Obtaining a residency visa in Germany is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Germany gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.
- Gather the necessary documents for residency status in Germany. This includes a valid passport, proof of health insurance, proof of financial means, and a valid visa if applicable.
- Find a place to live in Germany. This can be done by renting an apartment, staying with family or friends, or staying in a hotel.
- Register your address with the local registration office. This is known as the Anmeldung and is required for all residents in Germany.
- Apply for a Tax Number.
- Visit the local tax office and fill out the necessary forms.
- Provide proof of identity, address, and financial means.
- Wait for the tax office to process your application and issue a Tax Number.
- Apply for a residence permit.
- Visit the local immigration office and fill out the necessary forms.
- Provide proof of identity, address, and financial means.
- Wait for the immigration office to process your application and issue a residence permit.
- Apply for a work permit if you plan to work in Germany.
- Visit the local employment office and fill out the necessary forms.
- Provide proof of identity, address, and financial means.
- Wait for the employment office to process your application and issue a work permit.
What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Germany?
“A residency permit is needed and you have to indicate why you want to live here and show that you have sufficient income; health insurance is compulsive in Germany and you have to show that you are sufficiently covered,” said one expat living in Friedrichsdorf.
“None. I have a German pension and we are in the European Union and with a British passport one can go where one wants,” wrote a member in Eifel .
“Depending on the length of the stay, a person may need to acquire a residence permit or visa. The type and requirements of the document depends on where you are from, the length of stay and the purpose of the trip. For a longer stay, usually a residence permit is needed; for shorter stays, the visa requirements should be checked. Furthermore, certain nationalities may require a special visa even for short term stays. It is recommended to consult with the German embassy or consulate in order to check the specific requirements for the intended stay,” commented one expat who made the move to Germany.
“If you are from the EU, you don’t need a visa nor are their residency requirements. If you are from outside of the EE, a visa & work permit are needed, but easy to get if you come to work,” commented one expat living in Dusseldorf, Germany.
“To visit Germany, visitors typically need to apply for a visa, depending on their nationality and the purpose of their trip. Generally, visitors from a number of non-EU countries must apply for a Schengen visa, while UK citizens and citizens of some other countries may enter Germany without a visa. The Schengen visa application process requires documents such as a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph and a covering letter outlining the purpose of the visit. In addition, applicants may need to provide documents such as proof of accommodation and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Those wishing to reside in Germany for a longer period may apply for a national visa or residence permit. To apply for a residence permit, applicants must submit an application form to the relevant German Embassy in their home country, along with copies of passport biometric pages, proof of accommodation, a valid health insurance policy, and proof of sufficient funds to support their stay in the country. Applicants may also need to provide documents related to the purpose of their stay, such as a work offer, if applicable. Depending on the nature of the visa sought, additional documents might be requested before the application can be processed,” mentioned one expat living in Germany.
