For most foreigners, moving to Germany under an immigration program is associated with the opportunity to find a well-paying job in one of Europe’s fastest-growing countries. To obtain full status, individuals must go through a step-by-step naturalization procedure. The first step towards German citizenship is obtaining a national visa (category D), which allows you to legally reside in Germany.
The most popular program for immigrating to Germany involves obtaining an EU Blue Card and signing an employment contract with a German employer. Read the article below to learn about the requirements for moving to and legally staying in Germany. It also discusses the pros and cons of immigration.
Why move to Germany? Pros and cons of immigration
Before making the decision, immigrants should assess all the advantages and disadvantages of living in the country. The advantages of moving to Germany include the following:
- The opportunity to receive subsidies for purchasing real estate and financial assistance for raising children;
- Affordable food prices and special offers on food sets;
- The opportunity to immigrate to Germany with relatives based on family reunification;
- Access to one of the best healthcare systems (if you have public health insurance, the state covers all doctor and medication expenses);
- The opportunity to enroll in a university through a simplified program;
- A decent standard of living for retirees.
Before moving to Germany, consider the disadvantages of immigration:
- The quality of non-cash payments. Local banks often lack the ability to instantly transfer money from one bank card to another, and money transfers are not carried out on weekends;
- Language barrier: 55% of migrants have difficulty learning German, which causes initial difficulties in everyday life and job searching.
How to immigrate to Germany
Leaving your home country to immigrate to Germany for permanent residence is regulated by the Residence Act (AufenthG), the Citizenship Act, and the Employment and Residence of Foreigners Regulation. These regulations do not apply to EU citizens, who have the right to free movement within the territory of the association, nor to their relatives or diplomats. Other categories of individuals require a visa, residence permit, and eventually, permanent residence and citizenship to move to Germany for permanent residence.
After submitting the required documents to the immigration authorities, applicants are issued a residence permit in the form of an electronic ID card (eAT). The residence permit card has an embedded chip with the owner’s personal information, including biometric data. Receiving a residence permit grants the person the status of a temporary EU resident. Applications for permanent residence from individuals planning to move to Germany are considered on a case-by-case basis after the residency requirement has expired. Permanent residents must also live in Germany for the required period before submitting a citizenship application.
Required documents for moving to Germany
To move to Germany, an immigrant needs to prepare the following documents for initial visa approval:
- Type D visa;
- A passport-size photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm);
- An application form for a residence permit, which is issued upon arrival in Germany;
- A valid passport;
- Proof of funds for living expenses (certificate of income for the last three months, bank statement, etc.);
- Health insurance;
- Proof of residence in Germany (rental agreement, certificate of ownership, etc.);
- Documents confirming legal grounds for a long-term stay in the country (e.g., work contract or marriage certificate with a German citizen).
All original documents submitted must be translated into German by a certified translator and be notarized. For immigration with a subsequent request for permanent residence and citizenship, the dossier should be compiled while residing in Germany. To obtain permanent status, a temporary resident will need documents confirming his or her integration into society, knowledge of the German language, and length of stay in Germany.
Citizenship, residence permit, or business relocation anywhere in the world:
- Live and travel freely;
- Grow your business;
- Provide your children with an education at the world’s best universities.
Cost of immigration to Germany in 2025
According to research by the Financial Management Group, Germany has been one of the 15 most popular countries for moving through employment and business immigration since 2020. Germany has immigration programs that allow people to move to the country temporarily or permanently, provided they refuse government financial support. The inability to receive social assistance allows foreigners to demonstrate their solvency and wealth. The table below shows the cost of moving to Germany and the expenses involved in immigration.
| Expense item | Estimated amount, € |
|---|---|
| Processing a D-type relocation visa for an adult/child | 75/37,5 |
| Medical insurance | 30 000 |
| Rent for one-room apartment (per month) | 600–1600 |
| Cost of living per person (per month) | 800–1000 |
| Application for a temporary residence permit for an adult/child | 93–100/46,5–50 |
| Application for a permanent residence permit for an adult/child | 113–45/55 |
| Processing citizenship status for an adult/child | 255/51 |
To move to Germany, foreigners must now provide proof of financial savings to cover at least 2-3 months of residence in the country. They should also take tax deductions into account. Germany has a progressive tax system, meaning the amount of deductions increases proportionally to income.
