Germany is a popular destination for immigrants from all over the world due to its strong economy and high standard of living. The country has a long history of immigration, with the first wave of immigrants arriving in the 1950s and 1960s to help rebuild the country.
Today, Germany is home to a diverse population of immigrants. In recent years, the country has seen an increase in refugees and asylum seekers, with over 1.5 million people seeking asylum in Germany since 2015.
The German government has implemented various policies and programs to manage immigration and integration, including language and job training programs for immigrants, as well as measures to combat discrimination and xenophobia. One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the introduction of the Skilled Immigration Act in 2020, which aims to attract highly skilled workers from outside the European Union to fill labour shortages in various industries.
Our “I want to work or live in Germany” page summarises all your options to legally come to Germany
I want to work or live in Germany
Important facts South African citizens need a visa to travel to Germany and a residence permit to stay longer than 90 days A visa allows you to enter the country, you apply for your visa at the German Embassy in South Africa. You must apply for the correct long-stay visa, this is linked to the residence permit you will apply for once you are in Germany. For a list of long-stay visas and their relevant information please view our long-stay visas page. After arriving in Germany, you need to register at the Foreigners Office (Ausländerbehörde) Thereafter you need to apply for a residence permit (Aufenhaltstitel or Aufenhaltserlaubnis), which
Visas
It is essential to obtain the appropriate visa before your departure. A visa is a legal requirement that allows foreigners to enter and stay in Germany for a limited duration.
Depending on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and the length of stay, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) or a national visa (Type D).
It is advisable to research the requirements and gather all the necessary documents well in advance. An incomplete application or missing documents could lead to a delay or rejection of your application. With the proper visa in hand, you can enjoy your visit to Germany with peace of mind and the ability to fully immerse yourself in the country’s culture and beauty.
Family Reunification Visa
Family Reunification Visa Family reunification in Germany allows close family members to join their relatives living in Germany—whether those relatives are German citizens or third-country nationals with valid residence (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) or settlement permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Eligible family members include: Spouses or registered partners Minor children to foreign parent (unmarried) Parents of a minor German Child These rules focus on preserving the nuclear family. Other relatives, such as adult children, siblings, grandparents, or extended family, are not normally eligible, unless there are exceptional humanitarian or personal hardship circumstances that justify reunification. Immigration authorities evaluate such cases very strictly, and approvals are rare. Visa and Residence Permit: What You Need to Know To join a family member in Germany, you’ll need to go through a two-step process: First, apply for a national visa while still in South Africa. This visa allows you to enter Germany for the purpose of family reunification. After arrival, you must apply for a residence permit from the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany to legally remain long-term. Please note that the rules and requirements differ based on both your citizenship and the citizenship of the family member you are joining. As a general rule, the conditions vary depending on whether you are joining: A German national An EU citizen A third-country national (non-EU) Each category has its own conditions, documentation requirements, and processing times, so it’s essential to check the correct guidelines for your situation before beginning your application. 👉 Important Note:If you’re planning a short-term stay, such as visiting a relative or friend in Germany for a few weeks or months, this is not the right visa for you. For temporary visits, such as attending family events, holidays, or simply spending time with loved ones, a different visa category applies. Info on the web As the rules and requirements change regularly, please refer to the official websites for information on a family reunification visa. Bamf – Information for 3rd Country Nationals Berlin Welcome Centre Federal office for migration and refugees. Family Reunificationof third-country nationals in Germany – See page 39 for employment restrictions The Federal Government – At a glance: Visa for the purpose of family reunification to foreigners Where to apply You need to submit your application at the German Embassy in South Africa, or at one of the German Consulates in South Africa. You cannot apply for a family reunification visa from inside Germany. The following types of Family reunification Visas are available Spouse Parent to a minor German child Child to a foreign parent