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Relocation and
settling in in Germany
Service Fees from €99
Support at every stage: from your arrival
in Germany through to full integration in your new country.
The services we provide are not legal services and do not replace legal advice.
The information is based on many years of practical experience in relocation and immigration, as well as publicly available sources
Who Our Services Are For
and are unsure where to begin.
and are unsure where to begin.
and are unsure where to begin.
Services
After arriving in Germany, the first thing you
will need is accommodation. But choosing an apartment is
only the first step.
Key Requirements
Potential Challenges
German landlords often require proof of income, references from previous landlords and even a credit history.
Without registration, you cannot:
- open a bank account,
- obtain insurance
- or start a job.
After arriving in Germany, you need to obtain
several essential documents
that are required almost everywhere.
Key Requirements
Why It Is Complicated
- these documents often depend on one another;
- the process is complex and must be completed in the correct order;
- foreign documents require official translations;
- mistakes can cause delays of several months.
If you are relocating with children, the German
education system requires special attention.
- Children start primary school (Grundschule) at the age of 6;
- You need to choose a school and apply in advance (usually 3–6 months beforehand);
- Deadlines and requirements vary between federal states;
- Each federal state may offer different types of schools (public, private and special programs).
- a language barrier for the child (usually overcome within 3–6 months);
- differences in curriculum and teaching methods;
- the need to have school certificates and diplomas recognized in Germany.
If you plan to drive, you need to
understand several important points.
- The vehicle must be
registered (Zulassung) with the
German authorities; - This is required even if you
brought the vehicle from Russia or another country; - A technical inspection (TÜV) at an authorized center is required;
- Insurance is mandatory (normally third-party liability insurance — Haftpflicht).
- foreign driving licences often require
official recognition; - you may need to retake the driving test;
- German translations may be required.
Finding employment in Germany requires
specific preparation.
- A German CV has its own structural and content requirements;
- Certificate of good conduct (available from your country of residence);
- Copy of your diploma (a German translation is often required);
- Social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer);
- Tax identification number (Steuer-ID).
- Registration as a sole
proprietor; - Registration with the tax office (Finanzamt);
- Insurance for self-employed persons.
- Gewerbeanmeldung — sole proprietorship registration;
- GmbH (limited liability company) — for larger ventures;
- Separate business account (with a German bank);
- Registration with the tax authorities;
- Obtaining a company tax number;
- Social insurance as an entrepreneur.
Health insurance in Germany is not optional;
it is a legal requirement.
Mandatory Insurance
- Public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenkasse) — usually less expensive for employees;
- Private insurance (private Krankenversicherung) — for high earners and self-employed persons.
Social Benefits (Where Applicable)
- Child benefit (Kindergeld) — €250 per month
for the first child (2025); - Unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) —
if you lose your job; - Job-search assistance through the Arbeitsagentur;
- Social assistance (Hartz IV / Bürgergeld) —
if you have no income.
Challenges
- the system is highly complex and requires knowledge of German;
- choosing the wrong type of insurance can cause problems;
- it is essential to arrange insurance immediately after arrival.
In addition to standard procedures, relocation often involves
unexpected situations for which
answers are not easy to find.
- How can a family member obtain a visa if they remain in another country?
- What should you do if an employer requests a certificate you do not have?
- How do you relocate with a pet? (documents, vaccinations and quarantine)
- Which taxes apply to you as a foreign national?
- Can a pension be transferred from another country?
- How can you obtain social assistance or benefits?
- What should you do if problems arise with an authority?
- every situation is unique and requires an individual approach;
- mistakes may lead to a rejected request or problems with employment or social benefits;
- the German system often requires detailed knowledge of its procedures and interdependencies.
