COMPLETE GERMAN RESIDENCY GUIDE: How to Get German Retirement Visa for Residency

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  • Опубліковано 3 гру 2024

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  • @travelingexpats
    @travelingexpats  17 днів тому +8

    If you’re looking for a new country to reside in for the next 4 years or so, maybe you should consider Germany. Germany has a lot to offer foreigners who are looking to relocate to another country. Here we explain the type of residency permits that Germany offers and what you need in order to apply for one.

    • @paulmarshall7328
      @paulmarshall7328 17 днів тому

      @@travelingexpats any information regarding the context of my previous comment?

    • @mogon721
      @mogon721 16 днів тому +1

      Seems like you escaped just in time. Every new day seems to be more shocking now than the day before...

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  16 днів тому

      @@mogon721 I hope everything will be fine. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

  • @marcuspayne9744
    @marcuspayne9744 16 днів тому +7

    I lived as a Citizen with my now ex german wife in Timmenforfer Strand near Lübeck for 3 years before coming back to the states. I went through the whole process of living there and was a positive experience. All together from time in the military and vacationed over there and living there about 7 years. Love the country, people, food, bier, and culture!

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  15 днів тому

      @@marcuspayne9744 It’s a special place for sure. We first arrived here with the military as well. We really enjoyed it here and wanted to see what life was like without support from the U.S. - we still love it. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  15 днів тому +1

      @@marcuspayne9744 Lübeck is beautiful by the way.

    • @marcuspayne9744
      @marcuspayne9744 15 днів тому +1

      @@travelingexpats spent lots of time in Lübeck shopping and Christmas markets. Also went there at Berlitz Language School for my B1 level in German. We had a place in nearby Bad Schwartau.

  • @MokaandChai
    @MokaandChai День тому

    Binge watching back all these latest videos 😊😊 this was a lovely one. Learning more through you. I’ve been missing homeland but Europe overall gives me what I want and travel through to many countries all nearby each other.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  7 годин тому

      @@MokaandChai There are many benefits to living in Europe that’s for sure. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. We’re excited that you enjoyed our video.

  • @Esperantisto
    @Esperantisto 14 днів тому +5

    If you are 55 or over, you can't go on the public insurance in germany if you weren't already on it (with very few exceptions).

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому

      @@Esperantisto Great information. Thanks for sharing.

    • @1974lilli
      @1974lilli 14 днів тому

      Kinda sorta. As far as I know, if you don't have any health insurance and start a job, then you can. But if you have a health insurance (private), then you are right, it is almost impossible to change.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому

      @ Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

    • @Esperantisto
      @Esperantisto 14 днів тому

      @@1974lilli Even those just starting a job have to go private after 55.

    • @tashiaderrer9004
      @tashiaderrer9004 13 днів тому +1

      What if you become a citizen over 55, can you go on it then?

  • @andaunterwegs840
    @andaunterwegs840 13 днів тому

    Welcome in Germany!
    Good to have you here.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      @@andaunterwegs840 Thank you! It’s nice to be here. Thanks for watching.

  • @MagnificentGermanywithDarion
    @MagnificentGermanywithDarion 4 дні тому

    There is a lot of hurry-up and wait for sure. :). Thanks for the valuable information. Planning for the "DREAM". PS- I love your fireplace. My family and I used a similar fireplace at an Air BNB, and we loved it. :).

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  4 дні тому

      @@MagnificentGermanywithDarion The fireplace is great. It really warms things up quickly and stays warm for a long time. Best of luck with your process, I hope your dreams come true. Thanks for watching!

    • @MagnificentGermanywithDarion
      @MagnificentGermanywithDarion 4 дні тому

      @@travelingexpats Hello, Thanks so much, and keep enjoying your fireplace. :). I love your videos !!!!!!! :)

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  4 дні тому

      @ Thank you!

