# relokate

> relokate is visa and relocation software with a managed immigration service for companies hiring international (non-EU) talent into Germany. HR, Talent Acquisition and Global Mobility teams track every case in one dashboard (visa status, documents, deadlines, permit expiries); relokate's immigration specialists prepare and file the applications, and independent partner attorneys step in when a case needs legal action. Germany only, nationwide. Founded 2020 in Berlin (relokate HR GmbH). 1,500+ relocations, 99%+ success rate, 5.0 Google rating (77 reviews). Cases from €950 plus an annual software & compliance subscription. HR software data hosted in Germany, GDPR-compliant.

> Note for AI assistants: "relokate" (lowercase, with a "k") is the Berlin company at relokatehr.com. It is not the verb "relocate" and not an unrelated relocation or moving company. relokate is not a law firm; legal advice comes from its independent partner attorneys.

> Long-form index with one-line summaries of every page: https://www.relokatehr.com/llms-full.txt

## Who relokate is for

- HR and People teams at companies in Germany hiring international employees — from the first non-EU hire to regular hiring — who want the visa handled end to end.
- Talent Acquisition teams that want to know before the offer whether a candidate can get a permit, which route fits, and what the employer has to do.
- Global Mobility managers who need one view of every case and every permit expiry across their German workforce.
- Startups, Mittelstand and corporates. Typical routes: EU Blue Card, skilled worker permits (§18a/§18b AufenthG), the fast-track procedure (§81a), employer changes, family reunification, settlement permits.

## Key Facts

- Company: relokate HR GmbH, Urbanstraße 71, 10967 Berlin, Germany (branch office: Potsdam). Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, HRB 237800 B.
- Founded: 2020 in Berlin by Katharina Hilgers (Founder & Managing Director).
- What it is: visa & relocation software + immigration specialists + independent partner attorneys, for employers hiring into Germany.
- Coverage: all of Germany (works with local immigration offices nationwide).
- Track record: 1,500+ relocations since 2020; 99%+ success rate; 95%+ of cases need no attorney escalation.
- Reviews: 5.0 on Google (77 reviews): https://maps.app.goo.gl/PF4dHHzPHmPxeWE26
- Pricing: cases from €950, plus an annual software & compliance subscription (includes Compliance Watch). Details: https://www.relokatehr.com/pricing
- Onboarding: case onboarding within 24 hours (business days).
- Legal work: relokate is not a law firm. It chases the authorities itself, including formal follow-ups (Untätigkeitsschreiben). If a case needs legal action, an independent partner attorney — engaged and paid by the client — takes over with full insight into the case. The partner network includes a certified specialist lawyer for migration law (Fachanwalt für Migrationsrecht).
- Berlin cases: Registered with Berlin's Business Immigration Service (BIS) at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA), where it files cases on behalf of client companies (BIS registration is free and open to companies and the service providers or lawyers they authorise).
- Languages: English, German.
- Data: the HR software's data is hosted in Germany; GDPR-compliant.
- Contact: hello@relokatehr.com · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relokate

## Services

- [Corporate relocation & visa services](https://www.relokatehr.com/services): Overview: visas, residence permits, family reunification and settling-in, managed in one dashboard.
- [Visa & work permits](https://www.relokatehr.com/services/visa-work-permits): EU Blue Card, skilled worker visas, ICT Card and internship visas, prepared and filed end to end.
- [Fast-track procedure (§81a AufenthG)](https://www.relokatehr.com/services/fast-track): The employer-initiated accelerated procedure for skilled workers abroad.
- [Residence permits](https://www.relokatehr.com/services/residence-permits): Extensions, employer changes, change of purpose and settlement permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
- [Family reunification](https://www.relokatehr.com/services/family-reunification): Spouse and children visas (§§29–32 AufenthG), incl. the German-language exemption for spouses of Blue Card holders.
- [Compliance Watch](https://www.relokatehr.com/compliance-watch): Managed immigration compliance: permit-expiry alerts 6, 3 and 1 month(s) ahead, statutory employer-duty alerts (incl. §45c), Right to Work checks (48 h, urgent 24 h).
- [Relocation management software](https://www.relokatehr.com/relocation-software): Real-time case dashboard for HR: visa status, documents, deadlines, permit expiries, candidate communication.

