Germany allows foreigners to stay in its territory for more than 90 days. However, a residence permit is required for this purpose. Find out more about the types of residence permits, what documents are required for registration, and the requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Germany

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A residence permit allows a foreigner who is not an EU citizen to live legally in Germany for a certain period of time. Unlike a visa, which gives the right to enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days, a residence permit allows a foreigner to stay in Germany for more than 3 months.

You can get a residence permit in Germany for various purposes: work, study, business, etc. Permits also differ depending on the expected length of stay.

How to get a temporary residence permit in Germany? The main stages of registration and necessary documents are in our material.

Read more about healthcare in Germany for foreigners, insurance and medical tourism here.

Find out how to obtain a work permit in Germany in 2023 for Ukrainians here.

Read here how to find a job for English-speaking foreigners in Germany.

Who needs to get a temporary residence permit in Germany?

It is not necessary to issue a temporary residence permit

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area who intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days do not need to apply for a residence permit. This category of foreigners only needs to register their German address at the local department for foreigners within 90 days of arrival.

How to get a residence permit in Germany - step-by-step instructions.

The Jobcenter for refugees in Germany: what help Ukrainians can get - read here.

Citizens of countries that require a temporary residence permit for legal residence in Germany:

- Foreign nationals moving from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea or the USA are eligible to enter Germany without a visa. After moving, a citizen has 90 days to apply for a residence permit.

- Foreigners who are citizens of non-EU countries must apply for an appropriate long-term visa before entering Germany. You then have 90 days to apply for a residence permit.

Paragraph 24 for refugees: eligibility for a residence permit for asylum seekers in Germany - details here.

Types of temporary residence permits in Germany

A temporary residence permit in Germany is issued by foreigners who need to live in the country for a limited period. It can be obtained only if there is a specific purpose for the move.

Depending on the purpose of the move, the following types of temporary residence permits are allocated:

Student residence permit

This type of residence permit is usually valid for two years. Issued to those who come to Germany to study. It allows you to work up to 120 days a year. It is usually possible to extend your stay until you have completed your course. Once you have completed your studies, you also have the option to extend your permit for a further 18 months while you look for work related to your qualifications.

A nine-month residence permit is also available for those applying to university in Germany.

Basic requirements: Confirm that you have been accepted to the educational institution and show that you have sufficient finances to live in Germany.

Permit for professional development

This document is aimed at attracting qualified expats to work in Germany. On the basis of this temporary permit, you can take a training course. According to the rules of the permit, a foreigner can work in any position up to 10 hours a week.

If you successfully complete your studies, you can also extend your stay for up to one year to find work related to the qualification.

Basic requirements: Confirm that you have been accepted to the educational institution and show that you have sufficient finances to live in Germany.

Work permit

Foreigners who have found work in Germany have the right to obtain a residence permit for a period of up to three years, depending on the planned duration of work. After granting a temporary residence permit, it can be regularly extended as long as you continue to work in this position.

Basic requirements: You will need to provide an employment contract, a job description completed by your employer, and documents confirming your professional qualifications.

Permit for job search by highly qualified workers

Skilled workers are entitled to a six-month residence permit in order to find a job in Germany that matches your qualifications. The six-month period cannot be extended. If a foreigner finds a job, he issues a work permit, if he fails to find a job, you will have to leave Germany.

Basic requirements: confirm qualifications and sufficient funds to live in Germany.

Temporary protection status in Germany: benefits and legal advice - more details here.

EU blue card

The EU Blue Card is a work permit for citizens of countries outside the European Union. The document grants highly qualified specialists with certain special skills and appropriate education the right to live and work in the states of the region. Read more about the blue card at the link.

Research permit

Academics who have an agreement with a research institute can apply for a residence permit for up to 3 years. After completing the research activity, it is possible to extend your stay for up to nine months in order to find a job related to your qualification.

Basic requirements: employment agreement or contract with a research institution, confirmation of financial support.

Business license

This permit can be issued to entrepreneurs for up to 3 years. However, you need to confirm that the planned business will have a positive impact on the German economy and that you have personal capital to implement the project. If your business is successful after three years, you will have the opportunity to apply for a permanent residence permit.

Basic requirements: provide a business plan, financing plan and projected income. If you are over 45, you must also demonstrate adequate old-age provision, such as savings or a pension plan.

Permit for family reunification

Foreigners who have close relatives of German citizens or expats residing on the basis of a permanent residence permit may apply for a temporary residence permit in Germany.

Basic requirements: confirm the existence of family ties with a German citizen or a foreigner residing in the country on the basis of a residence permit.

Get legal advice from a local specialist in Germany to resolve your current issues

How to issue a residence permit in Germany

If you meet the requirements for a temporary residence permit, you can start the application process. It may take several weeks for your application to be processed, so be sure to apply well before your visa expires.

 Stages of issuing a temporary residence permit in Germany and required documents

The process of applying for a residence permit in Germany largely depends on the type of permit you are applying for. However, there is a general outline of this procedure for all types of residence permits in Germany.

1. Enter Germany with an appropriate visa. If you need a visa to enter Germany, make sure you enter with the right one. You cannot apply for a residence permit with a tourist or business visa.

2. Register your German residential address. Upon arrival, find a place to stay in Germany and register your address with the German authorities in the city where you are staying.

3. Will take out medical insurance. You may have purchased temporary health insurance in your home country before entering. However, health insurance in Germany must be issued for the entire period of the planned stay in the country.

4. Opening a bank account is a mandatory step for applying for a residence permit in Germany. You must have a bank account through which you can prove financial stability.

5. Fill out the application form and make an appointment at the immigration center closest to your place of residence in Germany. There is a separate application form for each type of residence permit.

6. Prepare the documents:

- Valid passport.

- One biometric photo.

- A completed application form for obtaining a temporary residence permit.

- Certificate of registration.

- Confirmation of health insurance.

- Proof of financial support (e.g. bank statements).

- Confirmation of the purpose of stay in Germany.

7. Come to the reception. On the day of your appointment, visit the immigration center with all the documents. There you will undergo a short interview and hand over all the documents for the application. Usually, the residence permit fee must be paid on this day.

The cost of issuing a temporary residence permit

The cost is usually between €50 and €110 (less for minors), depending on the location and complexity of your case. You can check exact prices with your local office. Your fees are non-refundable if your application is rejected. Please note that not all offices in Germany accept credit cards.

The period of consideration of an application for a temporary residence permit

The process usually takes two to four weeks, but can take longer during busy periods. During this time, you will have a certificate stating that you are applying for a residence permit.

Obtaining a residence permit in Germany

If your application is approved, your residence permit will be issued and you will be asked to come to the Aliens Office to collect it. You must pick it up in person. You may also be mailed a PIN code, which you will need to obtain your permit.

Since September 2011, paper residence documents have been replaced by electronic residence permits using a credit card. This electronic residence permit (eAT) is issued as a plastic credit card with a chip that contains all your personal details, passport photo and fingerprints.

Read more about the types of work visas in Germany and how to get one here.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice for business in Germany;

Immigration lawyer services in Germany;

Travel and health insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Insurance for foreign students in Germany.