Immigration - South Africans in Germany

Germany is a popular destination for immigrants from around the world due to its robust 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 aid in its post-war reconstruction.
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 “Long Stay Visas” page summarises all your options to legally come to Germany

List of Long Stay Visas

Long term visas Long-term visas apply to stays in Germany of more than 90 days and are typically issued for purposes such as work or study. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa allowing you to enter Germany. After arrival, you must apply for your residence permit at your local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible. Your first point of reference is always the official channels: German Embassy in South Africa, long-term visas Federal Foreign Office Consular Portal Make it in Germany Website Disclaimer – The legal references and section numbers of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) provided on this page are intended

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

List of Long Stay Visas

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

Short stay Visas

Short stay visas According to the German Embassy in South Africa, South African passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Germany.If your trip includes more than one Schengen country, your application must be submitted to the embassy of your main destination, based on where you will spend the most

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,

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

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 Permits in Germany (Aufenthaltstitel)

Residence permits 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 main types of residence permits in Germany 1.Temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) This is always the first residence permit issued in Germany.It is granted for a limited period and tied to a specific purpose, such as work, studies, family reunification,

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

Documentation

The following companies can assist with obtaining documentation.

Docs4U

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RSA DOCUMENTS

We are a document procumbent company assisting South Africans with the admin if dealing with Government Entities Divorce orders Foreign death registration Foreign divorce registration Foreign marriage registration Marital status amendments Police Clearance Certificat Retention of South African Citizenship Unabridged Birth Certificates Notary Services Apostille Unabridged Marriage Certificates Determination of

Apostil.co.za

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Doc Assist

Embark on a hassle-free journey with our comprehensive document services. Whether you’re planning to travel, work abroad, or need vital documents, Doc Assist is here for you! Explore our services: 📜 Unabridged Documentation: Birth Certificates Marriage Certificates Death Certificates 👮‍♂️ Police Clearance Certificates: Swift processing for your peace of mind