Relocating to Germany independently requires a lot of time and money. Professional legal support can help you find the most affordable immigration option. For more information, schedule a consultation with a migration specialist.
Immigration programs available in Germany
The first step in the immigration process is to choose the most suitable relocation program for immigrants.
Labor immigration and EU Blue Card
Foreign citizens must prove their qualifications to be hired in Germany. Specialists in IT, engineering, and medicine can use a simplified method to immigrate by obtaining an EU Blue Card. This residence permit is for individuals with a higher education who have immigrated to Germany as qualified specialists. After 21–33 months, holders of an EU Blue Card may request permanent residence, provided they can prove their knowledge of the German language and demonstrate receipt of the required minimum income (EUR 56,400 in 2025).
In certain cases, a residence permit may be issued to foreigners for employment, regardless of their qualifications. These individuals must demonstrate regional, economic, or other market relevance. Applicants enter Germany on a work visa and receive temporary residence for up to three years. After this period, they have the right to request permanent residence.
Self-employment and business relocation
To obtain a residence permit under this program, applicants must draw up a business plan, prepare constituent documents, and prove the available authorized capital. Applicants must confirm that their entrepreneurial activity will benefit the regional or state economy and that they will provide personal or credit funds. A residence permit for self-employed persons is valid for three years. If the business owner makes a profit and pays taxes, they have the right to apply for permanent residence after 36 months.
Education and student visa
The German government issues temporary residence permits to foreigners who wish to pursue higher education or attend language courses. In order to study at a German university, you must apply for the corresponding visa, receive an admission confirmation from the university, and request a residence permit upon arrival in Germany. After completing their studies, specialists can stay in the country provided they find a job in their field within six months and renew their residence permit.
Family reunification
Spouses and unmarried minor children of permanent residents or citizens of Germany may apply for a residence permit. The invited person must confirm the available living space for relatives and their status. In some cases, spouses must demonstrate proficiency in German at level A1 to legally reside in the country. The minimum validity period of a residence permit is one year, which can be extended. After 36 months, applicants may request permanent residence or citizenship.
Jewish emigration
The program requires submitting documents for a temporary or permanent residence permit to the German embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of origin. Stateless individuals residing there may also apply for residency under this program. Participants in the Jewish immigration program must confirm their nationality, demonstrate basic German language proficiency, and prove their ability to support themselves. They will also need to provide evidence of joining a Jewish community in Germany.
Other grounds for immigration
Volunteers, researchers, religious workers, refugees, and other individuals have the right to obtain a residence or permanent residence permit for at least one year, provided that they coordinate their actions with the German government. To move to Germany, these individuals must select an appropriate program, apply for participation in the project, and submit the required documents to the relevant government agency.
European residence permit
Specialists can advise you on the most advantageous options for obtaining a residence permit
How to move to Germany: a step-by-step guide to becoming a legal resident
- Open a national visa (category D)
To obtain an entry permit, submit an application and dossier to the German consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Indicate the purpose of your trip, such as Jewish emigration, family reunification, or employment. You can request a visa application form from the diplomatic mission.
- Obtain a residence permit in Germany
During the visa’s validity period, enter the country and apply for a residence permit in Germany. You can obtain temporary residence even if you don’t speak the language, provided that you have the necessary supporting documents. Submit the dossier to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local immigration authorities. Ask the institution where you request the residence card about the processing time.
- Apply for a permanent residence
To apply for permanent residence, you must have lived in Germany for at least five years with a residence permit. For certain immigrant categories, the period may be shorter. Immigration authorities will require documents that confirm your eligibility, financial status, housing availability, and language proficiency. Late repatriates and spouses of German citizens only need to demonstrate German proficiency at level A1. Those moving to Germany for permanent residence or professional training must have a language proficiency of at least B1. Certificates of completion for German courses are welcome. Information about the timeframe for obtaining permanent residence should be obtained from the immigration authorities.
