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
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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 list is the general things that everyone needs to do. Arriving at the airport The only direct flights between SA and Germany are from Frankfurt to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Some carriers have seasonal flights between Munich and Jhb/Cpt.The major airports in Germany are Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin and Düsseldorf.Almost all towns can be reached via train from airport hubs. Other options to get to your destinations are an organised airport transfer or hiring a car via a car rental company or mobility companies like Car2Go. More information can be found in the Mobility section below. Bringing your Furbabies with you Remember you have to go through customs, so make sure you know what you are allowed to bring with you. Arrival at your home One of the biggest surprises you can get is walking into your new home and there is no kitchen installed, nor light fittings. Make sure you know what to expect if you rent accommodation. Germany uses type C and F power plugs, make sure you have the correct adaptors or plugs. Registering (Anmeldung) You must register at your local town hall (Bürgeramt) within two weeks of arriving in Germany. This is called a Meldepflicht. You will be issued a registration confirmation (Anmeldebescheinigung). Keep it in a safe place, but in the event of loss, you can re-apply for it at the Bürgeramt.In smaller towns, the Bürgeramt and Ausländerbehörde could be in the same building. Medical Insurance Medical insurance is compulsory. If you do not already have medical insurance, you need to organise it before applying for your residence permit. You need proof of medical insurance before you can apply for a residence permit Residence permit A visa allows you to travel to Germany. When you want to stay longer than 3 months you need to apply for the correct visa in your home country and then for a residence permit in Germany. You apply for your residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde. You need your registration confirmation (Anmeldebescheinigung) before you can apply for residence.In smaller towns, the Bürgeramt and Ausländerbehörde could be in the same building.Permanent Residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is only available after living in Germany for s specific time. Your first residence as a South African citizen in Germany will always be temporary. Pension You need a social security number to register for a statuary pension. A tip, if you are not employed when moving to Germany, for example joining as a spouse, consider registering at the Arbeitsagentür, as the time you are unemployed counts towards contribution years on your pension. Bank Account Depending on your situation, you will need to open a German Bank account. Internet and mobile Internet, mobile and television packages are usually sold as a bundle.Warning! Germany has very strict copyright laws. Do not violate copyright laws by illegally downloading a film, music, or other web content. Acquaint yourself about what is allowed and what the penalties are for not adhering to the rules.You can also be held responsible for any downloads in your household, also from visitors using your internet connection. Mobility If you live in a big city you will rarely need your own car. The public transport system is excellent and there are many options to hire a car for a couple of hours. To drive in Germany you will need to convert your drivers licence Useful apps We have a page with a list of apps we think might helpful Related content
Temporary proof of German Residence
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. You will receive a Meldebestätigung (Certificate of registration at the main residence) After registering at the relevant immigration authority (Ausländerbehorde), you will be issued a Residence permit. Fiktionsbescheinigung A Fiktionsbescheinigung is temporary proof of your residence status.Due to circumstances, it can take longer than expected to receive your residence permit card. The current process is that the Ausländerbehorde send your papers to the Staatsdrükerei in Berlin, who has to print your Residence card. This is then sent back to the Ausländerbehorde and they will contact you to come pick it up.If you need proof of residence, for example, to travel, you can request a fictional certificate or Fiktionsbescheinigung at the Ausländerbehörde, which they can issue immediately,This document is seen as proof of your residence permit and will have the same restrictions as your residence permit. A single entry for example, will mean you are not permitted to travel back to Germany unless otherwise indicated. A fictional certificate cannot be issued to holders of a Schengen visa for short-term residence (Category C). There are currently 3 variations of a Fiktionsbescheinigung The rules applicable to you will be marked clearly on your Fiktionsbescheinigung Variation 1: § 81 Abs. 4 AufenthG The Fortgeltungsfiktion applies to foreign nationals who already hold a valid residence permit and are either waiting for their residence card, have applied for an extension of their current residence title, or have applied for a different residence title before their existing one expires.As long as the application was submitted on time, the previous residence permit remains valid with all its associated rights and obligations until a decision is made on the application.A certificate issued under § 81 (4) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) also entitles the holder to travel. Departure and re-entry are permitted. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult with the relevant embassy in the destination country to ensure that entry and exit with a Fiktionsbescheinigung will be accepted without issues, and to check if any additional documents may be required. This does not apply to visas issued in accordance with section 6 (1). If the application to issue or extend a residence title was filed too late, the foreigner’s authority may order that the previous residence title remains valid in order to avoid undue hardship. – Gesetze im Internet From Service Berlin“If a currently valid residence permit (temporary residence permit or national visa for long-term durations – Category D ) is available, a fictional certificate according to § 81 Section 4 of the Residence Act will be issued. In this case, the residence permit and all supplementary regulations (also regarding the stipulations concerning gainful employment) remain in force until a decision has been made in relation to the application. Journeys abroad and re-entry into the area of the Republic are possible with a valid fictional certificate in accordance with § 81 Section 4 of the Residence Act. “ If you entered Germany on a National Visa (Category D) Abs. 4 will apply to you. This means – With a valid passport and a Fiktionsbescheinigung, you can travel from and to Germany. It must of course be within the validity dates of the Fiktionsbescheinigung Variation 2: § 81 Abs. 3 Satz 1 AufenthG The Erlaubnisfiktion under § 81 (3) sentence 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) applies to certain nationals who do not need a visa for short stays. If these individuals apply for a residence title in Germany for the first time, their stay is considered legal until a decision is made by the immigration authorities. It is crucial that the