All our lawyers regularly advise English-speaking clients and speak English perfectly.
Losing a job in Germany does not mean losing everything — if you act in the right order.
Unemployment benefit (ALG I)
If you paid German social contributions for at least 12 of the last 30 months, you are generally entitled to approx. 60 % of your previous net salary (67 % with children) — regardless of citizenship. Register as jobseeking within 3 days of learning about your termination, and as unemployed on day one of unemployment at the latest.
The Sperrzeit trap
A 12-week benefit suspension threatens if the agency believes you gave up the job voluntarily — the classic trigger is a carelessly worded settlement agreement. The wording of your Aufhebungsvertrag decides; have it checked before signing.
Residence permits and job loss
Job loss does not automatically end your right to stay, but deadlines differ sharply: EU Blue Card and § 18-permits usually allow a limited period to find new employment (the immigration office must be informed of the job loss), permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is unaffected, and EU citizens retain worker status for at least six months while involuntarily unemployed. We coordinate the employment-law exit with your residence situation — and time the termination date accordingly.