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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 EU 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.

Temporary Residence

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 must apply for the subsequent residence permit (Aufenhaltstitel)

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Permanent Residence

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 on the card as well as nr. 7

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Applying for residence

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: The information provided on this page regarding German citizenship is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy