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 a non citizen stay in Germany?
about 90 daysA tourist visa allows you to stay in Germany for about 90 days and explore the country and all it has to offer. Staying beyond the permitted 90 days is not possible though without a residence permit. A German residence permit allows you to stay in Germany for a more extended period than only 90 days.
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.
Can I live in Germany as a foreigner?
Visas and residency If you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days or to work there and you do not also hold an EU citizenship, you need a visa or residence permit. You can either: apply for a visa before you travel, or.
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.
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.
Is it easy to get a German visa?
However, getting into Germany is not an easy piece of cake for everyone since a visa is required for many. Although Germany has reached visa facilitation agreements with many countries, there are still many more worldwide, the citizens who need to obtain a visa, even for short stays and tourism.
How much does a visa to Germany cost?
Since February 2020, the fee for all types of German short-stay visas, known also as the Schengen visas, is 80 euro. Nevertheless, in many cases, you do not have to pay for a visa or can get a visa at a reduced price, depending on your nationality or status.
How hard is it to immigrate to Germany?
You must have had a standard residence permit for at least five years, You must prove you have more than basic German language proficiency, You must prove financial security and your ability to meet all expenses related to your stay in Germany, You must enrol in an integration course and successfully pass the exam.
Why you shouldn't move to Germany?
High taxes Taxes are high in Germany, seriously high. In fact, they are one of the highest in the world. If you aren't married, don't have children, and earn a solid salary, expect to pay half of your salary in taxes every month.
How much money do you need to move to Germany?
On average, to cover your living expenses in Germany you will need around 861 euros per month (around $1,002 US dollars) or 10,332 euros per year (around $12,024 US dollars). The prices for food, accommodation, bills, clothes and entertainment are basically in line with the EU average.
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 90 days in Germany?
It could be fine, immediate deportation or even getting banned from entering the Schengen Zone for a specific amount of time. Finally, yet importantly, it does not matter if you have entered Schengen territory on a Schengen Visa, or if you are the national of a country, to which a visa waiver has been applied.
What happens if I stay in Germany longer than 90 days?
For long-term stays (more than 90 days, e.g. to attend University, work or join a Family member) in Germany, non- EU -nationals need a visa. National visas are issued for long-term stays for a particular purpose. Usually issued for 90 days, such visas may be issued for up to a year in certain cases.
What is the penalty for overstaying in Germany?
Penalties for Overstaying a Schengen Visa The penalty for staying in Germany without a residence title according to § 95 (1) German Residence Act ranges from a fine to one year's imprisonment. However, if the authorised duration of stay on a Schengen Visa is exceeded, the actual court sentence may be low.
What happens when you overstay in Germany?
What if I overstay in Germany? If you overstay and do not contact an Aliens Department in Germany before the expiration date of your visa, you will automatically be denied your next Schengen visa.
Why do people travel to Germany?
Individuals from all over the world travel to Germany every year for a holiday, study and work. Some only remain in Germany for a short period while others stay for a lifetime.
How many days can you stay in the Schengen area?
A single-entry Schengen visa means you can enter the Schengen area once, and visit as many Schengen countries as you like up to the maximum of 90 days. However, you can’t leave the entire Schengen zone and re-enter on a single-entry Schengen visa; for this, you will need a multiple-entry Schengen visa.
Is Germany a member of the EU?
Germany is a member of the EU and one of the 26 countries which make up the Schengen zone. The Schengen Zone is a group of European countries that have agreed to banish borders and allow unrestricted travel between them.
Do Germans like documentation?
The more information you supply to back up your application, the better your chances of approval – Germans love documentation!
Do EU citizens need a passport to enter Germany?
EU nationals still need their passport to enter, and if they are planning on staying for longer than 90 days, studying or working, they will need to register at the local Bürgeramt in Germany.
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.
How to get a German visa?
There are also a few things you’ll have to prove in order to successfully obtain a visa: 1 You’ll need to have a clear purpose for obtaining the visa 2 You’ll need to have enough funds in the bank to finance yourself in Germany 3 You’ll need a letter of invitation from a German source (friend, family, language school, employment, university, etc.) 4 You’ll need a clean record 5 You’ll need proof of accommodations (hotel, airbnb, family, friends, rental, etc.) 6 And visa-approved travel insurance
How long is a freelance business visa valid in Germany?
While it is a great option, this visa is often only valid for a maximum of 3 months. Extension is possible, but you will then be required to apply for your residence permit. If you would like to extend your permit, you will need to prove success in your freelance business, enough so that you can support yourself and your dependents on the income generated.
What is a visiting scholar visa?
If you are a scientist or researcher who already has a partnership with a German institution where you will be conducting your research , the visiting scholar visa will be the visa you need. This visa is very particular in regards to what you’re researching, the institution you’re working with, etc. It is best to contact the closest German embassy/consulate to you for more information.
How long does a job seeker visa last?
Job Seeker Visa. While the job seeker visa is considered to be a long-term visa, you are capped at a limit of 6 months. This means you have 6 months to find and secure a job before your visa runs out. Once you have secured a job, you will then apply for a long-term work visa. NOTE: Not everyone is eligible for this visa.
What is a long term visa for foreigners?
The employment visa will be exactly what you need if you’ve already landed a job here in German and have the job offer to prove it. These are typically positions which require highly qualified employees to fill. Additionally, there are other types of related employment visas like the work and travel visa and au pair visa which one may or may not also qualify for.
Who is considered a spouse on a German reunification visa?
If you are a spouse of a German resident, a child of a German resident (who is still under supervision of a parental guardian), or a parent of a German resident who either needs to take care of their child or needs their child to care for them , these are all considered in the reunification visa.
DO YOU NEED A VISA WHEN COMING TO GERMANY?
If you are a citizen of the European Union, the EEA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein), or Switzerland you do not require a visa to live or work in Germany. Even better news, your driver’s license will also be valid here 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).
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.
How long does it take to get a German residency?
It can take up to several months to obtain a long-term German residence permit, so it’s important to start the process early.
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.
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:
Where to Apply for a Germany Visa in US?
You can apply for a German visa in US, either in the German embassy in Washington, or any of the German consulates across the US.
How long does it take to get a German visa?
Usually, a German visa application takes about 10 to 15 working days to be processed by the German embassy in the US, which is the only competent body to assess the applications. There may be delays depending on the number of applications, or in some cases depending on the specific situation of the applicant.
How long does a visa interview last in Germany?
Pay the visa fee and keep the receipt so you can show it to the consular officer. In general the interview lasts around 10 minutes, during which the interviewer will ask you questions on your background and the purpose of your travel to Germany.
Where can I get a German visa in Chicago?
Applying for a Germany Visa at Chicago Consulate. You can apply at the German Consulate in Chicago if you’re a permanent resident of any of the following states: Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri, and South Dakota.
Where can I apply for German citizenship in Georgia?
You can apply at the German Consulate in Atlanta if you’re a permanent resident of any of the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee.
Do you need a visa to travel to Germany?
Airport Transit Visa – despite that the cases are quite rare, some US residents may have to obtain this visa in order to be permitted to transit through one of the German airports when traveling from the US to their destination country
Do US citizens need a visa to enter Germany?
US residents that need Germany visa. Some of the US residents, depending on their status in the US and the purpose of their entry in Germany, as well as some other factors, may be obliged to obtain a visa first before entering the country. These categories are as following:
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.
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