Immigration and entry into Germany
As the largest population, as a member of EU , Germany attracts many people to travel, live temporarily or settle down every year. In fact, the German authorities processed 2.5 million visa applications in 2019. Only France issues more visas in the EU. These numbers fell significantly in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 restrictions. However, they are expected to rebound again in the next few years.
Like many EU/EUFTA countries, Germany implements a dual immigration system. Citizens of the EU/EFTA can travel and live in Germany without visa or permit restrictions. However, anyone from outside the EU/EFTA will need a visa if staying for more than three months. Germany is also Schengen District which means it has no border controls on nationals from 25 other European countries.
Signs at the German-Austrian border
Just ended 14% of the German population (11.8 million) were foreign-born. Nearly twice the number of people have immigration backgrounds (22.3 million, or nearly 27%).
The Federal Office of Immigration and Refugees (BAMF Federal Ministry of Immigration and Immigration) is the German government agency responsible for issuing visas and integrating new immigrants.
Who needs German visa ?
EU/European Free Trade Area Nationals
EU (EU) or European Free Trade Union (EFTA—consisting of Iceland , Liechtenstein , Norway and Switzerland ) citizens do not need a German visa or residence permit. They only need to present a valid passport or ID card at the border checkpoint. If citizens of the EU/EFTA are working, training, researching, looking for a job, or have enough funds to support themselves.
If you are a citizen of the EU/EFTA and plan to stay for more than three months, you only need to be at the local residents' registry (registration).
Some families of EU/EFTA nationals can travel and stay in Germany without a visa.
Non-EU/EU Free Trade Area Nationals
Citizens from EU/EU Free Trade Areas generally require a German visa to come to Germany. 62 countries—including Australia, , Brazil, , Canada, Japan and the United States—have signed agreements with countries in the Schengen region that allow their citizens to stay for 90 days without visa. However, they need a German visa or residence permit to stay longer. The EU also plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias) by the end of 2022. This is an electronic visa exemption system, which will be a requirement for anyone from these 62 countries to stay in the Schengen area for less than three months.
Passport control at Berlin Brandenburg Airport
If you come from a country that does not have a visa agreement with Germany, you will need to apply for a visa to enter, and if your stay is longer than three months, you will need a German residence permit.
The different rules apply to the descendants of German immigrants who reside in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, who can automatically obtain German citizenship. Special rules also apply to Jewish immigrants coming to Germany.
British nationals in Germany since the UK left the EU
British nationals are now subject to immigration controls from Germany and other member states after the UK left the EU on January 1, 2021. The UK is one of 62 countries where citizens can travel to Germany without visa for up to 90 days. However, British nationals are not allowed to find employment or any economic activity in Germany during this period. In addition, families will need a visa if the British citizen accompanying them is not from a country with a visa agreement.
British people who want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days will need a relevant German visa or residence permit.
Types of German visa
There are two main types of German visas:
Short-term visa, also known as Schengen Class C visa. Within any 180-day period, the longest stay can be 90 days
Long-term residence visa is also called Class D country visa, which is suitable for staying for more than 90 days.
Short-term German visa
C category Short-term German visa has many categories, namely:
Tourist visa
Business visa
Official visit visa
Medical visa
Cultural and sports activities or movie staff visa
Trade fair and exhibition visa
Training/internship visa
Transit visa – including airport transit visa and Seaman Transit visa
General information about short-term German visa
You can apply for a short-term German visa at any of the following places:
German embassy or consul The library is in your motherland
Visa Application Center
Other Schengen Embassy/Consulate of the country
You need to provide the following information:
Complete the visa application form together with the attached declaration form
Two passport photos
Valid passport or travel document
Details of your return flight
Accommodation details
Proof Health insurance
Enough to pay for travel expenses, currently at least 45€ per day to confirm your travel purpose
Any documents related to your travel purpose
usually take about 15 days to apply for a short-term visa. As part of the application process, you will need to attend a brief interview at the embassy, consulate or application center. This visa costs €80 for children under 12 years old, €40 for children under 6 years old. You cannot usually extend or change this visa unless there are special circumstances.
Tourism Visa
You can use a tourist visa to take a vacation or visit family or friends. However, if you live at a relative's house, you will need to provide a proof of relationship, or if you are part of a formal trip, you will need to provide a letter from the tour organizer. If you live in a place where someone pays for any of your fees, you can attach proof of this (e.g., a bank statement or receipt) as proof of your sufficient funds.
Tourists in the central square in Trier
Business Visa
Business Visa covers business meetings, events, meetings and other purposes related to the following related work or self-employment. You need to provide an invitation letter from the German organizer, or a permit letter from your own employer.
