hope2shine:
Hi Nox,
I was quite busy so couldn't reply earlier. Anyways, I learned from my mistakes and based on my adventures in Deutschland if I may suggest you the following :
1) Why can't you ask your employer to provide initial accomodation atleast for three months ? Apartment hunting is not that easy in Germany.
2) I will suggest fix an appointment with ABH once u arrive.Talk to ABH in Berlin. The ABH guys listen and they eventually resolve the problems. So I believe they will suggest you something good.
3) I hope you have already signed your employment contract but then too, go thru the below mentioned link u will get some valid info.
http://www.trust7.com/forum/-/message_boards/message/749669And yes, If mumbai embassy is issuing you Blue card that will be awesome (as it comes with a validity of four years). I suppose that will serve as residence cum work permit.
Regards
Hi,
First of all thanks for taking time to reply on this thread. It is very helpful and encouraging to see responses on visa issues.
For your comments above, my reply is as follows:
1. The company is going to provide me with 1 time amount to cover the relocation cost. They told me that they do not provide accomodation since different folks like different accomodation (Hotel stay or WB or short term rental etc). Hence they came up with 1 time relocation scheme in terms of cash.
2. Sure I am going to talk to ABH guys as soon as get to Berlin. Also, I am going to ask for their contact details to Mumbai consulate when I go to collect the stamped visa (as per your previous suggestion).
3. Yes I have signed the employment contract. It was in German. But fortunately, my cousin (who is in Germany for many years now) was in India when the contract was send to me. He helped me to scrutiny it and provided with pitfalls which I later clarified with the company HR. They were not very grave issues and contract was pretty standard one as per my cousin's review.
Could you please help to confirm the following: Do I need to apply for Blue card while I am in India to Mumbai consulate? I was under the impression that, I need to do it while I am in Germany since Blue card is special residence permit (if you satisfy its pre-requisites). If it is possible to apply for Blue card from Mumbai, please point me to the process. I couldn't find info about this on the Mumbai consulate web-site.
Thanks in advance for your time.