Moving to Germany: Relocation Guide

Germany remains one of Europe’s most popular relocation destinations due to its strong labor market, stable economy, and high quality of life. The country also offers reliable public transportation, a well-funded healthcare system, and clear pathways for skilled professionals to live and work legally.

This guide explains what matters most, including visa and permit options, eligibility rules, and the practical steps employees need to complete after arrival. Whether you are relocating yourself or supporting a global workforce, this guide provides a clear starting point.

Relocating to Germany involves more than logistics. Boundless helps employers and employees understand visa options, timelines, and compliance before the move. Get started today.

Before You Start: Visas vs. Residence Permits

A visa alone is often not enough for long-term work in Germany.

A German visa allows someone to enter the country for a specific purpose and time period, typically three to six months. In most cases, employees must apply for a residence permit after arrival in order to live and work in Germany long term.

A residence permit is issued by local German immigration authorities and is collected in person once the employee is in Germany. Employees who enter with a work visa are usually allowed to begin working immediately while their residence permit is being processed.

Germany offers multiple residence permit categories. The final permit type is determined by immigration authorities based on the role, qualifications, and employment terms.

Who Can Work in Germany Without a Visa?

Some employees can skip the visa process entirely and focus only on post-arrival registration and onboarding.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens

Citizens of European Union countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, benefit from freedom of movement. They do not need a visa or residence permit to live and work in Germany.

Citizens of privileged countries

Germany also allows citizens of certain non-EU countries to enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Entry without a visa does not automatically grant the right to work.

Citizens of the following countries may apply for a residence permit from within Germany rather than at an embassy abroad:

• Australia
• Canada
• Israel
• Japan
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• United Kingdom
• United States

These employees cannot start working until their residence permit is approved. Processing can take several months. For this reason, employers often choose to apply for a work visa before relocation to reduce delays.

Types of Work Visas in Germany

Germany offers several pathways depending on an employee’s background and role:

• EU Blue Card
• Work permit for qualified professionals
• Work permit for experienced workers
• Recognition partnership permit
• IT specialist permit
• Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) visa
• Short-stay work visa

Planning Considerations for Employers and Employees

Successful relocations to Germany depend less on speed and more on preparation. Understanding how visa rules, timelines, and post-arrival requirements interact can prevent delays and frustration on both sides.

For employers

When relocating employees to Germany, start by confirming which visa or residence permit aligns with the role, salary level, and qualifications. Processing timelines vary widely, particularly when residence permits are filed after arrival, so start-date planning should account for this uncertainty.

Degree recognition is a frequent bottleneck. Collect diplomas, transcripts, and professional credentials early, especially for regulated professions or Blue Card cases. Employers should also be aware that some employees may not be authorized to work immediately upon entry, even if visa-free travel is permitted.

Clear communication around onboarding timelines, required registrations, and local compliance steps helps avoid disruptions once the employee arrives.

For employees

Employees should determine early whether their degree or professional qualification requires formal recognition in Germany, as this can affect both eligibility and processing time. Even when in-country filing is permitted, applying for a visa before arrival often allows for a smoother transition into work.

Relocation to Germany typically involves several mandatory steps after arrival, including address registration, health insurance enrollment, tax registration, and residence permit collection. Preparing documents in advance and understanding the order of these steps can make the settle-in process far more manageable.

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