Residence permits, work permits, EU Blue Cards, citizenship applications and visa advice for foreigners.
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Some countries offer residence permits linked to property investment (Golden Visa). An immigration lawyer can advise on thresholds and eligibility.
Processing times vary by country — typically 1–6 months. Your lawyer can track the application and respond to any requests for additional documentation.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across Germany's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsGermany's Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (2023) dramatically expanded skilled worker immigration. EU Blue Card salary threshold for 2025: €48,300 (general) / €37,590 (shortage occupations). New Chancenkarte (opportunity card) launched 2024 for job seekers. Processing time: 6–16 weeks at German embassy, faster at Ausländerbehörde.
| Visa / Permit | Legal Basis | Key Requirements | Processing | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | § 18g AufenthG | University degree + job offer + €48,300 salary (€37,590 STEM/medical) | 8–14 weeks | €100–147 |
| Skilled Worker (Fachkraft) | § 18a/18b AufenthG | Recognised qualification or degree + job offer in qualified role | 10–16 weeks | €100 |
| Chancenkarte | § 20a AufenthG (new 2024) | 6 points (degree + experience + German/English + age) | 8–12 weeks | €100 |
| Job Seeker Visa | § 20 AufenthG | University degree + financial support (€947/month) + language skills | 4–8 weeks | €75 |
| Niederlassungserlaubnis | § 9 AufenthG | 5 years residence + 60 months pension contributions + B1 German | 4–12 weeks | €113 |
| Blue Card → Niederlassung | § 18g(3) AufenthG | 33 months work + 21 months with B1 German | 4–8 weeks | €113 |
Need 6 points to qualify. Chancenkarte valid 1 year — allows part-time trial work (Probearbeit) up to 20hrs/week. Must convert to full work permit upon job offer.
Facts: Priya, an Indian software engineer with M.Tech from IIT Bombay, receives a job offer from a Munich automotive tech firm. Salary: €65,000/year. Applied for EU Blue Card in January 2025.
Route: EU Blue Card (§ 18g AufenthG) — qualifies on salary (€65,000 > €48,300 threshold) + recognised degree (IIT degrees accepted under APS certificate process).
Process: (1) APS certificate: 4–6 weeks + €200 fee. (2) German embassy appointment (Mumbai): 8 weeks wait + €147 visa fee. (3) Entry on national D visa. (4) Ausländerbehörde appointment within 90 days: convert to Blue Card. (5) Blue Card issued with 4-year validity.
Total timeline: 14–18 weeks end-to-end. Lawyer cost (optional): €800–1,200 for document preparation and embassy coaching. Priya used a lawyer given the tight employer start-date.
Path to PR: 33 months → Niederlassungserlaubnis (with A1 German); 21 months if she achieves B1 German.
→ Model visa costs with our Blue Card Cost Calculator.