application for the residence title is submitted before their current legal stay expires. However, traveling is not permitted with an Erlaubnisfiktion under § 81 (3) sentence 1 of the Residence Act. If theapplication is filed too late, deportation is deemed to be suspended from the time of application up to the time of the decision by the foreigners authority. – Gesetze im Internet From Service BerlinIf the male or female applicant is lawfully resident without a visa in the Federal Republic, because he or she is entitled to be by virtue of his/her nationality, the fictional certificate will be issued in accordance with § 81 Section 3 of the Residence Act.This permits residence in the area of the Federal Republic until a decision has been made regarding the application. This fictional certification, however, does not permit re-entry into the territory of the Federal Republic. It also does not permit the commencement of gainful employment. This means you are allowed to travel from Germany but not back without a valid visa Variation 3: § 81 Abs. 3 Satz 2AufenthG The Duldungsfiktion also applies to certain nationals. It is required that the foreign national does not already hold a residence title. In cases of Duldungsfiktion, the application was not submitted on time. In such cases, the stay is not considered legal, but deportation is temporarily suspended. Therefore, the late applicant is granted a form of “fictitious toleration” (Duldung). Gesetze im Internet This means you are allowed to travel from Germany but not back without a valid visa Types of Residence permits Legal basis Section 81 Aufenhaltsgesetz – AufenthG (Act on Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory) Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
German laws and regulations
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 legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes.” Disclaimer The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should consult a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Use of this site is at your own risk. Where to find information in English For an English version of Germany’s Basic Law (Grundgesetz), you can visit the www.gesetze-im-internet.de website. For the most current and comprehensive legal information, your go-to source should be the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz). Their website is also available in English, where it’s referred to as the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection. Federal States, districts and towns The Federal states, districts or towns govern some laws and regulations. For more information visit the official website of the Federal state, district or town Good to know Insults Germany has strict laws regarding insults and defamation, and it is important to understand these regulations to avoid legal trouble. The penalty for insult is imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or a fine and, if the insult is committed publicly, in a meeting, by disseminating content (Section 11 (3)) or by means of an assault, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine.” Section 185 of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB): This means that publicly insulting someone—whether in person, online, or through printed materials—can lead to criminal penalties. The severity of the punishment depends on how the insult was made and whether it was done in a public setting. Defamation and Related Offenses Germany has additional laws covering defamation and slander: Section 186 StGB (Defamation) – Making false statements that could damage someone’s reputation can lead to fines or imprisonment. Section 187 StGB (Malicious Gossip) – Knowingly spreading false information to harm someone can result in even harsher penalties. Section 188 StGB (Defamation of Public Figures) – Harsher penalties apply when insulting politicians or individuals in public office. For more information and other related offences see Division 14 Insult of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB), and in German Abscnitt 14 Beleidigung Practical Tips Be mindful of how you express disagreements, especially in public or online. Avoid making derogatory statements about individuals, whether verbally or in writing. If involved in a dispute, seek legal advice before responding in a way that could be legally problematic. Incitement Section 111 of the German Penal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB) addresses the crime of public incitement to commit unlawful acts. This provision is designed to maintain public order and prevent the encouragement of criminal behaviour. Section 111(2): Consequences and Penalties If the incitement leads to the unlawful act being committed, the person who incited the act can be punished as if they had committed the act themselves. If the incitement does not lead to the unlawful act being committed, the punishment can still be significant but typically less severe than if the act had been carried out. The penalty can include imprisonment or fines, depending on the nature of the incited act and the circumstances of the incitement. We thought to mention this to deter people from using forums like Facebook or other social media groups to tell others how to bring Biltong to Germany or how to use VPNs to bypass German rules and regulations when streaming content not approved in Germany. Apps LX Gezetze for iPad gesetze.io Scams A great website to search for current scams is Watchlist Internet, an Austrian website in German. Another great resource to find information about the latest scams is the Swiss BACS (Bundesamt für Cybersicherheit) website. They have the information available in English Europol The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation is the law enforcement agency of the European Union (EU) to handle criminal intelligence and combat serious international organised crime and terrorism through cooperation between competent authorities of EU member states. Please take note of the notice by Europol regarding scam calls. Europol will never call you directly. There is also a link on their website where you can report such calls Booking.com The person receives messages from inside the Booking.com website/app, seemingly from the hotel they booked. The “hotel” informs them that their payment didn’t go through. The reasons can be that your credit card details are old or being declined. The scammer then says you must make a payment within 24 hours or lose your booking. They ask for your credit card details and if this is declined, they ask for an IBAN payment or direct transfer (in this case it was a bank in the UK) to confirm the booking. They send you an external e-mail with the banking details. Do not do anything without consulting the hotel directly (not via the chat in Booking.com) or phone Booking.com. To phone them you will need the booking confirmation and pin code related to your booking.Be very vigilant, everything seems legit. What might be happening is that the specific hotel has been hacked, so the scammers have access to the chat window in the Booking.com app or website, as well as all your booking details. If this does happen to you, and you made a payment, contact your bank immediately, and I would suggest blocking your credit cards as well. Also, open up a criminal case at the police station and contact Booking.com. Remember your credit card might offer you extra protection in such cases, try not to make direct transfers. Reporting
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