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Residence Permit in Germany – What’s it all about?

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Germany has always been known for its high standard of living. The country offers a wide range of services and benefits to its residents. If you want to stay and work in Germany as an expatriate, you may need to obtain a residence permit. 

What is a residence permit?

A residence permit is a document issued by the German government to foreign nationals who wish to reside in Germany permanently. There are two types of residence permits: a short term permit (for stays of less than three months) and a long term permit (for stays longer than three months). Depending on your nationality and the reason for moving to Germany, the type of permit you apply to may vary.

EU and EEA citizens

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries have open access to Germany’s labour market. People from these countries can live and work in Germany freely without a visa. However, if you stay in Germany for longer than three months, you must register at your local citizens’ office (Bürgermeisteramt).

Swiss Citizens

If you’re from Switzerland, you also have freedom of movement in the EU, but if your main purpose is to live and work in another country, you’ll need to apply for a specific declaratory residence permit at your local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde).

Non-EU / EEA citizens

Citizens from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA) may need to apply for an EU residence permit, which highly depending on the duration and the purpose of stay.

Short stays (business and leisure)

If you stay in Germany for less than 90 days, you don’t need the permit. However, for certain nationalities, you might need a Schengen visa instead.

Short stays (for employment purpose)

The duration of stay is not the only factor that determines if you need a residence permit or not. If you want to work in Germany, even if your stay there is less than 90 days, first you must apply for a German visa and then convert it to a residence permit.

Longer stays (over 90 days)

If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a residency permit. Residents of Israel, Canada, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Japan and the United States of America may enter Germany without a Visa and then apply for a residency permit from within Germany.

Citizens of other countries must apply for a national visa at the German embassy or consulate in their country of residence before they travel to Germany. After arriving in Germany, you can change it into a residence permit from the Foreigners’ Offices.

If you won’t have a source of income in Germany, you’ll also need to open a blocked bank account, either before applying for a visa or before submitting your permit application. It is to ensure that you have a fixed deployable financial resource for every month.

Types of German residence permit

Temporary residence permit (Aufenthalterlaubnis)

A temporary residence permit is the main type of permit issued to foreigners living in Germany. It is generally valid up to one year and can usually last longer if your circumstances don’t change.

It is linked to your purpose for visiting the country and the information you provided when applying for your visa. 

Permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)

After living in Germany for a certain period of time, all expatriates who possess a residence permit are eligible to apply for a permanent residency permit. This is usually five year, but can be less for high-skilled workers or graduates from German universities.

If you want to live in Germany permanently, then the settlement permit is a good option. You no longer have to line up at Ausländerbehörde to extend your visa or to put up with toxic work environment for the sake of your work visa.

German residence permit application procedure

The application procedure for obtaining the permit can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Before you can apply for a residency permit, there are several steps you need to take, including registering your address and obtaining health insurance. Learn more about the application procedures here!

Is it common to have one’s German residence permit application rejected?

If your application is refused, you will be sent a letter outlining the reasons why. The most common reason why an application is rejected is failing to provide the required supporting documents. The letter explains the next steps to take and includes any relevant information, such as how to lodge an appeal.

Why do I need to renew my German residence permit? And how?

A temporary residence permit in Germany usually lasts for one year. If you’re a foreigner, don’t expect to be notified by the immigration office if your residence permit expires. You should therefore make sure that you renew your permit well in advance.

Extending your temporary residence permit in Germany is largely a formality as long as your personal circumstances are the same as when you originally applied. If your employment, marital or financial status changes significantly you should contact your local foreigners’ office to check how this impacts your residency status.

It is essential to renew your permit long before its expiry date to avoid an illegal stay which may mean you are banned from entering Germany in the future. The cost of renewing the permit is usually 50-80 euros, depending on location and the complexity of your case.

If you do not speak German yet and you need someone to accompany you to the foreign office to your residence permit extension, you can book a helper here!

