Corona – Update, May 25, 2020

Due to the measures adopted by the German government to combat the corona virus, many expats, like everyone else, face the problem of complying with regulations and deadlines. PROGEDO is the first friend abroad – therefore we regularly inform our customers about current events in Germany in connection with Covid-19.

Entry and quarantine regulations for Germany

The federal government has eased the existing entry measures. From now on, return travelers and immigrants from the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Great Britain and Northern Ireland are no longer obliged to quarantine at home for two weeks.

For those who entered Germany from EU or Schengen countries before May 19 and are currently in domestic quarantine, this is no longer necessary – as long as they do not have any symptoms of illness.

ATTENTION! The abolition of the quarantine regulation does not mean that free travel in Europe, which was common before Corona times, is now possible again. Travelers without German citizenship may continue to enter Germany only for important reasons. Here is a list of these reasons, which is not exhaustive: https://www.bundespolizei.de/Web/DE/04Aktuelles/01Meldungen/2020/03/200317_faq.html

An entry with the purpose of beginning a first-time employment in Germany is actually only possible if the traveler has an “important” function. And that is not the case with a “normal” activity, e.g. in IT, production or marketing. However, we looked after EU expats at various PROGEDO locations, who were allowed to enter Germany. We advise our customers accordingly to increase their chances. However, the decision rests solely with the customs officials who check the people at the airport or at the borders. We would be happy to advise you, please make your request here.

As a matter of principle, immigrants from third countries (non EU-members) still have to stay in quarantine for 14 days and immigration is only permitted in selected cases. This rule applies until June 15, 2020. However, in the case of entry from a third country, the quarantine obligation can be waived if the RKI detects a low infection rate for the respective third country. It is therefore advisable to keep yourself up to date on the applicable regulations. In some cases, however, we have already seen that PROGEDO customers from third countries have been able to enter the country in recent weeks without working in a systemically relevant profession. Here too, the responsible customs officers at the airports are solely responsible. With corresponding, complete evidence of the reason for entry and other documents, there is now a chance in some federal states to be allowed to enter. The quarantine obligation then exists in any case. We would be happy to advise you, please make your request here.

Exceptions to the quarantine obligation continue to apply to commuters, transport drivers, construction and seasonal workers, employees of utility companies, employees of the police, fire brigade and Bundeswehr, among others, as well as employees from the healthcare and health authorities.

You can find further information here: https://www.germany.info/us-de/service/corona/2313816

The rules are currently changing almost weekly. It is often not easy for expats living in Germany to find out about the current corona regulations that apply at their place of residence. If in doubt, you should contact the responsible health department at the place of residence. You can find out which health department is responsible for you here: https://tools.rki.de/PLZTool/

In another blog post you will find more about the effects of the Corona virus on visas and work permits, including a recommendation for action for employees.

We are of course available at any time with help and advice, please contact us here.