Frequently Asked Questions About Relocating Employees to Germany

The duration of a relocation process can vary widely depending on the local immigration authority’s processing times and the specifics of each case. In general, visa procedures can take anywhere from two weeks up to nine months.

With the launch of the Online Consular Portal in 2025, obtaining a visa from abroad has become smoother and more transparent for applicants. However, in case of longer waiting times, we strongly recommend proceeding with the Fast-Track Procedure(Beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren), which helps accelerate both work visa and family visa applications.

Yes, in some cases the relocation process can be fast-tracked through the Fast-Track Procedure (Beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren). However, this option is only available if the employee is applying for their visa from abroad.

It’s important to note that the Fast-Track still requires document preparation and approval by the local immigration office, which can take several weeks. The procedure is most helpful when standard processing times are very long — for example, reducing a nine-month process to around three months.

If the usual visa process already takes about ten weeks, the Fast-Track may not significantly speed things up.

It is possible to have your employees work prior to starting their visa process. Thanks to the employment of record (EOR) model, you can hire and pay global employees compliantly. Check our partner page to find more about the EOR partner we work with and recommend.

However, employees cannot start working on a German employment contract until they have received their German work visa and residence permit.

After you on-board your first candidate, your dedicated Relocation Partner will set-up your account with you and on-board you to the software.

With our platform you will be able to stay on top of all your relocation processes. With a simple push of a button, you add new relocation candidates as well as get an overview of where all your candidates stand in their processes. In addition, you will be able to gather, track, manage and store your people's data in one place. All your people's information and everything that is related to their relocation process is stored in one single, secure place.

Discover more about the features of our platform by booking a demo session here.

No, relokate does not offer any legal services and is not a law firm nor an immigration counselor. However, we work in close collaboration with attorney partners and immigration lawyers to whom we will refer you if case-specific legal advice is required. You can find our recommended partner on our website under the partner page section.

Germany’s main residence titles for highly qualified employees are the EU Blue Card for university graduates with a gross annual salary of at least €48 300 (or €43 759.80 in shortage occupations) - and the work visa for qualified professionals, which requires a job offer and recognition of foreign qualifications. Both lead to permanent residence; EU Blue Card holders may apply for a settlement permit after 27 months, or 21 months with B1 German.

HR managers should verify that the employee can secure their livelihood, have valid passport and no grounds for expulsion. Collect all required documents, make an embassy appointment, and submit the visa application (fee €75). After entry, employees must have health insurance from day one and apply for a residence permit usually within 12 months. In practice, visas are valid for 2 - 12 months, and residence permit applications are usually only accepted 2-3 months priorto expiration due to heavily overburdened immigration authorities in many German cities. However, there might be exemptions, and waiting times vary significantly. Keep copies of passports, diplomas, recognition letters, employment contracts, and salary agreements for compliance audits.

Visa processing can take several months. Germany offers a fast‑track procedure for skilled workers (AufenthG §81a) that lets employers act on behalf of the employee and speeds up approvals. After recognition and agency approval, the embassy decides within three weeks. Start standard cases at least 4–6 months in advance; use the fast‑track for urgent hires.

Yes. Both EU Blue Card holders and work‑visa holders may bring spouses and children, who receive work authorization and school access. File family applications simultaneously with the employee’s visa to streamline processing.

Integration is critical for retention. In addition to the basics (welcome folder, temporary housing, language courses, SIM cards and mentors), relokate strongly recommends hiring a professional relocation partner to handle settle‑in tasks. Our settle‑in services include:

• Family support and job‑search coaching – Direct coaching for spouses/partners covering CV checks, application preparation and German job‑search strategy.

• Childcare & schooling assistance – Help locating nannies and leisure activities; guidance on child‑benefit applications; and full support with public or private school admissions.

• Integration & community building – Organised city tours, social events and buddy programmes; ongoing email or video‑call support for up to 12 months to navigate bureaucracy and local life.

These services go beyond paperwork: providing job and schooling support shows you care about the employee’s whole family, which is critical to maintaining morale and ensuring successful relocations.

The authorized duration of stay after employment termination is determined individually by the immigration office. It depends on your personal financial situation and the type of residence permit you hold. In most cases, the immigration office grants a period of 3-12 months for individuals who have lost their job to find new employment.

Employees can usually apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) after five years of legal residence in Germany under a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), provided they meet certain requirements.

They must have:

• Been employed continuously and have a secure income

• Paid statutory pension contributions for at least 60 months (5 years)

• Completed an integration course (if applicable)

• Achieved at least B1 level German language skills

• No criminal record and adequate housing and health insurance

EU Blue Card holders can apply sooner after 27 months, or 21 months if they demonstrate B1 German proficiency.

You can read about our data protection policy here.

You can find our Terms & Conditions here.