If you want to immigrate to Germany from Russia under the current conditions of the conflict in Ukraine, you can rely on our German immigration lawyers. Our team of immigration lawyers offers various relocation services.
Germany is one of the most desirable immigration destinations for both EU and non-EU citizens. While for the first category of applicants, there are no visa requirements, the second category must obtain work and residence permits most of the time. Russian citizens are also subject to visa requirements if they want to relocate to Germany.
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Are there any special requirements for Russian citizens?
One of the most frequent questions our immigration lawyer receives from persons who want to move to Germany from Russia under the current circumstances is whether they need to comply with any additional requirements. The answer is no. Furthermore, the German government has taken measures to support Russian citizens who are endangered by the conflict in Ukraine.
In this light:
- the German government has issued a fast-track visa approval procedure for Russian citizens at risk;
- Russian citizens who work for international companies can also move to Germany based on an expedited procedure of obtaining work permits.
These special admission conditions apply to journalists and other categories of persons who can prove they are not safe in Russia. Other persons who want to relocate to Germany from Russia must first obtain a limited-duration Schengen visa valid for 90 days.
If you plan to immigrate to Germany from Russia under other conditions, we kindly invite you to refer to our lawyers who will offer appropriate support. Non-EU citizens must comply with different requirements if they want to move and obtain German residence permits. They can be eligible for temporary or permanent visas depending on how long they have been legally living here. For tailored support, please address our lawyers who can advise you.
General rules under which one can move to Germany from Russia
Persons who do not fall under the categories presented earlier can immigrate to Germany from Russia by applying for one of the following types of residence permits:
- employment under the usual residence and work permit application process;
- education, as Russian students can still enroll in German universities;
- family reunification for those who have German citizens or residents as relatives.
Our immigration lawyers in Germany can assist with the procedure of obtaining a residence permit as a Russian citizen.
We can assist if you have ancestors and want to apply for German citizenship by descent. While this is the simplest way to gain a passport, securing the documents to do so may not be that easy to obtain, especially if you have lived abroad for a long time and have recently returned or plan on returning to this country.
Basic requirements to immigrate to Germany from Russia
People who decide to relocate to Germany from Russia must respect the same requirements as other non-EU citizens going through the same procedure, namely:
- they must have a valid passport at the time of the application (a minimum validity of 6 months is recommended for travel documents);
- they must also have sufficient funds to support their temporary stay here;
- applicants must also have health insurance and a minimum knowledge of the German language.
English is also accepted; however, in order to attend German language classes.
If you need assistance in moving to Germany, our immigration law firm can advise on all relevant matters you need to consider.
Immigrate to Germany from Russia based on employment
Obtaining a work visa for Germany remains one of the safest options for Russian citizens seeking to move here. Considering the legislation has recently changed in respect to the conditions of obtaining certain employment visas, it is useful to note that:
- one will need to have a foreign qualification that can be matched to a German one, which can be related to a vocation or other types of superior studies;
- a job offer that matches the level of education or training in Germany is also required before filing for any relocation visa;
- for a Russian citizen who is a professional in a certain field (accounting, dentistry, engineering), a license is required.
Please note that basic work no longer qualifies for a work visa in Germany. Also, the minimum salary requirements are a little over EUR 53,000 (gross wage per year).
Feel free to request legal support from our immigration lawyers in Germany if you decide to move here from Russia based on employment.
The German opportunity visa
If you do not qualify as an employee, another option for you to move to Germany from Russia is the opportunity visa. This is a temporary residence permit with a maximum validity of one year, which allows you to stay in the country and search for employment in the meantime. Please note that special requirements apply to obtain this type of visa, namely:
- you must speak German or English on a basic level (A1, respectively B2);
- you have completed at least 2 years of vocational training or have a university degree;
- you must have sufficient money for self-sustenance, which is around EUR 1,000 per year.
The procedure to obtain this visa also implies going through the Point Distribution System verification process during which you will be checked for the eligibility criteria presented above. You must score at least 6 points to pass out of the maximum of 22 possible.
After you successfully relocate to Germany from Russia based on this visa, you can also take up trial or part-time work that does not exceed 20 hours per week.
Guidance on this visa is also available from our German immigration lawyers.
How many Russian citizens live in Europe?
At the level of 2023, many Russians were living in most European countries. The largest numbers were in:
- Germany, which was home to 259,517 Russian citizens;
- Spain, which accommodated 94,466 Russians;
- Estonia with 81,036 Russian citizens.
Even now, Germany is one of the main options for Russian citizens seeking to immigrate to a European country, especially for the large communities that were established here before the conflictual situation with Ukraine.
If you decide to immigrate to Germany from Russia and need guidance, contact us!
