Why Move to Germany

• Germany hosts nearly 110000 UK citizens with/without PR visa

• The German economy is 4th largest globally and most robust in Europe

• Germany is 13% more productive than the UK

• 1.74 million job vacancies across Germany

• The EU Blue Card helps you earn at least EUR 58,400

How to Immigrate to Germany

• Post Brexit, UK citizens without residency permits can only live in Germany for 90 days or 3 months within 6 months or 180 days.

• As a UK citizen, suppose you want to relocate to Germany for work purposes with a Permanently Residency (PR) visa. In that case, you must apply for it directly from Germany or through the German consulate in the UK or their nation.

• If you want to stay longer in Germany, long-term visa (D-type) can help you get PR. Demand for UK entry visa to Germany has increased since Brexit.

• It would help if you had pre-approval from the Employment Agency in Germany before applying for an entry visa at the German Embassy.

• German governments’ rules state that accepting the UK or any foreign nationals for employment depends’ on Germany’s economic requirements.

• You will need both vocational qualifications as well as a detailed employment offer.

• As a UK citizen, you can also use the Skilled Immigration Act that came into existence in March 2020.

• The law simplifies the immigration of specialists from the UK to Germany in great demand. These include engineers, doctors, mathematicians, scientists, IT professionals, etc.

• Register at the local registration office in 14 days.

• These registration offices in Germany are titled differently, depending on the area where you live such as Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR), Burgeramt, Burgerburo, or Einwohnermeldeamt.

• Besides trying to get a Temporary Residence Permit, also called Aufenthaltserlaubnis, you can also try to get an EU Blue Card if you are a highly qualified professional or even a PR permit holder.

• If you immigrate as a self-employed entrepreneur in Germany, you are eligible for a permanent settlement permit after 3 years.

• You need to prove that the income generated from your business is sufficient to maintain your and your family members.

• To boost your residency case, get a local health insurance policy and bank account.

• You can apply for PR in Germany after you have lived for 5 years in Germany in an unbroken stretch.

• Before Brexit, UK citizens could easily travel to Germany without any restrictions. After Brexit, UK citizens can only enter Germany sans visa for 3 months within 6 months. It applies to UK citizens visiting all Schengen Area countries. 

Benefits of Moving to Germany

• Easy access to other European countries.

• Good work-life balance.

• Excellent public transport connectivity.

• Mingle easily with UK expats living in leading German cities.

• You can get unemployment benefits.

• Health insurance cash benefits in case of illness.

• Disability and old-age pension benefits.

• Lower cost of living as compared to the UK.

• High-paying jobs for skilled professionals.

• Enjoy UK benefits and pensions even as you live in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria for German Immigration

• Your UK passport is valid for at least 3 more months beyond the date you intend to leave Germany.

• You must have valid travel documents and additional supporting documentation.

• A cover letter explaining the purpose of immigration to Germany.

• You need to have enough financial resources to sustain yourself and your family while staying in Germany for an extended period.

• You must not have any alerts issued against you in the Schengen Information System. 

• You are not a threat to any EU member countries’ health policy, internal security, public policy, or international relations.

• Visa application form filled out completely and duly signed with fee payment receipt as proof along with 1 biometric photo.

• You have German medical insurance and a bank account.

• You are proficient up to B1 level in German.

• You don’t have a past criminal record.

• If immigrating to Germany for work, show a letter from your German employer detailing your job offer and description as proof.

• If you are immigrating to join your spouse/civil partner in Germany, you must provide a marriage/civil partnership certificate.

• Proof of residence in the UK supported by documents like utility bills, tax returns, and bank statements of the last 6 months.

• Medical certificate stating good health to live and work in Germany.

What are the Requirements to Migrate to Germany

• You need to apply 180 days in advance.

• Show up in person at the German Embassy/Consulate in London/ Edinburgh.

• You live in Germany for 5 years (only 3 years if you are married to a German citizen) to get PR.

• If you are a German university graduate who lived and worked for 2 years in Germany, you get PR.

• An understanding of local legal, social order, and overall society in Germany.

• 5 years of minimum experience in your chosen field of study.

• You need to be under the age of 35 years.

• You must have a detailed business plan that outlines your business idea if you are immigrating to set up a business.

• You must apply for a job seeker visa if you don’t have a job before migrating to Germany.

• If you are over 45, you must give evidence for pension provision.

What are the Steps to Apply

• Prepare checklist of documents needed.

• Fill out the online application form.

• Submit the required documents with appropriate information.

• Once your interview is scheduled, attend it in person at least 3 months before you travel to Germany.

• Submit all relevant supportive documents, including biometric information.

• Make fee payment.

• Once approved, collect approval in person and fly off to Germany.

Germany Visa Processing Time

• According to the Schengen Visa Code, the processing time for a Schengen visa from the UK to Germany differs.

• UK to Germany visa application takes a minimum of 5 working days.

	Time
Standard long stay	30 days
Rush / Super Rush	30 days
Standard short stay	15 days

Germany Visa Processing Fees

Schengen Visa	Euro
Adult (short stay)	80
Adult (long stay)	75
Children between 6-12 years of age	40
Children below 6 years of age	Free

• Family members of an EU national with requisite documents are exempt.

• Also, students, including graduates and study graduates traveling from the UK to Germany with staff, are exempt.

How Y-Axis Can Help You

• Help identify the best strategy to help you get a German PR.

• Counsel you on ways to present all relevant documents to be submitted.

• If looking for a job, help you grab the best job on offer as per your qualifications.

• Advise you on how to do the step-by-step filling of documents.

• Help you fill out all relevant application forms.

• Review your documents before they are submitted for approval.

• Help you learn the German language with a coaching service.

Get yourself evaluated instantly for free with the Y-Axis immigration point’s calculator here.