FMR LEGAL

24/09/2026

There is no German "job seeker visa" in the strict sense. What people mean is a residence permit under section 20 AufenthG, and the difference matters when you apply. I explain who qualifies, how long the permit lasts in 2026, and how to convert it into a work permit.

https://www.fmr-legal.de/post/job-search-residence-permit-20-aufenthg

Germany's "job seeker visa" is really a residence permit under §20 AufenthG. Learn who qualifies, how long it lasts in 2026, and how to turn it into a work permit.

22/09/2026

The Chancenkarte lets skilled workers come to Germany first and look for a job on the ground. Qualifying means reaching six points under the 2026 system and meeting the money and language rules. I explain how the points are counted and who realistically gets there.

https://www.fmr-legal.de/post/chancenkarte-opportunity-card-points-system

17/09/2026

Five years is the standard wait for a Niederlassungserlaubnis, but it is not the only route. A German degree cuts it to two years, a Blue Card to 21 months, and some academics do not wait at all. I explain each track and what you need to show for it.

https://www.fmr-legal.de/post/permanent-residence-niederlassungserlaubnis-routes

15/09/2026

The three-year fast track to German citizenship was repealed in October 2025. Five years of lawful residence is the rule again. I walk through the seven conditions in section 10 StAG one by one, and point out where naturalization applications actually fail in practice.

https://www.fmr-legal.de/post/naturalisation-after-5-years-germany

Five years is still the rule — the three-year fast-track was repealed in October 2025. The seven conditions in § 10 StAG, and where applications actually fail.

10/09/2026

Four new legal instruments have reshaped parts of German immigration law since July 2026. Much of what is circulating online mixes up what was proposed with what was passed. I go through what actually changed, and what it means if you already hold a permit or are applying now.

https://www.fmr-legal.de/post/germany-july-2026-immigration-law-changes

As of August 2026, a package of four new legal instruments has reshaped parts of German immigration law.

08/09/2026

A job offer does not automatically mean a Blue Card. Whether it fits depends on the 2026 salary threshold, and the standard work visa is often the more realistic option. I compare the two on salary, processing time, family rights and the route to permanent residence.

https://www.fmr-legal.de/post/eu-blue-card-vs-standard-work-visa-which-one-fits-your-job-offer

EU Blue Card or standard German work visa? Compare 2026 salary thresholds, processing, family rights and the route to permanent residence — and how to choose.

03/09/2026

Naturalized recently? Berlin votes on September 20, and new German citizens can take part – but only if you are on the electoral roll. My step-by-step guide covers how to check your voter registration, what to do if the notification never arrived, and how to vote by post or in person.

https://www.fmr-legal.de/post/berlin-election-2026-voting-new-german-citizens

New German citizen? Check your Berlin voter registration, fix a missing ID, and vote in the September 20 election — a simple step-by-step guide.

20/08/2026

Naturalized recently? Berlin votes on September 20, and new German citizens can take part – but only if you are on the electoral roll. My step-by-step guide covers how to check your voter registration, what to do if the notification never arrived, and how to vote by post or in person.