Monday, July 21, 2008

Red Tape!



It seems pretty straight forward - if you are going to live in Germany, then you are going to need a residency permit. How hard can it be?

To get a RESIDENCY PERMIT in Germany, you have to prove you will be employed in Germany. Makes sense, why let someone into the country if they can’t support themselves. So, get a work permit! To get the work permit all you need is proof of your health insurance. But to get health insurance, you have to see the local doctor for a check up. Really? Okay, see the doctor. Since you don’t have health insurance, you better stop by the bank for money to pay for your health check-up. What, you say? You don’t have a bank account? Well, get one, how hard can that be? To get a bank account in Germany you absolutely must, without fail, have a RESIDENCY PERMIT, no questions asked.

Oh, stop by and register with the local authorities, if you think of it. They will need to see your German driver’s license…

3 comments:

MOM said...

Seems kind of like "Catch 22" to me! And since you are fortunate to have a job...do you get paid with a check? Do you cash it at the bank that you do NOT have an account with yet because of the RED TAPE??? hahaha! Good luck! MOM

Craig said...

Moin! so why do you need a driver's license if all you do is walk or bike? Hey guys! got your blog forwarded to me. what a great way to keep up with you and "see" you once in a while. keep posting, I'll be checking often. Craig

Unknown said...

and Germans are supposed to be so logical!
susan