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There are 134 services for Immigration

Immigration

Do I need a visa if I want to live in Germany? My partner is German – can I live and work in Germany too? There are many aspects to the topic of immigration into Germany, and lots of questions associated with it. This page provides answers, advisory services, links and much more.

Services:

Apply for a certificate of permanent residence for Union citizens entitled to free movement

EU and EEA citizens who have acquired a right of permanent residence can apply to the Foreigners' Registration Office for a certificate of the existence of this right.

Apply for a citizenship card

You can apply for a binding determination of your German citizenship if you have a legitimate interest in doing so.

Apply for a mobile ICT card

You can get a Mobiler ICT card if you come from a country outside the EU or EEA and want to work for more than 90 days in a German branch of a foreign company.

Apply for a national visa

If you want to enter Germany for a longer stay, you have to apply for a national visa.

Apply for a negative certificate (for citizenship)

Official proof of non-existence of German citizenship (examination and determination).

Apply for a residence permit for a study-related internship EU

You can obtain a residence permit for a study-related internship EU if you meet certain requirements for this.

Apply for a residence permit for conditional admission to study or part-time studies

If you want to study in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for the fulfillment of conditions before starting a full-time course of study, as well as for part-time study, a preparatory language course or a preparatoryinternship .

Apply for a residence permit for employment as a skilled worker with an academic qualification

If you have a university degree and would like to work in Germany in a job for which your degree qualifies you, you can obtain a residence permit under certain conditions.

Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of continuing your studies in another EU country

As a person entitled to international protection, you can apply for a residence permit to continue a course of study you have begun in another EU country if you meet certain requirements.

Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employing qualified tolerated persons

Tolerated foreigners can obtain a residence permit to carry out employment if they meet certain conditions for this.

Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment as a skilled worker with vocational training

As a skilled worker with vocational training, you can obtain a residence permit to pursue qualified employment if you meet certain requirements.

Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment if you have extensive practical professional knowledge

With distinctive practical professional knowledge in the field of information and communication technology, you can obtain a residence permit under certain conditions. However, a formal qualification is not required.

Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment regardless of qualification as a skilled worker

You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of employment, irrespective of your qualification as a skilled worker, if you meet certain requirements.

Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of finding a training place

They may be granted a residence permit for the purpose of seeking a training place in order to carry out qualified vocational training if they fulfil certain conditions for this purpose

Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying

You can obtain a residence permit if you meet certain requirements for this.

Apply for a residence permit for the recognition of the professional qualification on the basis of an agreement between the Federal Employment Agency

Residence permit for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification if you have been placed in employment on the basis of an agreement between the Federal Employment Agency and the employment services of your country of origin and further requirements are met.

Apply for a residence permit for the reunification of other family members with a German

If you belong to the circle of other family members of a German and your stay in Germany is necessary to avoid exceptional hardship, you can apply for a residence permit for family reunification.

Apply for a residence permit in the event of a ban on deportation

How do I apply for a residence permit if there is a ban on deportation?

Apply for a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure with employment

You can obtain a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification and at the same time pursue employment that is not limited in time, if you meet certain requirements.

Apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your studies

You have successfully completed your studies in Germany and have already received a residence permit to look for a job.

Apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your studies

If you have successfully completed your studies in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit for up to 18 months to find a job that matches your qualifications.

Apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your training

If you have successfully completed your training in Germany and are looking for a job that matches your qualifications, you can apply for a residence permit.

Apply for a residence permit to participate in language courses or student exchanges

You can obtain a temporary residence permit to take part in a German language course or a student exchange in Germany.

Apply for a residence permit to participate in the Federal Volunteer Service

If you want to do a Federal Volunteer Service in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit.

Apply for a residence permit to take an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification

You can obtain a residence permit to take an examination required for recognition if you meet certain requirements

Apply for a settlement permit for holders of a residence permit for reasons of international law, humanitarian or political

If you are in possession of a residence permit for reasons of international law, humanitarian or political reasons, you can obtain a permanent settlement permit after five years under certain conditions.

Apply for a settlement permit for self-employed persons

As a holder of a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment, you can apply for a permanent residence permit (settlement permit) after three years.

