HOW TO MOVE TO GERMANY

 

🇩🇪 MAIN IMMIGRATION PATHWAYS TO GERMANY (2025)

1. Student Visa (for international students)

• Study at a recognized German university (tuition-free options exist).

• Pathway to residence permit and future work in Germany.

• After graduation, you can stay up to 18 months to find a job.

Requirements:

• University admission

• Proof of funds (~€11,208/year in blocked account)

• Health insurance

• Language proficiency (English or German)

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2. Skilled Worker Visa ("Blue Card EU" or Skilled Immigration Act)

• For qualified professionals with a degree or vocational training.

• Blue Card EU: Requires a recognized degree and job offer with a minimum salary (2025 estimate: ~€45,300/year).

• Skilled Immigration Act allows vocationally trained workers to move without a Blue Card if their qualification is recognized.

Popular sectors:

• IT

• Engineering

• Nursing

• Construction

• Education

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3. Job Seeker Visa

• 6-month visa to search for a job in Germany.

• Must have a recognized qualification and proof of funds.

Requirements:

• Recognized degree or vocational qualification

• Proof of funds (~€934/month)

• Health insurance

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4. Apprenticeship/Vocational Training (Ausbildung) Visa

• For students interested in dual vocational training programs.

• Combines classroom education with paid on-the-job training.

• Pathway to employment and long-term residence.

Requirements:

• Apprenticeship contract

• Basic German skills (usually B1)

• Proof of accommodation and funds

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5. Freelancer or Self-Employment Visa

• For freelancers (writers, artists, IT, etc.) or those starting a business.

Requirements:

• Relevant experience

• Proof of demand in Germany

• Financial plan and health insurance

• For startups: innovative idea and funding

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6. Family Reunification Visa

• For spouses, children, or parents of residents/citizens in Germany.

Requirements:

• Proof of family relationship

• Adequate living space and income (in some cases)

• Basic German language knowledge (for spouses)

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7. Asylum and Refugee Status

• For those fleeing war, persecution, or political oppression.

Note: Germany has strict guidelines, and asylum is granted based on individual assessment.

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8. Au Pair Program

• Young people (18–26) can live with a German host family and learn the language/culture.

• Stay up to 1 year.

Requirements:

• Basic German (A1–A2)

• Valid contract with a host family

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9. Germany Opportunity Card ("Chancenkarte") – NEW in 2024/2025

This is a points-based system introduced for job seekers who don’t have a job offer but have high potential.

Points are awarded for:

• Qualifications

• Work experience

• Language skills

• Age

• Ties to Germany

Requirements:

• At least 6 points and financial means

• Proof of vocational or university education

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📌 Summary Table

Pathway	Work Allowed?	Residency Possible?	Language Required
Student Visa	Limited (120 days/year)	Yes, after graduation	English or German
Blue Card EU	Yes	Yes (fast-track PR)	English/German
Job Seeker Visa	No (job search only)	Yes if job is found	English/German
Ausbildung Visa	Yes (during training)	Yes after completion	German (B1+)
Freelancer Visa	Yes	Yes	English/German
Family Reunion	Yes	Yes	German (A1+ for spouses)
Au Pair	Limited	No (short-term)	German (A1–A2)
Opportunity Card	No (job search only)	Yes if job is found	English or German