Hi there
My partner and I are looking at moving permanently to Germany (most likely Munich) in the near future and would like to know a bit more about the differences of these two visa application routes. We are from New Zealand and therefore do not require a visa to enter Germany, however, we are aware that the process to get a visa to allow us to work can be very lengthy, and that on top of this we would need to also secure Anmeldung before we can start work (please confirm if I am wrong about needing Anmeldung in order to start work in Germany).
My first question is, would it be possible for us to apply for the visa at the German Embassy in our home country (as long as we fulfill all the requirements) so that we are not potentially waiting for multiple months once we get to Germany for our visa to be processed? If we can do this it would potentially fast track our progress to begin earning income in Germany.
Also is someone able to provide us with details on which visa route would be better for us and if one is more beneficial to hold than the other:
- EU Blue Card (s 18b)
- Highly skilled professional (s 18a)
I am a qualified accountant (CPA Australia) with 5 years experience in the accounting sector (tax accounting, financial analysis and modelling), with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce. My partner is an economist with a Masters from Cambridge University (UK) and 2 years experience in that field, with additional 2 years experience in policy. We would be intending to eventually apply for a settlement permit and are aware that there are differences in eligibility times for this depending on whether you have an EU Blue card or highly skilled professional visa.
My second question is, if we secure a job under the highly skilled professional visa route and wish to change jobs would we have to go through the visa process again? My understanding is that if you have a visa under the EU blue card rules you do not lose your visa if you change jobs, therefore this may be a better option for us.
My third question is (string of questions), am I correct that you have to have Anmeldung in order to apply for a tax code? And that as this process has to be done in person we would not be able to start work in Germany and complete the process to get Anmeldung at the same time (while for example subletting a property or staying at a hotel)?
Would it still make sense for us to try and secure a job offer and apply for the visa (under EU blue card or highly skilled professional) through the German Embassy in New Zealand (if we can in fact do that)?
Thank you for your help.
Connor
Dear CShivvy thank you for reaching out to us.
I will try to answer all your questions according to your numbers:
1. As you mentioned, with a passport from New Zealand, it is correct that you have two options to receive a work permit. In case you already have a German job offer or contract, you can apply abroad at your local German embassy for a work permit. The embassy will grand you a visa, which is usually valid for 3-6 months, you are allowed to start working after your arrival in Germany. Alternatively, you can arrive as a tourist in Germany, find a place to stay, do your Anmeldung at the local city hall and apply for a work permit at your local foreigners department. As you assumed, as a tourist you are not allowed to work. If you choose the second way, you will need to apply at the local foreigners department first and receive a work permit in order to start your job. Unfortunately, the waiting duration depends on the work load of the authorities.
Please note for either way you will need to provide a job offer/contract to be able to apply for a work permit. Additionally, please keep in mind, that the first option will give you the opportunity to start immediately, but you will need to do the process of registration and application of a residence permit at your local foreigners department as well.
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Either work permit, Blue Card or Skilled worker, is a regular residence permit and provide you the same rights. In order to obtain a Blue Card, you will need to match all 3 requirements: a specific annual salary (58.400€), an acknowledged degree and a study related position. Please note that there is currently a change of law in discussion. Among other things, the minimum annual salary for a blue card will very likely be reduced to 43.800€ foreseeably in November.
They only slightly advantage is that you, depending on your Germany language skills, are able to apply for a permanent residency a little earlier (after 21 months or 33 months) than as a skilled worker (4 years).
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2. With either residence permit, you will be free to change your jobs after 2 years of employment in Germany. In case you wish to switch within the first 2 years, you will need to apply at your local foreigners department for a change. Only if they approve, you will be able to start workin at your new position. This is also very likely to change with the upcoming law.
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3. Only after your Anmeldung at the city hall, you will receive your tax ID to your registered address, so no extra application necessary. Please note that you can start working with a valid work permit (visa or residence permit). Legally, you won't need a tax ID right away but usually your company want you to have one, otherwise, they won't be able to do their payroll.
Surely, you can find some sublet or hotel where you might be able to do Anmeldung. Nevertheless, it is very important to mention that most city halls want to see a confirmation of a landloard that you are actually renting and living in that place. Unfortunately, there are places that you can rent but they cannot provide you that needed document to complete Anmeldung. So, please make sure to ask that before signing a contract. You might want to check out websites, like wunderflats. The posted apartments usually provide such options, which might be a good start in Germany.
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I hope this gives you a kind of an overview. Lastly, I would like to provide you some further information about the new law about skilled workers.
Please let me know in case something remains unclear or you have further questions.