Immigration - South Africans in Germany

Visas, Residence and Citizenship

Germany is a popular destination for immigrants from around the world due to its robust economy and high standard of living. The country has a long history of immigration, with the first wave of immigrants arriving in the 1950s and 1960s to aid in its post-war reconstruction.
Today, Germany is home to a diverse population of immigrants. In recent years, the country has seen an increase in refugees and asylum seekers, with over 1.5 million people seeking asylum in Germany since 2015.

A visa allows you to enter and stay in the Schengen area for a limited time, usually for a specific purpose such as tourism, study, or starting a job. It is typically issued before you arrive.

A residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) allows you to live in a specific country, like Germany, for a longer period once you are already there. It defines your legal status, including whether you can work, study, or stay long-term.

In simple terms: the visa gets you in, the residence permit allows you to stay.

Short Stay Visas

A short-stay visa (often called a Schengen visa or Type C visa) allows you to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180 days. It’s typically used for tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, or short courses. While it gives you the freedom to move between Schengen countries, it does not allow you to take up long-term residence or regular employment. Think of it as a temporary doorway — enough time to explore, attend to short-term matters, or get a feel for life here, but not to settle down.
If your trip includes more than one Schengen country, your application must be submitted to the embassy of your main destination, based on where you will spend the most time or the primary purpose of your visit.

The German Embassy in South Africa operates from Cape Town and Pretoria.
Currently (2026), all short-term visa applications are handled via TLScontact, which manages the submission process on behalf of the embassy.
TLScontact has application centres in Bloemfontein, Centurion, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).

Short stay Visas

Short stay visas According to the German Embassy in South Africa, South African passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Germany.If your trip includes more than one Schengen country, your application must be submitted to the embassy of your main destination, based on where you will spend the most time or the primary purpose of your visit. A short-term Schengen visa covers stays of up to 90 days and is typically issued for tourism or business-related visits. Once granted, the visa allows travel within the countries that form part of the Schengen Area, not just Germany. The German Embassy in South Africa operates from Cape Town and Pretoria.Currently (2026), all short-term visa

Long Stay Visas

The German government has implemented various policies and programs to manage immigration and integration, including language and job training programs for immigrants, as well as measures to combat discrimination and xenophobia. One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the introduction of the Skilled Immigration Act in 2020, which aims to attract highly skilled workers from outside the European Union to fill labour shortages in various industries.

A long-stay visa (often called a national visa or Type D visa) allows you to enter and stay in a specific country, like Germany, for more than 90 days, usually with a clear purpose such as work, study, or family reunification. It is typically the first step toward longer-term residence and is often converted into a residence permit once you are in the country. Unlike a short-stay visa, it gives you the legal footing to begin building a life — to work, study, and settle, while still allowing travel within the Schengen area.

List of Long Stay Visas

Long term visas Long-term visas apply to stays in Germany of more than 90 days and are typically issued for purposes such as work or study. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa allowing you to enter Germany. After arrival, you must apply for your residence permit at your local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible. Your first point of reference is always the official channels: German Embassy in South Africa, long-term visas Federal Foreign Office Consular Portal Make it in Germany Website Disclaimer – The legal references and section numbers of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) provided on this page are intended for general information and orientation

Residence

The Residence Act is the primary legal framework for immigration in Germany. It sets out the conditions under which non-German citizens can enter and reside in the country. The act distinguishes between short- and long-term visas and regulates the rights and obligations of foreign residents, including their access to social benefits. There are two types of Residence permits in Germany. The one is an Aufenthaltserlaubnis/Temporary Residence, and the other is a Niederlassungserlaubnis/permanent residence.

Legal Basis

The German AufenthG (Gesetz über den Aufenthalt, die Erwerbstätigkeit und die Integration von Ausländern im Bundesgebiet ) can be found on the website of the Bundesministerium der Justiz.
There is also an English version of the Act on Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory

Temporary Residence

Limited stay linked to a purpose such as work, study, or family. Must be renewed and often depends on your situation.

Permanent Residence

Unlimited stay with long-term security. Greater freedom to work and live without ongoing renewals.

Aufenthalt

A general term meaning your legal stay or residence in Germany, whether short or long-term.

Aufenthaltstitel

Your official residence document. Defines your rights, conditions, and legal status in Germany.

Residence Permits in Germany (Aufenthaltstitel)

Residence permits 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 for the subsequent residence permit (Aufenhaltstitel) at the competent Aliens Authority in Germany. There are two main types of residence permits in Germany 1.Temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) This is always the first residence permit issued in Germany.It is granted for a limited period and tied to a specific purpose, such as work, studies, family reunification,

Citizenship

Foreigners who wish to become German citizens must meet certain requirements, including a minimum period of residence in Germany, fluency in the German language, and knowledge of German culture and history. Applicants must also renounce their current citizenship, unless they are from an EU country or Switzerland. The naturalization process can take several years, and applicants must pass a citizenship test and demonstrate good conduct.

Overall, the immigration process in Germany can be complex and time-consuming. However, with careful planning and preparation, foreigners can successfully navigate the process and enjoy all that Germany has to offer.

Ways of obtaining German citizenship

Ways of obtaining German citizenship Please note: The information provided on this page regarding German citizenship is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, it is important to note that laws and regulations can change. We strongly recommend consulting with a legal professional or the appropriate authorities (such as the German embassy, consulate, or local immigration office) for the most up-to-date and personalized advice. The South Africans in Germany website is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented here. Table of Contents Pathways to German Citizenship The following are popular pathways to German Citizenship By Decent

Resources and Support Services

Germany offers various governmental assistance programs to immigrants to help them integrate into society. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) provides language courses, vocational training, and job placement services to immigrants. The courses are offered in various languages, including German, English, and French. The BAMF also offers counselling services to immigrants on various topics, such as housing, education, and healthcare.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) also provides assistance to immigrants. The BMAS offers job placement services, vocational training, and financial assistance to immigrants who are unemployed or underemployed. The ministry also provides information on social benefits and pensions.

Make it in Germany is the portal of the Federal Government for skilled workers from abroad. Find information on jobs, visa & living in Germany!

Learning German

Master the Language. Embrace the Culture. Embarking on the journey to learn German can be approached in various ways to suit your lifestyle and goals. Online platforms offer the convenience of flexible language courses, while mobile apps make learning easy wherever you are. For a more interactive experience, attending in-person

Documentation

The following companies can assist with obtaining documentation.

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RSA DOCUMENTS

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South Africans in Germany