Does Germany have any immigration program?

Question

Does Germany have any immigration program?

Answer 1

There is no immigration program in Germany, at least thats what the 'Auslandersbehoerde = Foreigner office' told me, and I quote; "Deutschland ist nicht ein einwanderungs Land = Germany is not an immigration country" (Don't know whether I spelt the German correctly or got the grammar right!)

You can only live here when you have one of the following, work visa, student visa, claim refugee status, or your family was originally German and born in Germany or one of the countries that were partitioned by Germany (Russia, Poland, and other East block nations). Germany used to have a guest worker program, but I don't know if it is still in operation.

With the work and student visas, you are only allowed to stay for a limited amount of time. I think the work visas are good for up to a year before you have to renew them; student visas are usually good til the end of your study.

I know of one sure way to stay in Germany without immigrating or having to get a visa and that is marry a German National (this is the method that I used to get my unbefristet (does not expire) Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residency permit) to  live in Germany. You will be allowed to stay first for one year...then you'll have to reapply. They do this to make sure you are still living with your husband/wife...he/she also has to declare that you are still living together (sometimes they investigate whether you are in fact still together). If you're not living together anymore you have to leave the country. If you're still together your Aufenthaltserlaubnis will be extended for another couple of years...or your Aufenthaltserlaubnis will be unbefristet...meaning you can stay forever. The last step varies from person to person, usually the Aufenthaltserlaubnis is befristet (expires); first - after 1 year, second - after two years, and then after you've been in the country and lived full time with your partner you are given the unbefristet.  Note sometimes it can take up to five years before you get the unbefristet status.

I believe there is also a special arrangement between Germany and the u.s. that if an american solder is posted in Germany and his tour of duty in Germany and his tour of duty with the military is finished (in Germany) they can choose to stay in Germany. This one you'll have to check with someone in the know.

Answer 2

ja,ze habben...they have to have....

Answer 3

No, Germany does not have an immigration program. The second answer clarifies things very well, and looks like they experienced the same 'xxxx' as me. BUT, I warn you; While getting married or living together will get you a living permit it does open the door to problem(s) if you break up. My ex sued me for part of my salary I earned while we were married, AND future claims from my retirement account. She lost on the first one, but I still had to pay her a lump sum so she could not get any of my retirement money.

Answer 4

Depends if you're German or not :)

If you're looking to emigrate, good luck.  Need to have some reason, or sponsoring organization - work or school visa, etc.  Even then, there's no guarantee you'll get German citizenship.  The German citizenship laws are harsh for a reason: keep the Turks from becoming German citizens.  That said, it's not impossible, just incredibly difficult.  I hope you speak the language with near native proficiency, you'll need it to get past the Aemte and Behoerde that you will face.