How can I legally live in Germany?
To be eligible to move to Germany, you must fulfil the following criteria:Prove Financial Stability. ... Have Health Insurance. ... Have at Least Basic Proficiency in German. ... Get a German Visa. ... Standard Residence Permit. ... European Union (EU) Blue Card. ... Settlement Permit or Permanent Residence Permit.
How long can you live in Germany without a visa?
90 daysGenerally speaking, all other foreigners require a visa for stays in Germany. A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in an 180‑day period for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement.
How can I get a visa to live in Germany?
For US citizens, the Schengen Visa is not required. This lack of Schengen Visa requirement means that you can move to Germany and you can stay there for 90 days until you get your residence permit. Since you are moving to Germany from the US, you will need a residence permit.
Can you live in Germany without being a citizen?
German Residence Permit Categories. Whether you plan to work or not, any stay in Germany over 90 days requires a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel, “residence title”) for non-EU citizens. Unlike in former times, there is no separate work permit and residence permit.
Can I move to Germany without a job?
Is It Possible to Move to Germany Without a Job? Moving to Germany without a job is possible for American citizens, but it's not as easy and it's usually recommended for those who want to immigrate to Germany.
How can I stay in Germany permanently?
But, if you want to become a permanent resident of Germany, then you need to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. These are only issued after living in Germany for a period of more than five years, and you must have had a temporary residence permit or visa for that length of time.
Is moving to Germany a good idea?
All in all, Germany is a country where you can find both the fast city life or the quiet sub-urban experience, all from a position of safety, security and stability. In short, the country's safety, highly developed infrastructure and robust economy allow Germany to offer you a very stable reason to move to the country.
How hard is it to move to Germany?
It is not difficult to move to Germany from the US if you have a valid reason, such as a job offer, a letter of acceptance from a German university, or wishing to join your partner. However, generally speaking, everyone outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland needs a solid reason to receive a German residence permit.
How much does a residence permit cost in Germany?
Fees. For the first issuance of the residence permit: Adults: 100.00 euros. Minors: 50.00 euros.
How can I become a 5 year German citizen?
To be eligible for naturalization, a person has to have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possess the appropriate residence permit. Foreigners who have successfully completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization after seven years.
What happens if you overstay your visa in Germany?
You may be deported immediately, within just a few hours or after a few days. On the other hand, if you get caught engaging in paid activity while overstaying your visa, or engaging in illegal activities, you will most possibly be taken into custody where you will wait for your trial.
Can we survive in Germany with English?
Long story short: You can survive in Germany without knowing the German language; most Germans speak English, the train usually runs announcements in English and in restaurants or bars, waiters and waitresses often speak English, especially in the city center.
Can I stay in Germany for 6 months?
According to Germany short-stay entry rules, the residents of 62 countries are permitted to enter Germany visa-free and remain there for a period of 90 days within 6 months. During this period, visitors are not permitted to work, but they can engage in business.
How can I stay in Germany for a year?
National visas are issued for long-term stays for a particular purposes and may be issued for up to a year. After entering Germany, visa holders must apply for a residence permit as a general rule.
How much does a residence permit cost in Germany?
Fees. For the first issuance of the residence permit: Adults: 100.00 euros. Minors: 50.00 euros.
Can you work in Germany without a visa?
All persons who wish to seek gainful employment in Germany are required to obtain a residence permit in the form of a visa. Where needed, a work permit will be included in the visa issued for this purpose.
Preparing your application
Please compile the documents you need to submit with your application. If documents or supporting documents are missing, your application may be rejected. We have prepared a checklist for each type of visa:
Submitting your application
Please schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the competent German Mission in the U.S. Please make sure you have your documents prepared and in order as per the checklist.
Have a good trip!
After the application has been approved by the Aliens' Authority and – if applicable - by the Work Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), the German Mission in the U.S. will issue a residence permit in the form of a visa, which will include the authorization to work in Germany.
How long do you need a visa to enter Germany?
Schengen visas allow you to enter Germany (or any other country in the Schengen area listed above) for up to three months (90 days) within a six-month period.
How long can you stay in Germany with a visa?
Certain non-EU citizens will need a German entry visa (a Schengen visa), and almost everyone else will need a German residence permit to stay longer than 90 days.
How long do you have to live in Germany to get a permanent residence permit?
Once you have been living in Germany for a number of years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany. The typical requirement is five years although there are exceptions, such as for spouses of German citizens or graduates from a German university with a temporary work visa.
