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Introduction
When Sarah and Jake Johnson from Austin, Texas, decided to move to Europe with their two young children, they weren’t just chasing a job opportunity—they were pursuing a new way of life. Their destination? Berlin, Germany.
With the help of Jobbatical and the EU Blue Card program, the Johnsons managed a smooth relocation and are now settled in their new European home. Here's their full journey—from decision-making and visa applications to apartment hunting and enrolling their kids in school.
Why Berlin?
Sarah, a software engineer, was offered a role at a German tech startup based in Berlin. Berlin stood out for its international culture, tech ecosystem, and family-friendly infrastructure (including subsidized childcare and healthcare).
Jake, a freelance UX designer, was drawn to the city’s creative energy and the ability to legally work as a self-employed person under the family reunification visa.
Step 1: Securing the EU Blue Card for Sarah
Sarah’s employer offered sponsorship under the EU Blue Card, which is ideal for highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries like the US.
EU Blue Card Eligibility (Germany):
- University degree or 5+ years of relevant experience
- Job offer in Germany
- Minimum gross annual salary: €45,300 in 2025 (or €41,041.80 in shortage professions like tech)
Required Documents:
- Job offer/contract
- Degree certificates (with apostille)
- Passeport
- Health insurance confirmation
- Filled application form
Where to Apply:
- German Embassy in Houston (in the Johnsons’ case) — link
Fees & Timeline:
- Visa fee: €100 (approx. $110)
- Processing time: ~8 weeks
Sarah received her Blue Card within 6 weeks thanks to expedited processing arranged by her employer.
Step 2: Applying for Family Reunification
Once Sarah had her Blue Card, Jake and the children applied for family reunification visas.
L'éligibilité :
- Spouse and minor children of EU Blue Card holders
- Proof of relationship (marriage and birth certificates)
- A1 level German not required for spouse if the sponsor is an EU Blue Card holder
Documents Submitted:
- Marriage certificate (translated and apostilled)
- Children’s birth certificates
- Family health insurance
- Proof of income & accommodation in Berlin
Where to Apply:
- German consulate in Houston
Fees:
- €75 per adult, €37.50 per child
Processing Time:
- 6–10 weeks
Jobbatical helped prepare all paperwork, including translation and notarization services.
Step 3: Finding Housing in Berlin
With the visas approved, Sarah flew to Berlin to begin her job and secure an apartment.
Tips from Sarah:
- Start early: Berlin’s housing market is competitive.
- Use relocation support: Jobbatical’s local partner helped her secure a family-sized apartment within 3 weeks.
- Register address (Anmeldung) quickly to open a bank account and register for school.
Step 4: School Enrollment and Integration
The children were enrolled in a bilingual international school in Berlin. Jake registered as a freelancer under his reunification visa and began working with EU-based clients.
What helped most:
- English-speaking school staff
- Jobbatical’s local orientation session
- Digital expat forums for families
Reflections From the Johnsons
"We couldn’t have done this without Jobbatical," says Jake. "From figuring out what documents were needed, to German bureaucracy, to housing—they made each step feel manageable."
Sarah adds, "The Blue Card process was surprisingly efficient, and Berlin has exceeded our expectations. Our kids love the parks, and I love biking to work."
Lessons for Other US Families
- Start the visa process early—some documents take time to obtain and legalize
- Look into schools as soon as you have a move date
- Be prepared for paperwork—Europe is documentation-heavy
- Choose a relocation partner who knows both US and EU systems
Conclusion
The Johnsons’ story is just one example of how Americans can move to Europe as a family. With the right guidance and preparation, relocating to a vibrant European city like Berlin is not only achievable—it can be life-changing.
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