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Jörg Holsen2022-10-18 11:25:292023-01-09 10:22:48Our best immigration authoritiesCologne / Bonn
PROGEDO relocation GmbH & Co. KG
Sperlingstr. 35
41540 Dormagen
Fon: +49 (0) 2133 536 18 01
Email: koeln@progedo.de
Managing Partner: Frank Faggo
Since 1995 our team in Cologne offers highly competent advice, goal-oriented service, and information on relocation, settling-in and immigration of international employees and their families to companies as well as private individuals.
If you are planning to move to Cologne and work there, you will need to obtain a residence and work permit. Here are some steps you can take to get the necessary permits with PROGEDO relocation on your side:
- Find a Job: To obtain a work permit, you must have a job offer from a German employer. Look for job postings online or contact recruitment agencies to find job opportunities in your field.
- Apply for a Visa: If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to provide proof of your job offer, a valid passport, and other documents as required.
- Apply for a Residence Permit: Once you arrive in Cologne, you will need to apply for a residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde). You will need to provide your passport, visa, and proof of your job offer, as well as proof of health insurance and accommodation.
- Attend an Interview: You will be invited to attend an interview at the Foreigners’ Office to verify your documents and confirm your eligibility for a residence permit. You may also need to provide biometric data (such as fingerprints and a photo).
- Receive Your Permit: If your application is approved, you will receive your residence and work permit. The permit will indicate the duration of your stay and the type of work you are permitted to do.
It’s important to note that the process for obtaining a residence and work permit can vary depending on your individual circumstances, so it’s recommended to seek professional advice or assistance if you have any questions or concerns.
PROGEDO is a global relocation and immigration services provider that offers support to individuals and companies relocating to Cologne and other cities in Germany. PROGEDO can assist you with finding suitable accommodation in Cologne through their Home Search service. Here are the steps to follow:
- Contact PROGEDO: Contact us to discuss your home search requirements, budget, and preferred locations in Cologne. PROGEDO will provide you with information about their services, fees, and the home search process.
- Briefing Session: You will have a briefing session with a PROGEDO consultant to discuss your housing preferences, including your preferred location, budget, size of apartment or house, and any specific requirements.
- Home Search: PROGEDO will conduct a search for suitable properties in Cologne based on your requirements. They will visit the properties and provide you with a detailed report, including photos, floor plans, and rental prices.
- Accompanied Viewings: PROGEDO can arrange accompanied viewings of the properties that you are interested in. Their experienced consultants will assist you with negotiations and lease agreement preparation.
- After-Move-In Support: Once you have found suitable accommodation and moved in, PROGEDO can provide additional support, such as utility connections, registration with local authorities, and other services to help you settle in.
PROGEDO’s Home Search service can help you save time and reduce stress during your relocation to Cologne. We have a team of experienced consultants who can provide you with personalized assistance and support throughout the home search process.
Cologne – The catchment area of PROGEDO Cologne includes the city itself, covers the cities of Bonn and Leverkusen and stretches from Coblenz in the South to Aachen in the West. The city at the river Rhine is the cultural center of West-Germany. Cologne stands for a cosmopolitan and including attitude towards life. Be it the Cologne dialect “Kölsch”, carnival, or the cheerful character of its inhabitants- Cologne has formed its own open-minded culture. Anyone can feel at home in Cologne. Cologners stand by their open-mindedness and their multicultural and approachable way of living. Close to a quarter of the city’s population does not have a German citizenship – The metropolis on the Rhine unites people of all origins. The only disadvantage: the constant migration makes for a tight housing market.
Without well acquainted local specialists it can be quite challenging and a lengthy process to find a suitable housing option. Our relocation consultants in place have an excellent overview of the local housing market and know where searchers can be successful.
Furnished or unfurnished apartment, small or big home- our relocation specialists will find the perfect home for you with their know-how.
Additionally, to our professional support of home search, we provide you with services concerning daycare for your children, organizing your driver’s license transformation, and dealing with authorities.
We provide you with all necessary information on the application of a residence title. Be it checking your degree in Anabin, requesting a pre-approval letter from the federal employment agency, obtaining a visa or the application for an electronic residence title at the responsible department.
We will gladly provide you with further information. Just send us a short request to koeln@progedo.de and we’ll get back to you immediately.
We are “the first friend abroad.”
Relocating to Cologne
Relocating to Cologne can be an exciting experience. Cologne, located in the west of Germany, is a vibrant and lively city known for its cultural attractions, beer, and carnival. Here are some tips that may help you with your relocation:
- Finding Accommodation: Finding accommodation in Cologne can be challenging due to the high demand and limited availability of apartments. It’s recommended to start your search early and to consider the location, accessibility to transportation, and proximity to amenities. Popular areas to live in Cologne include the city center, Ehrenfeld, and Südstadt.