Family members of non-German EU citizens Proof of knowledge of basic German To join your spouse in Germany, you must demonstrate at least basic proficiency in the German language (equivalent to Level A1 of the European Language Framework).For more information, you can find a flyer from BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) here We summarised the possible exceptions, but please always refer back to the official information from BAMF: You or your spouse are a citizen of a member state of the European Union or you have exercised your right of free movement as a German citizen. Your spouse is a citizen of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, or San Marino. You have a university degree and can probably find work in Germany thanks to your language skills. Your spouse holds an EU Blue Card. Your spouse holds a residence permit as a skilled worker (§ 18c (3) German Residence Act (AufenthG)). a researcher 2 (§ 18f AufenthG). a selfemployed person 2 (§ 21 AufenthG). a person entitled to asylum (§ 25 (1) and § 26 (3) AufenthG) to whom you were already married in yourhome country before your partner moved to Germany. a person who has been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection (§ 25 (2) and § 26 (3) AufenthG) to whom you were already married in your home country before your partner moved to Germany. a longterm resident from another EU member state (§ 38a AufenthG). You do not wish to remain permanently in Germany. It is impossible or unreasonable to learn the language abroad, or this has proven unsuccessful despite your attempts. You are unable to prove basic knowledge of German on account of a physical, mental or psychological illness or disability. You are able to cite other circumstances that make it impossible for you to learn the language, circumstances that could constitute a case of hardship. Employment Joining a third-country national. According to BAMF documentation, If you are joining your spouse who is a third-country national you are also entitled to take up work if you come to Germany for the purposes of family reunification. Joining a German spouseAccording to BAMF documentation, family members coming to Germany to join their German spouses, for the purpose of family reunification are allowed to work in Germany. Medical For comprehensive guidance on your visa application, read our detailed tips regarding medical insurance coverage—an important requirement to ensure your application proceeds smoothly and meets all necessary criteria. Additional information and tips When a birth or marriage certificate is required, it must always be an unabridged copy The embassy only accepts Marriage certificates that were apostilled by DIRCO Unabridged birth certificates must also be apostilled by DIRCO We have companies listed that can assist in obtaining unabridged documentation, but remember they cannot speed up the process at DIRCO. You can find a list of these companies here When your spouse is already in Germany, it is sufficient to supply a copy of their “Anmeldung” you do not have to wait for a copy of their residence card to submit your application. As with all visa applications, make sure you supply all the documentation required on the Checklist Unless specifically asked for, documents that are in English does not need to be translated During your interview, ask if you can keep your passport with you, as the process can take a long time (months), and you will only get your passport back when the visa is issued. It is impossible to know how long
List of Long Stay Visas
Long Term visas are seen as visits longer than 90 days and will typically be for work or study visits. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa to enter Germany. Once you are in Germany you will need to apply for your residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible. You will always apply for your first long-stay German Visa at the German Embassy in South Africa.This might also apply when you change your type of visa e.g from study to work. The German Embassy in South Africa has offices in Cape Town and Pretoria.From now on, you will have the opportunity to apply for the following types of visa online via the Consular Service Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. Appointments for national visas can be booked online (free of charge). Residents of the following countries/provinces must submit their visa application to the indicated mission: Online appointments Embassy Pretoria: Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, Lesotho, Swaziland Online appointments Consulate General Cape Town: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape. To sponsor someone’s visit for example your adult child who wants to study in Germany and does not qualify for the financial requirements, you need to apply for a Verpflichtungserklärung List of long term visas As rules and regulations can change on a regular basis, we provide the links to the German Embassy in South Africa. Where possible also links to additional information. We are not immigration consultants and can only refer you to the official pages. Blue Card (minimum salary and university degree). You can find additional information on Make it in Germany. You can also download this handy flyer about