German immigration without job offer???

[dirkschlafzimmer]

I am planning on going to Berlin to work on a film project and work as a freelance English proofreader and teacher. Is it possible to get a residency permit, as a US citizen, beyond the 3 month Visa in the "Selbstandig" work category where you don't pay into the Social Security program. I have been sending resumes to companies in my current field of software sales but none will give me an invitation to work or hire me without an EU work permit. I would ultimately like to permanently relocate to Germany. Any information or advice?

Thanks,

Dirk

[ssamo]

ive got the same prob. Im German and would like to live and work in the States, but the law is so strict and most of the employers dont wanne sponsor visa.

Greetings Simone

[sakura]

Do either of you speak German? If not, it'll be hella difficult, and I don't blame the employers not wanting to sponsor you, because the paperwork alone requires a good command of German (so Wanderer says!).

Some fields might not be in such demand for a work permit. For example, sales - they might have enough interest from EU workers, which is why they don't want to sponsor someone.

dirkschlafzimmer - do you have a legal right to work as a freelance teacher whilst in Germany? If you wil be accepting money for a service, you need a working visa. (just checking).

Have either of you looked through the immigration rules and possible programmes for migration?

[Administrator]

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I believe that ssamo is from Germany and wishes to work in the U.S. ...

Anyway.

To answer the first question from dirk:

Generally: No.

Germany has recently "relaxed" its visa requirements a bit .. but they are still rather draconian by most standards.

People need not just a job offer, but an actual job contract with a sponsoring company, for something like €85,000 annual salary. It is not "fair," as about 95% or Germans don't meet that requirement.

Germany scraps plans to entice highly skilled workers
http://www.workpermit.com/news/2006_10_ ... rapped.htm


There is some info here on recent changes:

German parliament passes new immigration legislation
http://www.workpermit.com/news/2007-06- ... eforms.htm

Working as an "Independent" would require that you are working for another company or are self-employed and you will then need to jump through some pretty thorough hoops to prove you are self-sufficient (big bank statements, etc.) and that the projects you are working on cannot be done by 1) a German citizen/resident &/or 2) an EU/EEA citizen.

This is not to say it cannot be done .. merely that you really need to plan and prove that you can do it. Like, really, REALLY. Substantive proof that your project is of some essential value to Germany, etc.

Germany is one of the most difficult countries to get a work permit & residence visa in.

Yes, fluency in German is pretty much a requirement, in addition.


And, ssamo, if you have a private business, you can get a business visa into the U.S. if you can demonstrate that your business activities are legit & necessary in the U.S.

the Admin

[sakura]

.

I believe that ssamo is from Germany and wishes to work in the U.S. ...
the Admin

Haha! I didn't see that, I just saw Germany and thought he wanted to move there too! Thanks for the heads up!

[ssamo]

Thanx you both,

and Yes I am German and Yes I would love to move to the States

I do not have a own business, and even if....believe me, its more than difficult. Meanwhile I know the laws and rules very well, cause I ve been trying for years to move to the U.S.

I think that U.S. laws are more strict than the German law.

Well, hope we all find our way. But good to know I am not the only one with those kind of probs.

Greetings
S.

[Dawie]

I am planning on going to Berlin to work on a film project and work as a freelance English proofreader and teacher. Is it possible to get a residency permit, as a US citizen, beyond the 3 month Visa in the "Selbstandig" work category where you don't pay into the Social Security program. I have been sending resumes to companies in my current field of software sales but none will give me an invitation to work or hire me without an EU work permit. I would ultimately like to permanently relocate to Germany. Any information or advice?

Thanks,

Dirk

Aaaah, the mysterious "EU work permit" that recruiters and others in the employment industry like to refer to. There is no such thing as an "EU work permit".

[Administrator]

.

Aaaah, the mysterious "EU work permit" that recruiters and others in the employment industry like to refer to. There is no such thing as an "EU work permit".

Yet.

Some very interesting discussions will begin this fall about the so-called "blue card" for the EU. No telling for sure yet if it will die or take life.

But, yes, as of today and for the immediately foreseeable future, no such 'EU work permit' or 'EU blue card' exist.

Personally. I hope one will be agreed upon within two years or so. I'd really like to take advantage.

However, setting up your private business in the EU does give numerous opportunities. If you own & are employed in your own EU-based company, there are many treaty agreements that allow you to conduct business across borders.

It's complex, so careful study and careful selection of the 'base country' and the business activities of the company are essential. But, I get by all right.

the Admin