Routes for moving to Germany
13+ routes to Germany: ethnic German resettlement, EU Blue Card, study, au pair programmes and more.
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Find a suitable route for moving to Germany
Who are the different relocation routes suitable for?
The ethnic German resettlement procedure under the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG) is for applicants who can establish German ethnic affiliation and ancestry and meet the other statutory requirements. German ancestors alone are not sufficient. Resettlers and qualifying included family members acquire German citizenship under section 7 of the Nationality Act when the certificate under section 15 BVFG is issued. Relatives may accompany them under section 7 or section 8 BVFG depending on the case, with different legal statuses. Benefits, language courses and job-search assistance are subject to the relevant requirements.
Jewish immigration is available under the applicable admission rules to applicants from certain successor states of the Soviet Union, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. Jewish ancestry through a parent or grandparent may be relevant; further requirements, including admission to a Jewish community, must be assessed separately. The procedure can provide residence in Germany and access to integration services and community support. Subsequent naturalisation is governed by nationality law.
For people who want to form a GmbH or UG, launch a startup or acquire an existing company in Germany. Residence under section 21 of the Residence Act requires a viable project, secured funding and compliance with the other statutory conditions. Successful development may later provide a route to permanent residence and, where eligible, citizenship.
The EU Blue Card and Opportunity Card provide routes for qualified workers. The EU Blue Card requires an eligible job offer and the statutory minimum salary, with lower thresholds for certain groups. The job search Opportunity Card generally allows up to one year to find work, either as a recognised skilled worker or through the points system. These routes may suit IT professionals, engineers, doctors and researchers, among others.
Study at a German public university is often available without general tuition fees, although exceptions and semester contributions apply. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral routes depend on admission requirements. We assist with applications, study visas and proof of funds, which may include a blocked account. A preparatory college (Studienkolleg) may be needed if your school qualification does not allow direct university entry. After graduation, employment residence titles such as the EU Blue Card may be available if you meet their requirements.
Options for young people include an au pair stay with a host family, involving childcare and language learning for up to one year, and voluntary service in social or environmental fields, such as FSJ, FÖJ or BFD. These can help with settling in and learning German. Subsequent study or employment requires an appropriate residence title and compliance with its conditions.
Need help choosing a route?
FAQ
It depends on your circumstances: nationality, age, education, work experience, German or Jewish ancestry, finances and your reason for moving, such as employment, business, study or family reunification. In a free initial consultation, we assess your background and discuss suitable options with a realistic view of requirements and likely timescales.
Processing times vary considerably by procedure, German mission, responsible authority and completeness of documents. EU Blue Card, Opportunity Card, study and self-employment applications often require several months. Admission procedures for ethnic German resettlers at the BVA or Jewish immigrants at the BAMF can take significantly longer. No general deadline can be guaranteed. We assess the current procedure for your particular case.
You can prepare more than one option, such as applying to university while looking for a job eligible for an EU Blue Card. Whether particular applications can sensibly and legally proceed in parallel must be checked individually and coordinated with the responsible authority. We develop a main strategy and a possible alternative. Switching routes requires meeting the relevant conditions.
Language requirements depend on the route. The EU Blue Card generally has no blanket German-language requirement, although employers or regulated professions may require language skills. English-taught degree programmes often require IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent evidence. Ethnic German resettlement has specific language rules. Au pair stays and spousal reunification generally require basic German, subject to exceptions. Naturalisation generally requires B1. Good German skills make integration easier in any case.
An Aufnahmebescheid is issued by the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in the admission procedure for ethnic German resettlers. It confirms admission following examination of the legal requirements and provides a basis for the entry procedure. Jewish immigration is handled by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), whose decision is called an Aufnahmezusage. The inclusion of family members and the subsequent status depend on the particular procedure.
The EU Blue Card is a residence title for qualified employment. It requires a suitable job offer or contract and the statutory minimum salary. Subject to further requirements, it offers an accelerated route to permanent residence. The Opportunity Card is initially for job hunting. Recognised skilled workers may qualify without a points assessment, while other eligible applicants use the points system. A job contract is not required for the job search Opportunity Card, but financial means must be secured.
Many residence routes allow family reunification, particularly for spouses and minor children; parents are subject to specific conditions. Requirements for income, housing and language skills depend on the residence title, with statutory exceptions, including for certain skilled workers. Ethnic German resettlers and Jewish immigrants may be able to move together with family members who are properly included or independently eligible for admission. Spouses joining EU Blue Card holders are permitted to work.
Naturalisation by entitlement under section 10 of the Nationality Act generally requires five years of lawful habitual residence and further conditions. These include established identity and nationality, an eligible residence status, B1 German, knowledge of the legal and social system, generally a secure livelihood and no disqualifying criminal convictions. Statutory exceptions apply. Ethnic German resettlers acquire citizenship under the specific rules of section 7 of the Nationality Act. German law generally permits multiple citizenship.
Depending on the route, documents may include a passport, birth and marriage certificates, educational and employment records, a criminal record certificate where required, medical insurance and proof of financial means. Programme-specific documents may include a business plan, evidence of ancestry or language certificates. Translation, certification and apostille requirements depend on the particular procedure and the responsible authority.
First, review the reasons for refusal and the notice explaining your appeal rights. The remonstration procedure for visa refusals was abolished worldwide on 1 July 2025. A fresh visa application or court proceedings remain possible; the deadlines and instructions in the decision are decisive. Other procedures may have different remedies. A lawyer can assess the appropriate approach for your case. A successful outcome cannot be guaranteed.