an EU Blue Card Employment Visa – for qualified professionals. Subcategories are : Skilled worker holding a University degree IT specialist with professional experience Research stay Skilled worker with vocational training qualification – As a skilled worker with vocational training qualification, you can be issued a residence permit to engage in skilled employment that your qualification enables you to perform. Have a look at the current professions in demand. Please note that some university degrees from foreign universities are classified as vocational training qualifications in Germany. Work in case of partial recognition of qualification – If your vocational training has not been fully recognised by the competent German agency, you can apply for a visa to complete the necessary training in Germany and at the same time start to work. After completion and full recognition of your training, you can apply for permanent residence in Germany. Intra-corporate transfer (ICT). Flyer from BAMF. Study Visa – General, Doctorate and German language studies. See also our page about studying German in Germany Au Pair Visa Jobseeker, vocational training or voluntary service visa Family reunification – Spouse – see also our page about this topic Family reunification – Parent to a minor German child Family reunification – Child to a foreign parent (In case a foreign child intends to move to a foreign parent living permanently in Germany) Legal basis Residence Act Aufenthaltsverordnung AufenthV Federal Act on registration Visumhandbuch Resources on the web What type of visa do I need? – Make it in Germany Federal Foreign Office / Auswärtiges Amt Federal Office for Migration and Refugees / Bundesamt für Migration und Flugtlinge Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territor from the Bundesministerium der Justiz. Visa Regulations Terminology Permanent Residence Permit Die Nierderlassungserlaubnis Residence Permit Der Aufenhalstitel Visa Das Visum Blue Card Die Blaue Karte Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
List of Short stay Visas
According to the German Embassy in South Africa, “South African passport holders require a visa to enter Germany. It is important to note that if you wish to visit more than one Schengen country, you should apply at the embassy of your main destination, taking the length and purpose of your stay into consideration. Short-term Schengen visas are seen as visits shorter than 90 days and will typically be for tourism or business visits. A Schengen visa is valid in the countries that are part of the Schengen Area The German Embassy in South Africa has offices in Cape Town and Pretoria.The embassy is currently (August 2021) using TLScontact to process the visa applications. TLSContact have offices in Bloemfontein, Centurion, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) The following short-term visas are available: Tourism – visiting family or friends in Germany Tourism – General Tourism Business Trade Fair Visa for family members of non-German EU Citizens – not to be confused with a reunification visa Visa Validity info These are the valid dates for the Visa. You may not enter the Schengen Area before the From date, and you must leave the Schengen Area not later than the Until date Total days you may stay between the from and to dates Multiple or single entry. With a single entry, re-entry into the Schengen area with this particular visa is not allowed. Type of Visa. C is short term and D is long term 90/180 day rule The 90/180-day rule states that any foreign national who enters the Schengen zone (any country within the area) can stay for up to 90 days within any 180 days. On the Schengen Visa Info website, there is a very good explanation of this rule as well as a calculator that you can use Additional Information on your visa In the image above, it indicates that this is a visitor visa, and engaging in any economic activity is prohibited. Legal basis Regulation 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the council – Visa Code Residence Act Related content
Reunification – Parents of third-country nationals
Reunification – Parents of third-country nationals Moving to a new country is a wonderful opportunity to start a new life. The biggest hardship, in my opinion, is leaving your loved ones behind, especially your elderly parents. Many people are asking if it is possible, as a third-country national with permanent residence in Germany, to bring their parents along to live with them. Germany, unfortunately, does not have a retirement visa option. New changes to the Immigration laws (from 01 March 2024) made it easier for parents of skilled workers to join them in Germany. Previously, and in some cases still valid, your parents can come to Germany on a Family reunification visa (FRV) only if they can prove hardship. Family reunification visa For Third-country nationals, dependent family members like spouses, children of foreign parents, and parents of a German minor can apply for a family reunification visa (FRV).According to BAMF:Parents or other family members (Third Country nationals)If you are the parent or parent-in-law of a skilled worker working in Germany, you may be able to come to Germany under certain circumstances. Other family members may only