A New Beginning: Should You Come to Germany with Your Family or Alone at First?
Germany, with its need for skilled workers, is opening the doors to a new life for many people from different countries. In this exciting process, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether it is more appropriate to come to Germany with the family or alone at first. Although the visa application can usually be made together for all family members, deciding on the best approach for taking the first step in Germany is an important decision. Experts and those with experience agree that moving carefully and with a plan can lead to a healthier integration process in the long run.
The Visa Process and Family Unity
The visas offered by Germany for skilled workers can usually include the applicant’s spouse and children under the age of 18. This situation supports the desire of families to start a new life together. Applying for visas as a family offers significant advantages in terms of process coordination and maintaining family ties. However, the fact that the visa is issued for the entire family does not always mean that everyone coming to Germany together at the first step is the most ideal option.
Advantages of Coming Alone in the First Step
One of the biggest challenges for a family newly arriving in Germany is finding suitable accommodation. Especially in large cities and popular regions, the search for rental housing can be very competitive and time-consuming. When the family comes together, this process can become even more complex. The children’s educational needs and the spouse’s job search can increase the pressure to find suitable accommodation quickly.
At this point, it may be a more sensible strategy for the applicant to come to Germany alone first and primarily focus on finding accommodation where the family can live comfortably. The individual traveling alone can concentrate more intensively on the housing search and evaluate different neighborhoods and housing options more easily. Once permanent accommodation has been found, the arrival of the spouse and children can allow the family to have a more organized and smooth start to their new life.
Where Can Accommodation Be Found? Regional Differences
The process and opportunities for finding accommodation in Germany can vary significantly depending on the city and region. In large metropolitan areas such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and Düsseldorf, the housing market is generally more dynamic and competitive. In these regions, finding affordable and family-friendly accommodation may take longer. However, in smaller towns surrounding these cities or in industrial cities such as Duisburg in North Rhine-Westphalia, the chances of finding accommodation may be better.
In the search for accommodation, online real estate platforms, advertisements in local newspapers, and real estate agents can be important resources. Additionally, the help of acquaintances living in Germany or migrant support organizations can be helpful in the housing search process.
The Migration Process Requires Patience
Migrating to another country brings with it many unknowns and bureaucratic processes. In this process, it is of great importance to be patient and prepared for possible difficulties. The housing search may take longer than expected, official procedures can take time, and adapting to a new culture requires time. Therefore, it is important for those considering migrating to Germany to have realistic expectations and proceed patiently, which will facilitate the integration process.
Conclusion
Although the visa application for Germany can be made together with the family, it is advisable not to rush when taking the first step into the country and to first create a comfortable environment for the family, which will ensure a healthier integration process in the long term. Coming alone first to focus on the housing search and then bringing the family will help lay a more solid foundation for a new beginning. It is important to remember that every migration process requires patience and understanding. With the right planning and realistic expectations, it is possible to build a new life in Germany.
