The Immigration Process to Germany

I offer end-to-end legal support for your immigration journey to Germany. This includes:

• Personal eligibility assessments,

• Step-by-step application planning,

• Document preparation and review,

• Communication with German immigration authorities (Ausländerbehörde),

• Appeals and problem-solving if something goes wrong.

I work with individuals, families and companies from across the world, ensuring your move to Germany is smooth, efficient, and legally sound.

If your stay exceeds 90 days in Germany, you have to register your address within 14 days after your move-in date at the local town hall or immigration office.

A re-registration is required for every move in Germany within 14 days.

Processing times vary by country, embassy workload, and visa type. On average, national visas (e.g. for work, study, or family) take 6–12 weeks from the date of the embassy appointment.

However, the waiting time for a visa appointment itself can add weeks or even months. Planning early is crucial.

I help you build a personal roadmap, prepare your documents thoroughly, and apply at the right time.

Yes, most residence permit holders have the right to bring their spouse and children to Germany through the family reunion process. For parents of EU Blue Card holders it is possible to apply for a visa with the purpose of the family reunion (option limited until 2028, only for EU Blue Card holders issued after March1, 2024).

Depending on your nationality and residence status, you may need to show:

• A sufficient income

• Adequate living space

• German language skills (A1 level) for your spouse (exceptions apply)

Processing times for family reunion visas can take 2 to 6 months. I help you prepare a strong application to make the process smoother and reduce delays.

You are required to demonstrate knowledge of the German language in several immigration and naturalisation contexts—but the level and timing depend on your specific immigration purpose.

Here are the most common situations:

• Family reunion (spouse joining a non-EU national): The spouse usually needs to show A1-level German before applying for the visa. There are exceptions, e.g. for highly skilled workers or Blue Card holders.

• Family reunion (child joining a non-EU national): Children older than 16 usually need to show C1-level German before applying for the visa. There are exceptions, e.g. for highly skilled workers or Blue Card holders.

• Permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis): For most people, B1-level German is required. You will also need to show integration, financial security, and contributions to the pension system.

• EU Blue Card holders: You can apply for permanent residence earlier—with only 21 months of residence—if you have B1-level German. Without it, you need 27 months and A1-level German.

• Naturalisation (citizenship): You must prove at least B1-level German through a recognised language certificate or German schooling. If you are applying for early naturalisation (after 3 years), a C1 level is required unless you have a German university degree or a similar graduation from a German school/univeristy.

Important: Only recognised certificates from authorised providers are accepted (e.g. Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD). If you're unsure whether your certificate qualifies, I can review it and advise before submission.

Language requirements can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to be perfect. What matters is meeting the official minimum for your case—and I can help you plan for it with confidence.