Employee relocation to Germany — FAQ
Everything you need to know about relocating talents to Germany.
Timeline & process
How long does it take to relocate a talent to Germany?
Visa procedures can take anywhere from two weeks to nine months, depending on the nationality, visa type, and immigration authority processing times. EU Blue Card applications are typically faster (4–8 weeks) than standard skilled worker visas. The fast-track procedure (Beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren) can reduce timelines significantly.
Can the relocation process be fast-tracked?
Yes. Germany's fast-track procedure (Beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren) is available when talents apply from abroad. The employer's local immigration authority coordinates with the Federal Employment Agency to pre-approve the case, reducing total processing time to approximately 4–8 weeks. relokate manages the entire fast-track application on your behalf.
What are the main steps to relocate a talent to Germany?
The process has four stages: (1) Document preparation — 1–2 weeks to gather and verify all required documents. (2) Visa application — the talent applies at the German embassy in their home country. (3) Entry and registration — within 2 weeks of arrival, the talent completes their Anmeldung (address registration). (4) Residence permit — applied for at the local Ausländerbehörde within the visa validity period.
Visa requirements
Which residence permits are available for skilled workers?
Germany offers several pathways: the EU Blue Card (for university graduates earning above the salary threshold — €50,700 in 2026, or €45,934 for shortage occupations), the skilled worker visa (for professionals with recognised qualifications), and the ICT Card (for intra-company transfers). IT professionals with 3+ years of experience can qualify for the EU Blue Card without a formal degree.
What documents are needed for a work visa?
Standard requirements include: valid passport, university degree or qualification certificate (with apostille if required), recognition letter or ZAB evaluation, signed employment contract meeting salary thresholds, proof of health insurance, biometric photos, and completed application form. The embassy application fee is €75. relokate prepares a personalised document checklist for each case.
How do I apply for an EU Blue Card for my talent?
Five steps: (1) Verify eligibility — university degree and salary above €50,700 (or €45,934 for shortage occupations). (2) Prepare documents — passport, degree with apostille, employment contract, accommodation proof. (3) Submit at the German embassy — €75 fee, processing takes 2–12 weeks or faster via fast-track. (4) Employee enters Germany and collects the biometric Blue Card. (5) Apply for settlement permit after 27 months (or 21 months with B1 German).
Family relocation
Can family members accompany the talent to Germany?
Yes. Spouses and children of EU Blue Card and work visa holders can apply for family reunification visas. Spouses receive work authorisation, and children get access to the German school system. Filing family applications simultaneously with the employee's visa is recommended to avoid delays.
Remote work & onboarding
Can I onboard my talent remotely before their visa is issued?
Talents may work remotely from their home country using an Employer of Record (EOR) model while the visa is being processed. However, they cannot work on a German employment contract until they have received their German work visa and residence permit. relokate can advise on interim arrangements.
Settlement & integration
What support should we provide to help talents settle in?
Beyond the visa, effective relocation support includes: temporary housing for the first 1–3 months, Anmeldung (address registration) assistance, health insurance enrolment, bank account setup, and city orientation. For talents with families: spouse job coaching, Kita and school enrolment support, and social integration guidance. relokate handles all of these as part of the settlement service.
When can talents apply for permanent residence?
After five years of legal residence with a temporary permit, talents can apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Requirements include continuous employment, five years of pension contributions, B1 German proficiency, and a clean criminal record. EU Blue Card holders qualify earlier — after 27 months (or 21 months with B1 German).
How long can a talent stay in Germany after their employment ends?
The immigration authority determines individual authorisation periods based on the talent's financial situation and permit type. Typically, 3–12 months are granted for securing new employment. EU Blue Card holders generally receive more favourable terms.
About relokate
How does relokate's platform work?
relokate combines a real-time tracking dashboard with dedicated immigration specialists. You add your candidate's details, and our team handles the entire visa and relocation process. The dashboard lets you track all cases, manage documents, and get status updates — without spreadsheets or email chains.
Does relokate provide legal advice?
relokate is not a law firm or licensed immigration counsellor. We manage the operational side of the visa and relocation process — document preparation, digital application submission, and settlement support. For case-specific legal questions, we work with independent attorney partners who specialise in German immigration law.
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