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Sublet Contracts In Germany

by with No Comment German Language & CulturePopular Services

Subletting is legal in Germany, but there are some restrictions. You should know about these before actually going for the sublet contract. You can learn more about the rules for subletting in Germany here! Upon having the green light for subletting your apartment, you will need a sublet contract. Discover more about sublet contracts in Germany in this blog post!

A written contract is normally not required for an apartment sublet in Germany. However, it is a good idea to have everything written down in paper to avoid any misunderstandings in the future. 

Sublet contract draft

Most sublet contracts in Germany contain the same basic information. Make sure your contract clearly states the following details:

  • The names of the main tenant and its subtenant
  • The exact address of the apartment (street name, number, building, etc.)
  • Start and end dates of the sublet
  • The rent to be paid and any extra costs (such as for internet, water, electricity)
  • How to pay for them (e.g. directly into a bank account or via a money transfer).
  • Which rooms can be used
  • How many keys were given
  • How much deposit was paid
  • What condition the rented flat is in
  • House rules regarding things like smoking and pets
  • Signatures of both parties

You can download a free subletting contract template here! 

Cancelling a sublet contract

The German rental law states that the subtenant must give a notice period of atleast three months to the main tenant if they wish to move out before the end of the previously agreed date and it must be done before the third day of a particular month. 

On the other hand, if the main tenant wishes to cancel the contract, they can only do so by giving the subtenant a minimum notice period of six months unless they have a good reason to end the contract earlier (for example, if the subtenant did not pay the rent or is not abiding to the rules of the contract).

Liability

After the sublet, the main tenant is still the only one who has the main contract with the landlord. Therefore, the main tenant is fully liable towards the landlord for the whole rented apartment or room in case of a breach of contract or damages to the property. Any damage by the main tenant or the subtenant will lead to the main tenant being responsible for them. The main tenant is also required to cover the subtenant’s share of the rent if they refuse to pay.

Anmeldung

Remember, even if you are a subtenant of an apartment, you still have to register your address at the registration office. By not doing so, you may have to pay fines, which you obviously do not want to! 

Are you new in Germany and you have lots of questions concerning Anmeldung in Germany? Check out our YouTube video to get your questions answered!

Germany is the land of bureaucracy! So, if you are an international and are having troubles with your landlord regarding some misunderstandings due to language barriers, do not worry, it is not your fault! Booka Local can help you deal with such issues by acting as a bridge between your landlord and you. Simply book a helper here with minutes!

Anmeldung in Germany

5 Questions About ‚Anmeldung‘ In Germany

by with No Comment Popular Services

You have just arrived in Germany and you are asking yourself: Why am I being asked to make a portfolio for renting an apartment? Am I expected to be interviewed? Am I going to check an apartment with 70 other potential tenants? And why do some people have to brag about getting their Anmeldung done? Well, we have your 5 most asked questions about Anmeldung in Germany answered in this blog post!

„When I moved from Hong Kong to Berlin, a lot of people said to me ‚Congratulations! You have just moved from one place with serious housing problems to another place with serious housing problems.‘ Like, seriously?“ – Mei Chi Lo, CEO & founder of Booka Local.

We all have like thousands of questions in mind when we first landed in Germany. Let’s talk about the most popular questions every new international might have about Anmeldung in Germany!

Question #1: What’s wrong with airbnb?

First, it’s not cheap if you are to stay for a long time. Okay, if you are rich, then it’s probably not a problem for you. But the second thing is, in Germany, there’s a term you need to learn before knowing how to order a beer, that is, Anmeldung.

Anmeldung means registration. Most internationals simply use this word to refer to the process when you register a new address in Germany. This term also means browsing like a 1000 apartments, sending 500 applications, viewing 100 apartments with 80 other people, receiving 50 rejection messages, 30 scam emails and finally finding one apartment that allows you to do Anmeldung.

So, what’s wrong with airbnb? Well, most of the apartments there do not allow you to do Anmeldung. 

Question #2: What happens if I don’t register my address?

We are in Germany. No rules are set to be ignored. 

Anmeldung is needed for all sorts of important things, like, opening a bank account, getting your tax ID, extending your visa, basically your whole life in Germany depends on it. If you fail to register your address or are late for doing so, you might have to pay heavy fines, so beware!

