Do I need a visa to study or work in Germany?

Do I need a visa to work in Germany? What are the visa requirements for studying or taking up vocational training in Germany? These are just some of the questions asked by people considering moving to Germany for work and those planning their next career move. In short, whether and what type of visa you need to apply for depends on your country of origin, your professional qualifications and the purpose behind your plans to come to Germany.

As a citizen of an EU country, you are entitled to freedom of movement and have unrestricted access to the German labour market. You do not need a visa or residence permit to enter Germany and take up employment. The same applies if you come from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland (EFTA countries).

The German Immigration Act provides for two titles that govern entry and residence in Germany: the settlement permit and the residence permit. The residence permit is temporary and is granted for a specific reason, such as gainful employment, training or family reunification, or else for humanitarian, legal or political reasons.

Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the USA can enter Germany without a visa for the purpose of gainful employment or company-based vocational training.

In this case, the respective residence permit must be applied for in Germany before employment. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you may apply directly at the foreign authority at your place of residence in Germany. However, if you intend to take up employment shortly after arriving in Germany, applying for the respective visa before entering the country is advisable.

All other third-country nationals who would like to come to Germany for gainful employment must submit a visa application to the German foreigners authority before their arrival.

If you are coming to Germany to study, you can enter the country without a visa if you are a citizen of the following countries: Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Canada, Honduras, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the USA. The same applies if you wish to complete a school-based vocational training in Germany. After entering the country, you must apply for the respective residence permit at the responsible foreigners authority within 90 days.