Immigration
Guides for future German residents
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What German residence permit do you need?
This guide shows you if you need a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) to live, work or study in Germany.
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How to get a German Blue Card
This is how you apply for a Blue Card to work in Germany.
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How to apply for a German work visa
This is how you apply for a work permit and start working in Germany.
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How to apply for a German freelance visa
The process and the requirements to get a German freelance visa or artist visa. This is how you become self-employed in Germany.
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How to renew a German freelance visa
When your German freelance visa is about to expire, you must renew it. This is how you must do it.
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How to apply for German permanent residence
The process and the requirements to get a Niederlassungserlaubnis and become a permanent resident.
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How to get an Ausländerbehörde appointment
How to find a appointment for a residence permit at the immigration office (Landesamt für Einwanderung), and what to do if there are no appointments.
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Berlin Ausländerbehörde wait times
See how long it takes to get a residence permit at the Berlin immigration office (Landesamt für Einwanderung).
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How the German Fiktionsbescheinigung works
This guide explains what a Fiktionsbescheinigung is, how it works, and how to get one. It explains how to travel with a Fiktionsbescheinigung.
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Where to get passport photos in Berlin
Getting biometric pictures taken for passports, visas and drivers' licences is quite simple in Berlin. Here's how it's done.
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Health insurance for a German visa or residence permit
This guide helps you choose health insurance for a Schengen visa, National Visa, Blue Card, freelance visa and other residence permits.
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List of relocation consultants and agencies in Berlin
These relocation consultants can help you get the right residence permit and visa to live, work and freelance in Germany.