Where to apply for a Schengen visa?
You need to apply for a Schengen visa at the German embassy, consulate or mission in your country of residence. The Federal Foreign Office website has detailed information on all aspects of Schengen visa regulations. You can download a Schengen application form from the Federal Foreign Office or pick up a copy from your country’s German embassy or consulate. You can also find an online version of the form (in English).
How long is a temporary residence permit good for?
The most common permit is the temporary residence permit, also needed for general employment, which is usually valid for one year, except for certain cases, such as an unlimited employment contract, in which case it can be up to three years.
Why is the German visa process expedited?
This is intended to prevent the separation of families, resulting from the previous extra administration and consequent delayed acceptance sometimes experienced for family members’ applications.
How many people applied for asylum in Germany in 2017?
Nearly 200,000 people applied for asylum in Germany in 2017, accounting for just over 30% of all first-time applicants in EU member states. In early 2016, the German parliament tightened regulations for asylum seekers in Germany, including new requirements for jobs, education, and permanent residency.
What is the cost of living in Germany?
In addition to the best and cheapest places to live in Germany, you most likely want to know what the living cost in Germany is. More specifically the cost of living in Germany for a family. Based on statistical data, here are 15 cities of Germany and their cost of living index. The higher the cost of living index, the more expensive they are.
What is the cheapest place to live in Germany?
Bremen. These are the cheapest cities to live in Germany. If you are on a budget and expect to not be making a lot of money the first few months or years when you are in the country, it is best to move to one of the cities above. Avoid moving to huge cities and the capital Berlin, since they are extremely expensive.
What is the official currency of Germany?
The currency. The Euro is the official currency of Germany. You might have known this, but if you come from a country where the currency is different, be advised that you will need to exchange it for Euros or you won’t be able to buy anything.
What do people eat in Germany?
People go to Germany with the expectation of eating lots of sausage and nothing else. Germany has a wide selection of foods, from the meat to the desserts. You get a huge range of breads and other baked goods as well. You might not be able to find the comfort foods of your own country easily, but you will have the opportunity to try many different dishes and ingredients that will be delicious.
What happens if you complain about an American employee in Germany?
Employees have a lot of organizations that protect their rights and if you complain, someone will listen. As an employee, you will not be exploited and are not at the mercy of a mean boss .
Does Germany have recycling?
Order in Germany goes so far as to include your trash. You will see special bins for all kinds of garbage and there is a specific time when you must do your recycling. Germany is an environmentally friendly country, so you should brush up on your recycling skills and learn what materials go where when you move there.
Is Germany bike friendly?
Cities built for bikes. The roads in Germany are built for all kinds of transport. They are pedestrian friendly, and most important, bicycle friendly. When you move to a new city, the cheapest transport mode will be by bike, so you can use this in Germany a lot.
Visa for Germany, Residence Permit Germany & other Permits
Germany’s immigration laws are complex and confusing for many people, not just foreigners but also for natives.
Required documents
Before setting out on your German adventure, it may not just be useful but also essential to get the following documents sorted out:
How long do you have to stay in Germany to get a visa?
On the other hand, even if you are a passport holder of any of these countries, but your purpose is other than tourism or business, and you need to remain in Germany for more than 90 days within a 6-month period, then you will still need to obtain a visa.
How to apply for a German visa?
Germany Visa Application Process 1 Ask the embassy for a checklist of the required documents for your visa type you wish to apply for. 2 Fulfill the application form with correct information and obtain the required documents for your visa. 3 Appoint an interview at the German embassy in your country of residence. The earliest you can schedule the appointment is six months prior to your trip. 4 Pay the visa fee and save the receipt in order to show it later to the consular officer during the interview. 5 Show up on time at the embassy for your meeting with all the required documents with you arranged in the given order. The meeting will last around ten minutes, during which the consular officer will look at your documents and ask you a few questions regarding your background and purpose of your trip to Germany.
What is the minimum travel insurance for Schengen?
Health Insurance – a document that confirms you have obtained travel health insurance that covers illnesses and accidents, and even repatriation in case of death, as well as the whole Schengen Area with a minimum coverage of € 30.000.
What is a guest scientist visa?
Guest Scientist Visa – for scientists or researchers who have been invited by an institution to carry out a study or research.
Is Germany demanding for a visa?
Germany however is quite demanding on the issue, and it is recommendable to fulfill each request meticulously to the last detail. Usually, the German embassy in each country has an updated checklist of the Germany Visa requirements for each type of visa. The following documents are required for any Germany visa application: ...
