Visa & Residence Permit Support – Köln

Processing times vary by city and permit type. In Berlin, expect 2 to 4 months from application to approval for standard work permits. Munich and Frankfurt are often faster at 4 to 8 weeks. EU Blue Card applications typically receive priority processing. During peak periods (September through November, when many international transfers begin), wait times increase. We book appointments as early as possible and prepare complete application files to avoid delays from follow-up document requests.

A national visa (D-Visa) is issued by a German embassy or consulate in your home country before you enter Germany. It is valid for 3 to 6 months and allows you to enter and begin your administrative setup. A residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) is issued by the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' authority) once you are in Germany and replaces your visa for long-term stay. You must apply for the residence permit before your visa expires. Think of the visa as the entry ticket and the residence permit as the long-term authorisation.

If your national visa includes a work authorisation notation (Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet), yes. Most work visas and Blue Card visas include this. If your visa says Erwerbstätigkeit nicht gestattet, you cannot work until you receive your residence permit. We ensure your visa application includes the correct work authorisation from the start.

Rejections are rare when applications are properly prepared, but they do happen. Common reasons include insufficient health insurance coverage, income below the required threshold, or missing documents. You have the right to file an objection (Widerspruch) within one month of the rejection notice. In serious cases, legal action (Klage) before the administrative court (Verwaltungsgericht) is possible. We review rejection notices immediately and advise on the strongest path forward.

Yes. Family reunion residence permits (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Familiennachzug) issued under Section 28 or Section 30 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz include unrestricted work authorisation. Your spouse can take any employment without needing a separate work permit. This applies from the day the residence permit is issued.

No. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work in Germany without a visa or residence permit. You do need to complete Anmeldung (city registration) within 14 days of moving into your apartment, but you are not required to visit the Ausländerbehörde. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residence (Daueraufenthalt-EU) if desired.

The EU Blue Card requires a minimum annual gross salary. As of 2024, the general threshold is approximately 45,300 euros per year, with a reduced threshold of approximately 41,042 euros for shortage occupations (Mangelberufe) including IT, engineering, and healthcare. These thresholds are adjusted annually. We verify the current thresholds at the time of your application and confirm your salary qualifies before submission.