Are there any exemptions for Anmeldung in Germany? Learn about it here!

Question #3: I need Anmeldung asap! What can I do?

Everyone asks this question. One popular option is short-term service apartments or something similar that allows you to register the address. Simply google something like “short term rental with Anmeldung in berlin”. There are plenty of options there. Although they are more expensive than long-term rental apartments, you can at least cross out “Anmeldung” from your checklist. 

Question #4: There’s no available appointment slot???

In order to register an address, you have to make an appointment at Bürgeramt. You do not need to stick to the one in your neighbourhood. You can go to any other ones in the same city. However, unfortunately, it can be very hard to book an appointment online. It can be completely full. „Two years ago, I even called the Bürgeramt near me and told them I needed an appointment but it’s all full on the online system. Surprisingly, they simply asked me to send them an email and then they sent me an appointment slot within a short time. I was lucky. This method is not guaranteed. But you can try“ – Mei Chi Lo. You can also check the Bürgeramt‘s website every morning at 8 am because they normally add new slots.

Alternatively, you can subscribe to Booka Local’s email notification. When the team spots an available spot on Bürgeramt’s website, you will get notified. It may not be as good as refreshing the website every 5 mins like a robot, but at least you can sit back and enjoy your life.

Get notified when there's an appointment spot!

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You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information read our privacy policy.

Okay, so imagine you have successfully booked an appointment at Bürgeramt. One last thing is, make sure you prepare all the documents you need. You don’t want to miss any piece of paper and get sent away. You will need to book ANOTHER APPOINTMENT if you fail to give them everything they need. For the complete list of documents you need, you can check our blog post about Anmeldung documents here! Get it done and don’t mess it up!

Question #5: Do I need to speak German at the appointment?

It’s very hard to say, mostly yes. Most people would bring someone with them to translate if they do not speak German, because the officers at Bürgeramt mostly do not speak English. Or yes, if you are lucky. What is good with bringing a German-speaking person with you is that, if there’s something wrong with your documents, at least you know what went wrong. If you do not know anyone who can go there with you, check out this link and you can book a local helper at Booka Local.

Do you have more questions about Anmeldung in Germany or other German bureaucratic topics? Send them to us and along with answering your questions, we‘ll make sure we get them covered in our next blog post to help others!

GREAT NEWS! We are now on YouTube and we make Life-in-Germany related videos. Make sure you subscribe to us here to stay updated!

How to write a German CV

Learn How To Write a German CV

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A German CV (Lebenslauf) is an absolute must when you are in Germany, whether it is for studying or work purposes. It is always better to give your German employers a CV in a style they are already familiar with to increase your chances of getting noticed. While German CVs are not too different from those of other countries, it is important to keep in mind that they have their own nuances. Although it does not have a specific version, we created a general guide on how to write a German CV:

Personal Information

This section requires your personal details. Make sure to add the following:

  • Full name (First and last name)
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Marital status
  • Contact information (Email & Telephone number)
  • Passport-size photo
  • Profile – a short description of yourself and your skills / experience / qualifications

Education

In this section, you will write the details about your studies focusing on your secondary and tertiary education. Make sure to include the name of your university and degree/s earned; it is also helpful if you mention modules that have relevance towards the position you are applying for. Students normally add more details about their modules when applying for internships.

Find more about the things you should consider while applying for an english internship here.

Work Experience

Here you will list your previous work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent one. Make sure to add the following:

  • Name and location of the company
  • Dates
  • Title of the position
  • Division, department
  • Key responsibilities

Other skills/achievements

This section will include:

  • Foreign languages (also specify the level)
  • IT Skills
  • Other certifications

Other tips on how to write a German CV:

  • A German CV should be maximum 2-pages long
  • Do not lie and keep it factual
  • List only the experience, skills and qualifications that are relevant to the position
  • Keep it simple and use the same font throughout
  • Bullet points are recommended instead of long paragraphs
  • Check it several times to eliminate any error
  • Adjust your CV for different positions
  • German CVs do not really have a section for hobbies

Here are some online German CV creators that can be useful to you:

Are you a student in Germany who is looking for some fun? Join our Startup Student Contest now and get a chance to win amazing rewards!

