Information on applying for approval from the Federal Employment Agency
Immigration Service Agency
Your first friend abroad – The first friend in a foreign country!
Welcome to PROGEDO, the reliable partner for empathetic and professional immigration and relocation services in Germany. For over 25 years, we have been one of the most established agencies We work in the field of immigration and relocation services, supporting companies and individuals with all matters related to visa applications, immigration processes, and administrative procedures. We share tips and tricks based on our extensive experience.
Our broad range of services includes support in preparing visa applications for various purposes, whether for employment, studying in Germany, or family reunification. As experienced immigration experts, we have the necessary expertise, experience, and cultural sensitivity to provide comprehensive support. Our staff guides our clients through the entire application process, from document acquisition to submission to the relevant authorities, through the recognition of qualifications, necessary translations, and communication with the relevant authorities. We understand how complex and time-consuming this process can be and are happy to relieve our clients of this burden.
Our company has several offices throughout Germany, allowing us to offer our clients nationwide support. Whether in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, or any other German city, our competent staff is available to assist our clients with advice and support. We see ourselves not just as an immigration agency, but as a first friend in a foreign country.
Our team consists of permanent and freelance employees with extensive industry experience. They are experts in visas, residence permits, and all associated bureaucratic processes. With their expertise and passion for excellent customer service, they support our clients every step of the way on their journey to Germany.
The shortage of skilled workers in Germany is on everyone's lips. Qualified workers from third countries are increasingly needed in large, as well as small and medium-sized companies. As pioneers in this field, we are intimately familiar with the requirements and regulations of the necessary processes. We support companies of all sizes in integrating international talent, making their arrival in Germany as smooth as possible.
As a relocation agency, we do not offer legal advice within the meaning of Section 2 Paragraph 1 RDG.. Our consulting service offers you the opportunity to find out about all important aspects in advance.
Immigration & immigration to Germany: Our services as an immigration agency
Visa & Residence Permit
A visa entitles you to enter Germany – there are different categories depending on the purpose of entry and the length of stay.
A residence permit entitles you to stay in Germany and specifies whether you are permitted to work, and to what extent. A residence permit is only issued if you can provide proof of German health insurance and are registered in Germany. We support our clients in all visa and residence permit applications.
Residence permit for employment and EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a specific residence permit for highly qualified professionals who wish to work and live in Germany. To obtain it, applicants must meet three requirements: They must hold a university degree recognized in Germany, the position must be equivalent to their studies, and the salary must be over €58,400 gross per year, or over €45,552 gross per year in a shortage occupation.
If one of the requirements is not met, other residence permits may enable employment – the responsible immigration authority makes the final decision.
We offer comprehensive support in applying for the Blue Card and other residence permits for employment purposes. Our experienced staff guides our clients through the entire process, from reviewing eligibility to submitting the application. We ensure that all necessary documents are available and support you in integrating into the German labor market and daily life.
Change of employer
Changing employers can be an exciting and sometimes challenging phase in your professional life. We support professionals in a smooth transition to their new employer. Our experienced staff are on hand to help our clients plan and coordinate all aspects of the change of employer, including adhering to the deadlines for obtaining approval from the immigration authorities, which is often required.
Family reunification
Statistically, family reunification is the most common reason for immigration to Germany—many skilled workers naturally want to bring their families with them. This process therefore plays a major role for foreign skilled workers and should therefore also be considered by employers—we are happy to share our numerous experiences here.
We also offer additional relocation services specifically for families, such as finding a kindergarten or school, as well as assistance in finding accommodation.
Residence permit
Having to visit the immigration office repeatedly can be exhausting – obtaining a permanent residence permit is therefore a desirable goal for many skilled foreign workers and their families. A settlement permit is therefore an important residence permit for skilled foreign workers who wish to live and work in Germany long-term. We support our clients in applying for a settlement permit. Our experienced staff guides them through the entire process and ensures that they meet all the necessary requirements. We also accompany them to appointments with the relevant authorities.
Personal contacts at our immigration agency
Theresa Walther
Head of Immigration & Relocation
PROGEDO RelocationTheresa Walther has headed the Berlin office since July 2015. Her specialty is labor migration of third-country nationals and the immigration of skilled workers.
