Hey,
It's Srijith from 0049 :)
Welcome to The Blick! Each week I round up the stories, events, and opportunities that matter most if you're living in Germany or planning a move here for work or studies.
🔹 Germany's digital visa portal went fully live nationwide: On February 20, the Federal Foreign Office confirmed that Germany's e-visa platform is now operational across all 167 German missions worldwide. Target processing time drops from 8–12 weeks to 4–6 weeks, the most significant practical improvement for international applicants in years.
🔹 Skilled Worker Immigration Act: permits doubled in five years: On February 18, the Federal Employment Agency revealed that third-country nationals with German employment permits grew from 200,000 in 2020 to 420,000 by mid-2025, a 110% increase. More than half arrived on EU Blue Cards.
🔹 Germany's Q4 economic performance: After two consecutive years of recession, Q4 GDP came in better than forecast. The Ifo Institute cautioned that recovery remains fragile and still threatened by US tariffs.
🔹 Merz confronts "deep rift" with Washington over tariffs: Following the Munich Security Conference, Chancellor Merz confirmed a planned visit to Washington to address trade tensions with the Trump administration. US tariffs are now the leading external risk to Germany's export economy.
🔹 Public sector strikes continue into February: Unions including ver.di, dbb, and GEW are still demanding a 7% pay rise for roughly 2.2 million public sector workers, no agreement reached. Disruptions to hospitals, universities, and schools remain possible.
🔹 UK ETA enforcement kicks in, February 25: From February 25, non-UK and non-Irish passport holders, including German residents, must have a valid ETA before travelling to the UK. It costs £16, lasts two years, and must be applied for at least 72 hours before travel.
🔹 EuroShop 2026, February 22–26, Düsseldorf: The world's largest retail trade fair runs through February 26. Relevant for professionals in retail, tech, and e-commerce sectors looking at industry trends, networking, or hiring opportunities in Germany.
🔹 Baden-Württemberg state election, March 8: Germany's first state election of 2026, home to Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Bosch. Jobs and industrial policy are the central issues — the result will set the political tone for four more state elections this year.
🔹 Merz-Trump meeting on tariffs: Merz's visit to Washington is expected in the coming days. Watch for announcements on trade policy that could directly affect Germany's export sectors.
🔹 New Video: Germany's public transport system is one of the best in the world, but it is easy to get it wrong if you do not know how it works. This video breaks down S-Bahn, U-Bahn, regional trains, and ICE connections, explains ticket types and price zones, and covers the common mistakes that cost people time, money, or a fine.
🔹 0049 Website has been upgraded: It is now significantly easier to navigate — content is organised by topic, whether you are preparing to move, already in Germany, or looking for specific guidance on visas, jobs, or integration. If you have not visited recently, it is worth a look: zerozerofournine.com.
🔹 Deutsch Deck is nearly ready. The app — a German vocabulary learning tool built around spaced repetition and active recall — has been in testing and will be available in approximately two to three weeks. If you are working on your German, this will be a practical addition to your routine.
That is the week. As always, focus on what you can control. The policy environment will keep shifting — what matters is staying informed and prepared.
💙 Peace,
Srijith