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Ask Carl is our exclusive mobility partner, vetted and trusted by thousands of expats relocating across Europe.
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Quick Info
- English Support
- Pricing: Services from €75 for consultations, packages from €350-770
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Ask Carl
BorderBot's exclusive mobility partner providing comprehensive immigration and visa services for expats.
About
Ask Carl is BorderBot's exclusive mobility partner, specializing in immigration and visa services for expats and digital nomads. They offer comprehensive support for employment visas, family reunification, student visas, qualification recognition, and visa changes or extensions, with transparent pricing and expert guidance throughout the process.
Features
- Personalized immigration consultations (€75)
- Employment visa packages (€770)
- Qualification recognition service (€170)
- Family reunification packages (€470)
- Student visa packages (€470)
- Visa change and extension services (€350)
- Expert guidance throughout the entire process
Benefits
- End-to-end relocation support
- Expert knowledge of immigration processes
- Time-saving service for busy professionals
- Reduces stress and uncertainty in the relocation process
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you help with health insurance?
Absolutely. Navigating health insurance in Germany can be confusing and we certainly want to make sure you choose the best option based on your age, income, needs, family, status, etc. Not only short term but long term too. This is included in the free onboarding call.
Is your service free?
Our introduction call is for free. We take this time to learn about your needs and try our best to empower you to continue your journey from there onwards. In many cases, it can be overwhelming and complex and if you, the customer, prefer that we guide you and take over each process, this is paid for. Our rates are extremely competitive as we believe that cost alone shouldn't be the biggest barrier in moving to another country.
What does the onboarding call consist of?
The onboarding call is a free introduction call to figure out which route or steps you need to take going forward. We normally offer a brief roadmap with steps to follow; however, some cases are more complex and that is when we get a specialist to either spend 30 minutes on a call with you or, if you prefer, take over the entire visa or residency case. You have complete control over the process and we are extremely transparent with any service we may charge for way upfront.
Can I apply for visas on my own?
Yes, of course. Most visas and processes can be done by yourself; however, in certain cases, we advise getting one of our specialists involved, even if it is to clarify one or two things.
How long will my visa take?
It is difficult to estimate how much time will pass before the visa is issued. A number of factors are relevant. The first step in applying for a work visa is to make an appointment at the relevant German embassy. Some embassies have appointments as early as four weeks, while others can take much longer. Documents are sent to the Federal Employment Agency for approval, where they are examined. If no suitable domestic candidate is available, clearance is sent to the embassy. Typically, this takes two weeks. A prior work permit application can expedite the process. The embassy then makes the final decision and sets a date for the visa application.
Do I need a visa to start working in Germany immediately?
Yes, a visa for employment is mandatory for taking up a job in Germany and enables you to start working immediately.
What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit?
A visa is valid for entry into Germany and is applied for at an embassy or consulate. It allows immediate work or study and is purpose-bound. A residence permit is for a longer stay and specific purpose and is applied for at the foreigners authority in Germany. With a settlement permit, the purpose of stay is cancelled.
Can Ask Carl help with qualification / education recognition?
Yes, absolutely. We submit your qualifications to the Federal Agency for Employment. This can take between a few days up to 2–3 weeks depending on how busy the authorities are. You can find pricing on our site for this service.
Does Ask Carl help with moving and logistics?
We oversee the process and help with any relevant questions that arise pertaining to visa start dates, when you are allowed to travel, etc. We have a network of third-party providers such as logistics companies, shipping companies, and travel agents that assist with processes.
What else can Ask Carl help with?
We can essentially help with any visa and residency-related tasks and advice. If we don't offer the service in-house, we pass you on to third-party providers, but we keep a close eye on your progress and are always available to answer tricky questions if you run into a roadblock.
Can I pay by credit card and / or bank transfer?
For all direct services, our site allows various payment methods, mainly credit card. If you prefer to pay for a visa case via bank transfer, we accept this too.
Our Services
Specialist Consultation
Our Personalized Immigration Consultation Session offers expert advice and guidance from experienced immigration specialists. Whether you're studying abroad, working in Germany, reuniting with family, or exploring other immigration options, this tailored one-on-one consultation meets your specific needs.
What's included:
- Assessment: Our specialist reviews your background, qualifications, and objectives to understand your immigration goals.
- Customized Advice: Tailored guidance considering factors like your desired destination, regulations, and available pathways.
- Immigration Options: Explanation of relevant programs and pathways, including requirements, processes, and potential challenges.
- Application Strategies: Valuable insights on optimizing your application, including document preparation and profile enhancement.
- Q&A and Discussion: Interactive session to address your questions, seek clarification, and discuss concerns about your immigration plans.
Employment Package
Complete support for Blue Card, General Employment Visa, IT Specialist, and other employment-based visas.
Start Fee / Eligibility Check€270
- An initial 30 min onboarding call to understand your requirements
- We check whether you are eligible upfront to avoid disappointment or unnecessary expenditure
- Support in collecting all required documentation
- Education/Qualification recognition process and confirmation
Visa Support€250
- Additional 30 minute call to answers questions that may arise during the first phase
- Support in collecting all required documentation
- Application for pre-approval by Federal Employment Agency
- Travel Health Insurance assistance
- Guidance with booking an appointment with the relevant Authorities
Residency Support€250
- 30 minute call to answer questions and prepare you for landing on your feet
- Support in collecting all required documentation
- Anmeldung (Address registration) support. (Has to be done within 2 weeks of arrival)
- Residence permit
- Health Insurance assistance
- Follow up support with authorities if necessary
Qualification Recognition
To be able to apply for an employment visa, your qualifications/educational background needs to be recognized and approved.
- An initial 30 min onboarding call to understand your requirements
- Gather relevant documents
- Submission to the correct authorities via the Anabin ZAB database
- Check whether you require ZAV approval (If necessary)
Family Reunification
Complete support for marriage, joining spouse, joining parent visas, and other family reunification processes.
Includes:
- Eligibility check (€180)
- Visa support (€160)
- Residency support (€190)
- A1 German language assistance (if required)
Study Visa Package
For student visas, student internships, language courses, and other education-related immigration needs.
Includes:
- Eligibility check (€180)
- Visa support (€160)
- Residency support (€190)
- Academic placement assistance
Visa or Permit Change
Support for changing between visa types (study to work, jobseeker to work visa, etc.)
- Initial consultation and requirements overview
- Document collection and preparation
- Application submission and appointment scheduling
- Follow-up with authorities as needed
Visa or Permit Extension
Residence permits are usually issued for a set amount of time. Before they expire, it is required to apply for an extension.
- An initial 30 min onboarding call to understand your requirements
- Overview of the process, conditions and required documents
- Guidance in filling out all necessary forms
- Collection of necessary documents and preparation of application package
- Submission of application package to the authorities
- Appointment scheduling and follow-up with the authorities if necessary
Transparency Notice: Borderbot may receive a commission when you sign up for services through our links. This helps us maintain our platform, but our recommendations are always based on the quality and suitability of services for expats and digital nomads.