CelinaGAlright, my lovely pardesio! So, you’ve been chilling in the UK, surviving on fish and chips, but now you’re eyeing Germany for your next adventure? Thinking of trading London’s Big Ben for Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate? As someone who has lived in Germany forever, studied here, and now teaches for a living (yes, I’m that person), I’m here to make your transition as easy as a stroll through a German Christmas market!
Why Germany? It’s More Than Just Beer and Pretzels!
First things first—why should you even consider Germany? Well, if you’ve braved the rain in the UK, you’ll fit right in here (we have rain, too!). But more importantly, Germany offers fantastic job opportunities, especially if you’re in tech, engineering, or healthcare. Plus, if you’re thinking of studying, many German universities offer tuition-free Master’s and PhD programs! Yes, free.
So, let’s break down your options for making the move from the UK to Germany.
1. The Job Seeker Visa: Giving You Time to Find a Job
Got a degree from the UK but no job lined up in Germany? No problem! The Job Seeker Visa lets you come to Germany and spend up to six months looking for work. You just need your degree, proof you can support yourself financially, and health insurance.
Tip: Learning some basic German can really help you land a job faster, even though many companies, especially in big cities, speak English.
2. Work Visa: If You’ve Got a Job Offer
Already secured a job offer in Germany? Well, lucky you! The Work Visa is your fast pass to start working in Germany. All you need is your job contract, health insurance, and some paperwork.
Good to Know: If you’re an engineer, IT expert, or healthcare worker, Germany loves you! Your skills are in high demand, so it’s easier to get a work visa in these fields.
3. The Blue Card: For High-Paying Jobs
If you’ve got a high-paying job offer and a university degree, Germany offers the Blue Card, which is basically a fancy work permit. With the Blue Card, you can work in Germany and even apply for permanent residency after 21 months.
- Salary requirements: Around €58,400 annually, or lower if you’re in a shortage job like IT or engineering.
- Perks: You can bring your family, and it gives you an easier path to settle in Germany long-term.
4. Continue Studying: Master’s or PhD Programs
If you haven’t had enough of school, why not continue studying in Germany? German universities are known for high-quality education, and did I mention many Master’s and PhD programs are tuition-free? You’ll need a student visa, proof you can support yourself (around €11,208 per year), and health insurance. You can even work part-time while you study!
5. Start Your Own Business: Entrepreneur Visa
Have a great business idea? Germany is open to entrepreneurs! With the Entrepreneur Visa, you can start your own business here. You’ll need a solid business plan and enough funds to support it, but if all goes well, you could be your own boss in Germany.
6. Learn German: Take a Language Course
Germany is a great place to learn the language, and if you want to improve your chances of finding a job or just want to fit in better, taking a German language course can be super helpful. You can even get a visa just to study the language. Knowing German will give you an edge when job hunting or navigating daily life.
7. EU Intra-Company Transfer: If You Already Work for a Big Company
If you’re already working for a big international company with offices in both the UK and Germany, you might be eligible for an intra-company transfer. This way, you can smoothly move to Germany without changing jobs completely.
Quick Tips for Moving to Germany:
- Learn Some German: Even basic German can help you settle in faster and get better job opportunities.
- Check the Job Market: Engineering, IT, and healthcare are always in demand, so focus on these areas if you want to find work quickly.
- Networking is Key: Join LinkedIn, look for German job boards, and start building connections. This can make all the difference!
Check out this for further information
Also this a very useful website
Wrapping Up: Time to Make the Move!
So, whether you’re dreaming of more opportunities, higher-paying jobs, or continuing your studies, Germany could be the perfect next step for you! With plenty of visa options and a welcoming job market, your move can be smooth and rewarding.
Good luck with your plans to move, and as we say in Germany, Viel Erfolg! (That’s good luck in German, by the way!) And consider subscribing my blog, as not to miss any updates Germany.
