German Work Permit For Eu Citizens

These days, people from all over Europe come to Germany in order to look for a job. However, this isn’t always easy. More and more firms are asking for certificates that show that you have the right to live and work in Germany. This is where the Arbeitsmarktbescheinigung comes in. In this article we explain what the work permit is and how Eu Citizens can get the certificate they need.A bit of advice –- you can’t fake it, you HAVE to do it! That is the case with learning a language. One may be fluent in three languages but still be considered official and legal immigrants since they don’t have German work permit. Of course, even with a job offer from Germany and German being their mother tongue, foreign workers have to pass a German language exam before landing a professional position.

German Work Permit For Eu Citizens

To live and work in Germany, EU citizens have to have the residence title of a “EU citizen with a German residence permit”, “family member of an EU citizen” or “relative of an EU citizen”. As for non-EU citizens there is the possibility to receive a “residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment”. This guide will help you to figure out, which residence permit you need.The European Union has opened its borders to the free movement of people. All Europeans are entitled to live and work in any other EEA country on equal footing with nationals. This agreement is intended to promote the freedom of movement for workers, services and capital within the EU. It may also be known as the Directive on the Free Movement of Persons, or simply the Freedom of Movement Directive.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can live and work in Germany without restrictions but will need to register with the local German authorities.

As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you enjoy freedom of movement around the EU. You don’t need a visa or permit to come and live and work in Germany. There are some exceptions, however.

Immigration to Germany is popular; after the United States, Germany has the most migrants of any other country, as well as the highest number of immigrants in the EU. A large portion of these come from other EU countries. There are no restrictions on EU citizens moving to Germany; they can move with just their passport. Registration in Germany is necessary if you plan to stay longer than three months or take up residence.

This guide explains the necessary processes and registration for EU citizens moving to Germany.

EU citizens moving to Germany

If you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen moving to Germany, you only need a valid passport or ID document. You must register your address in Germany within three months of entering the country. Each city has its own Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) location and website.

Visa requirements for Swiss citizens

Swiss nationals also enjoy freedom of movement within the EU. However, although there are no official visa requirements, Swiss citizens have to apply for a purely declaratory residence permit for Swiss nationals from the Aliens Authority in Germany (Ausländerbehörde) in their place of residence. Each city has its own Aliens Authority office and website.

Permits for relatives of EU citizens

If a relative who is not from the EU/EEA/Switzerland wishes to join you in Germany, they will have to apply to the German embassy/consulate in their home country, for a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification.

See our guide on permits for family reunification in Germany.

Croatian citizens

Since July 2015, citizens of new EU member state Croatia have had free access to the German labour market, nulling the previous requirement for Croatians to obtain a German work permit.

Brexit and UK citizens in Germany

Germany is one of the top destinations for companies leaving the UK after the Brexit aftermath. Approximately 100,000 British citizens currently live in Germany, but moving to Germany from the UK could become more complicated in future years. Certain UK citizens will be able to protect their rights by getting German citizenship.

It has not yet been revealed how Brexit will affect British citizens in Germany or British citizens hoping to immigrate to Germany, but future requirements could include showing proof of income (including work contracts) and proof of health insurance coverage in order to stay in Germany. There has been talk, however, of providing special privileges to UK citizens living in European countries.

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Mandatory registration in Germany

Registering your address in Germany

Within one or two weeks of moving into permanent accommodation (depending on the German state), you must register your address in Germany with the police at the local residents’ registration office of the town hall (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt)). Registration in Germany is a rule that applies to everyone, even German nationals.

You must take the following:

  • your passport or ID card;
  • a copy of the lease or rental agreement for your accommodation (if applicable);
  • a completed registration form (Anmeldeformular) countersigned by the landlord, which you can get from your local registration office or newsagents, or download from your area’s local government site.

Once you register your residence in Germany, give the confirmation of the residency (Anmeldebestätigung) part of the form to your landlord. You should also register any further change of address.

De-registration isn’t necessary when you move to a different city within Germany. If you leave Germany you must de-register (Abmeldung) three to four weeks before leaving.

Certificate of residence in Germany

While you already have the right of residence by EU law, you still must apply for a certificate of residence in Germany within three months. You can apply at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residence Registration Office) or the Ausländerbehörde (Foreign National’s Authority) where you live.

As well as your passport or ID, you’ll need to take along supporting documentation. Depending on your own circumstances, this may include the following:

  • An employment contract/offer of a job
  • Registration on trade register/membership of a professional body
  • If you’re a retiree, proof of receipt of a pension
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Proof of monthly earnings if you’re a freelancer
  • Marriage and birth certificates (if applicable)

The right of residence certificate lasts indefinitely. It only needs renewal if you change your passport or ID number at some point in the future.

The certificate of residence in Germany may be limited to the duration of, say, your employment but can be extended. Note that it’s only valid when shown with your ID or passport, which you should carry around. If you change your status during the validity of the certificate, you can change the status.

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