How to Relocate Talent To Germany From Outside the EU

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

1. Pre-Approval Application

To start the relocation process, the German Employment Agency reviews the conditions of your employee’s contract and checks their qualifications. If your employee’s degree isn’t recognized, Jobbatical can help with the recognition process. The pre-approval letter can significantly speed up the visa or residence permit process. After submitting the application, pre-approval takes around 5-15 working days. Your employee will need this document for their visa or residence permit application. If your employee qualifies for the Blue Card, pre-approval isn’t technically required but still recommended, as visa officers may ask for it.

2. Visa Application

Most non-EU citizens who relocate to Germany must apply for a visa at their closest German Diplomatic Mission before entering Germany.

Employees will apply for a work visa, and 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 entering Germany.

Employees must visit the embassy in person to provide fingerprints. Processing usually takes 10 days, but it can take longer. It is necessary to book an appointment for this step.

3. Entry to Germany

Once your employee’s German visa is secured, they can enter Germany.
The border police may ask for proof of German 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. Town Hall Registration

Town hall registration is essential for the relocation process.

The town hall issues a Registration Certificate needed for tasks like opening a German 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 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. 

Germany’s immigration offices are busy, and filing residence permit applications can take weeks or even months. 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 to life in Germany. Key settle-in steps to support include:

- Airport pickup
- Short-term accommodation and long-term rental search
- Opening a German Bank account
- German 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 frictionless relocation experience. Our immigration specialists are local professionals with the expertise and dedication to fully support your international employees and their families while they relocate to Germany.

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