- Apply for German citizenship
Naturalization in Germany is available after at least eight years of permanent residence in the country, though the period is reduced for some categories of immigrants. Applicants must confirm renunciation of previous citizenship, demonstrate proficiency in German at a level of at least B1, and provide proof of accommodation and integration into society.
Best cities for immigrants in Germany
Looking for housing in advance can be helpful before moving to Germany. There is a shortage of rental apartments in the country. In 2022, the number of immigrants in the state was about 2.7 million, about 55% of whom had difficulty finding a place to live. However, large cities in Germany offer more opportunities for relocation. For example:
- Berlin
It is an attractive labor market with high salaries and favorable conditions for IT specialists, service personnel, and workers in medicine, technology, science, engineering, finance, and construction. The city is home to factories of such international corporations as Volkswagen, Pfizer, and SAP. About 17% of German startup projects are registered in Berlin. The cost of renting a one-room apartment in the city is EUR 900–1,300. - Frankfurt
Considered the financial capital of Europe, it is home to the Central European Bank and the Federal Bank of Germany. The city offers opportunities to work at major international companies such as Nestlé, Nintendo, and Alliance Healthcare. The cost of renting a one-room apartment in the city is EUR 850–1,200. - Munich
There are many job openings for medical professionals, provided they have their diplomas confirmed. IT specialists can easily find jobs in the city with monthly salaries of about EUR 4,000. Munich is also an attractive place to start your own business in an environment of fair competition. The cost of renting a one-room apartment in the city is EUR 1,100–1,400. - Hamburg
Many immigrants come to the city to build a career in banking. Foreigners also have the opportunity to buy an existing business or invest in one of the largest companies, such as the Otto Group, Airbus Operations, and ArcelorMittal. Renting a one-room apartment in the city costs EUR 750–1,000. - Hannover
It offers job openings for specialists in various industries, from automotive to banking. The city is the unofficial European capital of exhibitions, so there are also plenty of opportunities for event workers. Immigrants with technical training can find employment with well-known companies such as Volkswagen, Sennheiser, and Continental AG. You can rent a one-room apartment for EUR 500–700.
Consequences of illegal immigration
Some immigrants may have problems crossing the border when moving to Germany. A foreign national is prohibited from staying in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) if the individual:
- Has an expired passport;
- Does not have a temporary or permanent residence permit or other legal status;
- Has an expired visa;
- Has a criminal record for violating FRG laws;
- Does not have permission to enter the country;
- Is in a fraudulent marriage.
A foreigner who is denied entry by German police will be fined and deported to their home country. The transport company that illegally transported the individual is responsible for returning them.
Reviews on moving to Germany for permanent residence
According to reviews from people who have moved to Germany, approximately 70% highly rated the quality of life and work in the country after immigrating. Only about 4-5% of foreigners expressed dissatisfaction with their interactions with local authorities when applying for residence permits and related matters.
Immigrants emphasize that the German government offers them a high standard of living, decent healthcare, competitive salaries, the opportunity to receive quality higher education, and a sense of social security. They highlight bureaucratic difficulties in obtaining citizenship and the high cost of gasoline and utilities as disadvantages of living in Germany. For the population of draft age, mandatory mobilization into the German armed forces can also be a disadvantage.
Professional immigration assistance
Although immigrants can prepare and submit the necessary documents to government agencies independently, the procedure for obtaining citizenship often causes difficulties for people who do not speak German and are unfamiliar with the local legislation. An error in filling out an application can result in a refusal. Additionally, to become naturalized, it is necessary to submit stage-by-stage dossiers for temporary and permanent residence permits and citizenship, which can take years.
To learn what requirements must be met to obtain European citizenship, sign up for a consultation with international law specialists. Experienced lawyers can provide assistance with immigration and offer full support throughout the process.
