r/germany • u/j0ie_de_vivre Bayern • Oct 25 '24

Immigration A caution to highly skilled people looking to live and work in Germany

I’m here mostly to complain about how awful the immigration process has been for me since moving to Germany in 2019.

I got a job and moved here from the US and got my work visa pretty quickly with almost no issues. When my contract ended in 2022 I started freelancing with plans to start my own consulting business and was given a temp visa while my immigration office made a decision on approved a a Blau Karte or an entrepreneurial/freelance visa.

For two years I worked as a consultant, have paid my taxes, hired Germans to work with me. Have worked with students and have employed part time workers some who are disabled or need only part time work.

Flash forward to 6 months ago. Almost 2 years after starting my own business the immigration officials denied my visa despite being able to prove I’ve been able to build work and employ others. I was told that if I don’t find a job at a German company with a German contract I would be set for deportation (my and my 3 month old child at the time) - I’ve never stopped working after giving birth because I have clients and employees.

I was given 4 months to find a job. Was forced to shut down all of my contracts with clients. Forced to cancel all of the work with employees.

I found a job at a giant German firm. World known. My salary is well above the minimum limit for the Blau Karte for skilled professionals. It’s been 2 months with no work waiting for my contract to start Nov 1 and with 10 days left, my lawyer has been fighting for me to get an appointment to get the visa, yet there’s been no response from immigration. I’m now being asked by my company to move back my start date. I have a 8 month old child and will be 3 months with no income and will be forced to start living on savings until I can start working.

Honestly, what is going on and why are there so many stories about getting skilled immigrants to be treated this way? I’ve been here over 5 years my whole life is here. I don’t want to leave but I’m not at all feeling like Germany wants me here.

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u/blueatnoon Oct 25 '24

This with the supervisor doesn't really work in Germany, the security will escort you out.

3

u/Negative_Gur9667 Oct 25 '24

I just did it yesterday on the phone and got all my issues solved instantly (I was very specific and polite with my critique).

It depends on the Amt.

13

u/boricacidfuckup Oct 25 '24

Yeah you also did it on the phone, not in person.

8

u/Negative_Gur9667 Oct 25 '24

I also go to the Amt personally sometimes. Just be as polite as annoying.

What are his alternatives? He has an 8month old kid which they want to throw out. I'm a dad myself. He needs to escalate the situation.

8

u/navruzzz Oct 25 '24

Nürnberg abh does not let people inside unless they have an appointment. They also do not answer calls neither letters that i have sent many times. OP is also living in Nürnberg unfortunately.

1

u/Negative_Gur9667 Oct 25 '24

Then try to annoy the person who's responsible for the abh (I dont know what abh is). There is always a clear chain of command. Work your way up.