Living in Germany

Complete guide to unemployment benefits in Germany

by
unemployment benefits

It’s a dream of many to work and settle in Germany and live a better life. But sometimes, it turns upside down and it is sad when someone has to face a jobless situation. However, unlike some countries, the German federal government offers one of the best unemployment benefits under certain conditions.

Types of unemployment benefits in Germany

  • Unemployment benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I)
  • Unemployment benefit II (Arbeitslosengeld II)

Unemployment benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I)

If you lose employment and you have contributed to the German taxes, then you are eligible for unemployment benefit I. See below to know how much you can claim based on taxes you paid in previous years

How much you can claim?

You will get 60% (without children) of your net salary from your previous earnings. If you have children, then you are entitled to get 67%. The amount of time for unemployment benefits depends on the age and contributions you made in employment. Your health insurance also will be covered by unemployment benefits.

What happens to Health Insurance if I lose the job?

Insurance is mandatory in Germany and you need to have one even with or without a job. So, you still need to pay for your health insurance provider which is expensive when you are jobless. For this, you need to register in the unemployment office and inform your insurance provider as soon as possible.

  • If your age is < 55 and worked for 12 months: 6 months unemployment benefit
  • If your age is < 55 and worked for 24 months: 12 months unemployment benefit
  • If your age is > 55 and worked for 48 months: 24 months unemployment benefit

How can I apply for unemployment benefit I?

To receive unemployment benefit I, you must register as unemployed. Follow the below steps to apply

1. Registering as a Job Seeker:

You can apply for unemployment benefits in advance if you know in advance in the below situations. Arbeitsagentur allows you to apply earlier and avail benefits as you can plan for searching for the next job accordingly. The unemployment registration can be done before the unemployment (a maximum of three months before). 

  • If you are fired and serving a notice period
  • If you are fired without notice period
  • If your company went bankrupt and cannot pay employees

You can apply online here

2. Register in person:

You know that you will be losing the job and registered as a Jobseeker. Now, it’s time to register in person on 1st day of your unemployment. Check with your residence postal code and visit a person to apply for unemployment benefits. Don’t forget to take the below documents along with you

  • A valid id or passport
  • City registration
  • Valid visa
  • Notice of dismissal(Termination letter) or fixed-term employment contract if applicable
  • CV
  • Insurance card

3. Fill application form online:

After you finished with the above 2 steps, it’s time to fill out the application form Antrag auf Arbeitslosengeld. You can get this form from Arbeitsagentur or you can fill online.

You can also calculate how much money you will get based on taxes paid in previous years. Calculate here

Once done, you will receive the post within 2 weeks. Also, you will be invited to meet the counselor and talk about the steps you have taken to search for the job.

Unemployment benefit II (Arbeitslosengeld II)

Unemployment benefit II (“Hartz IV”) is received by people who live in Germany legally in the long-term (i.e. German citizens, under certain conditions EU citizens, or non-EU citizens in possession of a residence permit) if they are older than 15 years, not yet of retirement age and fit for work. In addition to the (cash) benefits to secure existence, recipients of unemployment benefit II are entitled to help with reintegration into the job market.

If your immigration as an EU citizen was exclusively to seek work, you will receive no unemployment benefit II. In this particular case, you could have a claim to social welfare. However, if you take at least marginal employment, you can receive supplementary benefits in accordance with the Social Security Code II. More info you can find here

FAQ:

What happens to Health Insurance if I lose the job?

Insurance is mandatory in Germany and you need to have one even with or without a job. So, you still need to pay for your health insurance provider which is expensive when you are jobless. For this, you need to register in the unemployment office and inform your insurance provider as soon as possible.

I lost my job and my blue card is going to expire, Will my blue card be extended with unemployment benefits?

Yes, you can extend your Blue Card/Residence permit. Check with Auslandebehörde and request an extension. Make sure you carry all the required documents (documents received from unemployment benefits)

I worked less than a year, Can I apply for unemployment benefits?

It totally depends on the Arbeitsagentur office. As per requirements, you need to work at least 12 months to avail of the benefits. However, it’s worth giving a try

Everything about Family Reunion Visa Germany

by
family reunion visa

Citizens of countries that are not member states of the European Union can bring their dependents with them to Germany through a family reunion visa. You can apply visa for Germany if you are married to a foreign national who holds either a residence permit, a Blue Card EU, an ICT Card, a permanent settlement permit or a permit for permanent stay in the European Union and if you and your spouse are both at least 18 years old.

