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Life in Germany > Legal Migration

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What options are there to legally immigrate to Germany?
What are the conditions for it?

There are several ways for a limited or permanent resident status in the EU and in particular in Germany. All permission forms have different terms and conditions. The relevant conditions are to meet unconditional and must be documented in writing. Residing undocumented in EU territory is a crime. In addition to the immediate expulsion also penalties may be imposed for this violation. A residence permit is always limited in time and must be renewed. Only the settlement permit allows to live permanently in the EU. The settlement permit you usually get when you have a valid residence permit for five years. You also need the language level B1 in the German language and proof it by an appropriate test.
The following possibilities are available to acquire a residence:

Studies:
Foreign students receive for the purpose of studying in Germany a residence permit of at least one year and at most two. This is only possible for a study with required attendance. Evening, weekend and distance learning are not adequate reasons. Applicants from outside of the EU obtain a residence permit of nine months. You can only apply for a study in Germany if you have the applicable requirements of a corresponding higher school degree and appropriate language skills. If you are unable to get a place in this period you have to leave the country. A university applicant is not entitled to financial benefits from the state.

Education:
With the approval of the Federal Employment Agency not EU citizens have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit in the framework of vocational training. You receive the residence permit only if you have a proof of a relevant training course in Germany from the respective company. To make a training in Germany at all, you need corresponding average qualifications and German language skills. Young people up to the age of 25 can receive a vocational training in Germany.

Job:
To be allowed to work as non-EU citizens in Germany you need a residence permit. There are residence permits with different duration. These are determined by your professional qualifications. The following options are available:

  • For graduates: you get the temporary residence permit "Blue Card EU". The prerequisite is a university degree recognized in Germany and a concrete job commitment with a minimum of 48.400 € ( 37.752 € for physicians, engineers, and computer scientists). This title is valid initially for four years, but may be extended.
  • For employees: You will receive a residence permit if you can demonstrate a concrete job commitment in writing and also have a permit from the Federal Employment Agency.
  • For researchers: You will receive a residence permit if you have a contract with a research facility recognized by the BAMF. You must also prove that you have the financial means to secure your livelihood. That means you are not entitled to receive financial support from the German government. This permit is valid for at least one year.
  • For self-employed persons: You will receive a residence permit as entrepreneur, if you can prove an economic interest or a regional need for your business idea. You must also demonstrate that the financing is secured. The residence permit is granted for a maximum of three years.
  • For Jobseekers: Graduates of a German university obtain a residence permit for 18 months, where they have the opportunity to seek employment.
  • For seasonal workers: Seasonal work is any employment does not last longer than two months at a maximum of five days per week. In total it is not allowed to work more than 50 days. If you want to be employed as seasonal workers, you have to contact a registry office within a week with a valid ID document.

Phrases

Where can I get a residence permit?

Wo erhalte ich eine Aufenthaltsgenehmigung?

Where can I apply for a residence permit?

Wo kann ich eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis beantragen?

I would like to apply for a residence permit.

Ich möchte eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis beantragen.

I've been to school for (duration) years.

Ich bin (Dauer) zur Schule gegangen.

I have a graduation.

Ich habe einen Schulabschluss.

I have a college graduation. Who can give me advice regarding the admission to study?

Ich habe Abitur. Wer kann mich bezüglich einer Studienaufnahme beraten?