As a general rule, non-EU nationals are obliged to obtain an entry visa prior to arriving in Germany. This procedure can take months, depending on the applicant status, nationality, kind of a visa etc. Nationals of USA, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Japan, New Zealand , nd Israel are allowed to enter Germany without a valid entry visa and apply for a work/residence permit in Germany.

All non-EU nationals are required to retain throughout the whole time in Germany a valid residency permit and an appropriate work permit, if they intend to work in Germany regardless of the status of the job (self-employed, expatriate contract, local hire). The procedure of obtaining the permit can be lengthy and various documents are required for the application.

All dependent family members and spouses of a main applicant, can apply for a residence permit. Spouses holding a valid residence permit are entitiled get employment. However, self-employment is not allowed.

It is advisable to bring important documents in a hand luggage as opposed to being shipped with other household goods. It may take up to 3 months to get belongings delivered to a new home. The immigration procedure however, should be started shortly after your arrival to Germany.

There is a variety of different permits depending on such conditions as:

• annual salary
• education of the applicant
• position and responsibility
• type of the job
• type of the employment contract
• etc.

The different permits include:

• Work Permit
• Blue Card
• Specialist Work Permit
• Student Visa
• Trainee Visa
• Intra-Company Educational Program
• Intra-Company Mobility (ICT-Card)
• International Personnel Exchange Program
• etc.