Apply for a tolerated stay for training

If, in the event of a rejected asylum application, you would like to continue training that began in the asylum procedure or if you are in possession of a toleration permit and would like to start training, you can obtain a training toleration for the duration of the training under certain conditions

Apply for a travel document (passport replacement) for foreigners from non-EU countries

If you do not have a passport from your country of origin and it is not reasonably possible for you to obtain one, you may be issued with a travel document for foreigners in exceptional cases.

Apply for a visa for a short stay in Germany and the Schengen area

Nationals who require a visa for a short stay in Germany or in the Schengen area must apply for one at one of the missions of the Federal Republic of Germany in good time before entering the country.

Apply for accelerated skilled worker procedure

If you as an employer wish to employ a skilled worker from a third country, you can apply for an accelerated skilled worker procedure on behalf of the foreign skilled worker.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit for a study-related internship EU

If you have a residence permit for a period of less than six months to carry out a study-related internship EU and wish to continue the internship, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit for conditional admission to study or part-time study

If you have a residence permit to prepare for studies and the conditions for starting your studies are not yet in place, you can apply for an extension of the residence permit.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit for the purpose of applying for a degree

If you have a residence permit for the purpose of looking for a place to study and its total validity period of nine months has not yet been reached, you can apply for an extension of the residence permit.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit for the recognition of the professional qualification during employment

You can apply for an extension of your residence permit, which was issued to you for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification, if the maximum period of validity of two years has not yet been exhausted.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit for the reunification of a foreign spouse with a German

As a third-country national with a residence permit for family reunification with a German spouse or partner, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit as long as your marriage or civil partnership continues.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit for the search for a training place in order to carry out qualified vocational training

In good time before the expiry of the validity of your residence permit to search for a training place for qualified vocational training, you should apply for the extension of the residence permit.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit if there is a ban on deportation

Extension of a residence permit due to a ban on deportation.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit in order to take an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification

You can apply for an extension of your residence permit, which was issued to you for taking an exam for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit to attend a general education school

In good time before the expiry of the validity of your residence permit for the purpose of further attendance at a school in Germany, you should apply for the extension of the residence permit.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit to carry out a qualification measure

You can have your residence permit extended for the purpose of carrying out a qualification measure for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification before the expiry of its period of validity if you fulfil certain conditions for this purpose

Apply for an extension of the residence permit to continue your studies

You can have your residence permit extended for the continuation of studies begun in another EU country before its period of validity expires if you meet certain requirements for this purpose

Apply for an extension of the residence permit to look for a job for skilled workers with academic training

As a professional with academic training who has already obtained a residence permit to look for a job, you can apply for the extension of the residence permit up to a maximum total duration of six months.

Apply for an extension of the residence permit to work as a civil servant with a German employer

If you are a civil servant with a German employer and have a residence permit to fulfil official duties in Germany, you can apply for the extension of the residence permit.

Apply for an extension of the training toleration

If you are in possession of a training toleration and your training cannot be completed within the planned period, your training toleration will be extended for the extension period of the vocational training.

Apply for cost exemption for the integration course

If you receive social benefits or are financially needy, you can take part in an integration course free of charge under certain conditions. This also applies to employees whose gross salary does not exceed a certain amount.

Apply for extension of residence permit for recognition of professional qualification on the basis of an agreement of the Federal Employment Agency

You can have your residence permit extended for the recognition of professional qualifications on the basis of an agreement by the Federal Employment Agency , if you meet certain requirements for this.

Apply for naturalisation for former Germans abroad

If you live abroad, were once German and would like to become so again, you can apply for re-naturalisation under certain conditions.

apply for naturalisation under the reparation scheme - for persons expatriated during National Socialism and their descendants - abroad

If you or your ancestors were deprived of German citizenship during the National Socialist era, you can apply for re-naturalisation under certain conditions.

Apply for recognition as a specialist dentist with a professional qualification from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

Have you completed further training as a specialist dentist abroad? Then you can apply for recognition as a specialist dentist in Germany under certain conditions.

Apply for recognition as a specialist dentist with a professional qualification from third countries

Have you completed further training as a specialist dentist abroad? Then you can apply for recognition as a specialist dentist in Germany under certain conditions.

Apply for recognition as a specialist pharmacist with a professional qualification from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

Have you acquired further training abroad as a specialist pharmacist? Then you can apply for recognition as a specialist pharmacist in Germany under certain conditions.

