Couple (EU and Non-EU) looking for job in Germany

My husband (old EU) and I (third country national) would like to live and work in Germany. We plan to move from Switzerland (where we have a 5 year residence permit) to Munich to work. We don´t have any job offers yet.

We have some questions regarding registering with the German Ausländeramt (specifically in Bavaria) and me working there.


1. Do I need a visa to enter Germany? (although I am already a resident ,spouse of EU, in Switzerland)

2. When we register at the local office, can we provide just a C/O address or do we also need to show a rental contract? (we would like to find a temporary sublet or staying with our friend before we are sure where our future employers are located).

3. Can I work straight away after we enter Germany or do I need to wait until I get my Aufenthaltskarte? How long do you think it will take from the time I enter Germany til I can work?

4. Do we have to show health insurance and bank statement because we don´t have job offer at the time of entry? If so, how much should we have and when should we show these documents?

5. If I (non-EU) manage to get a job offer before we enter Germany, can I work straight away? Would they recognise my employment contract and exempt the requirement of our health insurance and bank statement?

6. Would it be illegal to have two residence, in case we cannot find jobs in the same city?

7. What do I need to show to open a bank account in Germany in general?

I hope someone is able to share their experience with us. Thanks a lot!

Generally, I would advice you to look into Directive 2004/38/EC and the German implementation, the Freizügigkeitsgesetz/EU. Also, check on a German specific forum for details as implementation of aformentioned EU law may be different in the different members states and possibly also the practical implementations in the German 'Länder'.

1. Your current residence permit should be 'Schengen-active' and also the method of entry is immaterial under EU law so I think you shouldn't be asked for a visa when applying.

2. I guess you will have to register a physical address where you are actually living/staying.

3. Yes, immediatley. But you may have practical problems wit prospective employers proving your right to them.

4. Not in the first three months (you have three months for the application). But it also depends under which category you are applying. e.g. job-seeker may be fine.

5. See 3. Health insurance is part of the employment, in general. I think you should be able to include your spouse as well.

6. You may be able to resolve this situation by registering a 'Hauptwohnsitz' at a single adress. If you stay at this address regularly you may be able to argue this point.