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Living in Europe, Working in EuropeEntry conditions/visasGermany

Entry Conditions and Visas

On the subject of entry and residence in Germany, different rules apply to citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland on the one hand and citizens of so-called third countries on the other.

  • Nationals of the European Union, as well as citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, do not need a visa for entry or a long stay permit.

    Nationals of the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland only require a valid passport or identity card for entry (§ 2 Abs. 5 FreizügG). After entering Germany, you (just like German citizens) have to register for residence at the registration office of the city you live in within three months. The obligation to register is regulated differently in the individual federal states and is linked to moving into an apartment or a room in Germany. Even if you also maintain residency abrad, you still must register your residency in Germany. In some cases, the obligation to register may also apply to shorter stays, which is why it is important to check the local authority responsible for your future place of residence in advance to know your obligations. 

    One exception concerns family members of EU and EEA citizens who are not EU, EEA or Swiss citizens themselves: they need a visa to enter Germany in accordance with the provisions applicable to foreigners to whom the Residence Act applies. In Germany, you will then need to apply to receive a so-called residence card from the Immigration Office (§ 2 Abs. 4 S. 2 FreizügG).

    Swiss nationals and their family members also enjoy freedom of movement within the EU. Swiss nationals can apply for a special (purely declaratory) residence permit for Swiss citizens when staying in Germany for three months or longer.

    Which local Immigration Office is responsible for you depends on your (future) place of residence in Germany.

  • In general, those not holiding the citizenship of a country in the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland generally require a visa to enter Germany. For short stays of up to 90 days in a period of 180 days, nationals of third countries not requiring a visa to enter the Schengen area do not need a visa in order to simply travel to the Schengen area for a visit. An overview of visa requirements can be found here.

    Many third-country nationals planning to stay longer than 90 days will be required to apply for a visa to enable a long-term stay before arriving in Germany. If you apply for a Schengen visa for a long-term stay, you will generally be required to leave the country and apply for the correct type of visa in order to enable your stay, so make sure to apply for the correct visa before you come to Germany!

     


    Residence permits are distinguished as follows

    Please note that EURAXESS Germany is only able to provide general information and we therefore will not assume any liability for any information given. Information provided should not be seen as substituting that of an expert in pertinent fields.

Further Information Regarding Visas

EURAXESS Handout on Visa Regulations for Researchers

A working group within the German EURAXESS Network has developed a document to assist with understanding visa conditions for international scientists and researchers from third countries.

Please note that this handout is currently being updated to reflect the changes to German residency regulations that came into force on 18 November 2023.

HRK Broschure "Residency Permits"

The German’s Rectors' Conference (HRK) has created an overview of the different potential residence permits for international researchers.

Please note that the changes to the Residency Act from November 2023 are not yet reflected in this document. 

HRK Broschure "Residency Permits"

Further Information

Federal Foreign Office

Information on visas and regulations for entering Germany as well as the requisite application forms