- Understanding the Culture: Germany has a unique culture, and it’s essential to understand the local customs and social norms to ensure a smooth transition. Germans tend to be punctual, reserved, and formal in their interactions.
- Learning the Language: Although many Germans speak English, learning the local language will help you integrate into the community and make everyday life easier. German language courses are available at language schools, community centers, and online.
- Healthcare: Healthcare in Germany is excellent, but it’s essential to have health insurance. Public health insurance is mandatory for all employees, and private health insurance is available for those who are self-employed or earn over a certain income threshold.
- Getting Around: Cologne has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro system known as the U-Bahn. It’s recommended to purchase a monthly or yearly ticket to save money on transportation costs.
- Enjoying the Local Culture: Cologne has a rich cultural scene, with many museums, theaters, and festivals throughout the year. The famous Cologne Carnival is held every year in February and is a must-see event for anyone living in Cologne. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs to explore.
Cologne in figures
Approximately 1.1 million people live in Cologne. It is thus the 4th biggest city in Germany. The population density is 2,600 inhabitants per square kilometer and Cologne is divided into 9 districts with 86 smaller departments, which Cologners refer to as “Veedel”.
Further information can be found on
Housing market in Cologne
Cologne is an attractive place to live. Not only because of its quality of employment offers, but because of the overall high standard of living. The rise of the city’s population increases the pressure on the local housing market. Our team of experts in Cologne knows the market and takes care of searching a suitable home for you.
Whether you come by yourself, as a couple or a family to Cologne – PROGEDO relocation finds the perfect property for you. With close consultation of your demands our team searches for a rental apartment, a house, or a property to buy. The options will be evaluated and visited together with you and after your decision, we remain by your side for further support and assistance for renters and landlords alike.
Average rental prices in Cologne
- The average rent in Cologne is approximately 12 € per square meter. Districts like Lindenthal, Neustadt or Altstadt are above the city’s average rent because they are especially attractive due to their traffic-favorable location.
Source: own research & experience
More on Cologne
School and Kindergarten
School system – The North-Rhine-Westphalian school system starts with elementary school (grades 1-4). Elementary school is determined by residential district and thus assigned by the city of Cologne. After that, children continue with visiting secondary school: Either a secondary school (certificate of secondary education after 9th grade, general certificate of secondary education after 10th grade) or grammar school (diploma after 13th grade). Aside from state schools, Cologne has multiple international and bilingual schools, where we advise our customers to apply early, because capacities are limited.
Cologne international school: https://if-koeln.de/
St. George school: https://www.stgeorgesschool.com/cologne
Kindergarten
An application in private as well as public institutions is possible via the city’s online tool “little-bird”. The city assigns daycare options through this tool and there are clerical, public as well as private and bilingual daycare-centers in Cologne and its surroundings. A legal claim for cost-free daycare in a public institution is possible from children aged one. In Cologne itself the visiting of a public kindergarten is free of charge for the last two years before a child enters school. Then parents only need to cover the cost for meals in the respective institution. Before that, the costs depend on the family’s individual situation and the scope of care requested.
Further information can be found here: https://portal-koeln.little-bird.de/
Living in Cologne
The landmark of Cologne is the Dome – More than 6 million people visit it per year. The cathedral has the 2nd highest churchtower of Europe and is a tourist magnet in Germany. The view from the church spire is unique: The whole city of Cologne and, when the weather is good, one can see as far as the Siebengebirge behind the city of Bonn.
The fourth biggest city of Germany offers a varied cultural life as well: One can find historic narrow alleyways, shopping miles and international events. The districts of Cologne all have their own characteristics and are diverse.
The river Rhine defines the cityscape and offers a green shore, beaches and, downtown, a much-visited boulevard. Countless museums, concerts, the Opera, and theaters offer varied events throughout the year. The city impresses. Let yourself in on the Cologne spirit of life.
Wichtige Links
- Stadt Köln: https://www.stadt-koeln.de/
- Kölner Verkehrsbetriebe: https://www.kvb.koeln/
Already before your relocation we support you with information on applying for a visa, guide you on matters concerning German health insurance and take care of finding a fitting accommodation for you as well as scheduling necessary administrative appointments with banks and local authorities. The satisfaction of our customers is always our highest priority. So you can keep your relocation in fond memories.
A move because of private or work-related reasons brings many changes with it – we make this easy for you. Our competent consultants in Cologne know the housing market and are familiar with the local authorities. With our year-long experience and expertise we make for a smooth individual service. Our network in Cologne is broad and guarantees a successful support.
