Ways to Germany and daily life.

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Come to Germany and look for a job here.

• Lets you stay in Germany for up to one year to look for a job.
• Two ways in: directly, if your degree or vocational training is fully recognised in Germany; otherwise through a points system (at least 6 points).
• Basic requirement for the points system: at least two years of state-recognised vocational training or a university degree from your country, plus German at A1 or English at B2.
• Points come from things like language level, work experience, age, previous ties to Germany and partial recognition.
• You must show that you can support yourself during your stay (for example with a blocked account).
• While you search, you may work up to 20 hours a week and do trial work.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

EU Blue Card

For university graduates with a job offer.

• You need a university degree that is recognised or comparable in Germany, and a qualified job offer in Germany.
• IT specialists with enough professional experience can apply without a degree.
• There is a minimum gross salary. It is updated every year and is lower for shortage occupations.
• Your spouse and children can come with you; your spouse does not need to know German.
• Depending on the conditions, it can lead to permanent residence faster.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

Skilled worker visa

For people whose training or degree is recognised.

• If your vocational training or degree is recognised in Germany, you can get a work visa with a job offer.
• The official recognition portal tells you which authority is responsible for your recognition (Anerkennung).
• There is also an experience route: with state-recognised training from your country, at least two years of experience and a salary requirement, you may be able to work without recognition in Germany.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

Vocational training (Ausbildung)

Learn a profession in Germany and get paid while you train.

• An Ausbildung is paid training, partly at school and partly at a company, usually 2 to 3.5 years.
• Once you have a training contract with a company, you can apply for the visa.
• Most companies expect good German, often around B1.
• After you finish, you can stay and work in Germany.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

University and student visa

For people who want to study in Germany.

• You need an admission and proof that you can cover your living costs; most people use a blocked account.
• You apply directly to the university or through uni-assist.
• You may work while you study, within legal limits.
• After you graduate, you can extend your residence to look for a job in Germany.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

Family reunification

Join your spouse or family in Germany.

• The spouse and minor children of someone with a German residence permit can join them if the conditions are met.
• Usually there must be enough living space and enough income.
• In most cases the spouse needs basic German (A1); there are exceptions, for example with the EU Blue Card.
• You apply at the German mission in Türkiye.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

Registering your address (Anmeldung)

Your first official step in Germany.

• After you move into a flat, you must register your address at the Bürgeramt within two weeks.
• You need a signed confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
• In most cities you book the appointment online; try to book early.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

Your employer will ask for it.

• It arrives by post a few weeks after you register your address.
• If you lose it, you can request it again from the Federal Central Tax Office.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

Health insurance

Mandatory for everyone in Germany.

• Health insurance is mandatory in Germany and is checked in visa applications.
• Most employees have public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung); above a certain income, private insurance is possible.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

German and integration courses

Language opens every door in Germany.

• The BAMF integration course combines German lessons and an orientation course about life in Germany.
• For some people it is mandatory; many people can get help with the cost.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

Finding a flat

In big cities it takes patience.

• Landlords usually ask for proof of income and a SCHUFA (credit history) report.
• By law, the deposit (Kaution) can be at most three months' rent without utilities.
• Be careful with ads that ask for money before a viewing: it's a common scam.

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.

Bank account

For salary, rent and contracts.

• You will need a German (or EU) bank account for your salary and rent.
• Everyone has the right to open a basic bank account (Basiskonto).

Rules can change. Check the official page and the German mission before you apply.