Germany is one of the most highly developed countries in the world with a stable economy that provides a high standard of living. A significant plus of this country is well-thought-out legislation that gives those who want to emigrate to Germany certain opportunities for entry. There are only two ways to get the right to live in the country for a long time: by applying for a visa with a long or unlimited validity or by obtaining a permit for permanent residence.
Business immigration to Germany
To date, this is one of the most popular and affordable ways to go to Germany . A few years ago, in order to obtain such a status, rather strict conditions were required: a minimum capital of 25,000 euros and a guarantee of creating 5 jobs.
Since 08/01/2012, amendments to the law “On the stay, fishing activities and integration of foreigners” have been in force, according to which these requirements have been removed. Now not only very wealthy people and owners of large businesses have got the opportunity to immigrate to Germany . Small entrepreneurs can run their business in several ways:
- open a company in Germany;
- open an independent representative office of your company;
- buy a ready-made company in Germany or a share in a German company;
- create a joint venture with German partners.
The main criterion for selecting applicants for business immigrant status is the benefit to the German economy. Here, the legitimacy of the origin of the invested capital, the value of the business idea, innovative methods and technologies, the experience of the entrepreneur and the amount of funds that he is ready to invest are taken into account.
An immigrant is issued a residence permit, which can be canceled if the company violates German law or proves to be ineffective. The chances of obtaining permanent residence appear after 5 years of legal and successful work, and 8 years after receiving permanent residence, you can apply for German citizenship.
Jewish immigration to Germany
The Federal Republic of Germany has developed a special program to enable Jewish immigration. Those who receive this status are granted a three-year residence permit, the opportunity to get a job or enter a university, free German language training, social benefits and the right to free movement in the Schengen area.
In order to immigrate to Germany through a Jewish line, it is necessary to provide documentary evidence of the Jewish nationality of one or both parents to the consulate or embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. If the documents were restored or seem unconvincing, then an employee of a diplomatic institution may require additional evidence: letters, photographs, court decisions on the recognition of nationality, parents’ metrics, extracts from church books.
Starting in 2005, it became more difficult to immigrate to Germany on a Jewish line. The consulate may refuse to obtain a visa without explaining the reasons. Especially if the potential immigrant has a criminal record or cannot provide the necessary evidence. Refusal is also possible if the status of a repatriate in Israel was previously assigned. You can apply for citizenship after seven years of residence in the country.
Family reunion
One of the reasons giving the right to leave for Germany and obtain the status of a permanent resident of the country is the motive of family reunification. This may be marriage to a German citizen or the presence of close relatives permanently residing in this country. Such relatives include only parents or children.
Emigration to Germany can also be considered by close relatives and family members of immigrants who came along ethnic or Jewish lines. If the immigrant (husband or wife) with whom it is planned to reunite is himself still in the status of an applicant, then only the marriage that was concluded before obtaining visa documents for permanent residence is taken into account.
The requirements for a relative living in Germany are very strict in German laws. In addition to the absence of a criminal record, he must confirm the availability of certain funds (permanent income) for himself and the invited persons. These funds should provide a living wage, pay for housing and cover medical insurance. It is also important to prove the need for the presence of a relative in a family living in Germany: illness, care assistance, housekeeping, childcare.
Ethnic German settlers
The law on the reception of immigrants of German nationality was adopted in 1954. It provided an opportunity for people with German roots to return to their historical homeland. When ethnic migration to Germany became massive, a new law was passed in 1993 that introduced certain restrictions.
The federal law “On the expellees” defines the process for obtaining the status of a late migrant for the following categories of immigrants:
- Ethnic Germans who entered Germany after December 31, 1992. For confirmation, you must provide a passport with a record of the nationality “German” or documents stating that at least one of the parents is German or has German roots. Particular attention is paid to the preservation of culture, traditions of education, knowledge of the German language. Since 1997, in order to immigrate to Germany on an ethnic basis, it is mandatory to pass a language test.
Такой иммигрант получает гражданство, пособие для интегрирования в социальную среду и проходит бесплатное шестимесячное обучение немецкому языку. Для лиц, получивших статус позднего переселенца, предусматриваются «комендатурское пособие» и пенсионные выплаты. Дополнительно предоставляются льготы при открытии собственного бизнеса (кредиты под низкие проценты, выгодные условия погашения).
- Spouse(s) of a late immigrant. If the marriage lasts more than 3 years, the status of a migrant is assigned and the right to permanent residence is given, but benefits and pensions are not assigned. When calculating the pension by age, the total length of service is not taken into account. If the duration of the marriage is less than 3 years, then the status of a foreigner is assigned and a residence permit is issued. You can begin to draw up documents for obtaining citizenship only after three years, and in case of employment, you need to obtain permission from the labor exchange.
Refugee status in Germany
The right to asylum can be granted to citizens for whom emigration to Germany is considered due to the impossibility of staying in their native country: military conflicts, persecution for national, political and other reasons, repression, threats from criminal groups. The existence of such arguments must be documented, and all facts are very carefully checked. All actions are determined by the Asylum Act, Article 16-a of the German Constitution and international law.
An application for granting status is accepted for consideration only if the applicant arrived in Germany from his country of residence on a visa issued by the German embassy. If the arrival in Germany comes from another country, then that country should be responsible for granting asylum.
At the time of consideration of documents, a foreigner and members of his family receive housing and social benefits. You must initially live in a refugee camp, after which other accommodation may be provided. Refusal to live in the camp leads to deportation and deprivation of the opportunity to go to Germany for a long time.
If the refugee status is denied by the authorities, then if there are obstacles to returning to their homeland, the time of stay is extended by 1 year and free movement is allowed in the Schengen countries. The possibility of employment is completely excluded or significantly limited.
Germany is very responsible in granting the right to long-term or permanent residence on its territory. Therefore, immigration to Germany is associated with a thorough check of all information, including financial solvency. This is due to the fact that the arrived citizens benefit the country, and do not sit on state benefits.
