The following was shared with us by a fellow South African
My husband (a South African citizen) got an IT specialist Visa in May. I (a South African citizen) got a job in Germany as well, however, I could not apply for a work Visa, as I needed to get my qualification recognized through IHK fosa. I contacted them, had to send all my documents, and pay €600. I was advised that it would take 3 months, and it would not be sooner as they are busy (I should receive feedback end of September).
The quicker route would be applying for a family reunification Visa for myself and my kids. Our situation was a bit more complicated, as my stepson was going to be relocating with us.
The steps we followed:
- Got company Speedy Document Services to assist with getting our unabridged marriage certificate. I had to provide them with our marriage register in order to assist. I got that document in 10 days
- Got Apostille.co.za to assist with sending our documents (unabridged marriage certificate and unabridged birth certificates) to Dirco for apostilling. The entire process for this took 7 weeks, so do this as much in advance as possible
- I wrote my German A1 language exam at the Goethe Zentrum in Cape Town – it cost me R1700 at the time, however, there has been a price increase from September
- The German embassy requested a consent affidavit from a notary public from my stepson’s mother, stating that she gives permission for him to relocate with us and that I may apply for the Visa for him.
They would not accept his Visa application without this, and would not accept an affidavit from a commissioner of oaths. My husband did an affidavit whilst he was still in SA, giving permission for the boys to apply for visas, which I included in my documents when applying for the visas - We provided proof of accommodation from the date we would like to be in Germany – we just booked a hotel through booking.com which did not request payment upfront and had free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival (I cancelled this as soon as we got a notification that our visas were ready).
- My husband got Die Techniker to confirm that his health insurance would cover us once we arrived in the country, which I added to our documents
- We applied for our visas and got an email precisely 7 days later saying that our Visas were ready for collection.
They requested that we bring proof of travel insurance when we collect our Visas. I just used Old Mutual travel insurance and it was accepted with no problem. - For the parental consent, ensure all documents, including the actual parental consent form, are certified for when you go through SA customs.
- When we got to customs in Frankfurt, the customs official asked us where we were going, and why we were going there, and then he asked if we were going to live in Germany and apply for a residence permit, to which I said yes. He then stamped our passports and we went through.
Companies listed on our website
Docs4U
Our services for you: All Unabridged Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates and also the Vault Birth Document Foreign Birth Registration in SA Foreign Death, Marriage and Divorce registrations Unabridged Birth and Marriage certificates from Zimbabwe Retention of SA Citizenship letters Police Clearances Apostille at DIRCO or High Court Procuring Divorce Decrees at the courts in SA
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 Citizenship status See our website for a full list of services
Apostil
Get South African apostilles, police clearances, birth/marriage certificates, legalisations and much more quickly and efficiently through our legal service. We have helped thousands of people obtain and authenticate South African documents. Apostilles Police Clearance Home Affairs Documentation Attestation Second phone number – +27 11 083 9830
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 💍 Letter of No Impediment: Confirm your marital status with ease 📄 Retention of Citizenship: Navigate Home Affairs requirements effortlessly 🔒 Legalisation / Verification / Authentication / Apostille: Ensure your documents are globally recognized 🚗 International Driver’s License: Obtain your license hassle-free 🚦 Letter of Verification for SA Driver’s License: Confirm the validity of your license✈️ Simplifying the journey to certain countries 📜 Notarisation of Documents: High Court / DIRCO / Embassy Attestation 🎓 Transcripts and Re-issue of Academic Records: Smooth processes for educational pursuits 📜 Matric Certificate Reissues: Recreate essential academic records Navigate the paperwork maze effortlessly with Doc Assist. Your trusted partner for a seamless documentation experience. New Added Services in the UK: Apostilles – FCDO for Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates, degrees EXPRESS APOSTILLE WITH SOLICITOR CERTIFICATION 🔍 ID Verification: Online check with DHA Requires: Date of Birth, Full Names Ready to proceed? Share details! 📧 Email: quote@docassist.co.za 💬 WhatsApp: +27 (0)60 700 7873 🌐 www.docassist.co.za
Related content
Family Reunification Visa