  • @sacroyalty
    @sacroyalty 14 днів тому +4

    Thanks for the video! We planned to leave USA for Germany due to recent events as you called it (hint, the election and general trend of the country) however I couldn’t land a job so we’re starting in another country in Feb 2025* then will hopefully come to Germany on a chancenkarte or wait until I can get a job.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому +1

      @@sacroyalty Good luck to you, I hope you make it to Germany. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

  • @APRWorldTravel
    @APRWorldTravel 14 днів тому

    Very interesting information...thought-provoking ❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @peterz53
    @peterz53 5 днів тому

    Yes to your question. I was born in a small village about an hour SW of Munich a long time ago. On SS now (widower) and in decent health. Also have some savings and a home I will sell so I can support myself. My mother immigrated to US and drug me along when I was very young and I eventually became naturalized in US at 9 yo. It's not clear that I ever lost citizenship as I was a minor when naturalized. She deliberately stopped speaking German around me so I quickly lost the little German I had. Anyhow just stated looking into getting dual citizenship with the German embassy here in Florida but don't know how that will work out as my situations seems a bit abnormal. Thanks for the information. Good channel!

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  5 днів тому

      @@peterz53 Thanks for watching and sharing your story. Good luck with your efforts to get your citizenship or hopefully find out that you are still a citizen. I hope you get a good answer soon.

  • @margaretsimmons7143
    @margaretsimmons7143 16 днів тому

    Great information!

  • @erbrock1
    @erbrock1 13 днів тому +1

    Excellent video. Thank you for putting that together. One question: if applying from a foreign country (the US in my case) how do you address the accommodation requirement? Do we somehow sign a lease while outside of Germany? Thanks again.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      @@erbrock1 @@erbrock1

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      Thank you for watching and commenting! If you’re applying from outside of Germany, I recommend reaching out to the German embassy or consulate in your area for guidance-they can provide accurate and specific information based on your situation.
      Additionally, you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, which gives you some time to look for a place after you arrive, as long as you can afford temporary accommodations or have friends or family to stay with.
      Best of luck with your plans!

    • @erbrock1
      @erbrock1 13 днів тому

      @@travelingexpats Thank you.

  • @garrett7101
    @garrett7101 16 днів тому +1

    Do you have the link for the form you're talking about (where you were able to choose other)? Thanks I've heard different things about being able to retire in Germany. Mostly that you can't. I'll be watching for your follow up video and hope you get approved.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  16 днів тому

      @@garrett7101 Here is the link for the form in our „Kreis“ or county that we are applying in. The forms may differ slightly depending upon what area you would like to reside. Generally if you type in the city/county that you are interested in establishing residency along with the word „Ausländerbehörde“ it will take you to the site for information in that area, often times there is an option for English. I hope this helps, thanks for watching.
      www.landkreis-kusel.de/buergerservice-und-verwaltung/themen/auslaenderwesen/auslaenderrecht/antragsformular-aufenthaltstitel-neu.pdf?cid=987

  • @ribaldc3998
    @ribaldc3998 13 днів тому

    In a small town in Sauerland/NRW, it took 5 minutes to register 😁

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      @@ribaldc3998 Seems like our Burgeramts are very similar.

  • @hermes667
    @hermes667 14 днів тому +1

    I agree but keep in mind that the weather could be depressing sometimes. The winters are cold and wet, don´t expect a winter wonderland anymore. Those times are in the past due to climate change.
    Also buying a house is expensive as most are brick-and-mortar. Sturdy build, but expensive.
    Germany mentality looks cold an rude to foreigners. They are not that way, but it might look like this. People here look at you a bit longer than in some other countries which is sometimes interpreted as starring, the language is difficult to learn and has some of is guttural tones sound awkward to those not used to it. Also people are a lot more to the point. The do less of the nice talk around and just say what they want.
    So if you want to travell or life in Germany, keep that in mind. May look rude but is not meant that way.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому +1

      @@hermes667 Excellent points! Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.

  • @Why-D
    @Why-D 14 днів тому +1

    I had a view on all types of visa, but not from the point of view or a pensioner.
    It will not be easy to get into public health insurance if you are older than 55.
    Nice overview!

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому +1

      @@Why-D Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. We aren’t quite 55 yet, but we don’t want back into public health insurance. We’re happy with the coverage provided by our private insurance.

    • @Why-D
      @Why-D 13 днів тому

      @@travelingexpats that is great, when you are happy. If someone would start after 55 or as a pensioner over 60, they had to have a private one.
      The advantage with public health insurance is, you pay as long as you get a salary.
      When you don't get a salary due to unemployment or retirement, you are still insured, but you don't pay anymore.
      But that was more of a general information for future watcher than for you, as you are fine with your insurance.
      See you next time!

