Wie man Talente von außerhalb der EU nach Deutschland holt

This blog post outlines the five basic steps in the immigration and employee relocation process for your non-EU employees moving to Germany. Learn more about how Jobbatical can support this process and provide additional relocation and settle-in services on our services page.

1. Pre-Approval Application

To start the relocation process, the German Employment Agency must first review the conditions of your new international employee’s contract and verify their qualifications or experience. If your employee’s degree is not yet recognized, Jobbatical can assist with the recognition process. The pre-approval letter can significantly expedite the visa process. After submitting the application, pre-approval takes around 5-15 working days. Your employee will need this document for their visa application. Note that if your employee qualifies for the Blue Card, pre-approval is not technically required but is still advised, as visa officers may request it.

2. Visa Application

Most non-EU citizens relocating to Germany must apply for a visa at their nearest German Diplomatic Mission before entering the country. 

Employees will apply for a work visa, while accompanying family members will apply for dependent visas. The visa is generally valid for six months and allows the employee to start working immediately upon arrival in Germany.

The employee will then need to visit the embassy in person to give their fingerprints. Processing time is usually around 10 days but can take longer. Note that booking an appointment is necessary for this step. 

3. Einreise nach Deutschland

Once your employee’s German visa is secured, they can travel to Germany.
The border police may ask for proof of health insurance or employment in Germany, so your relocating employee should have these documents ready. Proof of accommodation may also be required. Employees relocating with family should have their marriage certificate and/or children’s birth certificates on hand.

4. Registrierung im Rathaus

Town hall registration is a crucial step in the relocation process. 

The town hall will issue a Registration Certificate necessary for various administrative tasks, such as opening a bank account and applying for a residence permit. Your employee needs to visit the town hall in person within 14 days of arrival in Germany. Note that a landlord confirmation document is required for town hall registration, which is usually not provided by Airbnb hosts or hotels.

5. Residence Permit (Blue Card)

To convert their visa into a final residence permit, your employee needs an in-person appointment. This step that can be fast-tracked by global mobility providers like Jobbatical.

The residence permit can be issued for up to four years, depending on the immigration officer’s decision. It can take 4-6 weeks for the residence permit (eAT, elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel) to be ready for pickup. This permit allows your employees to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 

Immigration offices in Germany are busy, and it can take weeks or even months to file residence permit applications. In Berlin, Jobbatical can fast-track applications as official partners of the Berlin Foreigners Authority (Landesamt für Einwanderung), reducing waiting time to only 2-3 working days.

Useful Information about the EU Blue Card Germany

The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for international academics seeking employment in Germany. It offers major benefits, such as the possibility to apply for an unlimited residence permit after 21 or 27 months, depending on language proficiency, and easier reunification with family members.

To qualify for an EU Blue Card, your employee must meet the following requirements:

- A work contract or job offer from a German company
- A position that matches their qualifications
- A salary in Germany that meets the salary criteria
- A degree from a German university or a recognized foreign university

Settle-In Support

The relocation process can be stressful, but there are many ways to ensure your international employees have the best possible start in Germany. Key settle-in steps to support include:

- Airport pickup
- Short-term accommodation and long-term rental search
- Bank account opening
- Health insurance registration
- Tax ID and social security number acquisition
- Translation and other local support

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Jobbatical’s Global Mobility team in Germany is ready to provide everything your employees need for a seamless relocation experience. Our immigration specialists are local professionals with the expertise and dedication to fully support your international employees and their families.

Contact us today or learn more about our immigration, relocation, and settle-in services.