“German citizens or citizens from non-EU countries who have an Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) or a Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) are allowed to bring their relatives to Germany. This is known as the ‘reunification of families. For short term family visits please refer to the relevant page.To enter Germany, the relatives require a visa; to continue to stay, they require a residence permit. A visa allows you to travel to Germany and you apply for it in South Africa. You then apply for your residence permit in Germany.Reunification of families is limited to the spouse (or registered partner) and joint minor children or for minors living in Germany, their parents.Other family members, such as uncle, aunts, and grandparents, for example, may only follow in very restricted exceptional cases.” Spouses and registered partners, parents and minors, and unmarried children may migrate to Germany in order to join their family members in order to protect the institution of marriage and the family. Please note that there are different rules and requirements, depending on your and the person you want to join’s citizenship.As a matter of principle, the conditions vary according to whether you wish to come to Germany to join a German national, an EU citizen or a third-country national. 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 See our visa application tips for information about medical insurance cover 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 your application will take. To get an indication, see our Shared stories page below. It is not a fast process, which makes it very difficult if you spouse is already in Germany and you are waiting for your visa. Do everything you can from your side to ensure a smooth application, so there are no hold ups due to missing paperwork. Legal Basis Section 27 -36 of the Residence Act Section 3 of the EU Freedom of Movement Act (FreizügG/EU) Related content
Finding a place to stay
Finding a place to rent Finding a place to rent is almost like doing a job interview. You have to “advertise” yourself and you will have to go for interviews. The best is to go prepared! Documents needed You will need at least the following documents: A Schufa report (credit report), proof of employment, bank statements and a motivation letter if you like. In this you introduce yourself .. how big the family is, do you have pets, do you have parties every Wednesday, do you smoke, where you work, etc. A tip from others is to add proof of insurance, such as pet insurance if you have pets or personal liability insurance. You can also add a reference letter from your employer. When you are not yet sure what type of place you want to get or exactly where consider making use of Airbnb for a couple of months. It also helps while you are waiting for your furniture to arrive in Germany. For more information and helpful tips on moving to Germany, visit the page below. Schufa A “Schufa” is a credit report. It is a bit of a chicken-egg situation. You cannot get a Schufa unless you already live in Germany. To get around this you can stay in an Airbnb for a couple of months and then get a Schufa, or say upfront that you don’t have one yet, or look for properties that do not require one. If you have an employment contract, you can also ask if they will accept that.Simple Germany has a good guide on getting a Schufa Cost of Living In general, properties are more expensive in Germany than in South Africa, also when renting. Food and clothing prices depend a lot on where you are buying. Medical insurance is also more expensive in Germany,The most, expensive cities in Germany concerning rent are Stuttgart, Hamburg and MunichHere are some cost-of-living comparative sites to give you an idea: Numbeo, Expatica, Destatis, and Mecer Information from Commerzbank for a family of 4 – in Germany Sparda Bank Wohnen in Deutschland More information on the internet Immowelt.de – a really good source of current information from types of housing, to disputes with neighbours. Available in German Where to look for Accommodation Rental agencies Apps Other Immowelt Meinestadt Immobilienscout24 Housing Anywhere Immowelt ImmoScout24 WG.Gesucht.de Meinestadt.de Your local paper eBay Facebook sometimes has listings in an area Relocation agents such as Swift Relocation Furnished short term rentals Shared accomodation Mr Lodge if you are looking for a furnished apartment Zeitwohnwerk – agencies providing furnished accommodation in Germany Wunderflats Home2go Flathopper in Munich Homelike Airbnb Website with shared accommodation in Berlin and Munich WG Gesucht Buy or Rent To buy or rent is a personal choice. Just be aware of the possible hidden costs of ownership.There was a case recently where owners were charged for fixing the road in front of their properties.Interest rates are pretty low. Deposits are high.Simple Germany has a good article on this Typical property description “3-Zimmer Wohnung Die Wohnung bietet eine Wohnfläche von ca. 116,56 m². Diese Fläche verteiltsich auf den Flur, zwei Schlafzimmer, das Wohnzimmer, das hell geflieste Vollbad, das WC und die Wohnküche.Die Küche wir nur mit einem Herd und einer Spüle ausgestattet.” “3-room apartment The apartment offers a living space of approx. 