Official visit visa
This visa is applicable to:
Meeting
Consultation
Negotiation
Events organized by intergovernmental organizations
You need to provide invitation letters and other documents from the organizer. If you are on a business trip for diplomatic affairs, you also need to provide proof from the Consular Department.
Medical Visa
You can apply for a medical visa in the United States for treatment of German hospitals or specialist centers. In addition to standard documentation, you also need to provide:
Letter issued by a doctor or medical expert in your country you need to go abroad for treatment
confirmation from a German agency that they have agreed to provide a prepaid certificate for treatment
treatment or a proof of your health insurance covering the treatment
Cultural and sports activities or film staff visa
This very special visa is for those participating in cultural activities, sports, official filming or religious activities. You will need to provide event information, such as official events, invitations or tickets purchased. For film shooting activities, you will need to provide information about the film, a list of crew members, a letter from the filmmaker and a proof that the visa holder is eligible and authorized as a proof of the filmmaking crew.
Trade Fair and Exhibition Visa
This visa is suitable for activities related to work or leisure. You will need to provide an invitation letter or ticket proof to confirm your attendance. In addition, you also need to give the organizer's business license details.
training/internship visa
training or internship visa is suitable for students who stay for short periods, as well as training visits. You need to present the course admission confirmation letter or the internship confirmation letter from the organizer. If the position arrangement involves paid work, you may need a work permit from the local career agency . If this is the case, it is recommended to apply early.
Transport Visa
Some nationals need these visas by plane or by boat through Germany, for example, if you transfer in Germany. The cost of this visa is €60.
Germany long-term visa
Long-term residence German visa, or Class D country visa, is suitable for people who stay in Germany for more than three months. If you are a national who requires a visa to enter Germany, you will need to apply for a visa and residence permit before you arrive. Otherwise, you can apply before you arrive or you can apply for a residence permit after you arrive in Germany.
There are three main types of long-term residence visas in Germany: work visa, student visa, and visa family reunion.
Work visa
There are several different work-related visas for those who work in Germany for a long time. These are:
Professionally qualified skilled workers – suitable for qualified workers in career fields such as construction, hotel or plumber
graduate students – for those who have at least a degree level
skilled workers who have not been trained or not certified – for IT experts
Scientists – for researchers and doctoral students
Internal transfer (ICT) employees – for managers, experts and interns
Self-employment and freelancing – if you can present funds to proof and prove that your ideas will benefit the German economy, then you can Start a business; or freelancers with the required license to engage in freelancing
Au Pair – Au Pair 12-month visa for students under 27 years old
Internship – For students who want to gain professional work experience
Work holidays – Nationals aged 18-30 in certain countries participate in a 12-month project
Volunteering to join the army - Participate in European Volunteer Services (EVS) activities
Visa for nationals of specific countries – Citizens of 16 countries who have job opportunities in Germany without any qualifications
These visas are usually valid as long as your work contract, up to five years. After this, you can usually apply for a German permanent residence permit.
Learn more about German work visa
If you are a graduate or a professionally qualified technical worker, you can get a work visa to find a job for up to six months. Everyone else needs a job opportunity to get a German work visa.
Education Visa
There are four types of long-term residency study visas in Germany:
Student Visa – for full-time higher education study in college or university
School Visa – School exchange, language course or attending independent German schools for a long time
Vocational Training Visa – Accept dual training based on school or company in German technical college, vocational college or vocational school dual training based on school or company
Language Course Visa – for German courses last up to 12 months
Adult students in a German lesson
Just like work visas These German visas are usually valid during your work period. You can work part-time on a student visa or a vocational training visa, but the vocational visa limit is 10 hours a week.
Read all information about German student visa
If you graduate from a German educational institution, you can stay in Germany for up to 12 months and find a job with a professional visa, and the student visa is up to 18 months.
Family Reunion Visa
Spouse/partner and dependent children under the age of 18 (if they meet certain conditions, they can be older) can apply for a Family Reunion German Visa. In addition, the following relatives can also apply:
Family members of German nationals – parents or dependent children under the age of 18, and other dependent relatives in certain cases
Relatives of EU/EFTA nationals – children under the age of 18-21 (if EU family members have a job), plus grandchildren, parents and grandparents (if they are dependents)
Family members of third country nationals – other dependent relatives in certain cases
Learn how to move to Germany to reunite with family
Family members holding reunion visas have the right to find a job in Germany. However, anyone traveling as a family member needs to prove that their relatives have enough money to support them. They also need to live in the same family as a family unit.
General information about German long-term residence visa
If you apply in your own country before entering Germany, the application procedure for German long-term residence visa is basically the same as that of short-term residence visa. However, if you apply in Germany, you will need to visit your local immigration office ( Austrian Radio ).
In addition to standard documentation, you usually need to provide:
to prove the reason for your stay, such as a work contract, a confirmation of study arrangement, or a marriage certificate of .