Apply for recognition as a specialist pharmacist with a professional qualification from third countries

Have you acquired further training abroad as a specialist pharmacist? Then you can apply for recognition as a specialist pharmacist in Germany under certain conditions.

Apply for reimbursement of the cost contribution (50 percent) for the integration course

If you have successfully completed the integration course within 2 or 3 years, you can apply for a refund of 50 percent of your cost contribution under certain conditions.

Apply for the issuance of a permanent residence card for third-country national family members of citizens of the Union who are entitled to freedom of movement

If you have resided permanently and lawfully in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany for a period of five years as a third-country family member of an EU or EEA citizen, you can apply to the Aliens' Registration Office for the issuance of a permanent residence card.

Apply for the issuance of a permanent residence card for third-country nationals Family members of Germans

Under certain circumstances, you as a family member can apply to the Foreigners' Registration Office for the issuance of a permanent residence card.

Applying for a residence card for family members of Union citizens

Third-country nationals Family members of an EU or EEA citizen need a residence card for further residence in Germany no later than three months after their entry

Applying for a residence permit for a parent to join underage Germans

If you want to join your German minor, single child in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification.

Applying for a residence permit for children born in Germany

If you have a right of residence as a third-country national and have a child in Germany, your child can receive a residence permit.

Applying for a residence permit for exceptional cases of hardship

Extension of the residence permit due to special personal reasons or specificity of the individual case

Applying for a residence permit for expulsion

If you have fled Ukraine, you can obtain a residence permit for temporary protection under certain conditions.

Applying for a residence permit for freelancers

You can obtain a residence permit to work as a freelancer if you meet certain requirements.

Applying for a residence permit for mobile researchers

If you want to work as a researcher at a German research institution and already have a residence permit from another EU member state for the purpose of research, you can obtain a residence permit under certain conditions

Applying for a residence permit for parents to join a minor foreigner

If you want to join your foreign minor child in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification

Applying for a residence permit for recognition of professional qualifications during employment

You can obtain a residence permit for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification in order to compensate for the deficits in your professional qualification identified by the recognition office, including in the context of qualified employment in the desired profession.

Applying for a residence permit for refugees

Are you a recognised refugee? Then you have to apply for the residence permit.

Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of applying to university

You can apply for a residence permit valid for a maximum of nine months in order to find a place to study.

Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of employment in the public interest

You can apply for a residence permit under certain conditions if there is a public, in particular a regional, economic or labour market policy interest in your employment. However, a formal qualification is not required.

Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of research

If you want to take up work as a researcher in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research.

Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection

As a researcher, you can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of research under certain conditions

Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training

You can obtain a residence permit to complete school-based vocational training in Germany.

Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training

You can have your residence permit extended for the purpose of school-based vocational training before the end of its period of validity if you want to continue your school-based vocational training in Germany.

Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of training and further education

Regardless of your qualifications, you can obtain a residence permit to complete in-company vocational training or further training in Germany.

Applying for a residence permit for the reunification of a foreign child with a German parent

Foreign, minor, unmarried childrencan obtain a residence permit for family reunification in order to establish family cohabitation with a German parent.

Applying for a residence permit for the spouse to join foreigners

If you want to join your foreign spouse or partner in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification if you meet certain requirements for this

Applying for a residence permit for urgent humanitarian or personal reasons

How do I apply for a residence permit for a temporary stay if there are urgent humanitarian or personal reasons or significant public interests?

Applying for a residence permit for victims of a criminal offense under Sections 232 to 233a StGB

Issuance of a residence permit to testify as a witness in testify as a witness in criminal proceedings for human trafficking

Applying for a residence permit if you have subsidiary protection

How do I apply for a residence permit if I have subsidiary protection?

Applying for a residence permit to attend a general education school

If you are a citizen of a third country and would like to attend a general education school in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit to attend school.

Applying for a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure

You can obtain a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure if you would like to work in Germany but your professional qualification has not yet been fully recognised by the competent authority in Germany.

Applying for a residence permit to look for a job after recognition of foreign professional qualifications

After successful determination of the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification or receipt of the professional practice permit in Germany, your residence permit for job search can be extended for a maximum of 12 months.

