Germany : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa and/or work permit?

Most EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit to work in Germany. However, once you have taken up work in Germany, you must obtain a certificate of residence from the local Ausländeramt (Foreign Nationals Authority) or Einwohnermeldeamt (Residence Registration Office). This must be done within the first three months of your arrival and you will usually need proof of employment (contract, letter of employment, etc.) and proof of accommodation. See the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany website for full details.

Citizens of the new EU accession countries should check with the German embassy to find out whether any restrictions apply.

If you are not a citizen of an EU member state, contact the German Embassy in the country where you are (a list of German embassies is available at Embassies Worldwide ) to find out about visa regulations.

How do I apply for a visa and/or work permit?

Most EU nationals do not need to apply for a visa or work permit. However, you must obtain a certificate of residence from the local Ausländeramt (Foreign Nationals Authority) or Einwohnermeldeamt (Residence Registration Office) within three months of your arrival.

If you are not a UK national, contact the German embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany .

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Germany.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

Once you have taken up work in Germany, you must obtain a certificate of residence from the local Ausländeramt (Foreign Nationals Authority) or Einwohnermeldeamt (Residence Registration Office). This must be done not later than three months after arrival and you will usually need proof of employment (contract, letter of employment, etc.) and proof of accommodation.

See the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany website for more information.