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Emigrating While Unemployed: Your Guide to Starting Afresh Abroad
Are you unemployed and considering emigrating? This is a big step that requires careful planning. Find out which benefits you can take with you and how to successfully start anew abroad. Need support with your planning? Get in contact with us!
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Are you unemployed and considering emigrating? This is a big step that requires careful planning. Find out which benefits you can take with you and how to successfully start anew abroad. Need support with your planning? Get in contact with us!
Are you unemployed and considering emigrating? This is a big step that requires careful planning. Find out which benefits you can take with you and how to successfully start anew abroad. Need support with your planning? Get in contact with us!
Are you unemployed and considering emigrating? This is a big step that requires careful planning. Find out which benefits you can take with you and how to successfully start anew abroad. Need support with your planning? Get in contact with us!
Learn how to make your dream of emigrating a reality, even if you're unemployed. We'll show you what financial assistance you are entitled to and how to optimally prepare for the move.
The dream of emigrating doesn't have to remain a dream, even if you're currently unemployed. Many people see emigration as an opportunity for a professional and personal fresh start. But how can this step be realized if you want to emigrate while unemployed? There are many aspects to consider, from financial aid to the organization of the move. At GoMovin, we help you make this process as smooth as possible. With our expertise in the field of relocation, we support you every step of the way to ensure your fresh start abroad is successful.
Key Considerations for Emigration While Unemployed
Before deciding to emigrate while unemployed, you should ask yourself some fundamental questions. Is it a short-term job search abroad or a permanent emigration? The answer to this question has significant impacts on your rights and obligations. It is crucial that you are aware of the consequences of your unemployment registration and how this affects your emigration plans. Early and comprehensive planning is crucial to avoid unexpected problems. GoMovin offers you personal advice to analyze your individual situation and find the best options for you. Our experts help you plan and implement all the necessary steps to ensure your move is stress-free.
The Relevance of the EU Membership of the Destination Country
Your choice of destination country plays a decisive role, especially in terms of social security aspects. There is a significant difference between EU/EEC countries and Switzerland on the one hand, and third countries on the other. Within the EU, the EEC, and Switzerland, there are specific regulations for coordinating social security, which may allow you to take unemployment benefits abroad for a certain time. Article 64 of the EU regulation on the coordination of social security is particularly important in this context. If you wish to emigrate to a country outside the EU/EEC/Switzerland, these regulations do not apply, and you may need to completely re-insure yourself. GoMovin assists you in clarifying these issues and helps you make the right decisions for your social security abroad. We work with a global network of partners to provide you with the best possible support in every country.
ALG I: How to take your benefits abroad
If you receive Unemployment Benefit I (ALG I), you have the opportunity, under certain conditions, to take your benefits abroad temporarily to look for a job there. This so-called benefit export is tied to specific conditions and requires careful preparation. It is important to note that not all benefits can be exported. For example, Unemployment Benefit II (Citizens' Income) is generally not intended for export abroad. GoMovin supports you in checking your entitlements and taking all necessary steps for the benefit export. We help you understand the complex regulations and submit the correct applications.
Conditions for transferring ALG I abroad
To transfer your ALG I abroad, you must meet certain conditions. A key requirement is the unemployment registration in Germany. Additionally, you must generally be available to the German labour market for at least four weeks before travelling abroad. However, there are exceptions to this rule, for instance, in cases of hardship. Another condition is citizenship of an EU member state. Third-country nationals can also take ALG I abroad under certain circumstances if they have a valid residence and work permit for the destination country. GoMovin provides comprehensive advice on these conditions and assists you in assembling all necessary documents.
The process of benefit export
The process of benefit export is clearly regulated. First, you must apply for the PD U2 form at the employment agency. This form certifies your entitlement to ALG I and enables you to receive benefits abroad. It is important to submit the application well before your departure, as processing can take some time. After arriving in the destination country, you must register with the local employment office within a certain period (usually six days). If you miss this deadline, you risk losing your entitlement to benefits. The employment agency provides detailed information on this process. GoMovin supports you in adhering to all deadlines and formalities, ensuring you can receive your benefits without any issues.
Duration and extension of benefit export
The standard duration for benefit export is three months. Under certain circumstances, you can extend this duration to up to six months. An extension is usually possible if you can prove that you are actively job-seeking and have good chances of finding employment. It is important to apply for an extension before the initial three months expire. The decision on the extension lies at the discretion of the responsible authority. Germans abroad provide additional information on this subject. GoMovin helps you provide the necessary evidence and successfully apply for an extension.
