Residence Permit Germany
Residence permits for Germany: EU Blue Card, entrepreneur visa §21, ICT card, family reunification. Immigration consulting for professionals and entrepreneurs. Free initial consultation.
In summary: Residence Permits Germany: Blue Card for highly skilled (min. salary €45,300), §21 visa for entrepreneurs (business plan + financing), ICT card for transfers. Duration: 4-12 weeks visa + 4-8 weeks residence permit. Settlement permit after 21-33 months (Blue Card) or 3-5 years possible.
Immigration to Germany
Germany has significantly liberalized its immigration law in recent years. The Skilled Workers Immigration Act has made access to the German labor market considerably easier for qualified professionals from third countries. Special regulations exist for entrepreneurs and investors.
Residence Permits Overview
| Residence Permit | Target Group | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | Highly qualified employees | Up to 4 years |
| §21 Entrepreneur Visa | Self-employed, founders | Initially 3 years |
| ICT Card | Intra-company transfer | Up to 3 years |
| Skilled Workers §18a/b | Qualified employees | Limited (employment contract) |
| Settlement Permit | Permanent residence | Unlimited |
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is the most attractive residence permit for highly qualified employees from third countries.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| University Degree | Recognized degree (or equivalent) |
| Employment Contract | In Germany, corresponding to qualification |
| Minimum Salary 2024 | €45,300 gross/year (standard occupations) |
| Shortage Occupations | €41,042 gross/year (IT, engineers, doctors, etc.) |
Blue Card Benefits
- Fast Settlement Permit: After 21 months (B1 German) or 33 months (A1)
- Family Reunification: Simplified, no language requirement for spouse
- Job Change: Without approval after 2 years
- EU Mobility: Move to another EU state possible after 12 months
- Work Authorization: Automatically included
Entrepreneur Visa (§21 AufenthG)
The entrepreneur visa allows third-country nationals to establish or acquire a business in Germany.
Requirements
- Economic Interest: Regional interest or special need
- Positive Impact: On the German economy
- Secured Financing: Equity or loans
- Viable Business Plan: With realistic projections
- Professional Experience: In the planned business area
Review Process
The immigration office obtains opinions from:
- Chamber of Commerce: On economic viability
- Trade Authority: On admissibility of activity
- State Bank/Development Agency: If needed
Simplified Requirements
Simplified rules apply for certain groups:
- Freelancers: No economic needs assessment
- Founders with €250,000 Investment: Positive presumption
- German University Graduates: Easier access
ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer)
The ICT Card enables intra-company transfer of managers and specialists from abroad to Germany.
| Personnel Category | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|
| Managers | 3 years |
| Specialists | 3 years |
| Trainees | 1 year |
Requirements
- At least 6 months employment with sending company
- Continuing employment contract with foreign entity
- Qualification as manager/specialist/trainee
- Remuneration according to German standards
Skilled Worker Immigration
Skilled Workers with Vocational Training (§18a)
- Recognized vocational qualification
- Job offer in corresponding occupation
- Approval from Federal Employment Agency
Skilled Workers with Academic Training (§18b)
- Recognized university degree
- Job offer (corresponding to qualification)
- No salary threshold like Blue Card
Accelerated Skilled Worker Procedure
Employers can apply for an accelerated procedure at the immigration office:
- Fee: €411
- Duration: Approx. 4 months instead of 6-12 months
- Visa: Appointment within 3 weeks
- Benefits: Advisory by immigration office
Visa Procedure
Process
- Embassy Appointment: Online booking (often waiting time)
- Application Documents: Forms, evidence, livelihood
- Visa Decision: 4-12 weeks
- Entry to Germany: With national visa
- Residence Permit: Application at immigration office
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Biometric passport photo
- Employment contract or business plan
- Qualification documents (recognized/evaluated)
- Health insurance proof
- Proof of livelihood
- Federal Employment Agency approval if applicable
Settlement Permit
The settlement permit is an unlimited residence permit with unrestricted labor market access.
Requirements by Residence Type
| Residence Permit | Waiting Period | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | 21-33 months | B1 (21 months) or A1 (33 months) German |
| §21 Self-Employed | 3 years | Successful business operation |
| Skilled Workers | 4 years | B1 German, pension contributions |
| General | 5 years | Livelihood secured, B1 German |
Family Reunification
Family members can join in Germany:
Spouse
- Requirement: Basic German (A1)
- Blue Card: No language proof required
- Work Authorization: Automatically included
Children
- Age: Under 18 years
- Language Skills: Not required
- School Obligation: From arrival in Germany
Cost Overview
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| National Visa | €75 - 100 |
| EU Blue Card | €140 |
| Residence Permit | €100 - 150 |
| Settlement Permit | €135 - 250 |
| Accelerated Procedure | €411 |
| Qualification Recognition | €100 - 600 |
Our Services
- Initial Consultation: Assessment of optimal immigration option
- Application Support: Compilation of all documents
- Business Plan: Preparation for entrepreneur visa
- Authority Contact: Communication with embassy and immigration office
- Family Reunification: Applications for spouse and children
- Settlement Permit: Advisory and application
Frequently Asked Questions
The main options are: Business visa (§21 AufenthG), EU Blue Card for highly skilled employees, ICT card for intra-company transfers, settlement permit after 3-5 years. There is no special visa for investors, but special review procedures apply.
Fees vary: National visa €75-100, residence permit €100-150, Blue Card €140, settlement permit €135-250. Plus costs for translations, certifications, possibly legal fees (€1,000-5,000) and health insurance.
This depends on visa type and embassy: National visa 4-12 weeks, Blue Card 2-4 weeks with accelerated procedure, entrepreneur visa 6-12 weeks. The immigration office in Germany needs another 4-8 weeks for the residence permit.
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified third-country nationals with a university degree and an employment contract with minimum salary (2024: €45,300 gross/year, shortage occupations: €41,042). It enables permanent settlement after 21-33 months.
Yes, spouses and minor children can apply for family reunification. Blue Card holders benefit from simplified procedures without language requirements for spouses. Family members receive a residence permit with work authorization.
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