Foreigners who want to immigrate to Germany can benefit from a wide range of legal services if they address our specialists in immigration law.
What are the main services provided by Immigration-Germany.co?
Here is an updated list of our immigration services in Germany for 2026:
- visa/residence permit type selection;
- offering step-to-step information on the visa application procedure, in the case of persons whose nationality requires the issuance of this document;
- visa/residence permit documents preparation;
- documents submission with the immigration authorities in Germany;
- immigration services for those who want to immigrate to Germany for employment purposes;
- services for persons who want to study in Germany or for those interested in family reunification programs;
- post-immigration support.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) (Yes/No) | NO |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) (Yes/No) | YES, for first-time comers to the European Union |
Types of visas available | Tourist, family reunification, business visas, work permits, residence permits (temporary, permanent) |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | 1 – 3 months |
| Validity of temporary residence permit | 2 or 3 years |
| Temporary residence permit renewal requirements | Temporary residency can be renewed provided that the criteria under which the permit was issued remain in place |
| Documents for obtaining a residence visa | Valid passport, proof of residence, health insurance, supporting documents based on the reason of relocation (work contract, business registration papers, etc.)
|
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | 2 years for skilled workers, 3 years for self-employed persons and family members joining German residents, 4 years for other categories of immigrants |
| Investor visa availability (Yes/No) | YES |
| Start up visa scheme availability (Yes/No) | NO |
| Sponsorship requirement (Yes/No) | NO |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | 8 years of living in Germany |
| Citizenship/ Residency by investment scheme availability (Yes/No) | NO |
| Taxation of foreign citizens | Personal income tax applies to earnings obtained in Germany, tax brackets range from 0% to 45% |
| Tax benefits for foreign citizens | Access to approx. 90 double tax treaties, estate and gift tax reliefs for citizens of Denmark, Greece, France, Sweden, Switzerland, USA. |
| Location | Germany is a country located in Central Europe, known for its rich history, strong economy, and cultural diversity. |
Residence permit | Non-EU citizens need a residence permit for long-term stays, which can be obtained based on various purposes. |
Blue card | Highly skilled non-EU professionals can apply for the EU Blue Card, facilitating work and residence in Germany. |
| Language | German is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in business and academic settings. |
| Job opportunities | Germany has a strong job market, particularly in engineering, IT, healthcare, and other high-demand sectors. |
| Education system | Germany offers tuition-free or low-cost higher education for international students at public universities. If you are relocating for studies, please get in touch with our lawyers for immigration services in Germany. |
| Health insurance | Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, and residents can choose between public or private health insurance. |
| Cost of living | The cost of living varies by city, with larger cities generally being more expensive than smaller towns. However, a single person’s estimated cost can be €2,388. |
| Integration courses | New immigrants may participate in integration courses to learn the German language and culture. |
| Accommodation | Finding accommodation can be competitive in major cities, and options include renting or purchasing properties. |
| Visa-free access | Germany citizens have visa-free access to almost 192 countries. |
| Language proficiency | Applicants for citizenship are required to have at least a B1 level of proficiency in the German language. Our lawyers can offer you further information along with immigration services in Germany. |
| Multicultural society | Germany is home to a diverse and multicultural society, with many expats and immigrants from various backgrounds. |
| Dual citizenship | Allowed |
| Berlin’s startup scene | Berlin is known for its vibrant startup scene, attracting entrepreneurs and tech professionals from across the globe. Besides offering you immigration services in Germany, our lawyers can also offer you practical assistance in setting up a startup. |
When do I need an entry visa for Germany?
You need an entry visa for Germany if:
- you are a non-EU/EEA citizen;
- you enter Germany for the first time.
IMPORTANT! Both conditions must be met to need a visa. This means that even if you are a non-EU citizen but come from another EU country based on a valid visa or residence permit, you will no longer need to apply for a German entry visa.
What are the types of German visas I can apply for?
Here are some of the types of visas a non-EU/EEA national might need to enter Germany:
• Germany tourist visa is required for vacations and explorations in the country.
• Germany Transit visa is needed if you embark on a German harbor to take a ferry or a boat to a non-Schengen country.
• Visa for Visiting Family or Friends in Germany is needed for visiting relatives in this country.
• Germany Airport Transit visa helps you transit Germany on your way to a non-Schengen state.
• Germany Internship visa is needed for foreigners accepting internships or training in Germany.
• Germany Medical visa is for persons looking for medical treatment in this country.
• Visa for Official Visit in Germany is, as the name says, needed for official visits in this state.
• Germany Business visa must be obtained by foreigners who want to develop specific operations and businesses here.
• Germany Trade Fair & Exhibitions visa is another type of visa required for such activities.
• Germany Employment visa for persons who accepted a job in this country.
• Study visa for Germany.
• Germany Job Seeker visa for foreigners visiting Germany with the purpose of seeking a place to work.
• Germany Family Reunification visa for foreigners wanting to join their families in this country.
• Germany Visa for Scientists and Researchers for persons invited in this country to take part in different scientific or research projects.
What is the timeframe to obtain a German visa in 2026?
The German visa application process is straightforward, and it can be concluded in approximately 15 days if all the conditions are met and documents provided in time, without any errors. However, if the application is made during a busy season, the processing period might be prolonged for up to 30 or 60 days.
How can you help me choose a visa/residence permit based on my needs?
Our German immigration lawyers pay attention to various aspects when making recommendations on the available visas/residence permits you can apply for. Here are some of the criteria we take into account:
- your country of origin and residence (if you live in another country than the one you were born in): this helps determine the category of immigrants you are part of;
- your reason for relocation: based on this aspect, we can propose several alternatives and offer detailed information about them, so that you can choose accordingly and know what to expect;
- the duration of stay: you can move to Germany for a short or long period, and obtain a visa that meets your stay requirements;
- the purpose of immigration: you want to relocate to Germany for employment, family reunion, for investment – each of them comes with specific requirements.
Here is also an infographic on our services in Germany:
Are there any country-related aspects that I need to be aware of when moving to Germany?
Yes, based on your country of origin:
- you may need an entry visa or be exempt from such a requirement;
- if you are exempt, you must pay attention to the duration of the exemption;
- certain countries have joint relocation programs with Germany, so you also need to be aware of this fact, as it may advantage you.
How do I ensure a correct immigration procedure for Germany in 2026?
Our immigration lawyers advise you to:
- establish correctly the purpose and duration of the stay;
- check the validity of your passport (we recommend a minimum validity of 6 months);
- translate and authenticate foreign-issued documents into German, if you need them to relocate (diplomas, birth certificate, marriage certificate);
- do not forget to check the latest changes in the legislation;
- submit the documents in due time with the immigration authorities (you can rely on us);
- make sure you have a valid health insurance, no matter the country you come from;
- ensure you have sufficient money to sustain your stay in Germany for the duration of stay, or until you start gaining money here, based on your situation.
You can also watch a video on our immigration services in Germany:
Please feel free to contact our team of immigration lawyers in Germany for complete information.