As an Australian resident or citizen moving to Germany from Australia, one should comply with specific regulations based on the duration of stay and the purpose of the visit. German immigration distinguishes between short-term stays, which have a duration of a maximum of 90 days in a total period of 180 days, and long-term stays, with a duration longer than 90 days.
Thus, the formalities for relocating to Germany from Australia will vary based upon these two factors; in-depth information on how to relocate to this country can be offered by our immigration lawyer in Germany, who can also assist in the formalities of applying for a residence permit, obtain a visa for a specific purpose or help in relocating family members.
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Do Australians need short-term stay visas in Germany?
No, in the case of those who move to Germany from Australia for a period of maximum 90 days, it must be noted that there aren’t any legal requirements. As a general rule, the citizens outside the European Union (EU) are required to apply for a short-term stay visa, known as the Schengen visa.
The visa exemption is granted to Australian citizens under an agreement signed by the two countries. However, Australian citizens do need to comply with a few basic requirements. They need to have a valid passport, that has a validity date 3 months longer than the date when the departure from Germany will take place. Also, the are required not to engage in any activity that will provide an income obtained on the German territory.
Moving to Germany from Australia on a long-term basis
In the case in which we refer to long-term relocation, which is defined as a stay with a duration of at least 90 days, then, Australian citizens are required to apply for a visa. Foreigners should also consider that, when immigrating to Germany for a long-term period, they must apply for a residence permit.
This procedure will be completed after the arrival in the country by submitting personal identity papers and proof of the residential address in the German region where the person lives. You can find out in-depth information on the legal steps foreigners should take in this case from our immigration lawyer in Germany.
The visa application process starts by addressing the local embassy or consular mission of the Republic of Germany that is open in Australia. The application must be made in person and prior to this, the applicant must make an appointment with the German representatives working in Australia. It is worth knowing that the German migration law stipulates that only complete applications will be processed. If the person did not submit all the required papers, then he or she should make a new appointment.
In the case in which the person relocating to Germany from Australia relocates here on a long-term basis and travels with pets, please be aware that there are specific rules that pets have to comply with. Germany applies the EU laws regarding this issue and specific health regulations are imposed by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Mandatory registration process upon moving to Germany
Upon moving to Germany, registration with the local authorities is mandatory. This process is known as “Anmeldung” or registration of residence. All individuals, including both Germans and foreigners, who intend to stay in Germany for more than three months are required by law to register their address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt) within 2 weeks of moving into a new residence. To complete the registration, you will need to bring along a valid passport or ID, as well as a completed registration form provided by the registration office. The registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung) obtained after completing the registration process is an essential document for various administrative purposes, such as:
- opening a bank account;
- enrolling in health insurance;
- applying for a residence permit.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure timely registration upon relocating to Germany to comply with legal requirements and access necessary services smoothly.
Also note that, foreign nationals who have lived in Germany for a certain period, typically eight years (or less under certain circumstances, such as marriage to a German citizen), may apply for naturalization. Our immigration lawyers can assist you with citizenship application if you are interested in applying for citizenship in Germany.
Do I need health insurance before relocating to Germany?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health insurance before relocating to Germany. Health insurance is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. Whether you are moving for work, study, or other reasons, having health insurance coverage is a legal requirement in Germany. This ensures that you have access to necessary medical services and coverage for healthcare costs while residing in the country. There are two main types of health insurance available in Germany: statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung). It’s essential to arrange for health insurance coverage before your German immigration to comply with regulations and ensure you have access to healthcare services when needed.
Germany boasts one of Europe’s most well-funded public healthcare systems, offering residents comprehensive coverage for medical needs. Many expatriates prioritize private health insurance to ensure complete peace of mind for themselves and their families. To alleviate the stress associated with securing adequate coverage, it is advisable to conduct thorough research on health insurance providers before relocating. By proactively researching and selecting suitable health insurance, expatriates can ensure they have access to the medical care they need while residing in Germany. This approach allows individuals to tailor their coverage to meet their unique healthcare needs and preferences, contributing to a smooth transition to life in a new country. If you need help regarding finding suitable health insurance, our German lawyers can offer you practical assistance.
Cost of living in Germany in 2024
Comparing the cost of living between Germany and Australia reveals significant differences across various expenditure categories. In Germany, the cost of food is notably lower, standing at 9% less than in Australia. Housing expenses in Germany also come at a more affordable rate, with a 29% decrease compared to Australia. Similarly, clothes are priced at an 18% discount in Germany. Transportation costs significantly less in Germany, marking a substantial 37% reduction. However, personal care expenses show a slight increase of 9% in Germany. On the leisure front, entertainment expenses in Germany are substantially lower, showing a notable 39% decrease. When considering these factors collectively, the overall cost of living in Germany emerges as 28% cheaper than in Australia. This analysis is grounded in comprehensive data, drawn from 5,114 prices contributed by 760 individuals, ensuring a robust and reliable basis for comparison.
For a family of four, the projected monthly expenses amount to 3,208.9€ excluding rent. Similarly, a single individual can anticipate monthly costs of 949.8€ without factoring in rent. Prioritizing living in Germany over Australia based on cost-of-living considerations presents compelling advantages. Overall, prioritizing Germany over Australia based on the cost of living can lead to a more financially sustainable lifestyle, allowing individuals to stretch their budgets further and potentially enjoy a higher standard of living.
If you are interested in immigration to Germany from Australia, the services of our lawyers are at your disposal. Furthermore, obtaining a residence permit in Germany typically involves a thorough application process, which may vary depending on the applicant’s reason for moving to Germany, such as employment, family reunification, study, or asylum. The permit is usually issued for a specific duration, and renewal may be required upon expiration. If you are eligible to apply for a residence permit, our immigration lawyers in Germany can assist you.
How can Australians work in Germany?
Germany is one of the EU’s top economies, which attracts workers from across the world, including talent and skilled workers. Foreigners moving to Germany from Australia can arrive in this country for employment purposes, but for this, they will need to obtain specific work permits.
Those who are highly skilled specialists can opt for an EU Blue Card, which is a type of document that grants the right to reside and work in Germany. Because Germany has signed specific agreements with Australia, the citizens of Australia have the option of applying for a work visa after they arrive in Germany, an option that is open only to a few other third-country nationalities.
It can be said that relocating to Germany from Australia for employment purposes can be simpler for Australians, but they still have to prepare the same types of documents as needed by local law. Since the launch of the EU Blue Card, Germany has been the country that issued the largest number of such permits. Below, you can find out information on the changes to German Blue Card requirements and statistics:
- By the end of 2021, there were approximately 70,000 Blue Card holders registered in the Central Register of Foreigners, marking a rise of over six percent compared to the previous year;
- Among German cities, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf boasted the largest populations of Blue Card holders;
- Specifically, in 2021, Berlin hosted 13,700 highly skilled professionals holding Blue Cards, while Munich accommodated 8,050, Frankfurt had 3,080, and Dusseldorf counted 2,395;
- Effective January 1, 2022, the minimum annual gross salary requirement for obtaining a German Blue Card has decreased by 0.7 percent;
- In 2022, individuals aspiring to acquire a German Blue Card are now required to have a minimum gross salary of €56,400.
Australians considering relocation to Germany are invited to contact our lawyer for professional assistance and advice on the documents that must be prepared for the immigration process. You can rely on the immigration services offered by our immigration lawyer in Germany, who can help you relocate to any region.
