to work. You may also apply for a permit to practice pharmacy in Germany for a period of up to two years. This Permit is granted to persons who have completed pharmacy studies outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. However, you may be limited to certain types of activities. In general, you may be restricted to working in a specific pharmacy or under the supervision of another pharmacist. Please note that the permit does not represent the recognition of your degree or qualifications obtained in a foreign country. It does not, however, prevent you from receiving approbation too! You can only practice limited tasks during this practice period. You can, however, gain first-hand practical experience while preparing for the language or other assessment exams. German language skills required to become a pharmacist in Germany In order to obtain approbation as a pharmacist, your general and occupational German language skills must be sufficient. It is required that you have a level B2 knowledge of German according to the Common European Reference Framework. Additionally, you must pass the specialist language examination at level C1. The specialist language examination is administered by the chamber of pharmacists in most federal states. You are not required to prove language skills when initially submitting the application for approbation. It is sufficient to prove these during the process. The occupational language exam has no effect on the process of having your degree and education recognized and pharmaceutical knowledge is not tested as part of this examination. It is, however, not too difficult to learn German these days. You can find many courses online or you can even come to Germany for a short period to learn the language if you find that practical. This will help you get a first impression about the culture, the people and the system. Furthermore, you can also make connections in Germany that will help you land a job in the future. How to prepare for the occupational language examination in Germany as a pharmacist? For people who are preparing for the occupational language exam, a community pharmacy is a good place to start. You can improve your occupational German skills through observational work-shadowing. This involves observing a pharmacy team at work but not actively participating in pharmaceutical activities. As well as observing colleagues consult patients, you can learn about pharmaceutical packaging, medicinal product information, as well as the general processes and routines involved in working in a German pharmacy. The best places to find German Pharmacist jobs According to the ABDA - The Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists, the following job and recruitment portals are available and provide information about pharmacist jobs. Please note that this is not a complete list and only contains, primarily, positions available in community pharmacies. Job portals of the Chambers of Pharmacists and Pharmacist Associations and Societies Pharmazeutischen Zeitung Job Market European Job Mobility Portal - EURES workeer (Training and Job Portal for Refugees) Visa for Pharmacists to Germany As a citizen of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, you require neither a visa nor a residence permit to work in Germany. Citizens of other countries on the other hand require a residence permit. Once you have successfully completed an interview and secured a job offer, you can apply for a German visa and work permit. The procedure is not different to other job categories. Upon completion of your professional training, you can also come to Germany to look for a job for up to 6 months on a German job seeker visa. On your way to Germany You can find all the information you need about living and working in Germany at www.expatova.com. If you enjoyed the content and feel like you learned something from it, consider supporting us by buying us a Ko - fi