General VISA- for Residing and Working In Germany
(Keywords Highlighted in Red.. Skim through)
People staying in Germany more than 3 months should possess a residence permit(Aufenthaltserlaub-nis) , with two type of visa. You can enquire and apply for german visa at the local Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office).
The rules to abide by and the requirements to be fulfilled to get a residence permit(Visa) vary between countries and according to your status. You'll certainly need admission letter or job confirmation certificate, a valid passport, financial proof and proof that you booked a living room for stay. Other things you may need include marriage proof, personal health insurance. One person can handle the work of the residence permit for their entire family. Once the documents have been scrutinized by immigration authorities, the permit is approved and an appropriate stamp is printed in the individual's passport.
If you like to stay in Germany for several months you should have a registration certificate (Register the address at Rathaus nearby, Where you live) (Meldeschein). You can get it at the Rathaus Office (Einwohnermeldeamt). It's often located at a nearby police station. You can register by filling the form(which is in german!), along with copies of your important documents. The registration is free of charge. If you change your place of stay within Germany, whether you move next door or to other country, you must report the change of address to the Rathaus at both old and new place of residence. This isn't an action directed at foreigners. Germans, too, must keep the police posted when they move.
The two types of residence permits are limited and unlimited. Persons with limited permits must leave the country after the period, but they can apply for an visa extension. People from EU countries have some advantages.
# Watch out Point #: Always Stick to given procedure, when its VISA! Perfection !
If you are from non-EU country, you will need a work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis). Unemployment is very high in Germany and they don't want foreigners competing for those limited jobs. If you possess some critical skills your chances of achieving a work permit are increased. Germany's immigration laws are focused to make the country attractive to the highly qualified individuals.
Even if the applicant don't have critical skills there are certain cases under which a non-EU citizen is allowed to seek work. The work permits issued to non-Germans are handled by the Ausländerbehörde, the same office that issued your residence permit. To get the permit you will need a Meldebescheinigung, an Auftenthaltserlaubnis and a certificate from your employer. A work permit issued for also includes the duration of the residence and must be renewed before it expires. Work permits are for a particular jobs, not general employments. If you change the type of job, you should apply for a new work permit.
You're not truly living in Germany until the paperwork's done. This was a quick primer on exactly what you'll need.