[rb_related title=”Also interesting” total=”2″]

Family members eligible for family reunion visa:

  • Spouse
  • Children
  • Parents
  • Registered partners
  • Under certain conditions, other family members

Requirements to apply family reunion visa:

If your family member residing in Germany must fulfill the following requirements to bring their family members to Germany

  • Should be residing in Germany for more than 6 months (If less than 6 months, apply dependent visa)
  • possession of a settlement permit or a valid resident permit or EU Blue card
  • Health insurance
  • Financial proof to support partner
  • Must be able to provide sufficient living space
  • An additional letter from employer stating of unlimited employment (optional)
  • at least 18 years old.

Family Reunion Visa Germany Checklist for spouse:

The below documents are required for family reunion visa for spouses

Please prepare two identical application sets consisting of copies of the above-mentioned documents and bring all your original certificates along. Please DO NOT staple any documents.

Family Reunion Visa Germany Checklist for minors:

Procedure to apply family reunion visa:

  • Prepare the documents as mentioned above
  • Book an appointment at the German embassy based on your region
  • Pay visa fees. The visa fees cost around €75 for adults and €37.50 for children up to 18 years

FAQ:

Should I pay document verification fees before the Interview?

Not needed at the time of the visa interview. In some cases, the visa can be approved without document verification fees and some cases not. If required, you will be notified to pay an additional amount for document verification after the visa interview.

Should I apply for health insurance?

Everyone residing in Germany requires health insurance. If your partner has Public health insurance then it is covered for the entire family. Your partner has to send an email or get a confirmation letter from insurance provider stating partner is also covered and you can submit same at the time of visa interview.

How long does it take to get visa approval?

Usually, it depends on document verification and location. It takes up to 3 months to get visa approval. Just be with patience 🙂

Can I work on family reunion visa?

Ofcourse, you are eligible to work in Germany if you partner meets the following requirements

  • holds a Blue Card or resident permit that authorizes to work
  • working as a highly-skilled person or researcher.

Can I bring my parents to Germany for longer period?

You can bring your parent(s) to Germany on a long term visa if any of the conditions below are met

  • If you have only a single parent and parent needs support from their children
  • If you are young and live alone in Germany, then it may possible to bring both parents or a single parent
  • If the person is young and is recognized as a refugee or has a subsidiary protection status and still does not have a parent authorized as a custodian in Germany, then he/she can bring their parent(s). The person should also either provide evidence of sufficient income or living space so that the parents are permitted to follow

Unless one of the conditions above is met, the law does not allow bringing parents for longer or permanently.

Moreover, you can still bring anyone (not just parents) to Germany for 3 months on a tourist visa (Schengen visa).

Make sure to follow our facebook page to keep up to date with latest information.

Complete guide to getting a Tax ID in Germany

by
tax id

The tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) is a tax identification number. This series of numbers is assigned to a person permanently and is recognized as the national standard. Every employer asks for a Tax ID in Germany and every resident’s earnings are subject to a basic tax allowance, including researchers and scientists coming from abroad. Worried about how to get one? Let’s have a look.

In this guide, we look at the tax numbers in Germany and how to get yours.

  • The Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
  • The Tax number (Steuernummer). 
  • The VAT number (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer)

[rb_related title=”Also interesting” total=”2″]

What is Tax ID/Steueridentifikationsnummer?

Your tax ID number (Identifikationsnummer) is given to you by the Federal Tax Office of Germany automatically the first time you register in any given German city. It is an 11-digit number that you will use in order to gain employment in Germany. This Tax ID is also assigned to a newborn child in Germany upon registration.

The Tax ID must be included on all applications, declarations, and communications you submit to the German tax authorities. You will receive your tax ID automatically by post between two-to-four weeks after you register your address upon arrival in Germany.

What is Tax number/Steuernummer?

The tax number is assigned by the local tax office and will change if you move to e.g. another city. Being an employee you do not need to apply for a tax number. It will be assigned to you automatically when you file your tax return.

The VAT number (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer)

The Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer, USt-Identifikationsnummer or USt-IdNr. is the German term for the VAT number. It’s a 9 digit number with the format “DE123456789“.

This is only applicable to businesses. You also get a VAT number by filling the Fragebogen zur Steuerlichen Erfassung. You will not get a number if you declare a small business (Kleintunternehmer), because small businesses do not need to charge VAT.

FAQ:

I lost my tax id, Can I find it again?

