I'm an American who's lived and worked in the UK for the past two years. I'm moving to Munich this summer and need to know what the employment regulations are for Americans moving into town. I'm not sure if it matters, but I'm moving with my girlfriend who is German but hasn't lived there permanently for over ten years.
The usual questions:
* Do I need a company to sponsor me?
* Where do I go to file my paperwork?
* What papers do I need?
* Any tips from people who have done this before?
(I'm sure this has been posted previously somewhere, but I couldn't find a concise answer.)
Thanks for your help!
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German employment law for Americans
Search under visas. But in reality, it can be difficult. You do need a sponsor. However, you can stay here for three months under a tourist visa. The economy is really bad now in Germany with over 5 million of the potential 40 million German workers being unemployed. The rank order of who gets the job is: A person that no one else can match in experience and ability, A German, An EU member, Certain economically disadvantaged countries,...the US citizen. It will help if you have a technical expertise or you are fluent in German and another language. Otherwise, prepare to get married!!
I found it pretty easy...but maybe I was just lucky. Then again, I dealt with the Starnberg office...it's good to live in the burbs sometimes.
It can be pretty easy depending on your circumstances. Everyone is going to have a different response for you. Here are my responses:
1) Go to KVR at Poccistraße.
2) Bring:
- apartment rental contract
- proof of health insurance (must be valid in DE)
- bank statement showing that you have money in the bank
- proof of income (showing that you have a regular income stream)
3) Bring about €50 for fees (I think it was about €35 last summer)
From reading all the various posts on this topic, it is much easier to do if you can be characterized as a "freelancer" (i.e., self-employed) so you are not taking a job away from someone else. This is easier to establish for professions like doctors, lawyers and the like. I think NOFXMike was able to do this as a tour guide, if I recall correctly from his previous posts.
Another possible way is for your German girlfriend to sign a Verpflichtungserklärung, declaring that she will take financial responsibility for you during your stay. She will need to bring: proof of income, apartment rental contract showing the size of the apartment (i.e., sufficient for 2 people), proof that she has paid at least two months rent for said apartment and proof that you have health insurance.
That is how I got a residency permit for my US girlfriend, even though I am a US citizen too.
Good luck.
1) Go to KVR at Poccistraße.
2) Bring:
- apartment rental contract
- proof of health insurance (must be valid in DE)
- bank statement showing that you have money in the bank
- proof of income (showing that you have a regular income stream)
3) Bring about €50 for fees (I think it was about €35 last summer)
From reading all the various posts on this topic, it is much easier to do if you can be characterized as a "freelancer" (i.e., self-employed) so you are not taking a job away from someone else. This is easier to establish for professions like doctors, lawyers and the like. I think NOFXMike was able to do this as a tour guide, if I recall correctly from his previous posts.
Another possible way is for your German girlfriend to sign a Verpflichtungserklärung, declaring that she will take financial responsibility for you during your stay. She will need to bring: proof of income, apartment rental contract showing the size of the apartment (i.e., sufficient for 2 people), proof that she has paid at least two months rent for said apartment and proof that you have health insurance.
That is how I got a residency permit for my US girlfriend, even though I am a US citizen too.
Good luck.
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