German Driving Licence for internationals

Everything about Getting a German Driving Licence

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It is quite important to have a German driving licence if you are in Germany for a long period of time.

If you want to live in a sparsely populated area that is most likely in a remote city or village, getting proper public transportation services may be hard.

In such a case, getting a driving licence and buying a vehicle will be necessary.

In this post, we will highlight everything you need to know about getting a German driving licence.

Is your foreign licence valid in Germany?

Citizens of EU countries can use driving licences from their respective country. Visitors from non-EU countries can use their original document if it is translated by recognized automobile authority.

This privilege is valid for the first six months, after which drivers are required to transfer their documents in a process known as “Umschreibung”.

How and where to register for a driving licence

After six months of using your foreign non-EU driving licence, you need to apply for the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or German Driving Licence. Log on to MeldeBox to find a registration office near you.

The office will determine whether you can receive a licence transfer or recommend a test for you. You might want to familiarize yourself with the traffic signs and rules before your test.

Documents needed for a successful licence transfer

  • Your passport or ID card
  • A borderless 35 x 45 mm photo
  • A valid foreign driver’s licence
  • Proof that you completed a first-aid course
  • Proof that you are a resident of Germany.
  • 40 euros cash to pay for the licence fee if tests aren’t required.

You might have to wait for up to six weeks before your licence is ready.

How you can get hold of a German driving licence

If you want to get your first driving licence, here is what you need to do:

  • Register at a “Fahrschule” or driving school. There is a higher chance of finding an instructor who is familiar with your language in big cities.
  • Take the “Erste Hilfe” or first aid course.
  • Visit an ophthalmologist or optician for the “Sehtest”

To be able to drive category C vehicles (lorries) or D (buses), additional documents need to be provided. Find more about licence categories on BMVI.

What is the cost?

The cost is largely dependent on the number of sessions that your instructor feels are ready to prepare you as a driver. As such, it may go beyond 1000 euros.

Do you have more questions about this topic? You can ask us privately or ask the public in our Quick Question community.

Best places to visit in Germany

Best Places to Visit in Germany in 2021

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There are numerous reasons why you should visit Germany and one of them is its wonderful places.

You will love the marvelous cuisine, fabulous cities, medieval villages, castles, exciting festivals, the exquisite beaches, gorgeous mountain sceneries, wine and historic destinations.

There is something for everyone!

If Germany wasn’t on the list of places you would love to visit, this post might help change your mind about the country.

Here are the some best places to visit in Germany in 2021:

  1. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
beautiful-fairytale-castle-wiligrad-summer-day

This is a magnificent region in the northern reaches of Berlin.

It is also known as Meckpom, and can be accessed cheaply and quickly by bicycle, car or train.

Consider cycling from Berlin to the town so as to experience the lush feeling of the greenery along the road.

The town consists of elegant infrastructure, with a few camp grounds and resorts spread out along the route.

The sparsely populated state is a perfect way of getting away from the busy city life and breathing fresh air as you let your mind take you to new places.

2. Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle-Best Places to Visit in Germany in 2021

Germany has its fair share of special castles. This particular castle gives an unhindered view of the Bavarian Alps.

A guided tour can help you explore the interior of the castle, and horse-drawn carriages can be provided for that extra appeal.

In Füssen, you will love the Altstadt’s pedestrian-oriented streets that are bordered by lustrously colored structures. The frescoes and cobblestone in the environment make the old town come alive. Take your time to enjoy the 700-year-old traditions in cafes and restaurants within the area.

3. Bodensee

Bodensee-Best Places to Visit in Germany in 2021

Bodensee is a popular and excellent summer retreat that offers numerous events and activities to visitors from all over the world.

You can take a boat ride to enjoy the beauty of the land and water. Most rides offer meals and drinks onboard.

If you like water sports, then you will love what the Bodensee has in store for you! You can go for a canoe ride close to the shore, or if you are adventurous, venture out to the open waters for a quick windsurfing run.