The necessary qualifications required for your work or study, as well as the recognition of any foreign qualifications or certificates by Germany.
proves that you can understand German language proficiency that is appropriate for your work or study. If you are an adult applying for a family visa, you usually need to prove your basic German language proficiency.
Long-term residence visa usually costs €75 or €37.50 for children. Your spouse and dependent children under the age of 18 can apply with you, although they need to apply for a visa themselves. Or, they can apply for a family reunion visa later.
Asylum seekers and refugees Germany
with 1.24 million refugees around As of mid-2021, Germany hosted 233,000 asylum seekers displaced more people than anywhere in Europe. Half of the refugees living in the country in 2021 came from Syria , and by April 2022, Germany had registered 316,000 Ukrainian refugees. In addition, there are 148,200 first asylum applications in Germany in 2021, accounting for 27.2% of the total EU.
You can use the British Art Market Alliance. You can do this in several places, including:
Border Control
Any Police Station
Local Immigration Bureau
Any asylum center for example, Local Arrival, Decision and Return (AnkER) Facilities
Volunteers helping displaced people at Berlin Station
Once you apply, it will be processed through BAMF and you will be given a temporary residence permit. Asylum seekers in Germany pass the quota system. Some are placed in reception and accommodation centers, while others are given private accommodation. This process can take several months, during which the authorities will interview you and check your situation. Asylum seekers accept €354 per month if privately contained, or €135 per month in the asylum center. After three months, they can work in Germany without restrictions.
To apply, you should provide the following information (if any):
Any form of identity certificate, for example, passport or birth certificate
If possible, documents detailing the reasons for your asylum, such as court orders, warrants, intimidation letters or witness testimony
Any other information that can support your application, for example, medical letters
Decision on German asylum application
BAMF will review your application and make one of the following decisions:
grant all refugee status in Germany
to... Recognition of asylum rights
provides auxiliary protection
state prohibition of deportation
refuse to apply
You will receive a residence permit if you have refugee protection, valid for three years; if you have auxiliary protection or obtain an expulsion ban, valid for one year.
If your application is rejected, you will have 30 days to leave Germany (one week if your application is rejected for "obviously lack of basis". You can appeal the decision through the German Administrative Tribunal. If it is not successful, you can appeal to the following agencies:
European Court of Justice (ECJ)
German Federal Constitutional Court
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
Explore ways to help refugees in Germany and elsewhere
BAMF provides an information manual (available in multiple languages) to learn more about the German asylum procedure. You can also read German asylum law to obtain legal information.
Residence and Citizenship Germany
EU/European Free Trade Area nationals do not need to apply for a residence permit. However, they need to stay at the local residents' registry (registration office) if they stay for more than three months.
If a third country citizen stays for more than three months, he or she will need to apply for a German residence permit.If you need to apply for an entry visa, you can usually attach your visa application before you arrive through the German embassy/consulate or the visa application center in your country. Otherwise, you can use your local immigration office (Austrian Radio) within the first three months of your stay.
Types of residence permits for Germany
In Germany, there are basically three major categories of residence permits. These are:
temporary residence permits – usually valid for up to five years. These licenses may be valid for a shorter period, such as one year, but you can extend it. They will be associated with the purpose of your stay.
EU Blue Card – This is a four-year high-skilled and qualified immigration permit that allows holders to travel and work to other EU/EFTA countries.
Permanent Residence Permit – You can usually apply for a temporary license after five consecutive years of residence in Germany. In some cases, this time is shorter, for example, it takes two years for skilled workers to graduate from German universities, and 33 months for EU blue card holders. The cost of a
residence card varies slightly across German states, depending on the time and purpose of your stay. A temporary license is usually €50-100, while a permanent license can cost €110-150. The EU Blue Card is currently €110. You have to pay to update these licenses.
Learn how to obtain German citizenship
Once you have lived in Germany for eight years (in most cases), you can apply for full German citizenship if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can obtain German passport .
Since 2011, Germany has issued an electronic residence permit.
Residence permit for British citizens living in Germany after the UK exit from the EU
Although British citizens are now under German immigration control since the UK exit from the EU on January 1, 2021, those living in Germany before this can benefit from the exit agreement. This means they can apply for a new residence card through their local immigration office (Austrian Radio), which gives them the same rights as EU citizens.
The new residence permit is valid for five or ten years. After eight consecutive years of residence, British nationals can apply for German citizenship. The deadline for applying for a new license is June 30, 2021.
British citizens living in Germany before January 1, 2021 can also apply for residence through this program. This applies to spouse/partner, children under the age of 21, and any dependent dependent or offspring relatives who are dependent.
EU identity, More immigration information can be followed [Xiao Oudi], the same name on the entire network can be searched for , meet you in the vast sea of people, and you can ask for everything overseas
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-