last update: 02.07.2018

WORK VISA (RESIDENCE PERMIT) An appointment is necessary to lodge your application with the Embassy. Please make an appointment online here: https://service2.diplo.de/rktermin/extern/choose_realmList.do?locationCode=well&request_locale=en

General Information

New Zealand citizens are entitled to apply for a work visa (residence permit) after entering Germany at the local authority for foreigners. This also applies to citizens of Australia, , , , , The Republic of Korea and the United States of America. They may also lodge their application in person at this Embassy before entering Germany.

Citizens of EU countries, with the exception of some of the new eastern member states, are exempt from the requirement to hold a work permit. They can live and work freely anywhere in the EU provided they are able to support themselves. However, they are required to register with the appropriate local authorities after arrival.

All other citizens must apply for a residence/work permit before entering Germany keeping in mind that the processing of work visa (residence permits) may take several months.

Work Visa (Residence Permit)

All applications must be lodged in person at the Embassy. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents: • your (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months) and two copies. Only which have been issued during the past 10 years are acceptable. • two recent passport-size pictures. Biometric passport photos for Germany can be made at any Post Shop. • two completed and signed application forms (residence permit/national visa) • job offer or contract from you employer in Germany and two copies • evidence of qualifications for the intended job (plus two copies). This may include evidence of knowledge of the German language, university degree, work experience etc. • if applicable, confirmation letter from the local employment agency in Germany that work permit has been approved • fee: NZ$ 130. These fees are payable in New Zealand Dollars in cash, by cheque payable to the German Embassy or credit card. EFTPOS is not available • Visa fees are based on the current Euro exchange rate and can change frequently. Prices are updated accordingly on this info sheet • self-addressed prepaid courier envelope (if you request return by mail) • If you are travelling with your spouse and /or children, each person must apply in person and submit their own

Adresse: Post: Telefon: Telefax: eMail: 90 - 92 Hobson Street PO Box 1687 0064-4-473 60 63 0064-4-473 60 69 [email protected] Wellington Wellington New Zealand New Zealand Internet:: www.wellington.diplo.de sets of applications for family reunion (see information sheet on website)

ADDITIONALLY FOR EU-BLUE CARD ONLY: Curriculum vitae of professional career, including certificates, diplomas, etc. (2 copies) German university degree or recognised foreign degree comparable to a German degree (original plus two copies) Min. Salary of Euro 50800 annually or Min. Salary of Euro 39624 annually for doctors, scientist, mathematicians or IT-sector

Visa for Job Seekers

If you haven't got a job yet and would like to travel to Germany to look for a job, you can apply for a visa for this purpose for a duration of up to 6 months providing you have a recognised tertiary degree:

PLEASE BE AWARE, THAT YOU HAVE TO APPLY FOR THIS VISA BEFORE ENTRY INTO GERMANY.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents: • your passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months) and two copies. Only passports which have been issued during the past 10 years are acceptable. • two recent passport-size pictures. Biometric passport photos for Germany can be made at any New Zealand Post Shop. • two completed and signed application forms (residence permit) • 2 curriculum vitae of professional career, specifying the certificates, diplomas etc. you have obtained • original German university degree or recognised foreign degree comparable to a German degree plus two copies. Whether your degree is a comparable degree can be checked on the following website: • http://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html • two letters of motivation providing information on the planned course of action to secure a job (sector, region, intended place of residence) • any additional evidence of your preparations to secure a job that can already be provided • evidence of travel insirance plus copies • evidence of funds plus copy • fee: NZ$ 130. These fees are payable in New Zealand Dollars in cash, by cheque payable to the German Embassy or credit card. EFTPOS is not available • Visa fees are based on the current Euro exchange rate and can change frequently. Prices are updated regulary.

Au Pair Visa (Residence Permits)

You need to be between 18 and 27 years old in order to apply for an Au Pair visa and be able to prove to have basic knowledge of German. At least one member of your host family needs to be a citizen of the European Union. German must be the spoken language of the family.

All applications must be lodged in person at the Embassy. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• your passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months) and two copies. Only passports which have been issued during the past 10 years are acceptable. • two recent passport-size pictures. Biometric passport photos for Germany can be made at any New Zealand Post Shop. • two completed and signed application forms (residence permit) • standard German Au Pair contract and two copies (valid for a minimum of 6 months, max. 12 months) • two copies of EU passport of one parent of the host family • proof of basic knowledge of German LEVEL A1 (see also: https://www.goethe.de/ins/nz/en/spr/prf/gzsd1.html) • fee: NZ$ 130. These fees can be subject to change without prior notice and are payable only in New Zealand Dollars in cash, by cheque payable to the German Embassy. or by credit card. EFTPOS is not available • self-addressed prepaid courier envelope (if you request return by mail)) Important Information on applying for visas (resident permits)

The Embassy reserves the right to request personal attendance and further documents or information deemed necessary for processing your application at any time and assumes no responsibility for applications submitted too close to your planned departure. Upon receipt of all required documents your application will be sent to the German authority for foreigners competent for your future place of residence. Please be aware that it can take up to 3 months before approval from Germany is received. The Embassy has no influence on the duration of the process which can vary from case to case.

Applying for a visa does not guarantee that a visa will be issued!

When we receive approval from the local German authority for foreigners, the Embassy can issue the visa for an initial period of up to three months. The visa will entitle you to work, but after your arrival in Germany you must report to the local authority for foreigners where your visa will be converted to a residence permit covering the entire duration of your stay. Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application.

Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.