Entry requirements
As a citizen of a privileged third country, you may enter the country without a visa, but must then apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office. Your national passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry.
If you actually enter Germany without a visa, you may not stay in Germany for longer than 90 out of 180 days. In addition, you may not take up gainful employment during this period.
If you are planning a longer stay or gainful employment in Germany, you must present a corresponding visa.
Exceptions
Exceptions apply to citizens of
- Australia
- the Cook Islands
- Guam
- Israel
- Japan
- Canada
- the Cocos Islands
- the Republic of Korea
- New Zealand
- Niue
- the Norfolk Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Tokelau
- the Christmas Islands
- the United States of America, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa.
You can also enter Germany without a visa as long as you have a travel document that is valid for at least 6 months. You do not need to apply for a residence permit for a shorter stay. If you want to stay longer than 90 out of 180 days, apply for your residence permit immediately after entering the country. Your residence permit entitles you to take up employment.
There are further exceptions for citizens from the following countries
- Andorra
- Brazil
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Monaco and
- San Marino.
Immediately after your visa-free entry, you must also apply for a residence permit at the local immigration authority if you wish to stay longer than 90 out of 180 days. No residence permit is required for shorter stays. However, a residence permit does not entitle you to gainful employment. If you wish to work in Germany, you must enter the country with a work visa.