Applying for residence

A visa allows you to enter Germany. If you want to stay longer than 3 months you will need to apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehorde )
You can only apply for a residence permit after you registered at the local Town office (Bürgerampt). See more about registering here.

Where must you apply

You apply at the immigration office (Ausländerbehorde)
Depending on where you live, this can be in your city (Stadkreis) or at the district office (Landratsamt).

You can use the Ortdienste website to find your local office. Click on the Bundesländer and zoom in from there.
Another website to use is Melderegister

You can also search online for Ausländerbehörde and your town e.g. Ausländerbehörde Leinfelden.
In smaller towns, the Bürgeramp and the Ausländerbehorde are in the same building but this may not be the case in bigger cities.

Documents needed

Valid passport
Proof of income, e.g. employee contract
Proof of medical insurance
Registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) that you get from the Bürgeramt after registering with them. This will be your new proof of residence, but take your rental agreement with you just in case.
Completed application form
Biometric photos
the rest will depend on the purpose of stay e.g for work, study etc.

Vocabulary

Proof of residence	die Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
Obligation to register	die Meldepflicht
Residence permit	die Aufenthaltserlaubnis
Registration certificate	die Anmeldebescheinigung

What do you get

Your first Residence card will be temporary, valid depending on your situation and conditions for example the period of your studies, Family reunification or work situation. Again depending on your situation you can apply for permanent residence after a certain amount of time.
Proof of residence is in the form of a physical electronic card. Read more about what it offers and how to use it here.

Residence in Germany

A Visa allows you to enter Germany, and stay for no more than 90 days in a 180-day cycle.When you want to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the correct visa in your home country and once you are in Germany, apply