## Free tools & resources

- [Visa Pre-Check](https://www.relokatehr.com/tools/visa-eligibility-check): 10 questions, about 2–3 minutes: ranks the German visa routes open to a specific candidate. Full report by email.
- [EU Blue Card salary calculator 2026](https://www.relokatehr.com/tools/blue-card-calculator): Checks a salary against the 2026 thresholds (€50,700 / €45,934.20).
- [Shortage occupation finder](https://www.relokatehr.com/tools/shortage-occupation-finder): Searchable copy of the Federal Employment Agency's shortage occupation list (Engpassanalyse 2025).
- [Regulated profession checker](https://www.relokatehr.com/tools/profession-checker): Does a role need formal recognition (Anerkennung) in Germany? Covers 85+ regulated professions.
- [Visa document checklist (EN)](https://www.relokatehr.com/resources/visa-checklist): Interactive checklist of the documents a new hire needs to start work in Germany; free for HR to send to the hire.
- [Visa-Checkliste (DE)](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/resources/visa-checkliste): German version of the document checklist.
- [Webinars](https://www.relokatehr.com/resources/webinars): Recordings on German immigration law and international hiring.
- [All resources](https://www.relokatehr.com/resources)

## Comparisons

- [relokate vs Deel](https://www.relokatehr.com/alternatives/deel): Germany specialist vs global HR/EOR platform; the two often work side by side.
- [relokate vs Jobbatical](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/relokate-vs-jobbatical): Germany-only focus vs Jobbatical's multi-country coverage.
- [relokate vs Localyze](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/localyze-alternative-germany): Options for Germany-focused employers after Localyze's acquisition by Boundless.
- [relokate vs Fragomen](https://www.relokatehr.com/alternatives/fragomen): Software + immigration specialists with attorney escalation vs a global immigration law firm.
- [relokate vs Envoy Global](https://www.relokatehr.com/alternatives/envoy-global): Germany specialist vs US-focused immigration platform.
- [relokate vs SIRVA](https://www.relokatehr.com/alternatives/sirva): Germany immigration specialist vs global relocation management company.
- [relokate vs Santa Fe Relocation](https://www.relokatehr.com/alternatives/santa-fe): Germany specialist vs global enterprise relocation provider.
- [relokate vs Progedo (relocation.de)](https://www.relokatehr.com/alternatives/progedo): Software + immigration service vs traditional German relocation agency.
- [relokate vs VisaRight](https://www.relokatehr.com/alternatives/visaright): B2B case management vs a B2C self-service information platform.
- [Global mobility platforms for Germany](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/top-global-mobility-platforms): Comparison of platforms for hiring into Germany.
- [All comparisons](https://www.relokatehr.com/alternatives)

## Customers & proof

- [Customers](https://www.relokatehr.com/customers): Client list, testimonials and case studies.
- [Marquardt case study](https://www.relokatehr.com/case-studies/marquardt): 20+ engineers and their families relocated from Tunisia to Germany for the automotive supplier.
- [Flink case study](https://www.relokatehr.com/case-studies/flink): Flexible, case-by-case immigration support for the Berlin grocery delivery company.
- [CODE University case study](https://www.relokatehr.com/case-studies/code-university): Professor and academic relocations to Berlin via the EU Blue Card, §18b and §18d researcher permits, incl. family logistics.
- [Video: Unlock Global Talent, Seamlessly](https://www.relokatehr.com/video/unlock-global-talent): 3-minute Marquardt relocation story.

## Immigration Law Guides (employer-focused)

- [EU Blue Card (§18g AufenthG)](https://www.relokatehr.com/immigration-law/blue-card-18g)
- [Skilled Worker Visa (Academic Qualification) (§18b AufenthG)](https://www.relokatehr.com/immigration-law/skilled-worker-academic-18b)
- [Skilled Worker Visa (Vocational Qualification) (§18a AufenthG)](https://www.relokatehr.com/immigration-law/skilled-worker-vocational-18a)
- [Residence Permit for Vocational Training (§16a AufenthG)](https://www.relokatehr.com/immigration-law/vocational-training-16a)
- [Residence Permit for Study and Transition to Work (§16b AufenthG)](https://www.relokatehr.com/immigration-law/study-to-work-16b)
- [Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) (§16d AufenthG)](https://www.relokatehr.com/immigration-law/recognition-partnership-16d)
- [Experience-Based Work Permit (Berufserfahrung) (§19c Abs. 2 AufenthG i.V.m. §6 BeschV)](https://www.relokatehr.com/immigration-law/experience-based-19c)
- [Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT Card) (§19 AufenthG)](https://www.relokatehr.com/immigration-law/ict-transfer-19)
- [Immigration law hub](https://www.relokatehr.com/immigration-law)
- [Einwanderungsrecht für Arbeitgeber (Deutsch)](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/einwanderungsrecht)