Check some of your documents like finanzamt or payslips from the employer. If you still cannot find it, do not worry. You can find it in one of these two ways

  • You can request Tax ID online again, but it might take up to 4 weeks.
  • Or simply head to your local Finanzamt with your identification in hand. And they will check your details and give you the details on the spot. Find your local Finanzamt with postal code.

When will I get the tax id after registration?

Once you arrive in Germany and complete your residence registration, you will get the tax id automatically within 2 weeks. If you need it immediately, head to the Finanzamt and provide your details to get it on the spot.

I live in abroad and receive wages from Germany, Should I pay tax in Germany?

If an employee does not live in Germany but receives wages in Germany, he is subject to limited taxation. In these cases, the German tax liability is only subject to domestic income, e.g. payment of remuneration from the LBV. Employees with limited tax liability are classified in tax class I. More information here

Tax number for freelancers?

Freelancers and those self-employed must apply for a tax number (Steuernummer) at their respective tax office. You will have to fill out a questionnaire and then, in a couple of weeks, you are the proud owner of your very own, brand-new tax number.

Those who run a commercial business do not have to apply for a tax number. The trade office (Gewerbeamt) automatically sends the tax office the respective tax number.

Additionally, income generated by freelance work is generally taxable for VAT (Mehrwertsteuer or MwSt).

Make sure to follow our facebook page to keep up to date with latest information.

Complete guide to find accommodation in Germany

by
Accommodation in Germany

Once you decided to move to Germany, the next vital part is finding accommodation in Germany. Before finding it, it’s also important to know the terminologies.

Zimmer – room

2 Zimmer Apartment – In some cities, the living room also considered a room. 2 Zimmer apartment means 1 bedroom, 1 living room, and of course the bathroom and kitchens are included.

1 Zimmer apartment – 1 bedroom, combined living, and kitchen. But varies in some cities. Please look at the details clearly when searching.

[rb_related title=”Also interesting” total=”2″]

Being a foreigner, it is not so easy to find one. But, don’t worry this post might show the path to find the accommodation for you.

Now, let’s go through types of accommodation in Germany. Almost all the rental agreement runs for 12 months or 24 months or more.

Private accommodation in Germany:

Private apartments meant renting the entire space. This will be expensive as all the costs bear by you. The price variation depends on the region and you can choose outside of the city which costs a bit less if you are not a regular traveler.

Where you can find:

  • wg-gesucht.de
  • Facebook groups – This is one the best way to find accommodation in Germany. There are a lot of Facebook groups as per region. Please post your requirements or find ads posted in the groups.
  • immobilienscout24
  • meinstadt.de

Shared accommodation in Germany:

The shared accommodation is really famous in Germany, also called WG (Wohngemeinschaft) and it’s sharing the apartment with others. This can be strangers who will become friends later 🙂 or you can share with your friends. You will get a separate bedroom with shared kitchen and bathroom.

Where you can find:

  • wg-gesucht.de
  • Facebook groups

Student accommodation in Germany:

The student accommodation is quite cheap than all others. If you are a student, look for help at your university. Basically, this is applicable only for students with student id. However, some students go on vacation for a few months, then they will do subletting their space. If you are lucky, you might get one which is cheaper than any other accommodation

Where you can find:

  • wg-gesucht.de
  • Facebook groups
  • University portals
  • Friends at University

Temporary accommodation in Germany:

This can be your last choice. After trying all other accommodation options, if you still not holding any rental agreement then you can book temporary accommodation on websites like Airbnb, hostels, hotels, booking. Remember, you can’t do Residence registration which is required if you are staying more than 3 months in Germany and should be done before 14 days of your arrival.

Where you can find:

Sample email to landlord:

The landlords also get hundreds of emails like employers. It’s very hard to shortlist the tenants. All you need to do stand as unique in the competition. You have to include all your details in the email while sending it to the landlord. There should not be any question mark about you. Let’s have a look of sample email in German:

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

Ich arbeite als {Your Position} bei der {Company details} (Or mention what you do in Germany, for example student)

Und interessiere mich für Ihre Wohnung, gerne möchte ich sie zeitnah besichtigen.

Termine kann ab dem {Date} ich zu folgenden Zeiten einrichten:
Vormittags bis {Time} Uhr
Abends unter der Woche ab {Time} Uhr oder
An Wochenenden
Telefonisch erreichen Sie mich unter: {Your contact number}

Also, mention about your hobbies, habits and how long you are living in Germany.(This could give an clear idea about you for landlord) and easy to shortlist you.

