Residence in Germany

A Visa allows you to enter Germany, and stay for 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 and once you are in Germany, apply for the subsequent residence permit (Aufenhaltstitel) at the competent Aliens Authority in Germany.

There are two types of residence permits in Germany:

• Temporary  – allows foreigners to stay in the Federal Republic of Germany for a longer period of time. Reasons for issuing a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) are for example:
  • • Family reunification with German or foreign nationals
    • for humanitarian reasons
    • Purposes of residence that are limited in time from the outset (au pair, studies, work contract) or EU Blue Card.
• Permanent –  may be granted in the form of a Settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or Permanent EC residence permit. The settlement permit entitles you to pursue any gainful employment and does not contain any further restrictions.
  Holding a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) for several years, a secure livelihood and sufficient knowledge of the German language are the minimum requirements for the granting of a settlement permit.