From May this year, only digital photos will be accepted for German ID cards and residence permits as the government completes the latest phase of its digitalisation offensive.
From the long waits to the lack of a tracking tool for citizenship applications, foreign residents in Germany have spoken out about their biggest problems with German bureaucracy.
With many countries in Europe imposing new or tougher language requirements for residency or citizenship, experts say it's no surprise given the rise of nationalist parties and the importance of language to national identity.
More and more foreigners are leaving Sweden for Germany, with higher salaries, more flexible permits and a stronger currency mentioned as possible reasons.
Several changes to migration rules have come into effect since the start of 2025, and further changes are being debated. Here are the ones likely to have the biggest impact on the lives of Germany's foreign residents.
Berlin's state immigration authority is in the process of moving its services online. Here's how to apply for or renew a residence permit now, while the immigration office works to set-up more official portals.
More than 42,000 British citizens moved to EU countries in 2023, with the largest groups recorded in Spain, France and Germany, according to data published recently by the EU statistical office Eurostat.
EU governments have failed to agree on a reform of EU long-term residence rules that would have made it easier for third-country nationals to move within the European Union.
Obtaining a valid residence permit is a must for foreigners who wish to live in Germany. But do you need to carry your residence permit with you at all times?
Although Spain or Italy might have beaches and sun, Germany has plenty to offer someone looking for a place to spend their golden years. The high standard of living in Germany is a big pull for expats looking to find a spot for retirement, as well as high-quality healthcare. But you'll need to contend with some bureaucracy.
After months of discussion, EU governments have reached a common position on new rules regarding the EU's long-term residence status for non-EU nationals living in Europe.
Several countries in Europe are reducing the salaries people from outside the EU need to be eligible for a work visa, although one – Sweden – is raising the threshold. Here's a comparison of current rules in the countries covered by The Local.
While Sweden's government is making it harder for foreign workers to get residency permits, Germany's and Denmark's are making it easier. Why the difference and what's the likely impact?
The European Union needs to urgently allow non-EU citizens to be able to move more freely to another EU country, the MEP leading the talks on changes to residency laws says. He tells Claudia Delpero why current rules mean Europe is losing out to the US.
Members of the European Parliament are trying to reduce the time required for non-UE citizens living in EU countries to get long-term resident status and move more easily across the bloc. But will it happen?
The German government is currently working on a wide-scale revamp of its immigration laws - including plans for a points-based residence permit for skilled workers. But experts are concerned that relentless bureaucracy could still be off-putting for would-be immigrants.
Germany's coalition government wants to attract more talent from abroad by fostering a "welcoming culture" through reforms to immigration law and practices. But the Local has discovered that many people feel the country's immigration offices are anything but welcoming.
Foreigners who want to settle for a longer period of time in Germany, often aim for permanent residency. We want to hear how The Local readers have got on applying for it.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that non-EU citizens who have residence rights in an EU country as family members of an EU national can acquire EU long-term residence.
Brits who lived in Germany at the end of 2020 were able to get a special type of residency title proving their right to live and work in the country. We look at how that differs from ordinary permanent residency and what rights you do (and don't) have in Germany post-Brexit.
Most people have to wait at least five years to obtain permanent residence in Germany, but did you know that there are also a number of exceptions that could allow you to cut this waiting time by a year or more?
Moving to another country is never easy, as it requires going through cultural changes and administrative formalities. It can be even more complicated when looking for a job.
In 2020, 2.7 million non-EU citizens were issued a so-called "single permit" to both reside and work in the EU. But what is the single permit, how does it work and what could change in the future?
For many people in Germany, getting new official documents requires two appointments - one to apply for the document, and one to pick it up. But there are plans to change that.
