How difficult is it to move from U.S. to Munich?

I am married to a German citizen, about 2 years now. We were married in the states and now wnat ot live in Munich, how difficult will this be for me to do(come to Germany) and about how long can I expect to wait for permission to work?

Will it be easier since I am American and we have been married for awhile and have a child together?

What makes you want to live in Munich?

You do realize that Oberschleissheim (your location, according to your profile) IS in Germany, if not quite in Munich proper.

Kidding aside, if your husband is German, you certainly shouldn't have any more trouble moving to Munich than a completely foreign family. Immigration issues have gone around and around this forum, but the last word on the matter are the German authorities. If you don't speak German yourself, you should probably recruit your husband to do the legwork checking out the policies.

Have you spent any length of time in Germany? Munich? You might want to test the waters before making the move. Take it from the many experienced people on this forum... it sounds all wonderful then after a few months-year you start realizing its not what you thought it would be. I'm NOT saying its not possible, but without a fall back plan or previous experience living here you may be jeopardizing your happiness as newlyweds.

I would also point out that before you leap, you might want to check out some of the other topics here on the experiences of women who have moved to Germany with their German husbands and not found it quite to their liking.

Keep in mind, also, that hauling a child back and and forth from Europe to the US for the sake of visiting family is extremely stressful for all concerned. We visit my family more often than his family, even though they are the same distance away from us, so you might want to keep in mind that if you want to visit the US to see your family once or twice a year, a long flight and jet-lag awaits. If you are visiting his family often, you are probably already familiar with that in reverse.

The most difficult part will be packing for the move. Condensing my US apartment into 13 suitcases was an absolute bitch!

Work permit is definitely no problem. Once you present the necessary paperwork to the German registration office (in your case, I guess a valid marriage certificate and your passport are probably sufficient, but I'm only guessing), they will issue a residency permit including a full work permit.

I don't know if I can tell you that it's easier being an American, but I can tell you how it went for me. I (American) came here with my German husband of 13 years (we were also married in the US) and our children over 3 years ago. I immediately received a 3 year visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), but had to file for permission at the Arbeitsamt to work ie work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis). And this work permit would have been tied to my employer, not just a blank check. If I am not mistaken, this step is easier if you come from another EU nation, if not please correct me. When I returned to the immigration authorities to renew my visa at the end of 3 years, I received an unlimited visa including work permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) which allows me to remain in Germany indefinitely and go get a job as easily as the next German. I guess it's like our green card. However, her first question to me was...are you stilll married to your German husband? I sometimes wonder what she would've said if I had answered no

What others said (especially cinzia) plus what you should really be concerned about is whether or not you will be able to find a job. It is more difficult for women to find a job in Germany, AOTBE, than in the US, so you probably will not have the same career opportunities that you do in the US. Consider whether or not your family can make it on your husband's salary alone (not impossible, BTW).

You should get the Arbeitserlaubnis stamped in your passport on the same day you go to the KVR as long as everything is in order (get your birth and marriage certificates apostilled in the US).