Perhaps the paper trail will be somewhat shortened under Merkel’s government reforms, but the signs don't look good so far. So if you've just arrived or are thinking about moving to the Rhine area, here's what you need to know.
Work and residence permits
Anyone residing in Germany for more than three months must have a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), even visitors from within the European Union. Your local Ausländerbehörd is the place to get one. There are two types available, limited and unlimited, but getting one depends on your reasons for wanting to live here. If you're unemployed, don't have a critical skill (i.e. IT skills), don't plan on studying, don't have a family member already living here, don't qualify for asylum and come from a Country outside of the EU, you may have difficulties. But if you do fit within the categories listed above, you shouldn't have too much of a problem.
Thanks to a new law the Ausländerbehörde now can issue work permits as well as residence permits so you don't have to wait for hours at the Arbeitsamt anymore.
In terms of ID and paperwork you need to bring along, it varies from city to city but you'll definitely need a valid passport, proof of permanent address, proof that you can support yourself , proof of marital status and that you have a valid pension/health insurance.
Residence Registration
Within a week of moving into a new permanent address (hotels don't count) you have to register at your local Residence Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), usually located in or near the town or city hall.
Each subsequent change of address must also be registered with the relevant local authority and this is applicable to everyone, Germans as well as foreigners. To register you need to present your passport and visa (if you have one), a copy of your lease or rental agreement and a completed registration form, which is usually available at the Einwohnermeldeamt. Offices and agencies have varying opening times, so check before you go, or make an appointment online – a service now available in some offices.
If there are no problems, you will be given a confirmation form (Anmeldebestätigung) as proof of your registration. Make several copies as you will need them during your first weeks in Germany. This serves as a proof of your address and a lot of institutions like banks, libraries etc. will ask for it.
Citizenship
If you’ve developed a taste for all things German and want to play a part in the future of your adopted nation, you can apply for German citizenship after a number of years. You generally have to be resident in Germany for 8 years and fulfil certain conditions. But once you’ve been married to a German for two years and have lived in the Country for a further three, you can also apply. In most cases you’ll have to meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid Aufenthaltserlaubnis or Aufenthaltsberechtigung residency permit
- Have a livelihood-guarantee of you and your dependants without recourse to social welfare or unemployment benefits (exceptions are made for people under 23 years)
- Have an adequate knowledge of the German language
- Are willing to make an oath on the German constitution
- Are willing to give up your former citizenship (although there are exceptions to this)
German Citizenship by Birth
If both parents are foreigners then a child only gets German citizenship automatically from birth if one or more of the parents have been legally living in Germany for a period of eight years and have a valid Aufenthaltsberechtigung or have had an unbefristete Aufenthaltserlaubnis for three years or more. These children automatically hold German citizenship as well as that of their parents, and can then choose which citizenship they wish to keep at the age of 18.
Information
Residency (Ausländerbehörde):
Zentrale Ausländerbehörde Köln
Blaubach 13
50676 Köln
T: 0221-221 25601
F: 0221-221 25660
www.stadt-koeln.de/aemter/32/326
Kommunale Ausländerbehörde Düsseldorf
Willi-Becker-Allee 7
40200 Düsseldorf
T: 0211-89 210 20
Email: auslaenderamt@stadt.duesseldorf.de
www.duesseldorf.de/auslaenderamt
Ausländerangelegenheiten
Königswinterer Straße 54
53227 Bonn
T: 0228-77 63 04
Email: info-auslaenderabteilung@bonn.de
www.bonn.de/rat_verwaltung_buergerdienste
Registration (Einwohnermeldeamt):
Kundenzentrum Innenstadt
Laurenzplatz 1-3, 50667 Köln
Info-Tel.: (0221) 221-91573 oder 221-91574
Fax: (0221) 221-91484
Terminvereinbarung: (0221) 221-91558
E-Mail: kundenzentrum-innenstadt@stadt-koeln.de
Dienstleistungszentrum
Willi-Becker-Allee 7
40200 Düsseldorf
T: 0800-1003727
www.duesseldorf.de/dienstleistungszentrum
Bürgeramt Bonn
Stadthaus, Berliner Platz 2
53111 Bonn
T: 0228-77 66 77/77 33 64/77 34 85
www.bonn.de/rat_verwaltung_buergerdienste
Citizenship:
A brochure entitled Wie werde ich Deutscher (How can I become a German) gives advice on becoming a German citizen. It is available from the Beauftragten der Bundesregierung für Migration, Flüchtlinge und Integration and at www.einbuergerung.de.
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