From Canada to Berlin: work, study or settle

Entering without a visa and applying for your permit in Berlin, the any-job route, the Youth Mobility working holiday, study, family, German ancestry, apostilles, leaving the Canadian tax system, and how to avoid people who sell what is free. Every statement is tied to an official source. Free, independent, no agency.

New here? Which route fits me?

A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.

Guide

🧭Which route fits me?A short decision guide for Canadians: any job, working holiday, Blue Card, freelance, study, family, ancestry. 🛂Entry and residence permitVisa-free entry and applying for any permit in Berlin (§ 41 AufenthV); German missions in Canada. 💼Route: any job (§ 26 BeschV)Canadians can be approved for any employment, regardless of qualification or employer seat. 🎒Working holiday (Youth Mobility)Germany-Canada youth mobility: age 18 to 35, up to 12 months, apply in Berlin within 90 days; also au pair, internship, volunteering. 🎓Route: skilled worker and Blue CardBlue Card thresholds 2026, IT without a degree, settlement permit, recognition of Canadian degrees. 🎨Freelance and self-employed§ 21 AufenthG: freelancers, artists, founders; Berlin practice and taxes in outline. 🃏Opportunity Card (short)§ 20a: often unnecessary for Canadians because of § 26 BeschV. 📚Route: study in Berlin§ 16b permit, money, work limits, admission with a Canadian diploma or Québec DEC, Studienkolleg. 🛠️Route: vocational training (Ausbildung)§ 16a AufenthG, money, German level, training pay. 👪Route: familySpouses, children and parents: language exemptions for Canadians and Blue Card holders. 🌳German ancestry and citizenshipDescent (StAG §§ 4, 5), Nazi-persecution cases (Art. 116 (2) GG, § 15) and loss under the old § 25. 📜Documents and apostilleCanada joined the Apostille Convention in 2024: who issues the apostille in which province. 🧾Taxes and leaving CanadaCeasing Canadian tax residence, deemed disposition, the tax treaty and what Germany taxes. 🏥Social security and healthGermany-Canada pension agreement (incl. Quebec), mandatory German health insurance, provincial plan on leaving. 🚗Driving licenceConverting a Canadian licence in Berlin: provinces listed in Anlage 11 FeV, 6-month validity. 🏠After arrival in BerlinRegistration, tax ID, bank, health insurance, the immigration office. 🤝Find your community in BerlinFree advice in English and French, embassy, associations, churches, sport, schools and doctors. 📍Already in Berlin?Changing purpose, settlement permit, naturalisation, dual citizenship, returning to Canada. 💶Costs at a glanceFees, salary thresholds and money you must show, by route (2026). ⚠️Avoiding scamsTypical traps for Canadians moving to Berlin and where to check.