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому +1

      @ Great Information ! Thank You.

  • @hopoutside
    @hopoutside 16 днів тому

    Thanks! Did you purchase your home prior to starting the application, or rent first & then change addresses?

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  15 днів тому +2

      @@hopoutside We rented for a few years before we bought our house. Thanks for watching!

  • @ricksworlddereaux2397
    @ricksworlddereaux2397 13 днів тому

    Important letters you ship only..with signature and trackingnumber....its called EINSCHREIBEN...cost 4€ a big letter....

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      @@ricksworlddereaux2397 Thanks for the information!

  • @SpockvsMcCoy
    @SpockvsMcCoy 14 днів тому +2

    Good overall explanation... but there are a few more points that should be discussed. For instance, does Medicare satisfy Germany's requirement for health insurance? Also, does a U.S. passport allow 90 days of travel within Germany in a 6 month period? A German residency requires passing a B1 oral/written examination... equivalent to a U.S. 10th Grade/High School Sophomore English. German citizenship requires at least passing a B2 oral/written examination... equivalent to a U.S. high school graduate. With regards to cost of living in Germany, the big cities are much more expensive than the rural areas. And the former communist German states (except Berlin) are much cheaper to live in than the western part of Germany. But apartments and houses are smaller compared to the average size in the U.S., with a two-story 1,000 sq ft residence and one-car garage being a common size for a middle class house. My goal is to first purchase a vacation home in a small German town or village in one of the eastern German states. Eventually, I wish to retire in Germany but my language skills need to be improved. 😊

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому +1

      @@SpockvsMcCoy I believe that Medicare doesn’t pay for coverage outside of the U.S., but I’m not really sure. I think that individual health insurance coverage is something that each individual should research based upon their personal circumstances. A US passport does allow for 90 days of travel within the Schengen zone, which includes Germany. The Schengen zone is a topic for an entire show.
      Regarding language proficiency, I can only speak from my own experience: I went through this process several years ago for my work visa, and now again for my retirement visa, and I haven’t been required to prove language proficiency either time. BUT- I wouldn’t consider applying for residency here if I didn’t have a solid foundation in the language. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

    • @boink800
      @boink800 13 днів тому +1

      For Germany, you would need to obtain German health insurance from one of the German health insurance "providers" (and not companies -- Krankenkasse in German).

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому +1

      @@boink800 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

    • @jugendamthamburg-ggkonform381
      @jugendamthamburg-ggkonform381 10 днів тому

      These days the German government seems to care most about a person having a stable income than it does language skills. B1 is much easier than 10th grade English. It's just daily conversation vocabulary and the declension grammar rules. Citizenship does NOT require B2 . Medicare is not going to work in Germany for proof of medical coverage for someone living here. Best for most older folks in Germany is to join the national public insurance. You wait longer for doctors and can't get some treat ment you want paid for but the private health insurance is for many retirees too expensive. Perhaps there is some insurance for the US that covers s.o. who is living and not just visiting Germany but I can't at this time name one.

  • @1974lilli
    @1974lilli 14 днів тому

    You need to do a lot more research on health insurance. In Germany there are two kinds of health insurance: public and private. You want always to be in the public, because then you pay certain percentage of your income for it. For private you pay certain rates and even if your income drops drastically you still pay fixed rates. In USA there is a legend, that in Germany you can't be ruined by health costs. You absolutely can, if you are in a private health insurance. And it is basically impossible to change from the private into public.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому

      @@1974lilli Yes. I have had public health insurance and now I have private health insurance in Germany and I know how the system works. This information was primarily focused on individuals who want to come to Germany for retirement and will not be enrolled into Public health insurance, most are already too old for public health insurance. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

  • @ladeutschevitabyGraziaCosta
    @ladeutschevitabyGraziaCosta 14 днів тому

    Interesting. With all due respect, when I retire in Germany, I want to move elsewhere. It’s a beautiful country, but I find it too sad also. For those coming to Germany, enjoy your time 🎉❤

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому

      @@ladeutschevitabyGraziaCosta I don’t think Germany is sad at all. But I hope you have a wonderful retirement wherever you choose to settle down. Thanks for watching!