116.56 m². This space is distributedbetween the hallway, two bedrooms, the living room, the brightly tiled bathroom, the toilet and the kitchen-diner.The kitchen is only equipped with a stove and a sink.” Important When you are looking at a property with “3 Zimmer” it does not refer to bedrooms but the total rooms excluding the Kitchen and Bathroom. Many properties will have no lights installed, only the fittings. You have to get them fitted or fit them yourself. A good place to look for artisans is My-Hammer Make sure you know what your responsibilities will be for example are you responsible for keeping the pathway clear from snow or for cleaning the staircase (Treppenhaus). In BW you might be responsible for cleaning during your Kehrworche Living space – Living space can be calculated according to 3 methods. Only in the case of subsidized housing is a method prescribed by the Housing Subsidy Act The DIN-277 standard. The floor space (Grundfläche) and living space (Wohnfläche) are the same. The height of the room is irrelevant. Roof areas, balconies, basements and garages are included. The Second Calculation Ordinance (II. BV), only up till 31.12.2003 Living space ordinance (WoFlV – as of 01.01.2004) In disputes the court follows this method. It evaluates the part of the floor space that can be used for living. It is not the same as the Grundfläche(floor space) method- Rooms with sloping ceilings can only partially be taken into account. Cellars, laundry rooms, heating rooms and garages do not count towards the living space. Chimneys, pillars and columns do not count towards living space if they are higher than 1.50 meters and have a floor area of more than 0.1 square metres. Be careful of photos, it could for example be taken with the kitchen fitted but if it doesn’t say a kitchen is included (Einbauküche or EBK), it is not. It is possible to lease your furniture, Lyght Living and In-lease offers such services Rental Scams When looking for accommodation in Germany, be aware of rental scams, which can target unsuspecting renters. Scammers may post fake listings with attractive prices or demand upfront payments before allowing you to view the property. Common red flags include requests for money via insecure methods like wire transfers, landlords who claim to be abroad, or suspiciously low rent for prime locations. Always insist on viewing the property in person, verify the landlord’s identity, and never transfer money without a signed contract. Staying cautious can help you avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. For more info and tips: Germanpedia – Rental Scams About Berlin – Common housing scams Your rights We are not at liberty to give any legal advice. The advice we can give is to get everything in writing and know your rights.For
Pets
Dangerous (Banned) Dogs Some dog breeds are banned in Germany. There are additional rules for individual states. Up-to-date information can be found on the Zoll (Customs) website.Some dangerous dog breeds are allowed, depending on the Federal state, and must be registered at the Ordnungsamt. Qualzuchten (Torture Breeds) Section 11b of the German Animal Welfare Act [1] prohibits breeding animals with characteristics that cause them to suffer – but so far there are no guidelines on how these should be defined. For this reason, torture breeding is still widespread. Examples are English Bulldogs, “Teacup dogs”, Sphinx cats A list of breeds can be found on the PETA website Cats Cats have a different status in Germany than dogs, and there are fewer regulations regarding cats once you are in Germany. Here are some examples relevant to cats: You do not need to confine your cat to your property and they can roam freely, You also do not need to attach your cat to a leash. Although you do not need to microchip your cat if you buy it in Germany, it is still advisable to do so. There are no taxes payable on cats Neutering – Most Federal states are now requiring your to have your cat neutered. Find out more from your local municipality Resources on the web Animal Lawyer – Rights and Duties of a Cat Owner in Germany Animal Lawyer – Rights of a cat living outside of the house Customs Info Zoll – German Customs, provisions on the import of pet animals Zoll – Dangerous dogs BMEL – Rules on entering the European Union (EU) with dogs, cats and ferrets Pet Immigration or transport services The following companies are suggestions from fellow South Africans Animal Travel Services Global Paws Aeropets Keringa Petwings PETport Petstravel Shared experiences and doing it yourself Registration, taxes and permits In most states, dogs must be added to the dog registry (Hunderegister) in your area. Search for example “Hunderegister Hamburg”. Please note, not all States (Bundesländer) require you to regsiter your animal. In order to register the dog, the animal needs to be chipped and covered by liability insurance. Dogs must be registered for dog tax /Hundesteuer. You can register for the taxes at the Bürgeamt. See for example the information from Stuttgart or Berlin. Depending on where you live the registration can be done online. Dangerous breeds – If your dog falls in the dangerous breed, you must register it at the Ordnungsamt Identification badge, chip and handler licence As mentioned before, the rules and regulations can differ per federal state. Most states require dogs to have an identification badge and a chip. When you take your dog for a walk, the dog’s name, your address and the dog tax disc must be on the dog’s collar. You might also be required to get a licence to prove you can handle your dog (Hundeführerschein)Information about the Hunderegister can be found on the Hundeinfoportal Rules