Herzlichen Dank vorab und viele Grüße,
{Your Name}

Important tips:

  • Always read the contract carefully and completely, some landlords add rules like need to stay for 24 months if leaving early need to pay 3 months rent, etc.
  • If you don’t know to speak the German language, then it’s quite difficult to find accommodation quickly. As most of the landlords expect you to speak German. In this case, you can look for new projects or projects maintained by companies. Those companies look for the valid id, employment that you can pay the rent and good SHUFA score.

FAQ:

Can I pay before visiting the apartment?

No, don’t ever pay the deposit or rent amount before visiting the apartment. You will get a lot of spam emails like saying that they are not in Germany and will send keys by post. Please ignore such emails.

Can I sign the contract on visiting day?

No, normally the process here: The landlord invites a lot of people at different dates and different timings. After inviting all and landlord chose the best for their apartment and this process can take some days. If the landlord is asking to sign the contract on visiting, then you must think something wrong. If you have doubts about the apartment, please check the landlord details in Rathaus based on the region.

Can I pay as a cash to landlord?

No, basically all landlords expect the payment once you move into the apartment and signing the contract. And, to pay via the bank transfer. Don’t ever pay with cash as you will not be having any proof too.

Make sure to follow our facebook page to keep up to date with latest information.

Top 5 cities to live and work in Germany

by
frankfurt

Germany is a favorite with travelers from all over the world. A destination that presents you with a wealth of tradition and leaves you with everlasting impressions. Germany is a beautiful country and one of the largest countries in Europe by population and area.

Here are the 5 best cities in Germany to live and work

[rb_related title=”Also interesting” total=”2″]

Berlin:

Berlin is one of the most fascinating urban areas and isn’t just Germany’s capital and biggest city, it is likewise the social center point of the country. Berlin has an energetic culture and a developing populace of over 3.76 million individuals. It is home to the biggest populace of ex-pats from a wide range of countries, including the U.S., Italy, and Turkey.

Berlin is energetic and tense and is Germany’s middle for a lively blend of style, structure, music, and craftsmanship.

A social city consistently progressing and a spending voyager’s heaven, the German capital has something for everybody, from throbbing nightlife to in excess of 170 world-class exhibition halls, displays, and philharmonics, and from masterful relics that despite everything recount to the tale of its violent past to all the guarantees of a sparkling future.

Berlin is the startup capital of Europe and Berlin’s startup fascination depends on a blend of reasonable day to day environments, the general dynamic and inventive culture, a various pool of ability, and aptitude, just as appealing financing programs.

With around 500 new tech new startups every year, Berlin would be your next destination to live and work

Berlin startup ecosystem is ranked 1 in Germany and 7 globally.

Frankfurt:

When anyone hears about Frankfurt, skyline pops in mind. Frankfurt is conveniently situated at the core of both Germany and Europe.

Frankfurt is an extraordinary strolling city, and most by far of its midtown goals might be reached by walking. Its international airport, which is directly accessible from all across the globe, is just a couple of minutes from Frankfurt’s primary train station, one of the biggest in Germany.

With a population of 753,056+, there is a well-developed public transport system, which connects Frankfurt with the surrounding Rhine-Main Region both quickly and easily. Frankfurt is a global hub for finance and education. In Frankfurt, you’ll find HQs for the European Central Bank, German Federal Bank, Commerzbank, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and Deutsche Bank.

As the startup ecosystem is growing rapidly, it can be your next destination to live and work in Germany

Frankfurt’s startup ecosystem is ranked 4 in Germany and 94 globally.

Munich:

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and one of the most excellent and reasonable urban areas in Germany. It is one of the most lovely and enchanting urban communities in the entirety of Germany and is documented with exhibition halls and wonderful engineering. It is generally acclaimed for being the focal point of the Oktoberfest celebration, which pulls in more than 6 million guests consistently.

Munich is a cultural hub with a population of 1.47 million residents. With the most remarkable economy in Germany, Munich is home to outstanding corporates and prominent universities and research establishments. Simultaneously, its startup biological system is esteemed at $4.5 billion, as indicated by 2018 insights by Startup Genome.

Munich startup ecosystem is ranked 2 in Germany and 41 globally. Can it be your next destination to live and work in Germany?

