How long does the visa process take for engineers from non-EU countries?

Standard process takes 10-30 weeks, depending on country of origin, visa type, document completeness, and German embassy workload. With Fast Track services, average 40% reduction in processing time.

What does hiring an international engineer actually cost?

Realistic total costs: €15,000-35,000 one-time, broken down as: Recruiting €8,000-15,000, Visa €300-700, Relocation €3,000-8,000, Onboarding €2,000-5,000. ROI over 4 years is 800%+ through avoided productivity losses.

What is the best immigration service option for my company?

Choose DIY if hiring 1-2 people per year with German-speaking HR. Choose traditional lawyer for legal disputes. Choose expert service plus software platform if hiring 5+ people per year and speed matters. The hybrid model delivers 2.5 month average vs 4-5 months with traditional services.

Does an international engineer need perfect German?

No. For most engineering positions, B2 level (intermediate) is sufficient. Many companies operate with B1 or English when the team is international and language courses are offered during onboarding.

How quickly can an international engineer start?

Realistic timelines: Fastest case 8-12 weeks for Blue Card with well-prepared candidate. Standard Blue Card 16-24 weeks. With qualification recognition add 4-12 weeks. With Fast Track 40% faster than standard.

What happens if the visa application is rejected?

Rejections are rare with professional preparation (less than 2%). If it happens: analyze rejection rationale, submit missing documents, file objection if authorities made procedural errors, or explore alternative visa types.

Is international recruitment worth it for small companies?

Yes. SMEs benefit from expanded talent pool, higher loyalty rates, flexibility advantage, and better cost-benefit versus months of unfilled positions. Many relokate clients are SMEs (50-500 employees) with excellent results.

Can I hire international engineers remotely?

Yes, with limitations. Most visa types require workplace to be in Germany. Remote-hybrid is possible if primary residence is in Germany. Alternative: use first months for remote work while visa processes, then relocate.