and regulation for owning a pet Rules and regulations can be found on the Gezetze im Internet Dog regulations.Not all federal states have a rule that you need to pick up your dog’s poo, but this is just basic decency, especially if you take your dog walking. You can buy special poop bags for that, and most parks have special bins to dispose of the bags. Pet Insurance Agila and Allianz offer pet insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung). Dog insurance is mandatory in some federal states. It is not medical insurance for your pet, but it covers you if your dog harms another dog, person or property. Adopting a pet Apps Mein Haustier Pet sitting and kennels For pet sitting look at the Pawshake app, or on the Hundelieb websiteYou can also find other possibilities on our Minijob pageFor cats, search for Katzenpension in your area, or consider a house sitter, another option is to search for a catsitter on Catinaflat Below are some South African pet sitters who lives in Germany and would love to spend some time with your fur babies. Raw food for pets Try the following websites: Petsdeli BARF Konzept Store on Amazon Das Tierhotel – gesunde Tiernahrung Death of a pet There are some restrictions on burying or cremating a pet in Germany. Things you need to keep in mind: The TierKBG (Tierkörperbeseitigungsgesetz Gesetz über die Beseitigung von Tierkörpern, Tierkörperteilen und tierischen Erzeugnissen) governs the rules and regulations for disposing of animals Some Federal states have stricter rules and regulations. Always make sure what is allowed for where you live. Below are some general rules, but could be different for the state you live in. If you would like to bury a small animal in your garden, you can only do so if you are the owner of the property, or get permission from the owner. The animal must be buried at least 50cm deep and not close to public roads ( at least two meters away). Burial in a garden is not allowed if it is in a water conservation area, and also not if the animal died from a notifiable disease. You may not bury an animal on public grounds or in a park or forest. You can bury your pet in a Tierfriedhof, or have them cremated. If the animal died at the Vet, they can assist with cremation or disposal. Animal welfare You can report any issues regarding animal cruelty at the Tierschutsbund under Tierquälerei Resources on the web I am Expat – Info on pets Settle in Berlin – Bringing pets into Germany How to Germany – Pets Travelling with pet birds Travelling with pets within the EU A complete guide to dogs – Simple Germany EMBARK South Africans Emigrating with Pets FB Group Related content
Shipping and Relocation Companies
Shipping from South Africa to Germany Here is a list of the companies suggested by members of our Facebook page: Execu Move Seven Seas. They also offer MoveCubes for smaller shipments and a luggage/baggage service IMS Shipping Kühne Alpha Shipping Vanguard Logistics Elliot Britannia Brytons Shipping from Germany to South Africa All the companies listed above can also be used for shipping belongings back to South Africa. Here are some additional suggestions for shipping companies to ship goods back to South Africa. There is also a FB group called Return to South Africa, where you can find additional assistance Relocately Klingenberg Relocation services Proforg TM Relocation Services ICUnet Group General tips When requesting a quote make sure to ask if the clearing costs in Germany, or South Africa if you are moving back, are included and get it in writing. Some companies do have hidden costs Some people complained about added costs due to delays, inspections or clearance issues. Know what you are paying for, and how issues will be handled Read Reviews You can ship boxes via airline cargo, contact them to get a quote. This is suitable when you do not have a lot of items to ship Disclaimer: Please note we only list the companies people suggested to us and have not used these personally Related content
Checklist before you travel to Germany
Before embarking on your journey to Germany, it is crucial to be aware of all the administrative tasks that will require your attention. While this list is not solely focused on moving tasks, it serves as a comprehensive guide to all the essential administrative factors that need to be tended to before boarding the plane. By taking care of administrative aspects upfront, you can ensure a smoother transition to your new home in Germany without any hassle. It is highly recommended to go through this list carefully to avoid any last-minute chaos and to give yourself ample time to resolve any issues that may arise. Passports Renewing a passport from outside SA is a long and tedious process. Check the validity of your Passport and make sure there are at least 2 years left, else apply for a new passport. Another tip – to register a the Dept. of Home Affairs, or use their online services, you need an OTP and they only send it to South African numbers. Consider converting your SA cellphone number to a prepaid number and make sure it stays active (dual sim phone or extra mobile phone). Applying for a new South African passport in Germany can take up to a year. So always apply in advance Visas and other travel documents Make sure your visas are issued correctly, and make sure of the type and dates If you are