Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany can be a complicated process with an abundance of confusing legal requirements meaning many long waits. Citizens of European Union countries as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein do not need visas at all, but must get a residence permit if staying in Germany more than three months. Nationals of several other countries, including the United States do not need any visa for visits of up to three months. Visitors from countries other than these will need a visa to enter Germany for any reason.

Visitors can look into a number of visas, including a tourist visa, student visa, business visa, etc. Getting a visa requires a passport valid for three months, proof of financial support during stay, proof of medical insurance, letter of recommendation, application forms, and two passport sized photographs.

Germany is one of the 15 Schengen nations, so short term visitor visas are valid in any of these countries. Staying in Germany longer than 3 months requires a residence permit, which has additional requirements of having a clean medical checkup and police record. Waiting for approval takes about two weeks. Some types of residence permits allow employment in Germany, while others do not. Others are for those wishing to study in Germany.