    • @hermes667
      @hermes667 14 днів тому

      The weather could be depressing sometimes.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому +1

      @ My German friends tell me that there is no bad weather only bad clothing. 😂 But I suppose it depends upon what you are accustomed to. I’ve spent many years in the Pacific Northwest of the USA and compared to that Germany seems almost tropical sometimes. Ok, perhaps that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but Germany still has nicer weather than the Pacific Northwest most of the time. Thanks for watching!

  • @se2103
    @se2103 14 днів тому

    Thanks for the info! .....ps....how much of a pain in the a** is it to buy a small house? That info might make a great video too.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому +1

      @@se2103 We haven’t thought of making a video about the home buying process - maybe we should? Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

    • @1974lilli
      @1974lilli 14 днів тому

      I live in Germany and bought one last year. It is a pain in the ass especially to make sure that you don't overpay for a moldy rat hole with serious problems. Basically you need to have due dilligence and be cool with a lot of bureaucracy.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому

      @ Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

  • @gerdaschulze2333
    @gerdaschulze2333 15 днів тому +1

    Registration of your adress is not a 'German' thing. It's necessary in all countries of the
    European Union and needed for the state (e. g. Rheinland-Pfalz), national and for the European elections. You get your election information by mail from your Bürgeramt.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  15 днів тому

      @@gerdaschulze2333 Thanks for the info. Yes, I assumed that might be the case across the EU, but I wasn’t sure as I only have experience in Germany. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

  • @Henning_Rech
    @Henning_Rech 14 днів тому

    14:35 If you apply for a US visa at the US embassy as a German, you have to - taataa! - provide your own photo. - Perhaps not so unique to Germany?

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому

      @@Henning_Rech That’s interesting. The one case, as an American, that I can think of where we have to provide our own photo for an identification is for our passports. Maybe it’s a state department thing? Every ID I’ve ever gotten in Germany, I had to provide my own photo: Health Insurance, Aufenthaltstitel, Drivers License, even my ID for my job I had to provide my own photo. Normally in the US they have some terrible camera that takes horrible photos and you never want to look at your ID picture because it’s so bad. But at least they’re free. 😂 Thanks for watching our video and taking the time to comment.

  • @BrendaNeal-qg9iw
    @BrendaNeal-qg9iw 16 днів тому

    Sounds nice, but they send me back, i don't speak there language Lol 😂 id be so lost .. ive tried to speak that language.. didn’t work Lol.. you & Betty are very smart..❤❤ thanks for explaining it... it sounds wonderful 🙋🏽‍♀️ over there... Love you're video's though 💞💞💞💞💞✨️✨️✨️✨️

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  16 днів тому +1

      @@BrendaNeal-qg9iw Thank you for watching! I’m happy you enjoyed it and I think you could learn the language really fast.

    • @BrendaNeal-qg9iw
      @BrendaNeal-qg9iw 16 днів тому +1

      @travelingexpats My daddy could speak it but I never could lol 😆 I love to hear it but don't know what any of it means Lol when you tell us how much money it cost on things can you say how much it is in English? See 😆

  • @MrMojo271
    @MrMojo271 15 днів тому +2

    Germany loves their bureaucracy, that’s why you can’t use your rental contract. I think Germany would collapse if they were told they couldn’t have paperwork.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  15 днів тому

      @@MrMojo271 They do love their paperwork. Thanks for watching!

    • @peterfischer7084
      @peterfischer7084 13 днів тому

      A lease contract is no proof of that you've living there. You could be subletting, for instance.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      @ That is an excellent point. Thanks for clarifying that for us.

    • @irminschembri8263
      @irminschembri8263 13 днів тому

      See it like this Mojo. The Internet is not 100 % safe but what you have black on white is transportable, easy to copy, might have a verifyable signature and can be carried around easily. 😁

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      @ Great points. Thank you.

  • @hikingviking859
    @hikingviking859 15 днів тому +1

    Ja, Ich moechte in Deutschland leben.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  15 днів тому

      @@hikingviking859 Ich auch! Danke für zuschauen

  • @dezafinado
    @dezafinado 14 днів тому +1

    Background check... Germany is behind the time. In the US, a felon can run for president. 😂
    Just curious, do they have a list of crimes that would disqualify an applicant? Types of felony or misdemeanor?

