Got a contract job in Germany with a big company, have been given a short term contract, and now the extension is coming up, my Thai wife holds a one year Schengen Visa, but I was thinking of getting her a residence permit in Germany, has anyone done this before and what was required to do this. Don't want her coming here for 3 months, then 3 months in Bangkok then back here again for 3 months then back to Bangkok again. Another option was studying German at the VHS in Frankfurt, but not sure if she has to apply for the visa in Bangkok for this, although she can only register if here as they are required to test your level of German first.

I know I need the document from the Einwohnemeldeamt, to say that I am a European and have freedom of movement. Any other info would be welcome

Beano,

the authority you have to contact is not the Einwohnermeldeamt but the "Landratsamt, Ausländer-Angelegenheiten". even though you are a EU citizen and entitled to free movement and work within the EU, the Landratsamt issues a work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis) for you (can't be refused).

as far as your Thai wife is concerned contact them and ask politely what your options are. a formal letter of support from your employer would be extremely helpful, especially if it states your income and that your mandatory health insurance would cover your wife too.

good luck, all the best!

Thanks Naam, but I believe that am not required to have an Arbeitserlaubnis anymore, the rules changed in 2004.

Am self employed so a letter from my self might not work in this case.

You are an EEA citizen exercising an economic treaty right in another EEA country.

That same treaty means that you have the right to have your non EEA national family members live there with you, and any application for them to do so should be free of charge and processed without delay.

I don't know how Germany deals with it, I'm afraid.

Thanks Naam, but I believe that am not required to have an Arbeitserlaubnis anymore, the rules changed in 2004.

Am self employed so a letter from my self might not work in this case.

if the rules changed i stand corrected. but i still recommend to contact the authority i mentioned personally and ask for advice how to proceed. German government officials can be àssholes especially when contacted by phone or in writing. a personal visit and polite questions can generate miracles.