We recommend that you stay in the Landhotel Bodensee or Bodensee Yatchthotel Schmattmaier as you enjoy the summer.

4. Rothenburg

Rothenburg-Best Places to Visit in Germany in 2021

Rothenburg is located on the Romantic Road, a legendary location in Germany. The medieval city is the perfect example of a fairytale town. This should definitely feature on your bucket list.

It has appeared in several films.

Take some time to explore the ancient walls that feature magnificent architectural developments from the past. Once you are done, get to the top of the Town Hall Tower to reward yourself with an uninterrupted view of the gorgeous city and marvelous countryside.

5. St. Goar

St. Goar is a lovely summer destination. It is located on the banks of the Rhine River.

The adorable setup and friendly residents will melt your heart. You can walk to the train station, visit the Rhine Gorge, Rheinfels Castle or enjoy the romantic sceneries in the area.

While you can’t visit the Castle Katz, you can enjoy the beautiful view from afar. Take time to explore the Rhine on a boat. If you are lucky, you might get to watch the splendid fireworks display.

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6. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf can be undoubtedly considered as one of the best places to visit in Germany with its endless list of exciting activities. The city is brought alive by different cuisine and outdoor events.

It offers various Japanese traditions that blend in with the native customs. After getting a taste of Düsseldorf, you will want to visit Japan to experience the original inspiration of the exquisite dining.

While Düsseldorf offers all year round enjoyment, visiting over the summer will provide you with the best opportunities of touring the Rhine River, the gorgeous paths in Altstadt, and the longest bar in the world.

If you don’t mind, get yourself any of the local beers and enjoy delicious dishes as you watch people go about their daily routines.

Also, indulge in the Carlsplatz Market’s exciting goodies and stay tuned for the Medieval festival.

Here you can find more about visiting Düsseldorf.

7. Munich

Munich was nearly flattened out during the war. Fortunately, it still has abundant locations that will make your vacation memorable.

Starting with the Marienplatz, right at the heart of the city, you can explore other ancient building, churches and gorgeous landmarks all over the city.

Visit the Old and New Town Hall, the Marina Column, and the Mariensaule. At the century-old Glockenspiel, you can listen to the chimes of the Dgures at noon.

If you love a good brew, Munich has plenty of it for you to try out. Also, consider visiting in October to experience the legendary Oktoberfest.

Visit Tripadvisor to have a better idea of the best things you can do in Munich this year.

8. Lindau

Lindau is a small but charming town. It has been standing since the 9th century and resembles a fantasy Bavarian lake countryside.

You will surely lose yourself once you get to the adorable passageways and streets. You can let your mind wander as you explore the harbor’s fantastic views.

Lindau is at times referred to as the “Garden of Eden”, given that it is located on the beautiful shores of the turquoise Lake Constance.

Visitors are treated to magnificent views of the lakefront cafes and medieval structures all around the area. If you love boat rides, head out to the water to get an amazing glimpse of the Alps, Switzerland and Austria.

9. Lübeck

Lübeck offers a reprieve to the hot sun experienced in most regions of central Europe.

It can be accessed easily from Hamburg and luckily, you won’t have to deal with crowding. Visit the town to get away from your normal schedule for a few days.

Start by visiting the Holstentor, an iconic landmark built in the early 15th century. There are other historic points that you can visit from here.

Notable historic centers include the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, the city hall, St. Peter’s church, St. Mary’s Church, and the European Hansemuseum.

Enjoy the fine marzipan that Lubeck offers. Get your treat from Café Niederegger and enjoy your vacation!

10. Weimar

Last but not the least in this list of best places to visit in Germany, we have Weimar. Weimar is a picture-perfect location in East Germany. It should be a must visit location for history lovers.

It is the origin of legendary artists such as Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Bach, and Nietzsche.

Some tourists visit the Buchenwald concentration camp to get a feel of the deep terror of the Nazi Regime.

Enjoy your vacation!

Are you new in Germany and need help with some paperworks? Book a local now to help you.