Is it cheaper to travel to Germany or Canada?
The German and Europe visas, in general, are quite cheaper than visas to the US, Canada, or even India. Moreover, with a single visa, you will be able to explore most of the old continent.
Do I need a Germany visa?
Currently the citizens of 62 countries can enter Germany visa free for the purpose of tourism / visiting and business doing, for periods shorter than 90 days within a 180-day period.
How to Apply For A German Student Visa?
The German student visa application process can be a confusing process for many international students. The procedures are different from country to country, but you can have a general overview of the main steps you need to go through below.
How long does it take to get a German visa?
All other German visa applications for studies are normally processed within 3 months.
How to find a German embassy?
Locate The Closest German Embassy or Consulate. You can use Google to search for an embassy or a consulate near you, in your country (or another country close to you) to get more information about the requirements and setting up a visa appointment. All official German missions in other countries have an official website online, along with their physical address and contact information.
How long do you have to stay in Germany to study?
For studies that last more than 3 months, you need a German national visa. If you enter Germany with a national visa you have to extend your stay by getting a German residence permit for studies at the Foreigner’s Office. You should do this while your entry visa is still valid.
When is the best time to apply for a German student visa?
The best time to apply for a German student visa is immediately after receiving the university letter of admission and securing the necessary funds to live and study in Germany.
What do you need to show if you have a visa?
Your national passport/national ID card. It has to show you have a valid entry visa if you’ve entered with a visa.
What is a visa for a foreigner?
What is a Visa? A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship or nationality. Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa ...
What is a Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’ s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship or nationality.
Who facilitates visa applications?
In the country you selected, visa applications and interview scheduling are primarily facilitated by a third-party company, Applicant Service Centers. Please visit their website at: https://ais.usvisa-info.com for additional information on determining what visa type is best for you and how to apply.
Immigration in Germany
Who Needs A German Visa?
- EU/EFTA nationals
Citizens from the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA – consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) don’t need a German visa or residence permit. They simply need a valid passport or ID card to show at border control. EU/EFTA citizens can sta… - Non-EU/EFTA nationals
Citizens from outside the EU/EFTA generally need a German visa to come to Germany. Sixty-two countries – including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and the US – have agreements with Schengen Area countries, which allow their citizens to stay for up to 90 days without a visa. How…
Types of German Visa
- There are essentially two types of German visas: 1. Short-stay visas, also known as Schengen type C visas, which are valid for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period 2. Long-stay visas, also known as type D National visas, are for stays of over 90 days.
Short-Stay German Visas
- There are various categories of type C short-stay German visas, which are: 1. Tourist visa 2. Business visa 3. Visa for official visits 4. Medical visa 5. Visa for cultural and sports events or film crews 6. Trade fair and exhibitions visa 7. Training/internship visa 8. Transit visas– including airport transit visa and seafarers transit visa
Long-Term German Visas
- Long-stay German visas, or type D national visas, are for stays in Germany of longer than three months. If you’re a national of a country that needs a visa to enter Germany, you will need to apply for a visa and residence permit before you arrive. Otherwise, you can either apply before you arrive or apply for a residence permit once you are in Germany. There are three main types of long-sta…
Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Germany
- With around 1.24 million refugees and 233,000 asylum seekers as of mid-2021, Germany hosts more displaced people than anywhere else in Europe. Half of the refugees living in the country in 2021 were from Syria, and by April 2022, Germany had registered 316,000 Ukrainian refugees. In addition, there were 148,200 first-time asylum applicationsin Germany in 2021, accounting for 2…
Residence and Citizenship in Germany
- EU/EFTA nationals don’t need to apply for a residence permit to move to Germany. However, they need to register with the local residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) if staying for longer than three months. Third-country nationals will need to apply for a German residence permit if staying for longer than three months. If you need to apply for an entry visa, you will usu…
Arriving in Germany
- All new arrivals in Germany need to register with their local residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) if staying for longer than three months. You should do this within two weeks of arriving. Registration is required for tax and social securitypurposes. Other things you may want to consider during the first days of arrivingare: 1. Registering for healthcare in German…
Appeals and Complaints
- If your visa application has been turned down, you can appeal the decision with the German embassy or consulate within one month of receiving the verdict. You can find information on how to write a good appeal letter here. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your appeal, you can take it to the administrative courtsin Germany within one month of receiving the decision.
Useful Resources
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge – BAMF)– German government body responsible for immigration, visas, and permits
- Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt)– government information about visas