How to obtain a visa and residence permit in Germany: a complete guide

The attractiveness of Germany for migrants

Germany continues to attract people from various corners of the world due to its stable economy and high living standards. In 2013, statistics showed that approximately 16.5 million foreign citizens lived in the country, accounting for about 20.5% of the total population. The largest groups among migrants are Turks, Poles, Russians, Kazakhs, Romanians, Italians, and Greeks.The main factors contributing to migrationThis is about family reunification, obtaining education, and job searching.

Visa policy of Germany

The issue of visa policy in Germany is also important. Germany is part of the Schengen Area and the European Union, which makes travel for citizens of certain countries more accessible. Citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan need to obtain a Schengen visa to visit Germany. This visa can be obtained through the German consulate or another Schengen Agreement member state. If you already have a residence permit in one of the European countries, you can visit Germany without the need for a visa.

Types of Schengen visas

There are different types of Schengen visas, including:

• Single-entry visa:allows to cross the border of Germany once.
• Multiple entry visa:allows for multiple entries without the need for re-application.

It is important to note that the maximum duration of stay on a visa is 90 days within a six-month period.

Documents for obtaining a visa

To find out about all the necessary documents for obtaining a Schengen visa, it is helpful to visit the website of the German Embassy in Moscow. Application forms are also available online and on consulate resources around the world. When submitting documents, be prepared for the processing time to take between 10 to 15 days. Therefore, it is better to submit the documents in advance, three months before the expected trip.

Buying real estate in Germany

If you are planning to purchase real estate in Germany, it may expand your options for obtaining a visa. Property owners can apply for a Schengen multiple-entry visa, which allows them to stay in the country for 90 days within a six-month period or 180 days in a year. However, for the initial trip aimed at buying property, you will need to apply for a visa.

It is important to remember that in addition to the standard set of documents, you will need to provide:

• A copy of the sales contractreal estate property.
• Certificate of financial statusFor example, a document showing your income with your salary or a similar certificate confirming your financial stability.

Advance preparation of documents will help you protect your interests when purchasing real estate in Germany.

Conclusion

For a deeper understanding of the real estate acquisition process in Germany, take a look at this article outlining the steps necessary to obtain a visa. This will allow you to carefully plan your next steps and minimize potential complications. Germany opens up vast horizons for those who want to enjoy the benefits of living in its society.

Long-term visa to Germany

A long-term visa for Germany, also known as a national visa, is intended for foreign citizens who wish to stay in the country for an extended period. This visa allows for a prolonged stay in Germany for a specific purpose, which can vary and is not subject to strict limitations.

In most cases, the duration for which such a visa is issued is up to one year. Upon arrival in the country, depending on your intentions, you will need to apply for an internal residence permit.

Reasons for obtaining a national visa

There are several grounds for obtaining a national visa, among which the following can be highlighted:

• reunion with loved ones;
• employment
• studies;
• receiving medical assistance.

It is important to understand that in order to apply for a national visa, you must be present in person at the consulate, where you will need to provide all the required documents. A complete list of the necessary papers, depending on the type of national visa, can be found on official internet portals.

Residence permits in Germany

As for residence permits in Germany, they are established in accordance with the legislation regarding the stay and integration of foreigners. The document designated for legal residence is calledResidence permit.

A detailed description of the various categories and their associated requirements can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Real estate and residence permit

It should be noted that owning property in Germany is not a sufficient basis for obtaining a residence permit. However, for certain categories of applicants, including economically independent individuals, owning property can have a positive impact on the process of obtaining a residence permit.

Employment and residence permit

If you have a job offer from an employer in Germany, you can also apply for a residence permit. In this context, it is important to remember that working in the country is prohibited until you receive the appropriate accreditation.

To obtain a residence permit through employment, there are specific requirements, including:

• knowledge of the German language
• Confirmation that local residents or individuals who have been living in the country for a long time are not claiming your job position.

The validity period of the residence permit

The validity period of the residence permit granted based on employment will be comparable to the duration of your employment contract with your employer. For example, if your employment contract is for two years, the residence permit will be issued for the same period.

However, you will be able to extend your residence permit in Germany as long as you maintain your job in the country. Thus, by meeting all the established conditions and requirements, it is possible to successfully implement plans for a long-term stay in Germany.

In this guide, you will find detailed information on how to successfully find a job in Germany. It is worth noting that for highly qualified specialists with extensive experience, there is the possibility of obtaining a Blue Card EU. To familiarize yourself with the full requirements and necessary documents, please check the provided link.

Business in Germany

When it comes to doing business, the most common legal form is the GmbH, which stands for a limited liability company. A minimum share capital is required for its establishment.25,000 eurosHowever, for the start, the entrepreneur can contribute onlyhalf of this amountA foreign founder without a permanent residence permit can hold the position of manager if they have access to free entry into the European Union, for example, thanks to a multiple-entry visa. The company registration process can take fromfrom one month to two and a half.

Residence permit for entrepreneurs

The key criterion for obtaining a residence permit for entrepreneurs is the financial viability of their venture. Each region has the right to independently determine how beneficial the proposed business plan will be for the economy of that area. This decision is made based on the analysis of the submitted business plan. It must be presented to the consulate or the visa department of the German embassy. It is important to remember that documents sent from the embassy may be forwarded to the local authorities of the area where the applicant plans to live and work.