Health insurance while job hunting abroad
During your job search abroad, you are generally still covered by your German health insurance. For this, you need the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC gives you access to basic medical care abroad. However, it is important to note that the EHIC does not cover all costs. In some countries, it may be necessary to take out supplementary private insurance to be fully protected. GoMovin is happy to advise you on the different options and help you find the right health insurance cover for your stay abroad. Our experts provide information on the important aspects of health insurance when moving abroad.
Bürgergeld: Not possible to take with you when emigrating
If you are receiving Unemployment Benefit II (Citizens' Income), it is important to know that this benefit generally cannot be taken abroad to look for a job. Citizens' Income is intended to secure livelihood in Germany and is not designed to fund a stay abroad. However, there are some exceptions and special regulations that can permit short-term support in certain cases. GoMovin provides comprehensive information about your options and helps you find alternative sources of funding for your stay abroad.
Non-exportability of Citizens' Income
Citizens' Income is a livelihood-securing benefit that is granted exclusively in Germany. It is not possible to transfer Citizens' Income abroad to cover your living expenses or to finance job-seeking activities. This rule applies even if you plan to emigrate permanently. If you are receiving Citizens' Income and decide to emigrate, you must inform the relevant authorities, as this will affect your entitlement to benefits. GoMovin supports you in clarifying your financial situation and helps you find alternative funding sources for your stay abroad. We offer advice on possible funding programs and scholarships that can ease your start abroad.
Exceptions and Special Regulations
In certain hardship cases, it is possible to receive what are known as bridging benefits. However, these benefits are time-limited and are solely intended to help overcome acute emergencies. They are not intended to secure your livelihood during a job search abroad. The EU Equal Treatment Office provides information on this. Bridging benefits can be granted independently of your emigration plans if you can prove that you are in financial difficulty. GoMovin assists you in applying for these benefits and helps you provide all the necessary documentation.
Moving and Absence: How to Secure Your Benefits
If you are receiving unemployment benefits and are planning to move, there are a few important points to consider. Moving can have an impact on your entitlement to benefits, particularly if you are relocating to an area served by a different job centre. It is therefore important to inform the relevant authority of your move in a timely manner. Even short-term absences from your local area, such as for a holiday, can affect your benefits. GoMovin provides you with comprehensive information about your rights and obligations and assists you in taking all necessary steps to secure your entitlements.
Notification obligations when moving
If you move, you are required to inform the employment agency of your new address. This notification obligation ensures that you remain reachable and that your benefits can be paid properly. Additionally, the address change is used to check whether another job centre is responsible for you. It is not sufficient to simply submit a forwarding request to the post office. The employment agency needs your new address to continue providing support. GoMovin assists you in fulfilling your notification obligations and helps you complete all the necessary forms.
Holiday and short-term absences
Even if you are receiving unemployment benefits, you are generally entitled to a holiday. However, there are some restrictions. You are permitted to be away from your local area for a maximum of six weeks per calendar year. However, your unemployment benefits will only continue to be paid for the first three weeks of absence. If you are absent for more than six weeks, your entitlement will be terminated from the first day of absence. After returning, you must re-register as unemployed. The job centre provides details. GoMovin offers comprehensive advice on the regulations regarding holidays and absences and helps you plan your holiday so that your entitlements are not jeopardised.
Need for approval and notification obligations
It is important to note that you must get your travel plans approved by the employment agency. Travelling without approval risks the loss of your entitlements. Additionally, you are required to report to the job centre immediately upon your return. Failing to meet this notification obligation can also result in benefit reductions. GoMovin supports you in meeting all approval and notification obligations and assists you in submitting all necessary applications.
Drawing Benefits Again: How to Make It Work After Returning
If you return to Germany after a stay abroad and wish to claim unemployment benefits again, there are several important requirements to meet. Generally, it is necessary to take up employment subject to compulsory insurance in Germany after your return. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as for cross-border commuters and posted workers. GoMovin provides comprehensive information on your options and helps you take all necessary steps to restore your entitlement.
Requirements for re-claiming ALG I after staying abroad
To be able to claim ALG I again after a stay abroad, you generally need to take up employment that is subject to compulsory insurance in Germany. This employment must have a certain duration to establish a new entitlement. However, there are exceptions for so-called cross-border commuters, who regularly travel between Germany and another country, as well as for posted workers, who have been sent abroad by a German employer. GoMovin provides comprehensive advice on these exceptions and helps you assess your entitlement.