Stuttgart:

Stuttgart was chosen as the least stressful city in the world and the heart of the automotive industry in Germany. It’s a home for global corporations such as Daimler AG,  Porsche, Bosch, Dinkelacker, and many more.

Stuttgart is likewise a vehicle intersection and has the 6th biggest air terminal in Germany. And might be your next destination live and work in Germany

 Stuttgart startup ecosystem is ranked 7 in Germany and 195 globally.

Hamburg:

Hamburg is the second biggest city in Germany. With a population of roughly 1.84 million individuals, it is likewise a famous goal for sightseers from around the globe. Home to numerous elite athletics groups, Hamburg is an enormous financial city, and it is the most loved among ex-pats searching for occupations in finance.

Hamburg is a major European science, research, and education hub, with several universities and institutions. It has architecturally significant buildings in a wide range of styles and no skyscrapers

According to Wikipedia, The many streams, rivers, and canals are crossed by some 2,500 bridges, more than London, Amsterdam, and Venice put together. Hamburg has more bridges inside its city limits than any other city in the world

Hamburg’s startup ecosystem is ranked 3 in Germany and 61 globally. Would you consider Hamburg as your next destination to live and work in Germany?

Which among these fabulous cities would you choose to live and work in Germany? Let us know in the comments.

Make sure to follow our facebook page to keep up to date with latest information.

Top 6 facts about Germans

by
Facts

Germany is one of the most powerful countries in the world. There is a lot of facts in Germany, home of more than 80 million people diversified in different ethnic groups. We will talk about the top 6 in this post.

[rb_related title=”Also interesting” total=”2″]

Punctuality:

Germans are very punctual and expect others to be. They always make it on time or 10-15 mins earlier for appointments. If you ever meet a German or have a date with a German girl or boy, make sure you arrive on time or earlier.

Planning:

Most Germans like to plan their day earlier. They like to have a schedule each day of things they have to achieve and things they want to get done by the end of the day.

Following rules:

Most Germans are systematic and stick to the rules. If you break the rules like crossing the traffic signal when red, they might get offended. Over time, Germans have established a set of rules to manage every part of life.

Beer:

Beer has a long tradition in Germany and is crafted only from 5 ingredients. Every city is proud of its own beer brand. Germans love beer on every occasion. All restaurants serve beer mostly regional brands based on region. And a lot of bars, restaurants advertise which beer they sell. You may not find water, but definitely beer 🙂

Language:

Germans love to speak their own language Deutsch and expect you to speak the same. Different parts of Germany has different dialects.

Coffee:

Most Germans are coffee lovers and Germany is the 3rd largest market for coffee in the world.

There are still many more interesting facts about the Germans. But these top 6 facts give you some idea. What do you think about the facts? Please add in comments if you know more

Follow our facebook page to keep updated with latest information

Which income tax class you belong to in Germany?

by
Tax Class

Moving to Germany from another country and to work have to go through a lot of formalities and it is also important to know which income tax class you belong to. Before that, make sure you have Tax Id

All employees are classified into tax categories for the wage tax deduction (Einkommensteuer). The income tax is paid to the government from your gross salary and it is automatically deducted from your monthly paycheck.

The minimum taxable gross income is €9,169 (no tax is charged under this amount). The tax rate starts from 14% and goes up to 45% for the highest earners (over €265,327).

The income tax class depends on your marital status and divided into 6 tax classes (Steuerklassen)

[rb_related title=”Also interesting” total=”2″]

Class I:

All employees who are single, living in a registered civil partnership, divorced, widowed or married unless they fall under tax category II, III, or IV.

Class II:

Applies to employees who are single parent

Class III:

Applies to employees who are married and

  • Spouse reside in Germany
  • Spouse doesn’t earn a wage or Spouse earns a wage and classified under Tax Class V

Class IV:

Applies to married couple and earns a equivalent income and reside in Germany.

Class V:

Applies to married employees and earns a less income than partner (classified under class III)

Class VI:

Employees who are receiving multiple wages from more than one employer (Multiple jobs)

How can you change Tax Class?

When you married and your spouse is residing in Germany, then you are eligible to change the tax class.

  1. Fill and signed application from both partners, you can fill the application form online
  2. You can visit Finazamt or send a post based on your residence

They will process the form on the spot and give you newly printed Lohnsteuerkarte with new tax class

Important tips:

  1. If spouses belong to class III and V, it’s better to file as a Joint tax return and will receive only one tax assessment (Steuerbescheid), also will receive a refund to one account if any.
  2. If one of the partners earns a higher income (income ratio of 60:40), then it makes sense to change class to 3 and 5 and this might increase the net salary(Nettogehalt) of the higher earner.