Obtaining a residence permit in Germany

Obtaining a residence permit in Germany is a process that may turn out to be less complicated than it seems at first glance, especially if you have decided to continue your education at one of the local universities. The education system in the country actively supports international students, offering them not only education but also the opportunity for temporary employment during their studies.

Lack of special programs for retirees

As for people of retirement age, there are no special immigration programs in Germany for this category of citizens. The most accessible option for retirees is obtaining a residence permit based on their financial stability. This method is suitable only for those who have sufficient means to support themselves.

Family reunion

In addition, there is the possibility of family reunification. If you have relatives in Germany who are already residents or citizens of the country, you have a chance to take advantage of this opportunity. However, successful reunification will require you to provide evidence of your financial stability.

Necessary documents for obtaining a residence permit

When preparing the necessary documents for obtaining a residence permit, you should gather the following papers:

• Statementfor obtaining a national type visa.
• Three photographsbiometric format, which must be done within six months before submitting the application.
• Foreign passport and copieshis main pages. Please note that there should be no border control marks on two pages, otherwise you will have to apply for a new passport.
• Copies of pagesyour Russian passport with the appropriate stamps.
• Medical insurance contractfor the first two weeks of your stay in the country and two copies of it, as well as a statement that you will arrange for health insurance in Germany.
• All the listed documents should be submitted totwo copies.

Additional documents

Depending on the basis on which you plan to apply for a residence permit, additional documents may be required. For example, for family reunification with a spouse, you will definitely needmarriage certificateIf we're talking about employment –employment contractwith the employer and similar documents.

Visa application process

The process of obtaining a residence permit, permanent residency, and citizenship in Germany begins with applying for a long-term visa of category D. It is important to remember that the reason for which you are applying for the visa must match the basis for obtaining the residence permit.

You submit the package with the necessary documents to the consulate, which will then forward them to the local immigration office.Foreigners' Authority) in Germany. Usually, the process of reviewing your application takes about two months. After your visa is approved, you will need to enter Germany and contact...Foreigners' Authorityto obtain a residence permit. In each city, there is one or more institutions of this agency, so you should apply to the one that is responsible for your area.

First residence permit

The initial residence permit issued in Germany is valid forfrom one to three yearsIt depends on personal circumstances and the reasons for obtaining it. To extend a residence permit, certain steps must also be taken, and necessary documentation must be provided. This includes gathering and submitting new documents, which must comply with the regular requirements of the agency.

The procedure for extending a residence permit in Germany

To extend your residence permit in Germany, it is important to meet certain requirements. First of all, you need to demonstrate that you have sufficient resources, including housing, health insurance, and financial means for living.

Permanent residence permitThe residence permit, known as Niederlassungserlaubnis, can be obtained after five years of legal residence in Germany, although in exceptional circumstances, it may be granted earlier. The applicant must be able to support themselves and their family without relying on state assistance, demonstrate German language skills at a level no lower than B1, and have no criminal record.

The procedure for obtaining citizenship

To obtain German citizenship, you must have lived in the country for at least eight years. A permanent residence permit is required, as well as successfully passing the citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest) along with a language test.

The refusal to issue a residence permit can occur for various reasons, including:

• incorrect information in the documents;
• the lack of financial resources for the applicant or their sponsor.

Reasons for refusal to extend residence permit

There are also cases where the extension of a residence permit may be denied or revoked. This can happen if:

• The foreigner was expelled from the country for serious offenses.
• The foreigner has been absent from Germany for more than 6 consecutive months.

Advantages of having a residence permit

What does the status of a residence permit holder in Germany provide? First and foremost, it grants the right to reside permanently in the country, with the requirement to stay in Germany for at least six months a year. However, in practice, the control over movement within the Schengen Area is quite lenient, and various exceptions are allowed.

With such a document, you can travel freely through the Schengen Area without the need for a visa, as well as have the ability to enter the Schengen Area from other countries. It is important to remember that the time you can spend in other states is limited — it is 90 days within a six-month period.

Medical services for permit holders

Foreigners with a residence permit have the same rights to medical services as German citizens. This includes access to a choice of doctor and free medical services. Family members also have similar rights in this context. However, it is important to note that health insurance may not cover all types of medical services.

Social guarantees

Moreover, holders of the permit may be entitled to unemployment benefits or receive payments for temporary incapacity to work, which allows them to feel additional social protection. Such guarantees provide a sense of stability and confidence in the future for those who have decided to build their lives in Germany.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the process of immigration to Germany, despite all its challenges, opens up wide opportunities for foreigners. The German labor market, high quality of education, and stable social system make this country attractive for living and working.

As I mentioned before, in order to successfully enter and obtain a residence permit, it is essential to carefully prepare all the documents and have a clear understanding of your purpose for staying in the country. One should not forget the importance of this.knowledge of the German languagethat can significantly increase the chances of employment and integration into society.

Visa programs

It is also worth paying attention to various visa programs that can facilitate the relocation process, such as:

• long-term visa for studying
• work visa

It is important to understand that owning property in Germany can play a positive role in obtaining a visa, but it is not in itself a basis for granting a residence permit.

Factors influencing the acquisition of a residence permit

Equally significant factors include:

• financial viability
• employment

Knowledge and understanding of these aspects will help avoid refusals and extend your stay in the country.

Prospects for the future

So, for everyone planning to make Germany their new home, the future can be promising if you approach the immigration process with the right seriousness and preparation.