I want to move to Germany, any help?

Question

Recently I have met a man from Germany, and we are honestly quite fond of each other after so many years. We've even been talking about me coming out to see him, or even living out there since I dont like the area I am in that much. I want to move out there, and I have never left america before. What are some things I will need to get there (aside from money). I was wondering is there any kind of way where I could move over there and get some type of work because my money situation here isn't all that great. Also, I dont have a degree from college, and after I got my GED I had to start working because I had to help relatives. Any suggestions as to what I can to successfully move over there? Also, what things would I need (like a passport). Thanks.

Answer 1

I would suggest that you analyze whether you are going just for him or if you really would like to move to Germany.  The reason I say this is that the move, your lack of independence, lack of language skills, lack of a job at first, lack of friends and family, lack of knowledge about the culture will put a tremendous strain on your relationship with him.

Some people shine with difficulty, others crumble.



I don't want to be pessimistic, but you should know the difficulties you will experience in the beginning.

To get a visa, you will also need proof of health insurance and income.  If you won't have a job in the beginning, your boyfriend will have to vouch that he is supporting you.

I also agree that you should go visit for at least a month before making the move.

Answer 2

Hi. The only thing i can help you with is to tell you germany is probably the most horrible country to find a job. Most germans dont even find a job. So it is important that you are able to speak german. Otherwise if your man lives neas a military base you can work in there, travel center etc... I dont know what paperwork it needs exactly but in germany its not like in america in germany the government pays you if you dont work its called ALG2.  But im sure you will love it over there.

Answer 3

I can help you a lot on this one having done the same as you only for me it was for a German woman.

First I got a passport and found out how long I could stay at one time on it. I then looked at flights and planned my trip.

I do suggest that you go first and visit before up and moving of course.

In my opinion it is ESSENTIAL to learn to speak as much German as you can. The longer you are there the faster you will learn, but try to learn as much as you can before you go. You will find many appreciate you more for trying!!

If you do like it then you could MARRY and then you could live there with out a passport. Otherwise your passport lasts only so long and working requires either a work visa and speaking the language or being a citizen.

Email if you have any questions.

Answer 4

"There is currently a high level of unemployment in Germany, and it can be difficult for non-EU nationals without specialist qualifications to find jobs there, since the Government is keen to protect jobs for German nationals. EU citizens are allowed to enter and take up employment in Germany without restriction, although they are required to obtain a residence permit if staying for more than three months. It is generally necessary to speak German in order to work in Germany, except in the case of some low-skilled or unskilled jobs. Many jobs are regulated in Germany, requiring formal qualifications which must be certified by the relevant German authorities.

Recent changes in immigration policy have made it easier for highly qualified people and those with particular skills, such as IT professionals, to obtain German work permits."

From: http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-ger...

Other useful sites:

http://www.expatinterviews.com/expats-ge...

http://www.expatica.com/de/working/emplo...

Good luck and success!

Answer 5

Jsut make sure you Speak German, And ur good

Answer 6

It would not be that much of a problem to attend university in Germany, provided you had 12 years of high-school with all A's and some junior college. (I cannot make a head or a tail out of your GED - what does it mean?)

You would have to attend a language course in German (majority of the cost will be covered by the German government if you get married) before you took up classes at uni.

Tuition fees for classes at uni are very low compared to the USA, but on the down side you are not allowed to work full-time while you are a university student. You can work part-time, but this will not be enough to support yourself. Your main source of income has to come from savings or from your bf.

More about attending university in Germany: http://www.daad.de

If you want to find work straight away, your major problem could be that you are simply not qualified enough to get a work permit. You would need some special skills that are hard to come by (like Wulf's Martial Arts skills, a BSc in Electrical Engineering or a PhD in economics) in order to get a work permit. If you get married to your bf you will get a work permit by default though.

It is good to know that as a US citizen you can apply for all the necessary documents (residency permit, work permit) while you are already in Germany. (For most other countries you need to apply beforehand at the embassy in the USA before you leave.) You can therefore come to Germany as a tourist without a visa and decide after 2 months whether to stay or not. (You are legally allowed to stay 90 days without a visa or a residency permit, but if you want to stay longer you should apply for a residency permit after 2 months in Germany.)

Get your passport and book a return flight ticket that allows you to change the date of the return flight at a small fee and you are all set.

The application process for a residency permit is not that complicated, provided your bf earns enough to support you  (so that he can sign a declaration of liability) or that you have enough money in your savings account (roughly 800 EUR per month). You also need to pay for sufficient health insurance. Work permit would depend upon your previous education and  experience.

In order to better prepare yourself for the move get your hands on an independent travel guide book like Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, Let's Go, Rick Steves, etc. Also read "cultural guide books" like Culture Shock!Germany, The Xenophobe's Guide to the Germans and When in Germany, Do as the Germans Do.

Answer 7

sure you have to get your passport and then look for ticket. for you, it is easy because you could even get residence being you make registration over here. you wont find problem with language because all most of Germany speak English but they do not like speak it so much and I guess being you are American you will find so much similar words. but if you wanna work you have to learn German. One more important thing life here in Germany more expensive than USA