Top rated Berlin based relocation service, founded to help with all aspects of moving to Germany from the USA. Our relocation team guides your through the process of getting a German visa, residency permit, finding an apartment, registering with local authorities, transferring your driving license and more.
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Disclaimer: Expats In Wonderland GmbH do not offer legal advice as defined in the out-of-court legal services act (Rechtsdienstleistungsgesetz, RDG). For any legal advice we are proud to partner with a trusted German law firm.
US citizens have access to all visa types, and are fortunate to be on the list of "preferred countries", giving preferential access to the German labour market for both employees, self-employed, freelancers, their immediate families and those looking to study or conduct research.
Moving to Germany from the USA starts with the support of our relocation team, connecting for a 20 minute call to discuss your goals and timeline so that together we can support your journey to your new beginning living in Germany as an American expat.
Usually after entering Germany on your SCHENGEN zone 90 days tourist visa, you will apply for a residency permit from Germany (although in some cases dealing with the German embassy in the USA can be advantageous - although not a requirement). Choosing the right residency permit for you is a key decision to your successful integration into the German system, and despite the national reputation for "German efficiency", it sometimes feels like the economic powerhouse of Europe is using it's expertise to manufacture red tape.
However, despite the bureaucracy, living in Germany as an American is a great option for those interested in a vibrant, artistic, entrepreneurial and multi-cultural society, steeped in history, deeply hospitable to US citizens.
Whatever your intent, we are here to support you with your move to Germany from the USA, and guide you through the visa process and beyond. Here are a few of the common visa types for US citizens moving to Germany.
While US citizens are allowed to apply for a residency permit directly from Berlin or elsewhere, there are cases in which applicants benefit from securing an entry visa from the embassy in the USA. Particularly in matters of employment, in which a quick start is demanded by the employer, applying from the German Embassy in the US can allow you to start working in Germany immediately upon arrival.
Depending on the job offer you have you could qualify for a German employment visa or Blue Card. Your eligibility depends on multiple factors ranging from recognition of higher education qualifications to agreed hours and salary. We work closely with both employer and employee to secure the visa quickly and efficiently working via Berlin's Business Immigration Service for fast processing.
American freelancers and artists can get our help applying for a German freelance visa in Berlin (a sub-type of the freelance visa). We are Berlin's top rated relocation service working with artists and freelancers, guiding you through the visa process as well as interpreting the complex systems of health insurance, artist subsidies (KSK) and more. Book an appointment to speak to us about the freelance visa for US citizens in Germany.
It’s no secret that Berlin is one of the world’s favourite cities for international artists, musicians, DJs, writers and many of those come here from the USA's vibrant cultural scene. Together with our legal partners, we’ll help you to get setup as an artist to move to Berlin (or elsewhere in Germany) getting established as a freelance artist and understanding your path to a German visa and ultimately permanent residency.
Want to move with family to Germany? Family reunification allows legal spouses, children and in some cases parents to relocate to Germany together. We help you relocate the whole family, not only navigating the family reunification and other visa processes, but also helping you to find temporary housing, guidance on schools and kindergartens, as well as cultural integration tips for new arrivals. As the company founders, we ourselves are parents and expats!
Already living in Germany as an American expat? Is your visa is coming to an end? Maybe you are ready to apply for permanent residency, or want to change your job? Together with our partnered lawyers we guide you through the renewal of your German visa, or guide you through the permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis) process.
Till is experienced in all matters of civil law, is a fully licensed German lawyer, and is a fluent English speaker, as well as his native German. He's experienced in helping those moving to Germany from the USA, helping expats to navigate the German legal system, with everything from residency permits through to company formation, family law, fraud, rental law and more. He is available for legal consultations and are our trusted legal partner for the visa package.
Moving to Germany from the USA is a more streamlined immigration process than for nationals of most countries, thanks to close ties and an intwined history with Germany. That said, Americans soon discover that dealing with the local authorities is bureaucratic, often confusing and occasionally nearly impossible! Our relocation team have helped thousands of Americans move to Germany and help you to navigate the full process from residency permit to settling into your home.
Understand the different visa types available for US citizens, plus the path to permanent residency or the reformed citizenship laws allowing dual citizens.
The German visa process is filled with idiosyncrasies, with various tips and tricks to speed things along in the right direction. Not to mention that the whole process is usually carried out exclusively auf Deutsch! Our team are here to help as your guide, emotional support and translator throughout the process, attending appointments with you in person, helping with form filling, document preparation and much more.
Tried to book an appointment at the immigration office in Berlin but there are no available appointments? You are not alone. Whether the appointment system is simply not working or being perpetually hacked, the result is the same... No appointments. This is the introduction that most Americans moving to Berlin face, falling at the first hurdle of the visa process (with more to follow!). Not to fear, together we'll secure your appointment in a reasonable time frame.
Book your consultation meeting today and get your relocation underway now.
