You want to move to Germany but moving to a new country can be challenging. Take the time to plan your new life so the move goes smoothly.
Hire a relocation specialist to help you with the planning, organizing and moving. Your specialist can help you with paperwork, housing and finding a job. Hire an international mover when you have your paperwork and job in place.
Find out how much the move will cost financially including travel, moving, paperwork and housing expenses. Visit the country so you can find the area you like. Stay for an extended period of time so you experience real living there including daily expenses. Get a temporary work placement to see if you like working and living in Germany.
Look for a job and then find out how much living expenses cost. See if you need to have a job before you move and what proof you need showing you have the job. Ask your new employer to send you a letter stating you will have a job when you get there.
Talk to German people. Ask about housing, schools, visas, living permits, driver's licenses, banks, insurance, doctors, shops, appliances, phone and cable hook up and laws. Visit the foreigners' registration office for information.
Examine Germany's immigration policy. You can get permanent residency if you have high work qualifications and a job offer. Make sure you qualify. For example, you need a university degree and a job to immigrate.
Get a "German residence permit" so you can work and live in Germany. Visit the German embassy or the American consulate for the most current information because laws and policies change.
Go to the German embassy in your city. Get permission to move to Germany and obtain the "German residence permit" there. Wait for approval from German immigration. The immigaration officials must decide with the employment officials. You will get an entry visa when you are approved.