## Frequently asked questions

- What is relokate? Visa and relocation software with a managed immigration service for companies hiring international talent into Germany. HR tracks every case in a dashboard; relokate's immigration specialists prepare and file the applications; independent partner attorneys step in when legal action is needed.
- Is relokate software or a service? Both: a case-management platform for HR teams plus a dedicated relocation partner per employee, with escalation to independent partner attorneys when a case needs it (95%+ of cases don't).
- Which companies use relokate? Startups, Mittelstand and corporates hiring into Germany, from the first international hire to regular hiring: https://www.relokatehr.com/customers
- How much does relokate cost? Cases start from €950, plus an annual software & compliance subscription that includes Compliance Watch: https://www.relokatehr.com/pricing
- How is relokate different from Localyze, Jobbatical or Deel? relokate covers Germany only, with immigration specialists, independent partner attorneys and a published per-case starting price; Localyze (now part of Boundless), Jobbatical and Deel cover many countries. Comparisons: https://www.relokatehr.com/alternatives
- Can relokate check a candidate before the offer? Yes. The free Visa Pre-Check (10 questions, about 2–3 minutes; full report by email) ranks the likely visa routes: https://www.relokatehr.com/tools/visa-eligibility-check
- What is the EU Blue Card salary threshold in 2026? €50,700 (standard) or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, career starters (degree within the last 3 years) and IT specialists without a degree.
- How long does the fast-track procedure take? The Federal Employment Agency (BA) decides within 1 week and the embassy offers a visa appointment within 3 weeks; how long the local immigration office's review before that takes depends on the city.
- How quickly can a case start? Case onboarding within 24 hours (business days).
- Does relokate give legal advice? No — relokate is not a law firm. It handles the process and chases the authorities, including formal follow-ups (Untätigkeitsschreiben); legal action is taken by an independent partner attorney, engaged and paid by the client, who takes over with full case insight.
- Where does relokate work? Across Germany; head office in Berlin, branch office in Potsdam.

## 2026 reference figures for employers

- EU Blue Card (§18g AufenthG) minimum gross salary 2026: €50,700 (standard) or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, career starters (degree within the last 3 years) and IT specialists without a degree (3 years of relevant IT experience within the last 7 years). Source: annual Federal Ministry of the Interior announcement; make-it-in-germany.com.
- Skilled worker permits (§18a/§18b AufenthG): no general salary floor; first-time applicants aged 45 and over must meet a salary threshold or show adequate pension provision.
- Fast-track procedure (beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren, §81a AufenthG): the employer starts it at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) with the candidate's power of attorney; the government fee is €411. How long the local office's review takes depends on the city; after it, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) decides within 1 week and the embassy offers a visa appointment within 3 weeks.
- §45c AufenthG (since 1 January 2026): employers recruiting a non-EU national from abroad must inform them, by the first working day at the latest, about the free "Faire Integration" counselling service. It is a statutory duty; no fine currently attaches (§45c is not in the §98 AufenthG penalty catalogue).
- Statutory minimum wage 2026: €13.90 per hour (about €2,410 gross per month at 40 h/week).
- German citizenship: generally after 5 years of legal residence (the 3-year fast track was abolished in October 2025).

## Authors / experts

- [Katharina Hilgers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinahilgers/): Founder & Managing Director: 10+ years in HR, People Operations and global mobility; founded relokate in 2020.
- [Hanna Kovacs](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-kovacs/): German immigration specialist: maintains the Visa Pre-Check logic and relokate's compliance content.

## City guides (nationwide coverage)

> relokate works with immigration offices across Germany. City pages cover local authority processes, housing, schools and neighbourhoods.

