For a longer-term stay (over 90 days) in Germany, foreigners require a national visa. No visa is required for EU citizens and citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United States of America. Nationals of these countries may also enter the country for a longer stay without a national visa and apply for their residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office within 90 days after entering the country.
The procedure and requirements depend on your citizenship and the purpose of your stay in Germany (e.g. employment, family reunification, study and training).
In certain cases you have to prove knowledge of the German language. The issuance of the national visa is governed by the same regulations that apply to the issuance of the residence title that you must apply for in Germany before the visa expires (for example, residence permit, EU Blue Card).
Prerequisites
Procedure
Required documents
Deadlines
Fees
More information
Legal basis
Aliens and citizenship law
Service hotline
You have questions? Call us: from any network, without an area code. Authorities number 115: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can usually reach the authorities number 115 at fixed network tariffs and thus free of charge via flat rates. Sign language telephone: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.