Team Köln / Bonn
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Jörg Holsen2022-10-18 11:25:292023-01-09 10:22:48Our best immigration authorities
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Jörg Holsen2022-08-15 09:31:002022-10-18 11:24:03Impact on labor migration processes since new EU directive
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Jörg Holsen2022-08-12 13:54:002022-08-16 13:51:01Sharp rise in housing shortage in German cities
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Jörg Holsen2022-05-11 12:43:492023-01-09 10:22:48Information about visa applications for Russian citizensRelocation provider Cologne
Our staff and we at PROGEDO Cologne/Bonn know Cologne with all its corners and its wonderful diversity.
Beyond the pure Immigration & Relocation business we would like to share our knowledge with you and inspire you for our hometown!
10 facts about Cologne:
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Cologne Carnival
Cologners are well-known as jesters. Cologne is considered a carnival stronghold and the fifth season peaks yearly from Weiberfasnacht (women’s carnival) until Rosenmontag (Collop Monday), where a huge, hour-long parade goes through the streets of the city and candy and flowers are thrown at viewers.
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Science location Cologne
Thanks to the University of Cologne and the Technical University of Cologne the city is one of the biggest educational and scientifically relevant locations in Western Germany.
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Chocolate
The cologne chocolate museum was opened in 1993 after only 13 months building-time. With roughly 600,000 visitors it is one of the most visited attractions in Cologne.
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Cologne Cathedral (Dome)
The building of the Dome took more than 600 years, but Cologners know: It is still not really finished. The cathedral is constantly being repaired and restored. When one building site is finished, the next one has already opened. The impressive Cathedral is the most significant landmark of Cologne.
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Green bridges
Cologne’s bridges are all green: Why is that? Because when Konrad Adenauer was mayor of Cologne, he wanted the Mülheimer Bridge to be painted green. Since then, all other bridges have been painted in that color as well to match.
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Airport and NASA
The airport Cologne/Bonn has the only runway in Germany that is also an emergency landing runway for space shuttles from NASA.
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Contorted Oldtown
Colognes old town is well known for its narrow alleyways. This is where one can also find Cologne’s smallest street: The Tipsgasse is only 16 m long.
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Fireworks
Since 2001 the Cologne Lights Festival takes place every year in the summer. The music- and firework event is the biggest music-synchronized firework in Europe and attracts a lot of visitors who enjoy watching the fireworks during an evening picknick on lawns at the Riverbanks.
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Heinzelmännchen
An old fairy tale tells the story that in the old days, at nighttime, small dwarves used to do all the work for Cologners. Until one night when a curious woman, married to a local tailor wanted to see the dwarves who did all the work. Thetiny helpers got scared, ran away and have never been seen again. Since then, the unfortunate people of Cologne actually need to work themselves. Near the Dome is a fountain that depicts the fairy tale.
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Rhine
Cologne has more of the river Rhine than Dusseldorf. The river’s way through the city is 2 km longer than that of Düsseldorf. Modernized boulevards near the Dome, the Rheinpark on the right bank of the river with a cable car stretching over it, the Rhine’s banks in Niehl or, further North, a beachy shore- The river is multi-faceted and shapes the cityscape.
Applying for a residence title in Cologne
In Cologne, the foreigner’s department in Dillenburger Str. 56-66 (Link: https://www.stadt-koeln.de/service/adressen/zentrale-auslaenderbehoerde )is responsible for the application of electronic residence titles for foreign employees.
Of course, our professional immigration specialists provide our customers with all the necessary information so they can hand in their documents perfectly prepared at the foreigner’s department. Additionally, we accompany you or your employee to their respective appointment.
PROGEDO does not provide legal service according to section 2, subsection 1 of the German legal service law. If there is need for legal service we work together with independent, competent lawyers.
Finding an apartment in Cologne
Finding an apartment in Cologne is, in comparison to Munich for example, a smaller challenge. Cologne offers a broad price range for renting an apartment and is a city that expands. But in the popular districts in Neustadt, Südstadt or Lindenthal demand exceeds the offer significantly. The same goes for other central districts or more suburban areas like Rodenkirchen, Marienburg and Sülz that have risen to popularity with young families. There are usually much more interested people than apartments available. If the applicants then do not speak German, it often seems impossible to come out on top of competitors.
Thanks to our know-how it is feasible though. With a little patience, flexibility, and good planning we always find a suitable apartment for our customers!
Cologne has many districts with very different price categories. Currently landlords consider one third of your income as a maximum rent payment. A positive SCHUFA-entry as well as a declaration of no rental debts are essential for their commitment.