come to Germany in all other cases to prevent exceptional hardship. If you are a parent or parent-in-law of skilled workers and highly qualified persons, you have the opportunity to come to Germany if your child’s or child-in-law’s residence title was first issued on or after 1 March 2024. For this to be possible, your subsistence must be ensured, including sufficient health and long-term care insurance cover, from your own financial resources. The requirements for a family reunification visa be found on the German embassy in South Africa website. Keep the following in mind:Keep in mind you will have to commit to financing their medical, accommodation and day-to-day expenses. They might be allowed to live with you, but then you need to have enough space in your home. Medical for someone who has never contributed to the system, and who is advanced in their age, is very expensive.It is a difficult and expensive process, and we wish you all the best in this journey. Speak to your local Ausländerbörde and see how they can assist you. The applicable law is Section 36 of the “Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory” Section 36 of the Residence Act, Subsequent immigration of parents and other family members (1) In derogation from section 5 (1) no. 1 and section 29 (1) no. 2, a temporary residence permit is to be issued to the parents of a minor foreigner who possesses a temporary residence permit pursuant to section 23 (4), section 25 (1) or (2) sentence 1 first alternative, a permanent settlement permit pursuant to section 26 (3) or a permanent settlement permit under section 26 (4) after being granted a temporary residence permit pursuant to section 25 (2) sentence 1 second alternative, if no parent possessing the right of care and custody is resident in the federal territory. (2) Other family members of a foreigner may be granted a temporary residence permit for the purpose of subsequent immigration to join the foreigner if necessary in order to avoid exceptional hardship. Section 30 (3) and section 31 apply accordingly to adult family members and section 34 applies accordingly to minor family members. (3) A temporary residence permit allowing the subsequent immigration of dependants may be granted to the parents of a foreigner who was granted an EU Blue Card, an ICT Card, a Mobile ICT Card or a residence title in accordance with sections 18a, 18b, 18c (3), 18d, 18f, 19c (1) for employment as an executive, manager, business specialist, academic, visiting academic, engineer or technician in a research team of a visiting academic or as teaching staff pursuant to section 19c (2) or (4) sentence 1 or section 21 for the first time on or after 1 March 2024; the same applies to the parents of the foreigner’s spouse, if the spouse resides permanently in the federal territory. The temporary residence permit in accordance with sentence 1 may only be granted if the requirement of section 5 (1) no. 1 is met. Here is a link to the German website. Financially independent Germany does not have a retirement visa, so even if your parents are financially independent they can not go the retirement route. Depending on their age and situation they can apply for any of the normal long stay visas. Other options It is possible to apply for a Family & Friends visit visa. The inviting person can ask in the invitation letter that the visa be valid for longer periods e.g. one or two years. This allows the person to stay in Germany for 90 days in a 180-day cycle. It is not optimal but at least an option.This will most likely not be granted multiple year visa if it is the first time the person visits you in Germany, also not if the person has a new Passport with no previous visas in the passport. Information on the web For more information, see the following websites: BAMF – Subsequent immigration to join foreign family members Section 36 of the Act on the Residence SE-Legal Reunification due to Need of Care Additional information The following was shared with us by a member of our FB page. This is to be seen as a shared opinion and not as legal or immigration advice. You are responsible for your own legal clarifications. No liability accepted. “Below is a summary of what my in-laws were told by an immigration lawyer here in DE. This will obviously differ from person to person as each case is assessed individually. These were the options given to them. The costs for each option are different, depending on paperwork, etc (it’s not cheap 😯). If anyone is interested, I would suggest they book a meeting with the attorneys (they do Zoom meetings) and get the correct information relevant to them. There is a fee for the initial consultation, but it’s well worth it. Option 1 – Family
Verpflichtungserklärung – Sponsoring someone’s visit
