Passport and visa requirements for Germany
EU and EEA citizens: In general, you do not need a visa if you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA; EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Switzerland to visit, study or work in Germany.
US citizens – You do not need a visa to travel to Germany for vacation or business for up to 90 days, just a valid US passport. USA Make sure your passport does not expire for at least three months before the end of your visit in Germany.
If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA or USA. – Check this list from the Federal Foreign Office and check if you need to apply for a visa to travel to Germany.
Passport and visa requirements to study in Germany
You must apply for a study visa before entering Germany. Tourist visas and language courses cannot be converted into a student visa.
The “residence permit for study purposes” depends on where you come from, how long you plan to stay and whether you have received your admission notice from a German university.
Applicant student visa ( V isum zur Studienbewerbung )
If you have not yet received the notification of admission to a university, you must apply for an applicant student visa. This is a three-month visa (with the possibility of extending up to a maximum of six months). If you are admitted to the university within this period, you can apply for a student visa.
Student visa ( V isum zu Studienzwecken )
If you have received your notification of admission to the university, you can apply for a student visa. Student visas are generally valid for three months. Within these three months, you will have to apply for an extended residence permit at the Foreigners Registration Office in your German university town.
Requirements vary, but you will need:
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of university application (applicant visa) or university admission notice (student visa)
- Proof of financial resources (expect to provide proof of around € 7,908 of income or support per month or € 659 per month. Note that evidence of higher amounts may be required).
- Health insurance coverage
- Biometric passport photos
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The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) is an excellent resource for students who want to study in Germany.
Passport and visa requirements to work in Germany
If you are a citizen of an EU, EEA or Swiss country, you can work in Germany without restrictions. If you are from outside these areas, you will need a residence permit.
In general, you will need to have a professional qualification and a firm job offer in Germany. The English language can be an advantage, but there are plenty of foreigners here with that skill set. A residence permit often limits you to work that a German cannot do.
The permit is generally granted for one year and can be extended. After five years, you can apply for a liquidation permit.
Requirements :
- Request
- Valid passport
- Vocational qualification (college degree preferred)
- Firm job offer in Germany
- Health insurance coverage
- Registration confirmation from the Resident Registration Office ( Anmeldung )
- Biometric passport photos
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Becoming a German citizen by naturalization
To be eligible for naturalization, a person must have legally lived in Germany for at least eight years. Foreigners who have successfully completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization after seven years. Registered homosexual spouses or partners of German citizens are eligible for naturalization after three years of legal residence in Germany.
Requirements :
- Right of residence without restrictions at the time of naturalization
- Pass the naturalization test (knowledge of the legal and social system, as well as living conditions in Germany)
- Residence in Germany for eight years.
- Admission Test
- Adequate German language skills (at least B1)
- No criminal convictions
- Willing to commit to the free democratic constitutional order of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany
Visa fees for Germany
The standard visa fee is 60 euros, although there are exceptions and exemptions. The naturalization fee is 255 euros.
This guide provides an overview, but for up-to-date information on your situation, please contact the German embassy in your home country.
