If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you don't need a visa or a residence permit to live, study or work in Germany. You register your address like everyone else. Everyone else needs a residence title, and for a long stay you normally apply for a national visa (a "D visa") at the German embassy or consulate before you travel.
The main routes
| Route | For | What you prove |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (§ 16b AufenthG) | A degree programme or Studienkolleg | University admission, health insurance and €11,904 a year in funds, usually in a blocked account |
| EU Blue Card (§ 18g) | Graduates with a qualified job offer | A recognised degree and a salary of at least €50,700 (€45,934.20 in shortage occupations and for recent graduates) |
| Skilled worker visa (§ 18a, § 18b) | People with a recognised degree or vocational qualification and a job offer | Recognition of your qualification and a job offer; no general salary floor under 45 |
| Chancenkarte (§ 20a) | Qualified people looking for a job in Germany | A recognised qualification or at least 6 points, basic German or good English, and €1,091 a month in funds |
| Family reunification | Spouses and children of people living in Germany | Marriage or birth certificates, housing and income; rules depend on the family member's permit |
How applying works
- 1
Check the requirements at your embassy
Each German mission publishes its own checklist. It sets out the documents, translations and fees that apply in your country.
- 2
Apply online where you can
Since January 2025 national visas can be applied for through the Consular Services Portal. You still attend one appointment in person for fingerprints and the fee.
- 3
Book early
Appointment waiting times differ by country and can be several weeks or months. Book as soon as you have your admission letter or job offer.
- 4
Convert the visa after you arrive
A national visa usually covers your first months. Before it expires you apply for the residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). See Your residence permit appointment.
Run the official Quick Check
The federal government's portal for skilled workers asks a few questions and lists the routes open to you.
Go to Make it in GermanyTrack Visa in HomeSettled
Add your citizenship and arrival date and HomeSettled calculates when your visa appointment should happen.
Common questions
Can I come on a tourist visa and switch?
Generally no. A Schengen tourist visa can't be converted into a residence permit from inside Germany. The visa-free nationalities listed above are the main exception.
Can I work on a student visa?
Yes, within limits. See Working while you study.
Sources
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.