Verpflichtungserklärung – Sponsoring someone’s visit One of the key requirements for both short-term and long-term (National) Schengen visas is proof of financial means. If you’re inviting someone to visit you, like your parents or other family members, and they’re unable to show they can support themselves financially during their stay, you’ll need to provide a legalised letter of obligation, known in German as a “Verpflichtungserklärung.” This document shows that you’re taking financial responsibility for their visit. This form can only be obtained from the Ausländerbehörde or Bürgerbüro you are registered with.They will have an interview with you to get all the relevant information, then fill in the form online and print it out for you.The current cost (January 2025) is €29. A quick search for “wieviel kostet eine Verpflichtungserklärung” will give you the latest price 📩 You can send an email copy to the person you are sponsoring, for them to add to their Visa application.The embassy (according to many members) will accept an email copy. You can only submit a declaration of commitment if you have a sufficient income of your own and do not claim any financial support from the state. As a rule, you will have to provide appropriate proof (e.g. proof of accommodation, income and insurance). If your income alone is not sufficient, a Declaration of Commitment can also be submitted jointly by two or more persons. Requirements The requirements might differ for each Federal State (Bundesländer), so always ensure you have the latest requirements. An internet search for “Verpflichtungserklärung + the name of the town you live in” should give you the relevant information. Some bigger cities also have the information available in English, search for “Letter of obligation, or Formal Obligation, declaration of commitment, or letter of commitment” and of course the name of the town you live in. More info can be found on the Germany-visa website. As an example, here are the requirements for a short-term visit to Hamburg. As a host, you need to appear in person and supply the following documentation: Filled out “Angaben zur Verpflichtungserklärung” Form. This can be filled out at the Behörde, and they will print it out for you Your valid passport. Or, a national ID card Copy of the passport of the persons you are sponsoring, personal details like first and last name, date and place of birth, and their address abroad Proof that you are a legal resident in Germany. For example, your German residence permit. Proof that you have sufficient income or savings. This can be one of the following Salary statements for the past 3 months, or Contract of your employment, or A formal letter from your employer, issued in the past 2 weeks. It must confirm that you are still employed by them. Proof of your accommodation. This can be any of the following. Confirmation of registration. Rental contract. It has to be supported by a letter of confirmation from the landlord of the rented place. * All documents must be presented both in the original and in a copy. More information on the web Germany-visa.org Handbook Germany Gesetze-im-internet section 68 Liability for living expense Important The Verplichtungserklärung is a formal obligation whereby you commit towards the total cost of the guest’s visit, including accommodation and medical expenses if they do not have medical cover. It also includes any repatriation fees and legal fees. It is by default valid for 6 months for a Schengen visa and 5 years for a National D Visa, but you can request to make it shorter for just the period of their visit. Here is the link to the documents required to get a tourist visa for Germany:Checklist for a Short-Term Visa The requirements for the National Visa will depend on the type of visa you apply for. Also, be aware of possible fines for illegal downloads by visitors Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
Visa application tips
Schengen Visa application tips We are not immigration agents, and your first point of contact should always be the German embassy or consulate in South Africa.Most of the information you need to apply for your visa at the Germany Embassy in South Africa can be found on their websiteHere is some additional information that could help when something is not clear. For individual queries, you can send an email to visacapetown@kaps.diplo.de or use their online form Friends or Family Visits We have a page dedicated to Friends and Family visit visas. Family reunification visas We have several pages dedicated to Family reunification visas. Birth and Marriage Certificates When submitting a birth or marriage certificate for a German visa application, you must provide an unabridged copy. Translations Unless specifically asked for, documents that are in English do not need to be translated. Apostil of documents When something needs to be apostilled, it will say so explicitly on the Embassy website as in the example below. If you click on the arrow it will take you to this page, which states that documents must be apostilled by DIRCO Medical insurance Short-term visas You need medical insurance for your whole trip. TIC in South Africa is accepted by the Embassy. You can also use the insurance offered by your Credit card but make sure it satisfies the minimum requirements from the Embassy. Travelsure from Old Mutual is also accepted by the German Embassy in South Africa Valid travel health insurance covering your requested stay with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (2025), valid for all Schengen countries. Try the following companies for insurance for older people: TIC – leisure Senior Klemmer – They also offer student cover Allianz – Für Besucher aus dem Ausland und bis zu 93 Tagen Reisedauer – ohne Höchstalter Axa – Schengen Travel Insurance Dr Walter / Provisit ADAC Die Reisekranken- und Haftpflichtversicherung für Ihre Gäste aus dem Ausland Long-term visas Time-limited visas like study, Au-Pair etcYou will need medical insurance to cover the whole period that you are in Germany. Good options are Klemmer or Dr Walter Employee – Health insurance is mandatory, please bear in mind that this insurance can only begin when you take up residence in Germany and enter into employment. If you enter Germany beforehand, private health insurance must be taken out for the period before employment begins and before being eligible for health insurance. In its terms and conditions, travel health insurance can exclude protection if a long-term or permanent stay is planned.So-called incoming travel insurance can also contain such exclusions, so make sure you know what your insurance covers.TIC offers emigration cover but only for up to 32 days. Other options are Dr Walter / Provisit Family reunification – you also need cover when you come to Germany on a family reunification visa. The same options as above apply. Riks of overstaying If you’re in Germany on a Type C Schengen visa and find yourself in a bind—say due to illness, an accident, or travel disruption like a strike—you must act fast and by the book. Overstaying is serious business, even if the reason is out of your hands. Here’s what to do: Contact the local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office) immediately. Don’t wait until your visa expires. Explain your situation and provide documentation (hospital records, airline cancellation notices, etc.). They may grant you a visa extension or issue a temporary residence permit in exceptional cases. Have proof on hand: Medical certificates should clearly state you’re unfit to travel and for how long. If it’s a flight disruption, get written confirmation from the airline and check if they offered alternative options. Don’t go off-grid: Staying under the radar or assuming they won’t notice is risky. Schengen overstays are tracked, and a red flag on your record can lead to bans on future travel. Travel insurance helps: A good policy may reimburse costs and provide support or legal assistance if you’re caught in a visa mess. Denied Visa According to the Federal Foreign Office, “The notification sent to the applicant by the mission abroad states not only that the visa application has been unsuccessful, but also gives the grounds on which it was rejected and information on the applicant’s right to appeal the decision. Starting July 1, 2025, Germany is ending its informal visa appeal process (remonstration) for Schengen and national visa applications. This means rejected applicants can no longer submit a remonstration letter for a free reassessment. Instead, they will need to pursue a more formal and potentially costly legal appeal process. A list of the most common reasons for rejecting a visa application can be found on the SchengenVisaInfo website Assistance with Visa application The following businesses can assist with Schengen Visa applications Related content
Residence
The Residence Act is the primary legal framework for immigration in Germany. It sets out the conditions under which non-German citizens can enter and reside in the country. The act distinguishes between different types of visas, such as short-term and long-term visas, and regulates the rights and obligations of foreign residents, including their access to social benefits. There are two types of Residence permits in Germany. The one is an Aufenthaltserlaubnis/Temporary Residence and the other is a Niederlassungserlaubnis/permanent residence.
Legal Basis
- The German AufenthG (Gesetz über den Aufenthalt, die Erwerbstätigkeit und die Integration von Ausländern im Bundesgebiet ) can be found on the website of the Bundesministerium der Justiz.
- There is also an English version of the Act on Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory
Residence in Germany
A Visa allows you to enter Germany, and stay for no more than 90 days in a 180-day cycle.When you want to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the correct visa in your home country and once you are in Germany, apply for the subsequent residence permit (Aufenhaltstitel) at the competent Aliens Authority in Germany. There are two types of residence permits in Germany: Temporary – Your first type of residence in Germany will always be temporary. You can only apply for permanent residence once certain conditions are met. Permanent – may be granted in the form of a Settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or Permanent EU
Citizenship
Foreigners who wish to become German citizens must meet certain requirements, including a minimum period of residence in Germany, fluency in the German language, and knowledge of German culture and history. Applicants must also renounce their current citizenship, unless they are from an EU country or Switzerland. The naturalization process can take several years, and applicants must pass a citizenship test and demonstrate good conduct.
Overall, the immigration process in Germany can be complex and time-consuming. However, with careful planning and preparation, foreigners can successfully navigate the process and enjoy all that Germany has to offer.