Pricing
Service
Price, from
General consultation on housing in Germany (types, selection and search criteria, rent and deposit costs, and what is or is not included)
€99.00
Assistance finding temporary accommodation
€180.00
Administrative assistance with signing a rental agreement and checking it for completeness
€770.00
Initial/change of residence registration
€200.00
General information about internet providers and mobile operators
€120.00
General information about electricity and digital television providers
€120.00
Housing support (concierge service)
€275.00
Service
Price, from
Collection and checklist review of documents for a residence permit
€265.00
Collection and checklist review of documents for permanent residence
€360.00
Collection and checklist review of documents for citizenship
€480.00
Preparation/optimization of documents (employment contracts, CVs, portfolios, job descriptions and others)
€175.00
Drafting letters to authorities and organizations
€175.00
Tax class change
€150.00
Submitting applications/requests to authorities
€175.00
Correspondence with authorities
€170.00
Booking an appointment with an authority
€175.00
Service
Price, from
Basic information about the education system (childcare, schools and admissions)
€175.00
General information about the German healthcare system — consultation or guide
€175.00
Finding an educational institution (childcare center or school with a suitable program/class)
€265.00
Communication with institutions (Jugendamt, Gesundheitsamt, Schulamt, school or coordinator, depending on the federal state)
€180.00
Assistance preparing documents for childcare/school admission
€180.00
Registering a child at a childcare center/school (Willkommensklasse or regular class)
€180.00
Assistance applying for Kindergeld child benefit
€280.00
Family Reunification Package
€2099.00
Registration for language exams and LiD
€175.00
Preparation for the LiD test
€475.00
Finding language courses
€275.00
Recognition of a university degree
€655.00
Language Visa/Student Visa Package
€1299.00
Recognition of vocational qualification equivalence
€499.00
Service
Price, from
Private driver from the airport to the hotel
€199.00
Driving licence recognition
€999.00
Finding a driving school
€275.00
Assistance arranging vehicle insurance
€79.00
Vehicle customs clearance in Germany
€1299.00
Service
Price, from
Work Visa §18a/§18b Package
€2779.00
Work Visa §19c Package
€2899.00
Freelance Visa Package
€2799.00
EU Blue Card Package
€2499.00
Opportunity Card Package
€1399.00
Sole proprietorship registration in Germany
€1299.00
Change of position
€515.00
Registering with the Employment Agency after dismissal/redundancy in Germany
€1099.00
Service
Price, from
Arranging an insurance policy
€79.00
Opening bank accounts
€180.00
Drafting letters to authorities/organizations
€175.00
Obtaining/reinstating §24 status
€1299.00
Service
Price, from
Accompaniment to authorities
€99.00
Guides
€15.00
Obtaining a Fiktionsbescheinigung
€360.00
Switching to another residence permit provision
€1299.00
Benefits
Moving the Whole Family to Germany: Viktoria’s Story
Contacting Blue Card Agency was the first step on the path to finding work in Europe and achieving financial independence and stability.
Tattoo Artist Dmitry’s Relocation Story
Why he chose Germany, how developed the tattoo industry is here, what relocation options he had, and what fears and questions arose before the move.
A Pharmacist’s Relocation Story in Germany
Is it realistic to find work in a German pharmacy as a qualified pharmacist?
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us as early as possible, ideally 3–4 months before your planned move.
Before relocating, we help with essential steps: preparing visa/residence permit documents, finding temporary accommodation, opening a blocked account, selecting insurance, and conducting an initial search for jobs or study programs. This saves time and money and reduces stress after arrival. After relocating, we support your integration: residence registration, permanent accommodation, insurance, childcare/school enrollment, and guidance on taxes and everyday matters. Our recommendation: start with a pre-relocation consultation so you can plan ahead and avoid common mistakes.
You can open an account remotely before relocating (a blocked account for your visa) or after arrival (a regular current account). You will need to:
- Prepare your passport and proof of address in Germany (later, your registration certificate, Anmeldebestätigung), and your visa/residence permit.
- Choose a bank.
- Apply online or visit a branch. Our support: we help choose the right account, collect documents, complete applications and understand German banking products.
You can search through popular websites (ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht), local newspapers or estate agents (Makler). Competition is very high in major cities. Check the following in the rental agreement (Mietvertrag):
- Terms and conditions
- The inventory list (Übergabeprotokoll)
- Rules on repairs, cleaning common areas and subletting.
- Notice period. Our support: together with our partners, we assist with the search, help identify practical points to clarify in rental agreements, attend viewings and communicate with landlords.
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany. The main types are:
- Public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV): for most employees. It covers essential services, and family coverage is often free.
- Private insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV): for self-employed people, civil servants and high earners. Premiums depend on age and health. How to arrange it: after registering in Germany or even before relocating (for a visa). Proof of insurance is required for a residence permit. Our support: we identify the most suitable insurance, assist with the application and explain how to use it during your first months in Germany.
Germany offers various forms of support:
- Integration courses (Integrationskurs): language and orientation courses, often publicly funded.
- Unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld I/II): for jobseekers who meet the eligibility requirements.
- Child benefits (Kindergeld): approximately €250 per child per month.
- Education and housing benefits (Bafög, Wohngeld): for students and low-income families.
- Specialized programs: for example, Start-Up for entrepreneurs and Blue Card for highly qualified professionals. Our support: we assess your situation, identify available programs, help collect benefit application documents and accompany you to appointments at authorities such as the Jobcenter and Familienkasse.
Blog
On our blog, we share up-to-date information about relocation, life and work in Germany, as well as practical advice for settling in successfully.
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Which Residence Permits Are Available to Ukrainians Under §24—and Which…
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Finding Accommodation in Berlin and Anmeldung: A Complete Guide for…
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Relocation Assistance in Germany
Starting a new life in Germany is a significant, multifaceted decision that requires careful preparation. German administrative procedures set out precise requirements for documents and the order in which steps must be completed, so inaccuracies may lead to requests for additional information or longer processing times.
Relocation Assistance to Germany
Starting a new life in Germany is an important and multifaceted decision that requires careful preparation. German administrative procedures involve specific requirements for documents and the sequence of administrative steps, so inaccuracies may lead to requests for additional information or longer processing times.
Blue Card Agency provides organizational support for relocation to Germany. We help clients understand the different stages of the process, organize the collection and technical preparation of documents, and coordinate administrative matters. Our goal is to make relocation to Germany clearer and more structured so that clients can focus on their work, studies, family, and settling into life in Germany.
