Relocation to Germany (the process of moving from Israel to Germany and settling there) is an exciting step that begins with preparing documents and certificates to support the immigration application to Germany. In order for the relocation process to begin and end successfully, the documents and certificates must be translated into German, notarially certified, and carry an apostille — all before the documents are submitted to the employer or to the German embassy.

But before we dive into the details, it is important for me to note that obtaining a visa for Germany is a formal process managed by the embassies and government authorities. This is not my main area of expertise, and any questions should be directed to the German embassy in Israel or to a lawyer specializing in obtaining a visa for Germany.

Checking Eligibility for Relocation to Germany

Before you start looking for your grandmother’s birth certificate or searching for roommates in Berlin, it’s important to understand the reason for the relocation. Today, an application can be submitted for several reasons:

• Job seeker visa
• Work visa for employees with an employment contract
• Specialist visa for skilled professionals
• Student visa
• Visa for family reunification
• And more

Which Documents Need to Be Attached to a Relocation Application for Germany?

When submitting a relocation application for Germany, the following documents, among others, must be attached:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Educational certificates
• Proof of income or employment contract
• Police certificate of good conduct
• Additional documents depending on the nature of the application

These documents must be translated into German and certified by a German-speaking notary.

Why Is a Notarized German Translation Required?

There is a big difference between translating documents with the help of a translation company, translation using dedicated software such as Google Translate, and a notarized German translation. This is because only a German-speaking notary can issue a notarial certification of the accuracy of such a translation, to which an apostille certificate can be attached, giving the notarized translation recognition and legal validity in Germany.

In addition, a German-speaking notary has a major advantage, as they are well versed in legal terminology, know how to translate the document into the local language, and reduce the risk of misinterpretation of the documents and certificates.

The Documents Have Been Submitted, Now You Have to Wait — How Does the Application Approval Process Work?

After the documents are submitted, an administrative review begins, consisting of several stages:

1. Receiving confirmation of document submission — the embassy, consulate, or immigration authority will notify the applicant that their documents have been received and will provide a receipt confirmation including a case number. It is very important to keep this confirmation in order to later receive information on the progress of the process.
2. Formal review of the documents — the immigration officer will check whether all required documents are present, whether they are all signed and certified, and whether they have undergone the required notarized apostille translation.
3. Request to complete missing information — if, during the formal review, missing or unclear information is found, the immigration officer will send a request to complete the details. For example, if a German translation of the marriage certificate is missing, a translated and notarially certified copy will need to be sent to the immigration officer. Until the document arrives, handling of the relocation application will be suspended.
4. Interview or biometric appointment — in certain cases, the applicant may be asked to attend a meeting at the embassy or a meeting at the consulate. They may be required to undergo a short interview, provide fingerprints, be photographed, undergo verification of original documents, or take part in any other action that helps verify their identity or confirm their application.
5. Additional checks by the authorities in Germany — in cases where the application is submitted due to a study visa or work visa, there may be additional checks for the purpose of recognizing educational and professional certificates.
6. Decision — after the document review is complete and the applicant’s identity has been verified, a decision will be made on whether to approve or reject the relocation application. In the event of a rejection, a lawyer specializing in the field can initiate an inquiry into the reason for the rejection or even file an appeal to overturn the decision.
7. Issuance of the visa — after the application is approved, an entry and residence visa for Germany is issued.

Obtaining Permits After Landing in Germany

It is important to know that the visa you are granted will allow you to enter Germany, live, and work there. But the process does not end there. After the move, two important steps must be taken.

The first step is to go to the city hall (Bürgeramt) and register as a resident of the city, in a process called Anmeldung. You must update your residential address and the number of people in the household. This registration will allow you to open a bank account, enroll your children in the education system, purchase a car, and more.

The second step is to obtain a “residence permit for foreigners” called Aufenthaltstitel. This document includes your name, photo, the validity of the visa, and more.

In Summary

Relocation to Germany is an exciting step, but it involves complex bureaucracy that includes submitting documents, notarized translations, and apostille certificates. Consulting with a lawyer specializing in the field and getting help from a German-speaking notary will allow you to submit your relocation application to Germany professionally, using the correct language and terminology, so that the handling of your application will be short, efficient, and free of unnecessary delays.

The above is general information and does not constitute a substitute for individual legal advice.

For further questions, you may contact attorney and German-speaking notary Alon Sposhnik info@sr-lawoffice.co.il or by phone at 0722502512.