German immigration & relocation glossary

Plain-language explanations of the terms you will encounter when relocating to Germany. No jargon, no legalese — just clear answers.

EU Blue Card

A work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals — requiring a university degree and an employment contract meeting a minimum salary threshold.

Anmeldung

The mandatory address registration that every resident in Germany must complete within 14 days of moving to a new address.

Ausländerbehörde

The foreigners' registration office — the local government authority that issues and manages residence permits for non-German nationals.

Aufenthaltstitel

The general term for a residence permit — the official document that grants a non-EU national the right to live and work in Germany.

ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen)

The Central Office for Foreign Education — the German authority that evaluates and recognises foreign university degrees.

anabin

The German database that lists foreign universities and degrees with their German equivalency status — used to check if your degree is already recognised.

Sperrkonto (Blocked Account)

A special German bank account with a blocked balance that proves you have enough funds to support yourself — required for certain visa types.

Niederlassungserlaubnis

Germany's permanent residence permit — grants an employee unlimited right to live and work in Germany without the restrictions of a temporary permit.

Steuer-ID (Tax Identification Number)

An 11-digit tax identification number automatically assigned to every registered resident in Germany — needed for employment and banking.

Meldebescheinigung

The official registration certificate you receive after completing your Anmeldung — proof that you are registered at a German address.

Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

A landlord confirmation form required for your Anmeldung — your landlord must sign it to confirm you live at the address.

Health Insurance in Germany (Krankenversicherung)

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany — you must choose between public (gesetzliche) and private (private) insurance.

Fiktionsbescheinigung

A provisional document issued by the Ausländerbehörde that proves your stay in Germany is lawful while your residence permit application is being processed.

Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Immigration Act)

Germany's landmark immigration reform that makes it easier for employers to hire skilled workers with vocational training, academic degrees, or professional experience from abroad.

Familienzusammenführung (Family Reunification)

The legal process that allows your international hire's spouse, children, and — since March 2024 — parents and parents-in-law to join them in Germany.

Arbeitserlaubnis (Work Permit)

In Germany, there is no standalone work permit — the right to work is tied to the residence title, which specifies whether and under what conditions employment is allowed.

Beglaubigte Übersetzung (Certified Translation)

A translation of an official document made by a sworn or certified translator in Germany — required when foreign documents are submitted to German authorities.

Anerkennung (Recognition of Foreign Qualifications)

The formal process by which a German authority evaluates whether a foreign qualification is equivalent to a German reference occupation — mandatory for regulated professions.

Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)

A residence title that allows qualified non-EU professionals to enter Germany and search for employment. For employers, the Chancenkarte creates a pool of pre-qualified international candidates who are already in Germany, available for interviews and paid trial employment — and ready to convert to an EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit once hired.

ICT Card (Intra-Company Transfer)

A residence permit under Section 19 AufenthG that allows companies to transfer managers, specialists, and trainees from a foreign branch to a German branch for up to 3 years.

Consular Services Portal (Auslandsportal)

The German government's online platform at digital.diplo.de where visa applicants submit their national visa application, upload documents, and communicate with the embassy before their in-person appointment.

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