Our relocation services are designed for qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and families. We provide general information about available relocation options, help organize the collection and technical preparation of documents, and coordinate the subsequent administrative stages of the process. The applicable legal basis and its suitability for the client’s individual circumstances are assessed by an attorney from our partner network.
Comprehensive Relocation Support
We provide comprehensive organizational support covering the main administrative and practical stages of relocation.
Relocation support may include providing general information about available visa and residence permit categories, organizing the collection and technical preparation of documents in accordance with officially published requirements, booking appointments, uploading and submitting documents through designated official channels, and providing assistance after arrival.
We provide general information about options such as the EU Blue Card, work visas, jobseeker visas, study, family reunification, and other routes provided for by law.
If it is necessary to determine which legal basis applies to a specific situation or to assess whether an applicant meets the relevant legal requirements, that legal assessment is carried out by an attorney from our partner network.
Document Preparation for Relocation
Document preparation is one of the key stages of the relocation process.
Depending on the relevant application category, the official requirements may include documents relating to education and qualifications, an employment contract, proof of financial means, documents for family members, and other supporting materials.
Blue Card Agency can help you:
- find the current official list of required documents;
- organize the collection and technical preparation of documents;
- check the document package for completeness against the published checklist;
- arrange the necessary translations;
- obtain information about apostilles and document certification;
- where necessary, organize the process of having foreign qualifications recognized by the relevant authorities, including ZAB.
An attorney from our partner network carries out the legal assessment of the content and legal significance of the documents and determines whether the selected document list is appropriate for the client’s individual circumstances.
Visa Application Support for Relocation
Where a visa is required for relocation, Blue Card Agency helps organize the administrative and technical aspects of the process.
We provide general information about officially published requirements, help organize the collection and technical preparation of documents, transfer information provided by the client into the required forms and applications, upload documents to designated official portals, and help clients prepare for the administrative stages of the application process.
We can also assist with the technical preparation and formatting of supporting materials based on information provided by the client, where such materials are required as part of the relevant procedure, and arrange appointments with the competent authority or consulate.
If an individual legal assessment of the applicable legal basis, legal analysis of documents, preparation of legal arguments, or assistance with any other legal matter is required, that part of the work is carried out by an attorney from our partner network.
Relocation Support After Arrival in Germany
Our relocation support does not end once you arrive in Germany.
After arrival, you may need to register your place of residence, open a bank account, arrange health insurance, deal with accommodation, school or childcare matters, and complete other administrative steps.
We help clients understand the sequence of these steps and organize the necessary administrative processes.
Full-Service Relocation to Germany
For clients who require comprehensive organizational support, we offer a full-service relocation package for Germany.
Depending on the selected package, organizational support may include:
- organizing the collection and technical preparation of documents;
- coordinating administrative stages;
- assistance with finding accommodation based on the client’s specified criteria;
- arranging meet-and-greet and transfer services;
- assistance with residence registration;
- assistance with opening a bank account;
- support with setting up utilities and internet services;
- assistance with other practical and organizational matters.
Certain services may be provided by Blue Card Agency partners.
Family Relocation to Germany
If several family members are relocating to Germany, the preparation of documents and subsequent administrative stages should be organized in advance for each applicant.
Relocating to Germany with children may also involve finding a childcare facility or school, obtaining information about the local education system, communicating with educational institutions, and organizing the child’s enrollment.
At the client’s request, Blue Card Agency helps identify suitable institutions, provides general information about the German education system, and helps organize the administrative steps involved in enrolling a child in a childcare facility or school.
Relocating to Germany with Pets
When relocating to Germany with pets, the official veterinary requirements of Germany and the European Union must be taken into account.
These may include requirements relating to:
- identification of the animal using a microchip;
- vaccinations;
- veterinary documents;
- the animal’s passport;
- other documents depending on the country of departure and the type of animal.
We provide information about officially published requirements and help organize the collection and technical preparation of the documents required for transporting a pet.
Logistics and Transport Services to Germany
Transport services may be required when moving personal belongings, furniture, and other property to Germany.
Blue Card Agency can help coordinate communication with logistics companies and identify a suitable transport option based on the client’s requirements.
Transporting personal belongings to Germany may include door-to-door delivery, packing, cargo insurance, and other services provided by the relevant partners.
Relocation Assistance to Germany
Comprehensive relocation assistance may include organizing the collection and technical preparation of documents, coordinating administrative matters before and after the move, and providing assistance with accommodation, banking and insurance matters, children’s enrollment, and other aspects of settling into life in Germany.
Blue Card Agency provides organizational, informational, and coordination services. We provide general information about officially published requirements, help clients understand the sequence of administrative steps, and organize the necessary processes.
If a matter requires an individual legal assessment, the selection or confirmation of a legal basis, legal analysis of the content of documents, preparation of a legal position, or representation of the client’s interests, that part of the work is carried out by a licensed attorney from our partner network.
To learn more about the stages of relocation and the organizational services available, call us at +49 30 896 778 776 or submit an enquiry through the website.
