CelinaGHello, my dear pardesio! So, you’ve been enjoying the sunny beaches of Portugal, maybe indulging in a pastel de nata or two, and now Germany’s calling your name? Or maybe it’s the bratwurst and pretzels, who knows? 😜
If you’re a Pakistani living in Portugal with a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) and Germany is your next dream destination, you’re in luck! Having lived in Germany my whole life (and let me tell you, I know a thing or two), I’m here to break down your options in easy steps—because, let’s face it, we Desis like things clear and simple!
Why Move to Germany? More Than Just Great Bread!
Why should you move from Portugal to Germany? Well, Germany isn’t just about sausages and beer—it’s one of Europe’s strongest economies! There are loads of job opportunities here, especially in engineering, IT, and healthcare, and guess what? You might already have a foot in the door with that TRC of yours. Let me show you how!
1. Use Your TRC to Stay in Germany for 90 Days
With your Portuguese Temporary Residence Card (TRC), you’ve already got one major advantage—you can travel to and stay in Germany for up to 90 days without needing a visa. So, if you want to check out the job market or do a little research before making the big move, you can visit and explore cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg.
But here’s the kicker—you’ll need a work visa or a similar long-term solution if you want to stay longer and actually settle in Germany.
2. The Job Seeker Visa: Time to Find Your Dream Job!
If you’re a degree holder from Portugal or anywhere else and haven’t landed a job in Germany yet, the Job Seeker Visa is your best friend. It lets you stay in Germany for 6 months to search for a job.
Requirements:
- Proof of financial means (so you can cover living expenses while job hunting)
- Health insurance (a must in Germany)
- Degree or relevant work experience
Tip: Start learning some German! A bit of local language goes a long way, even though English is widely spoken in the bigger cities.
3. Work Visa: Got a Job Offer? Pack Your Bags!
If you’ve already found a job in Germany, congrats! 🎉 The next step is applying for a Work Visa. Since you’ve been living in Portugal, the paperwork won’t be too foreign to you (pun intended!). All you need is a valid job offer, a contract, and health insurance.
Good News for You: With your experience in Europe, you’re likely familiar with how things work. Germany loves skilled workers, especially in fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare—so you’ve got an edge!
4. The Blue Card: For High Earners and Highly Skilled Professionals
If you’ve bagged yourself a job that pays well (current minimum is about €58,400 a year, or less if you’re in a field with a shortage like IT or healthcare), the EU Blue Card is the way to go! The Blue Card lets you work in Germany and gives you an easier path to permanent residency. You can also bring your family with you, and after a few years, you can apply to settle here for good.
5. Studying in Germany: Why Not Go Back to School?
If you’re more interested in getting a Master’s or PhD, Germany’s universities offer free or low-cost higher education (I know, right?!). You’ll need to apply for a student visa, and you’ll need to show proof of financial means to support yourself during your studies (around €11,208 per year).
6. Entrepreneur Visa: Got a Business Idea? Germany’s Ready!
If you’ve got a killer business idea and want to set up shop in Germany, the Entrepreneur Visa could be the perfect fit. With a solid business plan and enough funding, you can start your own business here, whether it’s an IT startup or a Desi food joint that serves both samosas and schnitzel!
7. Language Courses: Learn German to Boost Your Chances
Want to give your job hunt an extra boost? Take a German language course! Knowing some German can make your everyday life a lot easier and improve your chances of landing a job.
Moving to Germany from Portugal: Things to Keep in Mind
- Proof of Funds: Whether you’re applying for a job seeker visa or student visa, you’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover your stay.
- Health Insurance: Germany loves paperwork, and health insurance is non-negotiable! Make sure you have coverage lined up before you apply for any visa.
- Networking: Get on LinkedIn, connect with professionals, and join German job boards. Networking can often be the key to finding a great opportunity!
Wrapping It Up: Time to Make the Leap from Portugal to Germany!
So, my lovely Desi friends in Portugal, whether you’re dreaming of career opportunities, going back to school, or starting your own business, Germany has a lot to offer! With your TRC, you’ve got a head start, and there are plenty of options to help you stay long-term.
If you’re still confused or need more help with the process, don’t worry—I’ve got your back! Reach out to me, subscribe to my blog for more tips, or drop a comment below, and we’ll get you moving from pastéis de nata to pretzels in no time! 😄
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