Blog & news
Law changes, visa explainers and practical tips for moving to Germany.
Is your Spanish or Portuguese residence permit expiring? Consider Germany's job seeker visa
Your permit is running out and there's no job offer yet? Who the Opportunity Card suits, how much money and which documents you need, and how to apply from Spain or Portugal.
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Outstaffing and payroll in Germany: how to work for a foreign company legally
Your employer is abroad and you want to move to Germany? A guide to the Employer of Record model: German employment contract, payroll, taxes, social security and a visa basis without opening a company in Germany.
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German residence permit for EU long-term residents (§ 38a AufenthG)
Do you hold EU long-term resident status in Italy, Spain, Poland or another EU country? How to move to Germany under § 38a AufenthG, work there and apply for citizenship after five years.
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German freelance visa: from national visa D to citizenship
Germany has no dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, but freelancers can move under § 21 AufenthG. Who qualifies for a freelance residence permit, which documents you need and how to reach permanent residence and citizenship.
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First steps after moving to Germany: 10 things to do in your first weeks
Anmeldung, bank account, health insurance, Deutschlandticket, Steuer-ID, Rundfunkbeitrag and Doctolib — a step-by-step checklist for anyone who has just moved to Germany.
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EU Blue Card in Germany: 9 advantages, requirements and document checklist
The Blaue Karte EU is the most attractive residence permit for skilled professionals. The 2026 salary threshold, 9 advantages over a regular work visa and the full document list for the embassy.
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Freelance residence permit and pension contributions: why you shouldn't delay a § 21 application
Pension contributions are currently optional for most freelancers in Germany, but a government commission has proposed making them mandatory for new self-employed people. What this means for a § 21 AufenthG permit.
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Opportunity Card and freelancing: a mistake that causes trouble with the immigration office
With the Opportunity Card you may only work as an employee. You can't invoice clients as a freelancer if your visa says “Selbständige Tätigkeit nicht erlaubt”. A case and what to do.
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Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis: the work visa document people often forget
For most German work visas and residence permits an employment contract isn't enough: the employer also completes the Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis. What goes into it and where to get the current EzB 02/2024 form.
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Sworn translators in Germany: how to get a translation that authorities will accept
Which translations German authorities accept, what öffentlich bestellt und beeidigt means and how to find a sworn translator for your language via the official database and the BDÜ.
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Motivation letter for the Opportunity Card: 8 points the consul wants to see
How to structure a motivation letter for the job-seeker visa (Chancenkarte): why Germany, why your profile, regions, job search, language, housing and recognition of your qualification.
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Germany is moving national visa applications online: what you can already apply for digitally
German embassies are gradually moving visa D applications to the Auslandsportal. Using Georgia as an example: which categories can already be submitted online and which still require paper.
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48 apps to settle in quickly and live well in Germany
A curated list of apps we use ourselves and recommend to clients: food, health, shopping, housing, transport, sport, travel, leisure, learning German and finance.
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§ 24 AufenthG and German citizenship: do years under temporary protection count?
Years lived in Germany under § 24 AufenthG count towards the five-year residence period for naturalisation, but you can't apply for citizenship while still on § 24. Here's a route that works.
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How to prepare for your relocation consultation
A 7-point checklist of what to have ready before the call, so 45 minutes gets you the most precise relocation plan.
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