Applying for a residence permit to look for a job after recognition of foreign professional qualifications

After recognition of your foreign professional qualification, you can be granted a residence permit directly afterwards to take up a corresponding employment relationship or self-employment for a maximum of 12 months.

Applying for a residence permit to look for a job after research activity

As a researcher, you have a legal right to a work permit to look for a job for a maximum of 9 months directly after your research activity.

Applying for a residence permit to look for a job after research activity

If you are in direct contact with your research activity in search of a job or self-employment that meets your qualifications, you will be granted a residence permit for a maximum of 9 months.

Applying for a residence permit to look for a job after vocational training

After successful completion of your training in Germany, your residence permit for job search can be extended directly afterwards for a maximum of 12 months.

Applying for a residence permit to look for a job for qualified professionals with academic training

As a specialist with academic training, you can obtain a residence permit to look for a job for a period of six months if you meet certain requirements for this.

Applying for a residence permit to look for a job for skilled workers with vocational training

As a specialist with vocational training, you can obtain a residence permit to look for a job for a period of six months if you meet certain requirements for this.

Applying for a residence permit to pursue a self-employed activity

You can obtain a residence permit if you intend to take up self-employment.

Applying for a residence permit to pursue a self-employed activity extension

If you have obtained a temporary residence permit for the exercise of a self-employed activity, this can be extended under certain conditions.

Applying for a residence permit to work as a civil servant for a German employer

If you are employed as a civil servant by a German employer, you can obtain a residence permit to fulfill your official duties in Germany

Applying for a settlement permit for EU Blue Card holders

As an EU Blue Card holder, you can apply for a permanent settlement permit under simplified conditions.

Applying for a settlement permit for family members of Germans

As a family member of a German, you can, under certain conditions, apply for a permanent right of residence (settlement permit) after a three-year stay in Germany.

Applying for a settlement permit for highly qualified specialists

As a foreign, highly qualified specialist with academic training, you can obtain a settlement permit in individual cases without a previous minimum stay in Germany.

Applying for a settlement permit for minor foreign children

As a child born and/or raised in Germany, you can, under certain conditions, obtain an independent (i.e. independent of your parents), permanent right of residence (settlement permit) at the age of 16.

Applying for a settlement permit for recognised persons entitled to asylum and refugees

If you are a recognised person entitled to asylum, a refugee under the Geneva Convention or a resettlement refugee, you can, under certain conditions, obtain a permanent settlement permit after three or five years.

Applying for a settlement permit for spouses with independent right of residence

Holders of a residence permit to join a spouse whose cohabitation no longer exists and holders of an independent right of residence for spouses can obtain a settlement permit.

Applying for an extension of a residence permit for refugees

Under what circumstances is the residence permit renewed?

Applying for an extension of the residence permit for children born in Germany

You should apply for an extension of your residence permit in good time before the validity of your child born in Germany expires.

Applying for an extension of the residence permit for exceptional cases of hardship

Extension of the residence permit due to the existence of exceptional hardship.

Applying for an extension of the residence permit for mobile researchers

If you have a temporary residence permit for mobile researchers and would like to continue your work at the research institution in Germany after the expiry of the time limit, you can extend your residence permit under certain conditions

Applying for an extension of the residence permit for the family reunification of a foreign child to a German parent

Foreign, minor and unmarried children with a residence permit for family reunification with a German parent can receive an extension of the residence permit as long as the family cohabitation continues.

Applying for an extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research

You can extend your residence permit for the purpose of research before it expires if you wish to continue your work as a researcher in Germany.

Applying for an extension of the residence permit for the spouse to join foreigners

You can have your residence permit extended for spouse reunification with foreigners if you meet certain conditions for this.

Applying for an extension of the residence permit for victims of a crime

Extension of a residence permit for victims of a crime for trafficking in human beings.

Applying for an extension of your residence permit to prepare for and study at university

You can have your residence permit extended for the purpose of studying before it expires if you meet certain requirements.

Applying for an extension of your residence permit to take part in the Federal Volunteer Service

Your residence permit can be extended if the Federal Volunteer Service is extended.

Applying for an ICT card extension

You can apply to extend your ICT card if you wish to continue working in Germany as a manager, specialist or trainee and the maximum period of validity of the ICT card has not yet been exhausted.

