Successful Gathering at Our Office: Insights on Homesearch and Rental Law!

An inspiring and enlightening meeting took place at our office this week! Our consultants gathered to discuss Homesearch and Rental Law, and we were honored to have Johanna Höpken, a renowned rental law attorney, as our guest expert.

Johanna briefed us on the latest developments in rental law and addressed all the burning questions from our consultants. Her expertise is invaluable to our work, and we're grateful for the valuable insights she shared with us.

After an informative exchange, we enjoyed a delightful buffet and a relaxed evening full of networking. It wasn't just educational but also a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our team and exchange ideas.

A big thank you to Johanna Höpken for her expertise and to our fantastic team for a successful evening!

The new EU Blue Card from November 2023

A work visa for Germany allows third-country nationals to work and reside in Germany. The exact requirements and procedures may vary depending on the nationality and purpose of stay. However, here is some important information about work visas for Germany:

Work offer/contract: In most cases, you must first find a job in Germany before you can apply for a work visa. The potential employer must issue a written confirmation of employment or an offer of employment. Visa Types: Depending on how long you want to work in Germany, there are different types of work visas. These include the short-term work visa, the long-term work visa and the visa for blue card holders (for highly skilled professionals). Application Procedure: The application for a work visa must be submitted to the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Certain documents are usually required for the application, e.g. confirmation of the employment contract, passport, financial proof and, if applicable, proof of qualifications. Health insurance: In most cases, travel health insurance must be purchased. Language skills: In some cases, proof of German language skills may be required, especially if your job requires communication with German colleagues or clients. Processing Time: The processing time for work visa applications can vary, so it is advisable to submit your application as early as possible. It is recommended to apply 4–6 months before you plan to start working. Validity: Recently, D visas are no longer issued for 6 months, but for 12 months. The long-term work-residence permit must be applied for at the immigration office of the respective place of residence in Germany before the visa expires. It is important to note that the exact requirements and conditions for work visas in Germany can be complex. It is therefore advisable to contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country well in advance and seek professional advice to ensure that you complete all the necessary steps correctly.

See detailed information regarding german Visa here. The following changes will apply from November 2023: German lawmakers have passed amendments to the Residence Act to make EU Blue Card immigration opportunities available to a wider range of people.

1. Blue card for young professionals: foreign academics who have obtained a university degree within the last three years can obtain an EU Blue Card if they reach the minimum salary for Blue Cards with their job in Germany. This applies to both shortage and regular professions.

2. Blue card also for IT specialists: IT specialists will also be able to obtain an EU Blue Card if they do not have a university degree but can prove that they have at least three years of comparable professional experience.
   

3. Expansion of the list of shortage professions: The list of shortage professions for the EU Blue Card will be significantly expanded. In addition to the existing bottleneck occupations (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, technology and human medicine), skilled workers from other occupational groups will also be able to obtain an EU Blue Card in the future if certain requirements are met

4. Short-term and long-term mobility: short-term and long-term mobility to Germany is possible for holders of an EU Blue Card issued by another EU member state.

5. Facilitated family reunification with persons holding an EU Blue Card

6. Entitlement to a residence permit for skilled workers and waiver of the link between qualification and employment.

Detailed information can be found on make-it-in-germany.com

Guardian Angels for Wilde Relocation

Yesterday we visited the Schutzengelwerk in Berlin. This time we crafted little guardian angels together with the children. We first formed them out of FIMO modeling clay and then let them harden in the oven. The finished guardian angels will then become cute keychains which our customers will receive as gifts.

We had a wonderful day together with the children and the team of the Schutzengelwerk. This project holds a significant place in our hearts, as the Schutzengelwerk provides assistance to socially disadvantaged children in numerous ways, including education, health, and general advancement. The handmade angels are purchased by us and the proceeds go directly to this great institution.

It was an unforgettable day full of laughter, creativity, and friendship. Thank you for having us!