German Immigration News

There was a lot of rumor and whispering, and now it's finally here: the #Ausländerbehördenquartett - the satirical card game about the everyday madness that prevails in the German migration administration. What is the #ForeignOfficeQuartet? The Immigration Office Quartet is a satirical card game for adults, invented and produced by the lawyers at VISAGUARD – experts in migration law. With affectionate exaggeration and pointed humor, it pokes fun at the processes, absurdit

It is an unusual and alarming step for Germany's highest-ranking diplomatic representative in India, Ambassador Philipp Ackermann , to personally address the issue and issue an explicit warning to tens of thousands of young people . " Don't believe your agents too much, " is the unambiguous message from the German mission. Behind this warning lies a worrying trend: almost 25 percent – that is, one in four – of all student visa applications from India are currently

The German government recently passed a law tightening nationality regulations , particularly affecting Section 42. The reform aims to consistently penalize false statements made during the naturalization process . In the future, an inaccurate statement can result in a ban of up to ten years on applying for naturalization again. This tightening of regulations was prompted by scandals involving forged language certificates and false declarations of loyalty, such as th

Heavy rains and flash floods paralyzed the greater Tunis area, forcing the German Embassy to close its doors completely for two days . Over 400 visa and passport appointments literally evaporated in the rain, leaving seasonal workers and students in particularly dire straits. The return to normality and the priority procedure Since January 22nd, operations at the German embassy in Tunis have resumed. For those affected, this is initially a relief, but the legal and or

International students and professionals know the challenge: thousands of kilometers separate them from their families, time differences complicate planning, and digital communication is unreliable. Relatives—especially parents— want to support their children , for example, by transferring funds for tuition fees, rent, or everyday expenses. International students, in particular, are sometimes entirely dependent on regular support payments from their parents if they don't

You've cleared all the hurdles: a visa was issued by a German embassy or consulate, the authenticity of your documents was painstakingly verified, and you're finally standing on German soil. You feel safe, because the rule of law has prevailed. But then you enter the Frankfurt Immigration Office – and suddenly the word of a German embassy means nothing. You 're sent away . Not because the law requires it, but because the authorities "would prefer it that way." A bizarre

Imagine a former employee, through their lawyer, demanding full access to their personnel file under Article 15 of the GDPR . As you leaf through the thick folder, you come across handwritten notes from an old feedback session, subjective assessments of their teamwork skills, or even medical details. At this moment, many employers realize: the personnel file is not a private diary of the HR department , but a legal document that can be used against you in a serious situat

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of people have sought refuge in Germany. The legal basis for this is generally temporary protection under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) . This status offers rapid security , a work permit, and access to social benefits. However, over time, many highly qualified Ukrainians face a crucial question: Is it possible to switch to a long-term residence permit such as the EU Blue Card while still

Those wishing to stay in Germany long-term often apply for a permanent residence permit (EU ). This residence permit not only grants...

A 27-year-old police officer in Mannheim was acquitted of the charge of persecuting innocents (Verfolgung Unschuldiger) under the § 344 Criminal Code (StGB).  The officer was accused of planting marijuana to manipulate evidence after no narcotics were found on a foreign suspect during a body search. Five bags of cannabis with a total weight of 4.55 grams were placed with the suspect’s other belongings before the officer’s colleagues drew attention to the inconsistency, and th

The Berlin State Office for Immigration is the central point of contact for people who want to enter Germany or stay here permanently. To outsiders, its structure often appears complex , but the organization follows clear principles of responsibility . In practice, your nationality often determines which department is responsible for your case. However, there are exceptions: For certain matters, such as asylum procedures, the EU Blue Card , or specific visa issues, n

Since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have found refuge in Germany. The residence permit under Section 24 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) offers quick and unbureaucratic access to residency, employment, and social security. However, many of my clients are now asking a more fundamental question: How can this temporary protection be converted into permanent residency , in particular a settlement permit ? This quest

The rules for international professionals in Germany are constantly evolving. Anyone applying for a visa or residence permit in 2026 must be aware of new minimum salary requirements . To ensure your application goes smoothly at the immigration office or German embassy or consulate, we've compiled the most important updates for you. The EU Blue Card (EU Blue Card) according to § 18g of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). For university graduates, the Blue Card rema

Anyone wanting to come to Germany to work, study, or undertake vocational training will quickly encounter the question: "Do I need to learn German beforehand?" The answer is: It depends! Depending on the visa you are applying for, different requirements apply according to the Residence Act (AufenthG). Here is a concise guide to help you determine the language level you need for your goal. 1. Visas without legally required German language skills For some Visa cards, there is

For years, Germany has been actively courting international skilled workers . Campaigns like "Make it in Germany ," accelerated visa procedures, and a modernized skilled worker immigration law are intended to strengthen the country's attractiveness as a business location. But while the government opens doors, the business sector is increasingly closing them: Germany is experiencing its most severe wave of insolvencies in almost 20 years . According to the German Associ

Germany is no longer experiencing its much-publicised “ skilled labour shortage”. Instead, the country is currently in a labour market downturn  with rising unemployment and lower hiring rates throughout multiple industries. This declining labour market has a direct impact on third-country nationals and visa holders, whose residency rights typically rely on their employment status. If you’re an expat or considering applying for a work visa, the current state of the German lab

Health insurance is a legal prerequisite for foreigners living in Germany on a visa. Whether you’re arriving on a work visa, student visa, or a family reunion visa, you’ll need to have adequate health insurance that is valid from the first day of your residence. This health insurance  must be recognised under German law, and it often causes problems for students and professionals from Australia, the USA, and the UK. If you have inadequate coverage or are relying on foreign tr

Anyone who wishes to remain in Germany long-term as a third-country national (i.e., non-EU citizen) and obtain a permanent residence...

Imagine you've done everything. You've learned German, you've worked hard for years, you've paid your taxes, and finally submitted that long-awaited application for naturalization . But then: nothing happens. Months go by, years pass, and the authorities remain silent. Eventually, the only option left is to go to court – to file an action for failure to act . You'd think that at this point, things would finally start moving, since a judge is now looking over the shoulde