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South Africans in Germany

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Residence in Germany

Temp Aufenthalt

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 types of residence permits in Germany:

  • Temporary  – Your first type of residence in Germany will always be temporary. You can only apply for permanent residence once certain conditions are met.  
  • 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.
Proof of residence is in the form of a physical electronic card. Read more about what it offers and how to use it here.
Temp Aufenthalt

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 and once you are in Germany, apply for the subsequent residence permit

Permanent Residence

Permanent residence in Germany is called a Niederlassungserlaubnis and may be granted in the form of a Settlement permit or Permanent EC residence permit. Very important!! The card has an expiration date that corresponds to that of your passport. See the remarks section on the card as well as nr. 7 below. Germany has a “Passpflicht” law –  which means Foreigners

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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

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Please note: Although the information on this website has been prepared with the utmost care, we cannot accept any responsibility for inaccuracies contained herein. Always