A visa allows you to enter Germany, but if your stay will exceed 90 days, you’ll need to take the next step and apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis).
Most long-term stays begin with a national visa (Type D), usually valid for 90 days.
Within that time, you’re expected to transition to a residence permit that matches the purpose of your stay, whether it’s for work, study, or family reunification.
Don’t wait until your visa expires. Begin the process early to avoid gaps in your legal stay.
Before you can apply for a residence permit, you must register your address at the local registration office (Bürgeramt).
This step — called the Anmeldung — must be completed within 14 days of moving into your new home.
Once your address is registered, contact your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) as soon as possible to apply for your residence permit.
In most cases, this should be done within the first 90 days of your arrival in Germany.
If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 3 months, you will need to register at your local Bürgeramt (Town office).This is called a Meldepflicht and is compulsory. More about the law can be found in BMG (in German) or in EnglishIt must be done within two weeks after moving into your residence. ” Anyone
You must apply for your residence permit at your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).
Depending on your location, this may be in your city (Stadtkreis) or at the district administration office (Landratsamt).
Use one of the resources below to find the correct office for your town or district:
Or simply search online for Ausländerbehörde [your town name] — e.g. Ausländerbehörde Leinfelden.
In smaller towns, the Bürgeramt (registration office) and the Ausländerbehörde are often in the same building.
In larger cities, they’re usually separate — always check the exact address before you go.
Book an appointment online whenever possible; many Ausländerbehörden do not accept walk-ins.
When you call or book, confirm what documents you must bring and whether they accept translated copies or certified translations.
When applying for your residence permit, you’ll need to bring several key documents. Always check with your local Ausländerbehörde, as requirements can vary slightly by region — but generally, you’ll need:
Additional documents may be required depending on your purpose of stay — for example, a work contract for employment, proof of enrolment for studies, or marriage and family certificates for family reunification.
| English | German | Note / Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of residence (landlord) | die Wohnungsgeberbestätigung | Landlord’s confirmation required for Anmeldung |
| Obligation to register | die Meldepflicht | Legal duty to register your address |
| Registration certificate | die Anmeldebescheinigung | Issued by the Bürgeramt after Anmeldung |
| Registration office | das Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt | Where you register your address |
| Immigration office | die Ausländerbehörde | Office for residence permits and immigration matters |
| Residence permit | die Aufenthaltserlaubnis | Temporary permit tied to purpose of stay |
| Residence card | der Aufenthaltstitel (Chipkarte) | Electronic card used as proof of residence |
| Fiktionsbescheinigung | die Fiktionsbescheinigung | Temporary certificate while your permit is processed |
| Passport | der Reisepass | Primary ID document |
| Biometric photo | das biometrische Passbild | Required for passport & permit applications |
| Employment contract | der Arbeitsvertrag | Proof of income for work-based permits |
| Health insurance | die Krankenversicherung | Public or private insurance proof |
| Appointment | der Termin | Many offices require online booking |
| Certified translation | die beglaubigte Ãœbersetzung | Some documents must be translated & certified |
When your residence permit is approved, you’ll receive a residence card (Aufenthaltstitel) — a secure chip card that serves as both your proof of residence and your legal identification in Germany.
Your first residence card is temporary, and its validity depends on your specific situation — for example:
Over time, if you meet certain conditions such as stable income, integration, and sufficient time spent in Germany, you can apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
Your residence card is more than just a piece of plastic — it contains an electronic chip that stores important personal data and makes it easier to access certain government and administrative services.Â
You can read more about what the electronic residence card offers and how to use it on the BAMF website
Temporary Residence A Visa allows you to enter Germany, but your stay is limited to no more than 90 days in a 180-day cycle.If you want to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the correct visa in your home country. Once in Germany, you
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
A permanent residence in Germany is called a Niederlassungserlaubnis and may be granted as a Settlement permit or Permanent EC residence permit. Very important!! Your residence card has an expiration date that corresponds to your passport. Your residence card is linked to your passport number see the PASS field. See the remarks section
Due to administrative delays at many Ausländerbehörden (immigration offices), it can sometimes take several weeks—or even months—to receive your residence card after your application has been submitted.
In such cases, the office may issue you a Fiktionsbescheinigung — a temporary certificate that proves your legal stay in Germany while your residence permit is being processed.
This document acts as a bridge between your visa and your upcoming residence card. It allows you to live and, in most cases, continue to work or study in Germany legally during the waiting period.
However, rules and validity periods can vary by region and situation, so always confirm the details with your local Ausländerbehörde.
You can read more about the Fiktionsbescheinigung and what it means for your stay in Germany on our dedicated page
Temporary proof of German Residence To stay in Germany longer than 90 days in a 180 period, you will need a residence permit. Qualifying for a residence permit will depend, among other things, on the type of visa you applied for. Your long-stay visa allows you to travel to Germany. Within two weeks after arrival in Germany, you need to register at your local town office and Immigration authority. See Registering at the local town office.
Checklist after arriving in Germany Your first days in Germany can be very overwhelming and confusing. The forms you must fill in and the administrative tasks you must do will depend on your reason for being in Germany. A student will have a different to-do list from someone who comes here to work. The following lists the general things that everyone needs to do. Arriving at the airport The only direct flights between SA and
Temporary proof of German Residence To stay in Germany longer than 90 days in a 180 period, you will need a residence permit. Qualifying for a residence permit will depend, among other things, on the type of visa you applied for. Your long-stay visa allows you to travel to Germany. Within two weeks after arrival in Germany, you need to register at your local town office and Immigration authority. See Registering at the local town office.
German laws and regulations The Bundesamt für Justiz publishes laws and regulations on the Gesetze im Internet website. The main site is in German, but there are translations available, with the following notice: “Translations of these materials into languages other than German are intended solely as a convenience to the non-German-reading public. Any discrepancies or differences that may arise in translations of the official German versions of these materials are not binding and have no
We’ve got a taste of home waiting for you.
From South African concerts to casual meetups across Germany—check out what’s happening near you.
You must be logged in to post a comment.