The importance of the PD U1 form
If you worked in another EU country during your stay abroad, it is important to apply for the PD U1 form. This form serves as proof of your periods of insurance abroad and can be taken into account when calculating your ALG I entitlement. It is advisable to apply for the PD U1 form from the foreign insurance provider before your return. Arbeit.swiss offers information on this. GoMovin assists you with applying for the PD U1 form and helps you compile all necessary documents.
Reviving old claims
Under certain circumstances, old ALG I claims can be revived. This is possible if less than four years have passed since the original entitlement arose. In this case, you can reactivate your old entitlement without having to take up employment subject to compulsory insurance again. GoMovin is happy to check whether this option is available to you and supports you in reactivating your old entitlement.
Cross-border workers: How to correctly apply for unemployment benefits
Special regulations apply for cross-border commuters when claiming unemployment benefits. A cross-border commuter is a person who lives in one country and works in another, returning regularly (at least once a week) to their place of residence. There are different types of cross-border commuters, each having different entitlements to unemployment benefits. GoMovin provides you with comprehensive information about the specific regulations for cross-border commuters and assists you in correctly applying for your benefits.
Definition and Types of Cross-Border Commuters
A distinction is made between "genuine" and "non-genuine" cross-border commuters. A "genuine" cross-border commuter is someone who lives in one country and works in another, returning regularly (at least once a week) to their place of residence. A "non-genuine" cross-border commuter is someone who works in another country but does not return regularly to their place of residence. The distinction between these two types of cross-border commuters is crucial for determining which country is responsible for paying unemployment benefits. GoMovin advises you comprehensively on the different types of cross-border commuters and helps you determine your status.
Entitlements of Cross-Border Commuters
Generally, Germany is responsible for paying unemployment benefits if you are a "genuine" cross-border commuter. This means you must apply for unemployment benefits through the German employment agency, even if you lived abroad. Your periods of employment abroad are taken into account when calculating your entitlements. GoMovin supports you in applying for your unemployment benefits and helps you gather all the necessary documents.
Avoid Pitfalls: Important Advice for Emigrants
When emigrating with unemployment benefits, there are several pitfalls to consider. In particular, suspension periods can significantly affect your entitlement. It is therefore important to inform yourself comprehensively in advance and take all necessary steps to avoid them. Also, deregistering before departure is crucial to avoid future issues when applying for benefits. GoMovin provides you with essential advice and tips on how to avoid these pitfalls and successfully plan your stay abroad.
Suspension Periods and Their Impact
Suspension periods can occur if you fail to meet your obligations to the Employment Agency. This may happen if, for example, you do not register as unemployed in time or if you refuse a job offer. Suspension periods result in your unemployment benefits being reduced or even stopped altogether for a specific period. It is important to know that suspension periods can still have an impact after your emigration if you later wish to claim unemployment benefits in Germany again. GoMovin offers comprehensive advice on the potential reasons for suspension periods and helps you to avoid them.
Deregistering before Departure
You must deregister with the employment office before your departure. This deregistering is necessary to prevent benefits from being paid to you, to which you are no longer entitled. Failure to deregister can result in penalties and issues when applying for benefits later. GoMovin supports you in the deregistering process and assists you in completing all necessary forms.
Health Insurance and Healthcare Coverage
An important aspect of emigration is healthcare coverage. During the preparation for your emigration, you should definitely contact your health insurance to clarify how you will be covered during your stay abroad. In many cases, it is necessary to take out private international health insurance to be fully covered. GoMovin is happy to advise you on the different options and helps you find suitable health insurance for your stay abroad. Our experts inform you about the important aspects of health insurance when emigrating.
Checklist: Successfully Emigrating with Unemployment Benefits
The emigration with unemployment benefit requires careful planning and preparation. To ensure that you don't forget anything, we have put together a checklist to help you organise your stay abroad. This checklist includes all important steps, from the unemployment registration to registering with the relevant employment agency in the destination country. GoMovin supports you in implementing this checklist and helps you take all the necessary steps.
Before Departure
Before you depart, you should complete the following points:
Register as unemployed and ensure availability: Register as unemployed in good time and ensure that you are available to the job market for at least four weeks.
Apply for the PD U2 form: Apply for the PD U2 form from the employment agency to prove your entitlement to unemployment benefits abroad.
