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© 2016 Dwellworks
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Discovering Germany
Registrations
Visas
All
non-EU citizens
(except citizens from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand,
South Korea, and the U.S.) who want to live and work in Germany have to apply for a visa at
least three to four months prior to their arrival in Germany. The application should be done at
the German Consulate General nearest to their current, home country residence. Each
accompanying family member also needs to obtain a visa.
The visa application must clearly state that the applicant intends to work in Germany (this
does not apply to accompanying family members). In case of failure to mention this fact, a
business or tourist visa will be issued and the applicant will not be permitted to be employed
in Germany.
The applicant usually needs the following documents to apply for a visa:
A valid passport
At least two, recent biometric passport photos
Possibly his/her work contract (translated in German) of the company in Germany
Further documents, like marriage/birth certificates or a health insurance confirmation
In addition, applicants have to submit a letter issued by his/her company which states name,
date of birth, nationality, medical insurance, length of work contract, position, salary, and a
detailed job-description. The application form for this visa (called an “Application for
Residence Permit”) can be downloaded from the German embassy’s website.
Requirements may change, therefore it is recommended to contact the Embassy/Consulate
beforehand and clarify the individual application. It facilitates the embassy’s work when all
documents are handed in at the same time.
A visa application procedure can take up to three months. It is possible that further
authorities are involved in individual cases. In this case, the above mentioned procedure can
be delayed by several weeks.
New Residence Registration
(
Anmeldung am Wohnort
)
Every person in Germany, whether German or a foreigner, has to be registered at his/her
place of residence. This needs to be done within seven days of moving to Germany or within
Germany. Applicants should go to the relevant registration office in their district with the
following documents:
Completed and signed registration form (available from the residence registration
office (
Einwohnermeldeamt
)
Passport(s)
–
photocopies will not be accepted, including visa (if applicable)
Sometimes rental contract or hotel confirmation
A written confirmation from the landlord