Applying for asylum

In Germany, politically persecuted persons are entitled to recognition as persons entitled to asylum. Anyone wishing to exercise this right must undergo a recognition procedure....

Caring for the cultural heritage of displaced persons and refugees

The state provides funding for measures and projects to care for the cultural heritage of displaced persons. In addition, the state promotes the integration of ethnic German...

Extension of residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection

Under certain conditions you can extend your existing residence permit for the purpose of research

Foreigners' affairs

Legal provisions for foreigners result from international agreements, the law of the European Union and from national law. In national law, the Residence Act regulates the entry,...

Naturalisation

Saxony-Anhalt welcomes, supports and encourages those foreigners who want to live here permanently and acquire German citizenship. In order to obtain a German passport, one can...

Obtaining a late repatriation certificate

If you have received a notice of admission as an ethnic German repatriate and are registered in Germany at your new place of residence, you will receive a certificate as an ethni...

Request a block on the transmission of your data stored in the Central Register for Foreigners

If you are registered in the Central Register of Foreigners, you can request that your data not be disclosed under certain conditions.

Request change of conditions for employment in case of residence permit

If you are in possession of a residence permit for employment (gainful employment) and would like to change employers, this is possible under certain conditions.

Request change or cancellation of the residence regulation of the residence permit

If you are in possession of a residence permit and are subject to a residence regulation and wish to move, this is possible under certain conditions.

Request information from the Central Register of Foreigners

If you would like to know what information about you is stored in the Central Register of Foreigners, you can obtain information under certain conditions. German citizens are not stored in the Central Register of Foreigners.

Request self-disclosure of personal information in the visa warning file

If you want to know what information is stored about you in the Visa Warning File, you can request information.

Requesting information about oneself from the European Visa Information System (VIS)

If you want to know what information the Visa Information System (VIS) has stored about you, you can request information.

Requesting information on the visa warning file via your own organization

If you would like to know what information the Visa Warning File has on file about your organization, you can request information.

Residence permit for family reasons Issue for family reunification of a foreign spouse to a German

If you are a third-country national and wish to live in Germany with your German spouse or partner, you can obtain a residence permit for family reunification.

Residence permit for the purpose of employment as a skilled worker with academic training: Apply for extension

You can have your residence permit for qualified employment for skilled workers with academic training extended before its period of validity expires if you want to continue working in Germany as a skilled worker.

Residence permit for the purpose of employment as a skilled worker with vocational training: Apply for extension

You can extend your residence permit for qualified employment for skilled workers with vocational training before it expires if you want to continue working in Germany as a skilled worker

Residence permit for the purpose of employment in the public interest: Apply for an extension

You can apply for an extension of your residence permit for the purpose of employment in which there is a public interest, in particular a regional, economic or labor market interest, if its validity is about to expire.

Residence permit for the purpose of employment regardless of qualification as a skilled worker: Apply for extension

You can have your residence permit for employment extended before it expires, regardless of your qualification as a skilled worker, if you wish to continue your employment in Germany.

Residence permit for the purpose of employment with extensive practical professional knowledge: Apply for an extension

You can apply for an extension of your residence permit for the purpose of exercising an occupation with distinctive professional skills if its validity is about to expire.

Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment extension for self-employed former scientists and researchers

If you, as a graduate of a university degree in Germany or as a former holder of a residence permit as a researcher or scientist, have a residence permit for self-employment, this can be extended again.

Residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment: Apply for extension

You can apply for the extension of your EU Blue Card if its validity is about to expire and you want to continue employment in Germany.

Residence permit for the purpose of training: Applying for an extension

You must extend your residence permit, which was issued to you for training and further education purposes, in good time if you wish to continue your training or further education in Germany.

Submit a declaration of commitment

By submitting a declaration of commitment, a third party undertakes to the state to pay for the costs of living for a foreigner in order to help him or her to stay in Germany if...

Submit information on the issuance of a residence card for third-country nationals family members of Germans

If you are a family member of a person with German citizenship and come from a third country, you can invoke the right to freedom of movement under certain conditions and obtain a residence card.

Submit information on the issuance of a residence card for third-country nationals of family members of EU/EEA citizens (except Germany)

If you are a family member of an EU or EEA citizen and come from a third country, you will need a residence card for your further stay in Germany no later than three months after your entry.