German Immigration News

The same problem repeatedly arises with visa applications for the EU Blue Card from the USA : The US university is located in Anabin Listed as H+, but with no specific degree rating . While many German immigration authorities – especially in Berlin – consider the university's H+ rating sufficient in such cases, German embassies and consulates in the US often operate much more strictly. Their websites explicitly state that the degree must also have an Anabin rating. I

For many applicants, an action for failure to act under Section 75 of the German Administrative Court Procedure Act (VwGO) is a crucial tool for defending themselves against delays of months or even years at immigration authorities and naturalization offices. However, one aspect is frequently underestimated in practice: What happens to the deadline for an action for failure to act, or to an action already filed, if a move to the jurisdiction of another authority occurs

In my legal practice, I repeatedly encounter a very typical situation: Highly qualified professionals come to Germany not with a Blue Card, but initially with a residence permit under Section 19c of the German Residence Act . This particularly often affects US or British nationals. Many of these individuals would, in principle, be entitled to an EU Blue Card from the outset . The reason for this detour is rarely a lack of qualifications, but rather the practicalities

Imagine you've done everything by the book. You've submitted your application for an extension of your residence permit. Applications submitted months in advance , all documents uploaded, and fees paid. The day of an important trip abroad is approaching, your work permit renewal is pending, or a family emergency back home forces you to act, and all you have is an acknowledgment of receipt . But no matter how often you contact the Berlin Immigration Office, you simply

The situation in Magdeburg illustrates how much the processing of naturalization applications can vary from city to city. According to the Magdeburg city administration, as of September 30, 2025, 2,130 applications from the years 2021 to 2025 remained completely unprocessed , while 244 applications were being processed, but progress was minimal. This came to light during a court case before the Higher Administrative Court (OVG) in Magdeburg: An application submitted as ea

Anyone applying for a visa to Germany today will no longer find an available appointment at many German embassies and consulates, but rather a bureaucratic construct known as a waiting list . What at first glance appears to be an orderly procedure for managing high application volumes often proves, upon closer legal examination, to be a capitulation by the state to its own administrative responsibilities. From our daily practice as a law firm, we know that these lists are

In German administrative practice, applicants from certain countries of origin repeatedly encounter an invisible barrier. Despite complete documentation, the standard argument of the authorities is often: "Lack of willingness to return due to migration pressure in the country of origin." The same argument is frequently repeated in court by the Federal Foreign Office (Department 509) when appeals are filed against rejection notices under Schengen law or for temporary r

For citizens of privileged countries, Section 41 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) has for years allowed them to enter Germany visa-free and apply for numerous residence permits directly within the country . This procedure also applied for a long time to the former job-seeker visa, which has since been replaced by the "Opportunity Card ." While the job-seeker visa could be easily applied for at the immigration office after visa-free entry, the legislature del

Imagine you've done everything right. You've lived in Germany for years, pay taxes, are integrated, and submitted your application for naturalization or a permanent residence permit long ago. But instead of a certificate or a residence permit, you receive: nothing . No letter, no phone call, just the deafening silence of an overburdened bureaucracy . In Stuttgart and many other German cities, this isn't just a fear, but a bitter reality. It becomes particularly dire w

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

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