Germany

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RELOCATION
8
Residence Permits
continued from page 7
arrival in Germany to apply for a residence
permit, so there is some scope for
organising for the bureaucratic joys
ahead.
As a step towards making the process
more user-friendly, many
Ausländerbehörden and
Landeseinwohnerämter are making use of
the internet.
In addition to setting out general information
about their services, the offices
offer key forms online for downloading
and filling out in advance.
The easiest way to find your local
Ausländerbehörde is to look up your
city's official website and find the
Landeseinwohneramt.
When you get to the building, look out
for the 'Abteilung
Ausländerangelegenheiten' (department
for foreigners' matters).
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
� Passport
� Two passport photos
� Evidence of purpose of stay - for example,
employment contract or university
enrolment record
� Evidence of support - for example,
employment contract, university enrolment
record, evidence of earnings or
bank statement
� Evidence of health insurance (if not
provided by your employer)
� Polizeiliche Anmeldebestätigung
WHAT IT COSTS
Before you make the journey to the local
Ausländerbehörde, it is worth your while
to ring up first and check on the latest
details.
Usually someone will ask you which
country you come from and you will be
switched through to the appropriate
office.
You should check on the current costs
and opening times. It's also advisable to
go through the list of things you will
need for the Aufenthaltsgenehmigung. In
some circumstances you can even make
an appointment. For citizens from non-
EU countries it will cost about EUR 50 for
the first application and EUR 30 for each
extension. An unlimited residence permit
('unbefristete Aufenthaltserlaubnis') costs
about EUR 85.
HOW LONG IS IT VALID?
An Aufenthaltserlaubnis is usually granted
for two years; this can vary depending
on nationality.
A provisional permit, valid for up to
three months, can be granted while you
arrange paperwork (health insurance and
employment documents). After five years
you can apply for an unlimited residence
permit.
Note also that under the general heading
of Aufenthaltserlaubnis or
Aufenthaltsgenehmigung there are several
subcategories. One is the
Aufenthaltsbewilligung, for non-EU
members staying in Germany for a limited
period.
There are also the Aufenthaltsbefugnis,
for refugees, and the
Aufenthaltsberechtigung, a permanent
permit for non-EU citizens.
Expatica: Excellent news and analysis aimed at the
English-speaking community - The Guardian
GERMANY EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE WWW.EXPATICA.COM