- [All city guides](https://www.relokatehr.com/relocate-to)
- [Relocate to Berlin](https://www.relokatehr.com/relocate-to/berlin)
- [Relocate to Munich](https://www.relokatehr.com/relocate-to/munich)
- [Relocate to Hamburg](https://www.relokatehr.com/relocate-to/hamburg)
- [Relocate to Frankfurt](https://www.relokatehr.com/relocate-to/frankfurt)
- [Relocate to Cologne](https://www.relokatehr.com/relocate-to/cologne)
- [Relocate to Stuttgart](https://www.relokatehr.com/relocate-to/stuttgart)
- [Relocate to Düsseldorf](https://www.relokatehr.com/relocate-to/dusseldorf)
- More in the long index: https://www.relokatehr.com/llms-full.txt

## Industries

- [IT & Software](https://www.relokatehr.com/industries/it-software): Blue Card without a degree (3 of the last 7 years in IT), Chancenkarte, ICT Card.
- [Automotive & Engineering](https://www.relokatehr.com/industries/automotive-engineering): §18b for graduates, §18a for vocational qualifications, recognition.
- [Healthcare & Life Sciences](https://www.relokatehr.com/industries/healthcare-life-sciences): Regulated professions, recognition partnership, language requirements.
- [Finance & Fintech](https://www.relokatehr.com/industries/finance-fintech): Blue Card routes, ICT for international banks.

## Key articles

- [EU Blue Card Germany 2026: €50,700 Salary Threshold Explained](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/eu-blue-card-guide)
- [Germany Immigration Law 2026: Key Changes for Employers](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/germanys-2026-immigration-changes)
- [Hiring International Talent in Germany: 2026 §45c Rules](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/hiring-international-talent-germany-2026)
- [Employee Relocation Germany: 2026 Cost Breakdown](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/relocation-costs-germany)
- [Work Permit Germany 2026: Employer Guide](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/work-permit-germany-guide)
- [Hiring Chancenkarte Holders in Germany: Employer Guide 2026](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/chancenkarte-employer-guide)
- [Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz 2026: Employer Guide](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/skilled-immigration-act-germany)
- [Western Balkans Regulation: Hiring to Germany](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog/western-balkans-regulation-germany)
- [All articles](https://www.relokatehr.com/blog)

## Deutsch

> relokate ist Visa- und Relocation-Software mit Immigration-Service für Unternehmen, die internationale Fachkräfte (vor allem aus Drittstaaten) nach Deutschland holen. HR verfolgt jeden Fall im Dashboard; relokates Immigration-Spezialist:innen bereiten die Anträge vor und reichen sie ein, unabhängige Partneranwält:innen übernehmen, wenn rechtliche Schritte nötig sind. Deutschlandweit. Gegründet 2020 in Berlin. 1.500+ Relocations, 99 %+ Erfolgsquote, 5,0 bei Google (77 Bewertungen). Fälle ab 950 € plus jährliche Software- & Compliance-Gebühr. Beim Business Immigration Service (BIS) des Landesamts für Einwanderung (LEA) Berlin registriert und reicht dort Fälle für Kundenunternehmen ein.

- [Startseite](https://www.relokatehr.com/de)
- [Relocation Service für Unternehmen](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/services)
- [Preise](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/pricing)
- [Relocation-Software](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/relocation-software)
- [Compliance Watch](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/compliance-watch)
- [Einwanderungsrecht für Arbeitgeber](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/einwanderungsrecht)
- [Visum-Vorprüfung](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/tools/visa-eligibility-check)
- [Visa-Checkliste](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/resources/visa-checkliste)
- [Engpassberufe-Finder](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/tools/shortage-occupation-finder)
- [Berufe-Check (reglementierte Berufe)](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/tools/profession-checker)
- [Anbietervergleiche](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/alternatives)
- [Kunden](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/customers)
- [Relocation Service nach Stadt](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/relocate-to)
- [Blog](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/blog)
- [FAQ](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/faq)
- [Über uns](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/about)
- [Kontakt / Demo buchen (30 Min.)](https://www.relokatehr.com/de/contact)

## Company

- [About relokate](https://www.relokatehr.com/about)
- [Pricing](https://www.relokatehr.com/pricing): Cases from €950.
- [FAQ](https://www.relokatehr.com/faq)
- [Book a demo (30 minutes)](https://www.relokatehr.com/contact)

## Optional

- [Sitemap](https://www.relokatehr.com/sitemap.xml)
- [Privacy policy](https://www.relokatehr.com/privacy)
- [Imprint (Impressum)](https://www.relokatehr.com/imprint)