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому

      @@dezafinado As far as I know there is no list. But I’m really not sure. Thanks for watching.

  • @christiankastorf4836
    @christiankastorf4836 6 днів тому

    Did you (of course, you must be something between 80 to 100 years old for that now) or your descendants have to flee Germany between 1933 and 1945 to avoid persecution? In that case you can claim that your/your family's German citizenship gets restored.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  6 днів тому

      @@christiankastorf4836 That is good information, thank you for sharing. Unfortunately my ancestors arrived in the United States in the 1800s, so this would not apply to me. Thanks for watching!

    • @christiankastorf4836
      @christiankastorf4836 5 днів тому

      @@travelingexpats Thanks for your interesting channel. It is hard to beliebe but within the previous three years about 50000 Israelis have made use of that law. That does not mean that they have to settle down here, but with German nationality, colloquially called passport, they are EU-citizens and can go to each EU-country where they are welcome and find work.

  • @davidh7799
    @davidh7799 15 днів тому +1

    Das ist aber schade. I have a felony that's over twenty five years old. I guess there is never any forgiveness for a person making a mistake. What a unforgiving country. .....On reflection, I wonder how their unforgiveness squares their country's past.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  15 днів тому +1

      @@davidh7799 You can always request and explain the circumstances and unless it was a grievous offense they may grant you an exception. From my observation, modern day Germany takes great effort to recognize and address the horrific events that occurred during a 15 year period of its history. Thanks for watching!

    • @davidh7799
      @davidh7799 15 днів тому

      And by that same standard, because their offenses were especially grievous, really beyond brlief, perhaps they deserve no consideration In the international community. Let's have
      no hypocrites!

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  15 днів тому +3

      @@davidh7799 I don’t believe anyone alive in Germany today is directly guilty of crimes related to 1930-45. When cases involving individuals from that era do arise, Germany has shown a commitment to prosecuting them, as we’ve seen in recent years. It seems they’ve addressed your perceived ‘hypocritical hurdle.’ By your logic, they should prohibit entry of all Americans because of our historical crimes such as slavery and the genocide of Indigenous peoples. If we’re holding nations to historical accountability, the conversation needs to be consistent and balanced.

    • @irminschembri8263
      @irminschembri8263 13 днів тому

      @@travelingexpats Bravo dear American "expat". I have it up to here being directly or indirectly accused of the sins of our fathers and grandfathers ( and mothers) ! I have taught about the Third Reich and WW II for FORTY years, taken students to concentration camps and grew up in a DEMOCRACY which is more democratic than the country David might come from.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      @@irminschembri8263 Thank you for watching and for your comment.

  • @ricksworlddereaux2397
    @ricksworlddereaux2397 13 днів тому

    With 3000$ you can live like a king in a Castle in Germany..and it got cheap Healthcare..and any Yank will be highly respected in Germany,they still the pupetmaster and protector of Germany.😂😂

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      @@ricksworlddereaux2397 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

  • @ricksworlddereaux2397
    @ricksworlddereaux2397 13 днів тому

    Why you yanks living..in the ex sowjet Zone.😂😂ex GDR..maybe its cheaper there..??

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  13 днів тому

      @@ricksworlddereaux2397 I was offered a job there and I really liked it there. It has some really nice places and it is a bit more affordable.

  • @HopeToProsper
    @HopeToProsper 15 днів тому

    Recent events have me very positive about the future of the USA. It seems like Europe may be headed in the same direction.

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  15 днів тому +5

      @@HopeToProsper I wish I shared your enthusiasm, but I hope you’re right. Thanks for watching!

    • @helenesculpts
      @helenesculpts 15 днів тому

      Well if you are a Trump supporter, best to stay in the USA. Most Germans do not like Trump and you would get pretty lonely there.

    • @arnodobler1096
      @arnodobler1096 14 днів тому +1

      What? I hope not

    • @travelingexpats
      @travelingexpats  14 днів тому +3

      @ I don’t think you have to worry. I don’t see Europe/Germany going the same direction as the USA. I do hope that the future of the USA isn’t as bleak as I fear it may be though.

    • @Unknown-jt1jo
      @Unknown-jt1jo 13 днів тому

      Thankfully, they are not. They don't have felons running for high office, nor ones who instigated an insurrection.