Follow our facebook page to keep updated with latest information

Residence Registration – First thing to do after your arrival in Germany

by
Residence Registration

One of the most common words you hear in Germany is Anmeldung also Registration. In this post, we will talk about the Residence Registration/City Registration that has to be done after your arrival in Germany.

If you are planning to stay for more than 3 months in Germany, you need to register yourself as a resident within 2 weeks of your arrival at the registration office (Anmeldeamt, Bürgerbüro or Bürgeramt) of the city you arrived in.

[rb_related title=”Also interesting” total=”2″]

Why Residence Registration is important?

The residence registration certificate also known as Anmeldebestätigung or Meldebescheinigung is required for many purposes:

  1. Tax ID – After registration is completed, you will get the tax id in the post within 3-4 weeks which is required for your employer and for tax claims
  2. Health Insurance: once you arrive in Germany, Health insurance is one of the mandatory things and without proof of residence certificate, it is not possible to apply for Health insurance.
  3. Bank account: Without a residence registration, you cannot open a bank account in Germany.
  4. Residence Permit/work permit
  5. University registration
  6. Mobile Phone Contract
  7. Credit Card without Bank account – Some banks provide the Credit Card without a bank account. Residence Registration is required to apply for such credit cards.
  8. Landline internet
  9. Vehicle registration permit
  10. Pet registration – You read it right and the residence registration certificate is required to register your pet
  11. And many more

Documents required for Residence Registration:

You need the documents below to receive your certificate of registration as a resident in Germany

  1. Valid Passport or national ID card (original required)
  2. Rental agreement from your Landlord (also called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
  3. The registration form signed by landlord (Anmeldeformular/Meldeschein), you can get this form from the Bürgeramt
  4. Visa if you have one (optional)
  5. Marriage certificate if applicable

How and where to register?

Check your city website and get an appointment or directly visit Bürgeramt which can take more time especially in larger cities.

You can look for it here with your postal code

Please check the timings before directly visiting the registration office

Important things to note:

  1. At the time of registration, you will be asked about your religion. If you belong to either Protestant (evangelisch) or Catholic (katholisch), You are required to pay church tax (Kirchensteuer) which is about 8-9% annual income based on the region.
  2. According to law, Lately, registration or incorrect address details can make you pay fine up to 1000 euros
  3. You need to repeat the registration whenever you are moving to a new residence address.
  4. If you are moving out of Germany permanently, it is also mandatory to deregister within 2 weeks
  5. After your registration, You will also receive the Rundfunkbeitrag, the national TV and radio tax which costs €17.50 per month.

Blue Card – 7 Advantages and 2 Disadvantages

by
Blue Card Pros and Cons

The aim of the Blue Card is to make it easier for workers to come to Germany without having to go through the bureaucratic demands of regular visa applications.

[rb_related title=”Also interesting” total=”2″]

However, there are some advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of Blue Card:

  • The Blue Card/work permit can be issued for up to 3/4 years
  • A permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) can be obtained after 33 months of employment or after 21 months with proof of good German language proficiency (B1)
  • The Blue-Cardholder can stay without a visa for up to 90 days in all Schengen countries
  • After 18 months, the holder can travel to another EU country and within one month can apply for the Blue Card EU in that country (not valid for Great Britain, Ireland, and Denmark!)
  • Eligible to stay in a country outside the EU for up to 12 months
  • The family reunion is possible and Blue-Cardholder must demonstrate that they have the financial resources to support those family members and that the family members have the required health insurance and suitable accommodation.
  • Family members may immediately work without restrictions.

Disadvantages of Blue Card:

  • The Blue Card is just a work permit to stay and work in Germany. If you lose the job, it is essential to find a job as soon as possible otherwise you have to return back to your country.
  • Staying more than 12 months outside of the EU is not valid anymore

Follow our facebook page to keep updated with latest information

World’s famous beer festival Oktoberfest is canceled due to coronavirus

by
Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival which happens in Munich for a period of 16- 18 days starting from mid-September.

As countries slowly, begin to lift up the restrictions, meeting in very large groups remains prohibited. As coronavirus fears continue, the fest seems likely to be canceled to avoid the infection.

According to Reuters, 6 million people visiting the Oktoberfest in Munich every year and generates revenue of more than 1 billion euros to the city.