Ways of obtaining German citizenship
Ways of obtaining German citizenship Please note: The information provided on this page regarding German citizenship is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, it is important to note that laws and regulations can change. We strongly recommend consulting with a legal professional or the appropriate authorities (such as the German embassy, consulate, or local immigration office) for the most up-to-date and personalized advice. The South Africans in Germany website is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented here. Table of Contents Pathways to German Citizenship The following are popular pathways to German Citizenship By Decent or
Resources and Support Services
Germany offers various governmental assistance programs to immigrants to help them integrate into society. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) provides language courses, vocational training, and job placement services to immigrants. The courses are offered in various languages, including German, English, and French. The BAMF also offers counselling services to immigrants on various topics, such as housing, education, and healthcare.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) also provides assistance to immigrants. The BMAS offers job placement services, vocational training, and financial assistance to immigrants who are unemployed or underemployed. The ministry also provides information on social benefits and pensions.
Make it in Germany is the portal of the Federal Government for skilled workers from abroad. Find information on jobs, visa & living in Germany!
Learning German
Master the Language. Embrace the Culture. Embarking on the journey to learn German can be approached in various ways to suit your lifestyle and goals. Online platforms offer the convenience of flexible language courses, while mobile apps make learning easy wherever you are. For a more interactive experience, attending in-person classes can provide practical lessons and opportunities to practice with others. On this page European Language Framework In Germany, the European Language Framework (CEFR) is widely used to assess language proficiency. This framework helps learners understand their current skill level, identify areas for improvement, and work towards internationally recognized certifications. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, there’s a path to mastering German that fits your needs. Level Group Level Description ABasic user A1Breakthrough or beginner Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. A2Waystage or elementary Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. BIndependent user B1Threshold or intermediate Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. B2Vantage or upper intermediate Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. CProficient user C1Effective operational proficiency or advanced Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. C2Mastery or proficiency Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. Online Courses Online German courses are becoming increasingly popular among students and professionals who wish to improve their language skills. If you are considering taking a German course online, you may be pleased to know that several institutions offer high-quality language instruction. These courses typically cover a range of language competencies, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. VHS-lernportal is free to use Goethe Deutsche Welle DW.com – Nicos Weg www.deutsch-uni.com www.alumniportal-deutschland.org Lingoda Deutsch Akademie LerneDeutsch For small school going children – Scoyo Udemy offers thousands of courses for learning German. The following were recommended to us: A.1.1, A1.2, A2.1, A2.2 Kevin Gründel – Udemy Native German Language teacher Learn German in South Africa The following institutions offer traditional classroom courses which provide face-to-face interactions with instructors and peers. You will have the opportunity to learn German in a supportive and structured environment, with experienced instructors who will guide you through every step of the process. Goethe Institute Johannesburg The German Language & Cultural Institute Study German in Germany The best way to learn any language is by attending classes and practising it in a real-life setting. Not only do these classes enhance your language skills, but they also expose you to German culture and open doors to new friendships and experiences. Local Volkshochschule – VHS Berlitz Language school Integration course If you received your residence permit after January 1, 2005, and cannot communicate at a basic or adequate level in German, you may be required to attend an integration course. This requirement is determined by the immigration office when your residence permit is issued. If you are receiving citizens’ benefits and are instructed by the relevant office to participate in an integration course, attendance is mandatory. Cost Exemptions and Reimbursements Exemptions from Costs:If you receive citizens’ benefits, unemployment benefits, or assistance to cover living expenses, you can apply for an exemption from course fees. Additionally, those facing financial or personal hardships may also qualify for an exemption. Reimbursement of Costs:If you pass the final test of the integration course within two years (or three years for special target groups) from the date your Eligibility Certificate (Teilnahmeberechtigung) was issued, you may be eligible to have half your course fees reimbursed. This requires completing and submitting an application to the appropriate branch office. For detailed information, visit the BAMF website or the BAMF NAvI website. Where to register and write the exams To be recognised for German integration courses, permanent residency, or citizenship, your B1 or B2 language exam must be from a provider that is officially recognised by the BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) and accepted by your local Ausländerbehörde. Here’s where you can take such exams: Volkshochschule (VHS) Your local adult education centre Offers telc and Goethe exams Also offers preparation courses and integration courses Learn More Goethe-Institut Offers Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and B2 Widely accepted for citizenship and residency Locations: Across Germany and
Immigration Assistance
The following companies can assist with immigration.
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