She studied in Potsdam, Paris and Berlin and worked, among other things, for the Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the EU (Federal Foreign Office) in Brussels, as well as in the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Department of Migration, in Berlin, before she was responsible for the immigration of foreign employees at Rocket Internet SE and here began to build her network in the Berlin start-up scene.
Photo by Jennifer Fey
More information
We provide practical and logistical support to ensure the smooth and successful application process. If advice is needed, we refer you to independent specialist lawyers. PROGEDO does not provide legal services within the meaning of Section 2 (1) of the German Research and Development Act (RDG).
Information about the procedure at the Federal Employment Agency
Scope:
- General information on current options for accelerating procedures
- Reference to the necessary documents
- Checking the documents to ensure that the requested information is complete
- Support in drafting the application by referring you to an independent specialist lawyer for an additional fee)
- General information about the necessary steps to apply for approval from the Federal Employment Agency
- Sending of consent to visa application
Registration with the registration authority
Scope:
- Support in completing the application form in case of language barriers
- Support with registration of residence at the residents’ registration office
Information on the procedure for applying for a residence permit
Scope:
- Support in completing application forms in case of language barriers
- General information on the necessary documents
- Accompanying the applicant to the relevant immigration office to collect the residence permit
- Information on the electronic residence permit (eAT)
- Advance payment of fees (will be charged separately)
Collection of the electronic residence permit (eAT)
Scope:
- Arrange an appointment with the immigration office
- Collection of the day-valid power of attorney from the immigration office
- Collect the passport from the employee and obtain the signature for the power of attorney
- Accompaniment during the appointment at the responsible office
- Advance payment of fees (will be passed on)
- Handing over the passport and residence card
What our customers say
Frequently asked questions about immigration – FAQ
What does the immigration team actually do in a relocation agency?
The Immigration Team supports clients, typically HR departments within companies but also private individuals, in the preparation and implementation of immigration processes from abroad and the associated relocations to Germany. We relieve companies of this burden by saving time and money with our wealth of experience and friendly, proactive implementation of the necessary steps.
To work in Germany, you need a residence permit that entitles you to employment. An immigration team will assist you with compiling the necessary documents, applying for the relevant visa, and accompanying you to official appointments. The immigration team also handles communication with the relevant authorities and answers any questions that arise during the process.
How does an immigration order work?
After placing the order, we contact the customer immediately and create a new account in our GDPR-compliant online tool. This ensures transparent communication – including with the employer – and ensures that the information is available to the relevant parties at all times. This also allows us to easily answer questions and communicate directly through a user-friendly chat function.
We support the applicant in preparing the documents, act as an intermediary in communication with the authorities and recommend the necessary appointment bookings at the right time based on a standardized immigration process and point out necessary intermediate steps, such as registering your place of residence or taking out health insurance.
What do we mean by immigration services?
The immigration services of a relocation agency refer to the services offered by the agency to assist individuals, families, and companies with immigration to a specific country—in our case, Germany. We, PROGEDO, offer comprehensive support and guidance throughout the immigration process. The immigration service typically includes a variety of services, including: experience-based advice and guidance for embassy appointments, for example, how long to wait for an appointment at the German embassy in each country.
Visa and residence permit applications, document procurement and verification, translation, application preparation and follow-up, assistance with administrative procedures, integration, and on-site support. PROGEDO's immigration service aims to make the immigration process as seamless as possible for everyone involved.
How much does an immigration order cost?
Our packages can be customized to meet the needs and wishes of our clients. Fees for necessary translations and administrative fees may be added to our service costs. For more detailed information, click on “Make an inquiry”
What else does PROGEDO offer?
PROGEDO sees itself as a holistic service provider. We combine immigration and relocation into a comprehensive process. Employees wishing to immigrate to Germany will find a service provider with us who supports them in applying for the necessary residence permit, helps them find accommodation, and assists with converting their driver's license.
What does PROGEDO not offer as a professional relocation agency?
As a professional immigration agency, we do not offer legal advice within the meaning of Section 2 Paragraph 1 of the German Immigration Act (RDG). We accompany our clients through every step of the immigration process for foreign skilled workers to Germany. Naturally, we cooperate with renowned and highly specialized immigration lawyers.