Emigrating from Germany

A life abroad – what do you need to consider when preparing?

Whether it’s a matter of work and travel, a longer stay abroad or permanent emigration: anyone who wants to leave Germany and settle abroad should start organizing early. In addition to choosing the right country and saying goodbye to loved ones, there are practical aspects to consider. While providers such as Auslandszeit offer a good overview of what backpackers should never leave home without and the many options for staying abroad, translation companies such as ReSartus are primarily concerned with the question of:

What documents do you need to emigrate?

For this reason, we provide you with an overview of the most important documents that may be required for a successful start abroad – and explain when a certified translation is necessary and who is allowed to provide it.

1. Passport and ID card

A valid passport is essential. Note that some countries require a certain period of validity of the passport. The identity card can be useful as additional identification. As a rule, both should still be valid for at least half a year. You can usually apply for a new passport or ID card at a citizens’ office responsible for you. In some cities, this can now also be done digitally, but an on-site appointment is often necessary. Particularly in larger metropolitan areas, you should apply for this ahead of time, as the processes often take a long time here due to overload in the citizens’ offices, and appointments are hard to get.

2. Birth certificates

These documents are often the basis for all further steps. A certified translation may be required to prove your family and marital status abroad. This does not only apply to yourself, but to your children as well, should you have any. Civil status documents such as birth certificates are usually issued by the registry office in whose jurisdiction you were born. If you wish to use these abroad, a so-called “apostille” or “legalization” is often required, depending on your country of choice. For civil status documents, you can usually obtain these from the relevant Regierungspräsidium or the Bezirksregierung, depending on the federal state.

3. Adoption and custody documents

If you have adopted or custodial children, it may be necessary to have these documents translated into the language of your new adopted country as well. You can usually obtain these documents from the responsible youth welfare office.

4. Certificate of eligibility for marriage, marriage certificate and divorce decree

For married people and those who want to be (again), these documents are of great importance. It is also important for divorcees to provide proof of their divorce in the form of the corresponding divorce decree. While the registry office is responsible for issuing a certificate of no impediment or a marriage certificate, divorce decrees are issued by the corresponding local court (Amtsgericht) through which you were originally divorced. An apostille or legalization is issued by the higher-level district court (Landgericht).

5. Degrees and professional qualifications

Depending on your profession and target country, these documents may be necessary for the recognition of your qualifications or degrees. Diplomas, in particular, must usually be presented along with a transcript of records in order to be valid. In this case, you usually have to apply for certified copies at the relevant school or university where you or your children have obtained the degree – a certified copy from the town hall is often not sufficient. A notarization or apostille is issued by the relevant Ministry of Science or Education – this depends on the federal state.

6. Employment contracts and references

Some countries even require signed employment contracts for successful immigration, for which references from your current employer can be extremely helpful. You should therefore ask your employer for appropriate certificates or references well in advance before emigrating from Germany.

7. Driver's license

If you want to drive abroad, inquire about the requirements for recognition of your driver’s license. Often you are only allowed to drive abroad with your German driver’s license for a transitional period and must have it rewritten after a transitional period or apply for an international driver’s license beforehand. Generally, citizens’ offices are also responsible for this.

8. Health and vaccination certificates

Some countries require proof of health and vaccinations. So remember to have medical certificates and proof of vaccinations. This doesn’t just apply to your family, you often need to be able to show appropriate documentation of vaccinations for your pets as well. Your family doctor will provide you with proof of measles vaccination, for example.

9. Financial documents

Bank statements, tax returns, proof of income, and other financial documents may be important for entry or residency purposes. Particularly if you want to establish a company abroad, these documents are relevant. To obtain these documents, contact your bank, tax advisor or employer.

10. Police clearance certificate

Particularly in the area of children’s and youth work, it can be important to provide a background check. If you want to work abroad as a teacher or in childcare, for example, such a background check is essential. You can also apply for a police clearance certificate digitally either from the relevant registration office or from the Federal Office of Justice. However, you must indicate that you wish to use it abroad, as it will then be signed and stamped. Only then can it be authenticated by the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs (Bundesamt für Auswärtige Angelegenheiten).

11. For medical professionals: Certificate of Good Standing

A certificate of good standing is a document that certifies you are authorized to practice medicine without restriction. It also confirms that no legal action has been taken or proceedings initiated against you. The relevant district governments or regional authorities are responsible for this. In the Arab world, this is often performed by the provider Dataflow, but not all government authorities in Germany cooperate with third-party providers. In this case, you will have to go through the lengthy legalization process.

12. Visa and residence permit

Depending on the country and length of your stay, you may need a visa or a residence permit, especially outside the EU. Find out about the requirements in advance. Unfortunately, this often takes several months, so be sure to start well in advance and submit your application to the appropriate diplomatic mission in your target country.

13. Health insurance

Check your insurance situation in your target country. You may need a translation of your insurance documents to ensure the transition to a new insurance plan. To do this, contact your statutory or private health insurance company accordingly.

14. Living will, health care proxy and testament

It is advisable to arrange legal matters in advance. If you become legally incapacitated abroad, for example due to an accident, this can have serious consequences. It is better to act with foresight than to face the consequences later. These should also be translated into the language of your new home country so that these documents can be used directly in an emergency, for example, in a hospital. You should have these documents drawn up by a notary in consultation with the authorized persons, i.e. usually a partner or your own children.

As you can see, a smooth start to a new life abroad requires thorough organization. Professional translation services, such as the ones we offer, can help ensure that you receive the necessary documents correctly and in a timely manner. Rely on our expertise to make your departure as smooth as possible. Contact us today for a consultation!