travelling with Children, please look at the information on our Travel to Germany – tips page. There are different rules regarding documentation (including consent letters) for children for each country as well as airlines. When you travel alone with your children, make sure you have the parental consent letters before your spouse leave the country. Accounts It is important to take proactive steps when it comes to managing your accounts, particularly if you know you will not be using them in the future. While it is true that many accounts can be closed over the Internet or via telephone, it is always a good idea to check with the specific company or organization before assuming that this is possible. Remember your electricity accounts as well. Bank accounts You can only close a bank account when you are in South Africa. Most people keep their bank accounts open, at least for the first couple of years.It is relatively easy to transfer money from your German bank account to a SA account. You will need to fill in a form for SARS once a year (mostly online) if you transfer money to your own account.Make sure your internet banking is all set up, and consider making use of a banking app. This you will have to do in South Africa.If you decide to keep your SA bank accounts, notify your bank that you will be out of the country. Cash Make sure you take some Euros with you to be able to pay for small things.Germany is very much cash-based and you cannot pay everywhere with a credit card. EC-Cards (Debit cards) are accepted in most businesses. Documents We have a page dedicated to what documents you need to bring along if you plan on moving to Germany Cellphone contracts If you want to keep using your SA number in Germany, consider converting your number to a pre-paid contract.Make sure it is open for roaming.If you still have SA bank accounts you might need your SA number, also for banking apps. To interact with the Department of Home Affairs e-services, you need a South African cellphone number. Photos You will need photos (physical photos) for every application you make in Germany. Get photos professionally taken in the accepted German format for the Ausländerbehorde (Passbild) and print at least 20 photos. Insurance policies Cancel the insurance policies you will not need anymore.Take our travel insurance for the first 3 months. You can get emigration travel insurance at TIC Language certificates This will depend on your type of visa.For most Family reunification visas, your spouse will need an A1 German language certificate but there are exceptions. See detailed info on the page below. Medical and Medication Depending on your situation, cancel your South African medical aid.If you are planning on returning to SA in the near future, consider talking to your medical aid provider and ask about an option that allows you to pay the minimum as you will be out of the country.You will have to get medical cover in Germany.You can bring your medical records with you, for example MRI scans, x-Rays and medical diagnosis. Most German doctors will anyway do all the tests again just to make sure of the diagnosis. You are allowed to bring enough medication with you for max 90 days, and only if you do not stay for longer than that e.g on a tourism visa. When you stay longer you will have to get your medication in Germany.You might be asked for a copy of the prescription from you doctor for any medication you bring with you. Best is to pack it in your luggage and not send it via your container. It is very easy to buy non-prescription medication online on websites like shop-apotheke.com Read more on the Zoll Website about what medication you are allowed to bring into Germany. Appointments for registration As soon as you arrive in Germany you need to register at the Bürgerampt for your Anmeldung, as well as the Auländerbehorde to get your residence permit.If possible see If you can book online appointments for these when your travel dates are fixed. Appontments must be made in the town or “Kreis” you will live in. TV license Make sure you cancel your TV license and have proof of it Pension and provident funds Please talk to a financial advisor on what will suit you best regarding your SA funds Plugs Germany uses the type C and F power plugs. If you ship any appliances, consider taking a couple of adapters with. Take one with for your cellphone chargers.This website has excellent information on power plugs and sockets of the
Travel to Germany – Tips
“Traveling to Germany is like stepping into a storybook, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes weave a tale you’ll never forget.” If you’re planning a trip to Germany, we’ve got some travel tips that we think you’ll find incredibly helpful. If you’ve got your own tips to share, we’d love to hear them! Simply submit them to us and we’ll be happy to include them on the page. Direct Fligts The major airports in Germany are Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf.Direct flights from South Africa are available only to Frankfurt and seasonally to Munich. 