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 labour market may...

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 travel insurance,...

Germany is facing renewed criticism from the European Union after reintroducing and extending temporary border controls at internal EU and Schengen borders, which is considered to be unconventional within the passport-free Schengen Area. Magnus Brunner, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, has appealed to the German government  to cease these border control checks. If you’re an expat or visa holder who frequently travels within Europe, you’ll need to be aware of how these border checks will...