Why you should live and work in Germany (and how it’ll be the best move you ever make)

Whether you’re a newly qualified graduate or an experienced developer who is looking for an exciting new challenge, you should consider relocating to Germany.

Are you looking for a job in Germany as well?

Our North German team covers a wide range of technologies, including Frontend, Full-Stack, PHP, Mobile, Salesforce, Java, DevOps, Data Science, Data Engineering & Python.

We help developers and specialists find their perfect role in Berlin.

Work-life balance is amazing

The unemployment rate in Germany is much lower than in other G7 countries.

In general, Germans work fewer hours than in the UK and your minimum annual holiday entitlement is typically 30 days.

If you are unfortunate enough to be laid off, you are entitled to a full month’s wages for every year that you have worked for your employer.

If you decide to start a family, women are entitled to 14 weeks maternity leave with 100% pay, and men also have paternity rights.

When it comes to medical care, Germany has one of the best reputations in the world. Everyone is required by law to have medical insurance, even if you’re unemployed or unable to work.

Many German employers offer to cover half of the costs for public medical insurance to their employees, too.

Germany boasts one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in Europe. There’s an accredited apprenticeship scheme, offering training alongside education in many trades.

Migrants are also eligible for these apprenticeships and you have a great chance of getting on one, as there is always an excess of place, so plenty of opportunities for younger generations if you decide to migrate with your family.

The cost of living in Germany is very impressive

For example, in Berlin, the cost of living index is 16.27% lower than that of London.

Living costs (excluding rent) for a family of four would be around £2,275 per month.

For parents and graduates wishing to continue their education without the encumbrance of further debts, it’s also worth noting that Germany does not have university tuition fees.

Education standards are top-notch and international students also go free.

There’s a varied culture

Germany’s major cities vary from the uber-modern and business-focused to the old-style, architecturally quaint.

Germans love the outdoor lifestyle and every city has well-planned cycle path networks that can be used for both leisure and commuting. As for green-space, Berlin alone has over 2,500 parks!

Country lovers can find tranquility away from city life in the rugged and beautiful Bavarian Alps. In the summer months, hiking is popular, and wintertime sees the pistes filled with skiers and the après ski bars bustling and lively.

The northwest coast of Germany also has beaches with miles of deserted dunes just waiting to be explored.

When it comes to getting around, the German public transport system cannot be faulted. The trains run on time, and there are efficient high-speed rail connections between all the major cities.

There’s been rapid economic growth

It’s Europe’s largest economy, and this year it expanded at its fastest rate in five years, showing an impressive growth figure of 1.9% for 2017.

What is a job seeker visa?

The job seeker visa for Germany is a Long-Term Residency Permit, which allows you to stay in the country for six months and look for a job. If at the end of the six months you have found a place of employment, you will be given the Germany work visa or a Germany work permit and you will be allowed to work and live there. Please note that having a job seeker visa does not allow you to start working immediately in Germany. It only means that you can visit the country and look for a job during your stay.

In order to obtain a job seeker visa for Germany, you need the following:

1. Be eligible to apply
2. Compile all the necessary documents
3. Fill out an application form and book your visa appointment

Eligibility of applicants

There are several criteria that you need to fulfill to be eligible to apply for the Germany job seeker visa:

• Hold a Bachelor/Master Degree from a German university or an equivalent foreign degree
• Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in your related field of study
• Show proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay during the time you are in Germany
• Have travel or medical insurance for your entire stay in Germany or until you get your Work Permit

If you checked all of the criteria, then you’re one step closer to getting your visa.

The overview of this visa application is explained below:

• Applying for Job Seeker Visa and securing a job in Germany.
• Applying for EU Blue Card within Germany.
• After 5 years while working as an employee in Germany, you can apply for Germany PR.
• After being a PR holder for 5 years, you can apply for German citizenship.

Job Seeker Visa Requirement:

• Minimum working experience of 1 year.
• 15 years of regular education.
• No IELTS or TOEFL requirement.
• Sufficient proofs of funds for 6 months stay in Germany. German Immigration Department dictates that funds should be maintained from at least 1 month prior to filing the application.
• Accommodation Proof for duration of 6 months.

Benefits of Germany Job Seeker Visa:

• Allows you to search for a job while staying in Germany
• No offer letter needed prior to applying for this visa.
• This visa grants 6 months period to discover the occupation in any field.
• Leading to Permanent Residency.
• No IELTS require.
• Free education for children.
• Usually granted multiple entries.
• With the main applicant, dependents can also apply for visit visas.
• Fast processing time generally granted within 6 weeks.
• Can stay anywhere in Germany.
• It is an easy way to enter Germany and settle in the heart of Europe.

For professional assistance, get in touch with Round The Globe Immigration Services. With the help of a professional consultant, the immigration process becomes easy.