01 Lufthansa Lufthansa operates flights between Frankfurt, O.R. Tambo International, and Cape Town. The airline offers the chance to bid for upgrades, and, depending on flight availability, you can book a sleeper row at a significantly lower cost than Premium Economy or Business Class.Seasonal flights are offered between Munich Airport and O.R. Tambo International, and Cape Town 02 Condor Condor has reinstated flights between Frankfurt and Cape Town. They also offer two weekly flights between Frankfurt and O.R. Tambo International, but both routes are available only during their winter schedule. Stay updated on their winter and summer flight schedules. Indirect Fligts Indirect flights, also known as connecting flights, involve stopping at one or more intermediate airports before reaching your final destination.They can be more affordable and flexible than direct flights but may increase travel time. When booking, check layover durations, luggage transfer policies, and visa requirements for layover countries to avoid complications. 01 Emirates Emirates offer flights from O.R Tambo, Durban, and Cape Town to Dubai, and then from Dubai they offer flights to Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf 02 Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines offers flights from O.R Tambo, Cape Town and Durban to Istanbul and from there they offer flights to Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Friedrichshafen, Hamburg, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart from Istanbul. 03 Swiss Airlines Swiss Airlines operates flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Zurich, offering connections to nearly every German airport. Important: At Zurich Airport, you will need to go through security and passport control before reaching your connecting flight gate. A transit time of less than 90 minutes is not recommended. 04 other options Qatar Airways, British Airways, Swiss Airlines and KLM all have connecting flights from South Africa Brussels Airlines offers codeshare flights to South African cities Ethiopian Air and Egypt Air have connecting flights between O.R Tambo and Europe Travel Advice and Bookings Consider flying to a alternative airport. As an example, flights to Munich and Berlin can be much cheaper than to Frankfurt Booking sites like Travelstart are very helpful and reliable, just always be aware of the fact that in the event of cancellations, and you booked through a travel agent, you will have to contact them and not the airline. This can have pro’s and con’s. There are Travel agents listed on our website. These businesses are owned and run by South Africans living in Germany. Contact them to get expert advice and assistance with bookings. Flying tips Download an infographic and tips as a PDF file – Flying from South Africa Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Think casual but smart Bubble wrap your luggage if you feel the need to do that Declare any electronics at customs, if you plan on travelling back to SA with them. This is to avoid paying customs duties on the items when you return. Your passport and visa/residence permit will be checked before the check-in gates. Know your final destination. You have to go through security, to help in the process, take off your watch, and your belt, and remove anything from your person that can set off the metal detectors and place it in the bin provided. Don’t wait until just before landing to brush your teeth etc, everyone on the plane will have the same idea. Going through Passport control If you arrive from outside the EU, you will have to go through passport control in the first Schengen country you arrive in. You will need the following documentation and information. Your Passport with a Valid visa, or your German/Schengen Residence permit card If you are only visiting, they might ask you when you are planning on travelling back, and you must have your return ticket with you as they might ask for it. They can also ask you what you are planning on doing in Germany i.e Itinerary If you are taking up residence in Germany, they might ask you for proof of accommodation They will ask you what is the purpose of your journey. Standard answers are tourism, visiting friends or family in Town xxx, joining a spouse, or taking up employment and residence in Germany. HINT If you have permanent residence in Germany, you can use the EU Passport queues at passport control in Germany. South Africa does not have a biometric passport, so unfortunately you cannot use the automated gates. 90/180 day rule The 90/180 rule for a Schengen Type C visa (Typically Tourist or Family visits) means you can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. It’s not just three months straight—those 90 days are counted across all Schengen countries, and the 180-day clock keeps ticking as you move. So, each time you plan a trip, you must look back at the previous 180 days and ensure you haven’t spent more than 90 days total in the zone. Overstay even by a day, and you could face fines, bans, or worse—bureaucratic headaches no one wants. EES EU Entry/Exit System The European Union has announced plans to introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES), due to start in 2025. “The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be an automated IT system for registering travelers from third countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travelers, each time they cross an EU external border. The system will register the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit, in full respect of fundamental rights and data
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