Clarify health insurance: Clarify your health insurance coverage for the stay abroad and, if necessary, take out private foreign health insurance.
Deregister from the employment service: Deregister from the employment service before your departure to avoid penalties and problems when applying for benefits later.
After Arrival in the Destination Country
After your arrival in the destination country, you should complete the following points:
Register with the relevant employment authority: Register with the relevant employment authority in the destination country within the specified period.
Compliance with local regulations: Familiarise yourself with the local regulations and comply with them to avoid jeopardising your benefit entitlement.
Conclusion: Careful planning ensures your new start abroad
Emigrating while receiving unemployment benefits is a complex matter that requires careful planning and preparation. There are many aspects to consider, from the requirements for portability of benefits to the obligations to notify authorities in the event of a move and absence from the area. It is crucial to gather comprehensive information in advance and take all necessary steps to avoid jeopardising your entitlement to benefits. GoMovin supports you in this process and helps you realise your dream of emigrating despite being unemployed.
Summary of Key Points
The key points to consider when emigrating with unemployment benefits are:
Check if you meet the requirements for portability of benefits.
Apply for the PD U2 form from the employment agency in good time.
Register with the relevant employment authority in the destination country within the stipulated period.
Familiarise yourself with and comply with local regulations.
Clarify your health insurance coverage for your stay abroad.
Deregister from the employment office before you depart.
GoMovin offers comprehensive advice and support in planning and implementing your emigration. We assist you in taking all necessary steps and realising your dream of emigrating despite unemployment.
Future Prospects and Trends
The field of social security and international labour mobility is constantly evolving. It is therefore important to stay informed about current developments and trends. GoMovin closely monitors these developments and adjusts its services accordingly. We provide information on the latest changes and help you make the best decisions for your future. At GoMovin, we simplify the relocation process and make international relocation stress-free, efficient, and personalised. Discover more about our relocation services and how we can assist you in achieving your dream of emigrating. Our services include personal advice, legal support, property services, and cultural integration. Contact us today via our contact form to start your personalised consultation and plan your move successfully. We look forward to supporting you in starting anew abroad.
Further useful links
The Agentur für Arbeit provides detailed information on the procedure for transferring unemployment benefit I.
Germans abroad offer further information on extending the transfer of unemployment benefits.
The EU Equality Office provides information on bridging benefits for unemployment in Germany.
The Employment Agency informs about the details concerning holidays and relocation during the receipt of unemployment benefits.
The Arbeit.swiss provides information on the PD U1 form for crediting insurance periods abroad.
FAQ
Can I take Unemployment Benefit I (ALG I) abroad if I want to emigrate while unemployed?
Yes, under certain conditions you can take your ALG I abroad within the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland for a limited period (usually three to six months) to look for a job. This requires applying for the PD U2 form from the employment agency.
What happens to my Bürgergeld if I emigrate?
Bürgergeld is a benefit for securing a livelihood in Germany and can generally not be taken abroad. If you emigrate, your entitlement to Bürgergeld ceases.
How long must I be available to the German labour market before I can take ALG I abroad?
Generally, you must be available to the German labour market for at least four weeks before you can take ALG I abroad. However, there are exceptions in cases of hardship.
What is the PD U2 form and why do I need it?
The PD U2 form is a document that certifies your entitlement to ALG I and allows you to receive benefits abroad. You must apply for it at the employment agency and present it to the employment office in your destination country upon arrival.
What should I do if I don't find a job abroad and return to Germany?
Upon your return to Germany, you must immediately report to the employment agency to claim your ALG I entitlement again. Depending on the circumstance, you may need to take up an insurable employment again to establish a new entitlement.
What role does the EU membership of my destination country play when emigrating with unemployment benefits?
Within the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland, there are special regulations for coordinating social security, which may allow you to take unemployment benefits abroad for a certain period. These regulations do not apply to countries outside these regions.
What happens to my health insurance if I emigrate while unemployed?
During the job search abroad, you are generally still covered by your German health insurance as long as you receive ALG I. You will need the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It's advisable to consult with your health insurance provider beforehand.
What are waiting times and how can I avoid them if I emigrate while unemployed?
Waiting times occur if you do not fulfil your obligations to the employment agency, e.g., by reporting late or refusing a reasonable job offer. To avoid waiting times, you should report unemployment in a timely manner and comply with all the employment agency's requirements.
