Immigrate to Germany from New Zealand

Our experienced immigration lawyers specialize in helping people looking to immigrate to Germany from New Zealand. From navigating complex visa procedures to providing expert guidance on residency permits and employment opportunities, our team ensures that your journey is as seamless as possible.

Our German immigration lawyers offer personalized assistance tailored to your unique circumstances, helping you overcome any legal hurdles and streamline the relocation process.

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Types of German visas

If you are interested in moving to Germany from New Zealand, please find the information about visa types below:

Short-stay visas (Schengen type C)

Short-stay visas permit visits to Germany for up to 90 days within 180 days. Entry requires a valid purpose, sufficient funds for the trip, and comprehensive health insurance coverage. Citizens of New Zealand can travel to Germany without needing a visa and can apply for the required permit upon arrival at the local immigration office.

Long-stay visas (type D National visas)

German long-stay visas are intended for stays exceeding 90 days. Individuals requiring a visa must obtain it along with a residence permit before arrival. Otherwise, the application can be made either before arrival or upon reaching Germany. If you are planning to relocate to Germany from New Zealand, these are the following types of long-stay visas:

work visas: for individuals seeking employment opportunities in Germany.
student visas: designed for students planning to pursue education in Germany.
visas for family reunion: facilitates reunification with family members residing in Germany.

If you need detailed information and practical assistance for immigrating to Germany from New Zealand, our lawyers can assist you. Our lawyers can work closely with you to understand your circumstances and objectives, crafting personalized strategies to navigate the complexities of German immigration law efficiently. From initial consultations to document preparation and representation before immigration authorities, we provide hands-on assistance to ensure a smooth and successful transition to Germany.

After moving to Germany from New Zealand, our lawyers can help you with further steps. For instance, if you are planning to apply for residency in Germany, the services of our lawyers are at your disposal.

Are there any special programs for New Zealand citizens in Germany?

The two countries have a work and travel program through which citizens of New Zealand can come to Germany and vice versa. The Working Holiday Program is accessible to:

New Zealand citizens aged 19 to 30, including;
New Zealanders who have not travelled to Germany under the same program before.

Successful applicants can work in Germany for a maximum period of one year for the same employer. They can take up part-time or full-time employment. The experience can be used later by those who want to immigrate to Germany from New Zealand permanently.

How to immigrate to Germany from New Zealand by filing for work visas

There are several types of visas that can be obtained if you want to relocate to Germany from New Zealand for employment. The first condition to respect is to have a valid job offer. Here are the other conditions to meet to secure a German work visa:

you must have the necessary qualifications or vocational skills to prove your experience or expertise in the field you will work in (please note that in the case of university degrees, these must be acknowledged in Germany);
you must also prove you are able to sustain yourself after you immigrate to Germany (your salary will be considered in terms of self-sufficiency);
you must have at least A1 or A2 language skills to be able to communicate at your job;
you must enter the country based on a valid visa.

Here are also the main types of work visas you can obtain in Germany:

the skilled worker visa for qualified employees;
the EU Blue Card;
the professionally experienced worker visa;
the freelance visa for self-employed persons;
the researcher visa.

Each of them comes with additional specific requirements, which can be explained by our immigration lawyers in Germany. They can also verify your eligibility for each of them.

The main advantage you will have if you move to Germany from New Zealand based on employment is that the work permit has an initial one-year validity period, while the residence permit will have a 4-year validity.

How to relocate to Germany from New Zealand through family reunification

You can also immigrate to Germany from New Zealand by filing for a residence permit for family reunification. It is worth noting that this visa is available if you are:

a spouse of a German citizen or resident;
a legal partner of a German national or resident;
a dependent child of a German citizen or resident.

The validity of this visa is one year; however, after this period, it can be converted into a German residence permit, should you decide to stay.

Our German immigration lawyers can assist if you want to apply for this visa.

Types of residence permits in Germany and their costs

In Germany, there are primarily three main categories of residence permits:

Temporary residence permits: Typically valid for up to five years, these permits may also be issued for shorter durations, such as one year, with the possibility of renewal.
EU Blue Card: This permit is granted for four years and is specifically designed for highly skilled migrants, allowing them to both work and travel within other EU/EFTA countries.
Permanent residence permits: Eligibility for this permit generally arises after living continuously in Germany for five years under a temporary permit. However, certain circumstances may warrant a shorter eligibility period, such as two years for skilled workers graduating from a German university or 33 months for EU Blue Card holders.

Residence permit costs vary slightly across different German states and are contingent upon the duration and purpose of the stay. Temporary permits typically range from €50 to €100, while permanent permits may cost between €110 and €150. The fee for an EU Blue Card is €110. Renewal fees apply to all permit types.

Germany immigration statistics

If you are relocating to Germany from New Zealand, please find its immigration statistics below:

estimated net immigration in 2023 was between 680,000 and 710,000 people;
this figure, though high, is notably lower than the peak seen in 2015, when 1.14 million individuals migrated to Germany;
in 2022, migration levels were even higher, with 1.46 million foreign nationals immigrating to Germany, driven in part by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.

Should you have any inquiries regarding the aforementioned statistics, our legal team is readily available to assist. Furthermore, once you have settled in Germany and fulfilled the residency requirements, should you become eligible to apply for citizenship, our lawyers are equipped to guide you through the process.

From evaluating eligibility criteria to preparing documentation and representing you throughout the application process, our services are tailored to facilitate a seamless transition to German citizenship.

Please contact us if you need legal assistance regarding this matter.