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South Africans in Germany

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    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. Once in Germany, you must apply for the subsequent residence permit (Aufenhaltstitel) at the competent Aliens Authority in Germany. 
    It will also regulate what you are allowed to do in Germany, such as weekend work while on a study visa.

    A temporary residence title (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is granted for a limited time and a specific purpose. 
    Blue cards and ICT cards are also seen as temporary residence permits under Section 18c AufenthG (German Residence Act)

    Aufenthaltstitel

    An Aufenthaltstitel is a general term for a residence title or permit that authorizes non-EU/EEA nationals to stay in Germany legally for a specific purpose. It serves as proof of legal residence and may allow the holder to work, study, or engage in other activities, depending on the type of permit granted.
    There are several types of Aufenthaltstitel

    • Temporary Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)
    • Permanent Residence Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
    • EU Blue Card
    • EU Permanent Residence
    • ICT Card (Intra.Corporate Transfer)
    • Visa

    Aufenthaltserlaubnis

    The Aufenthaltserlaubnis is a temporary residence permit granted to non-EU/EEA nationals for specific purposes in Germany. 

    Unlike permanent residence, this permit is limited in duration and tied to the purpose for which it was issued.

    The framework for the Aufenthaltserlaubnis is outlined in the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz).

    Key Purposes of the Aufenthaltserlaubnis

    According to the BMI, key purposes for a temporary residence title (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) are:

    Education and Training

    This includes studying at a university, participating in vocational training programs, Recognition of foreign professional qualifications or attending language courses (§§ 16-17 AufenthG).
    Holders of this permit are allowed to stay in Germany for the duration of their education, with possible extensions if the program takes longer than expected.

    Economic activity

    The permit can be issued for employment purposes (§§ 18 ff. AufenthG), including:

    • Skilled workers with vocational training qualifications – Section 18a
    • Skilled workers with specific qualifications. – Section 18b
    • Researchers and academics. Section 18d -18f
    • ICT Cards for intra-corporate transfers (§ 19 AufenthG) allow temporary assignments within the same corporate group.
    • Other employment purposes; Civil servants. – Section 19c
    • Participation in European voluntary service – Section 19e

    Skilled Workers seeking Employment

    Section 20 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) allows skilled workers to obtain a temporary residence permit to seek employment in Germany, subject to specific conditions.

    Self-Employment

    Under §§ 21 ff. AufenthG non-EU/EEA nationals can obtain a residence permit to establish or manage a self-employed business in Germany.
    Freelancers (Freiberufler) such as artists, journalists, IT professionals, or healthcare practitioners can also apply under Section 21.

    Humanitarian, Political, or International Grounds

    Residence permits may also be issued for reasons such as asylum or other humanitarian protections (§§ 22-26 AufenthG).

    Family Reunification

    Individuals may be permitted to join close family members already residing in Germany (§§ 27-36a AufenthG). This typically applies to spouses, children, or parents of minors living in Germany.

    The issuance of the residence permit for each of these purposes is subject to its own specific requirements. These requirements are also outlined in the Residence Act—partly in the general section of the Act and partly under the specific purpose.

    An extension of the residence permit is only possible if the conditions that were required for the initial issuance still apply. However, the responsible authority may exclude an extension if the stay was intended to be temporary based on its purpose.

    When extending the residence permit, it must also be taken into account whether the foreign national has fulfilled their obligation to participate properly in an integration course. If the foreign national was or is required to participate in the integration course, the residence permit is generally only extended for one year at a time until the individual successfully completes the course or provides evidence of integration into social and societal life through other means.

    Einbürgerungstest and Leben in Deutschland

    Einbürgerungstest and Leben in Deutschland Leben in Deutschland” test and the Einbürgerungstest — two tests that look like twins at first glance, but they’ve got different purposes and vibes. Let’s break it down properly Leben in Deutschland (LiD) The Leben in Deutschland tests your knowledge of the legal and social order and the living conditions in Germany. If you apply for Permanent residence, you must use the test to demonstrate knowledge of Germany’s legal and social system and living conditions. You do not necessarily need to attend the course to write the tests.You need a minimum of Level A2 to B1 to

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    ICT Card for intra-corporate transferees

    §§ 19 of the AufenthG addresses ICT Cards, a type of residence permit designed for the purpose of intra-corporate transfers. An intra-corporate transfer refers to the temporary assignment of a foreign employee within the same company or corporate group.
    Section 19c deals with: Other employment purposes; civil servants

    Intra corporate transfers (ICT card)

    Intra corporate transfers (ICT card) The ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer Card) is a residence permit designed for non-EU nationals who are temporarily transferred within a multinational company to a branch or affiliate in Germany. This visa is aimed at managers, specialists, and trainee employees who are part of a business group operating globally. As rules and regulations can change on a regular basis, we provide links to the German Embassy in South Africa. Where possible also links to additional information. We are not immigration consultants and can only refer you to the official pages. An ICT Card is a

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    Example of an Aufenthaltstitel

    Temp Aufenthalt
    • This is an example of an Aufenhaltstitel, under Art des Titles it will indicate Aufenthaltserlaubnis.
    • The “Gültig bis” is the validity date of your residence permit. Make sure you apply for an extension of your residence permit early enough.
    • Under the Anmerkungen/Remarks, there will be information on the specific purpose and any limitations. In this example, 19C ABS 4 is referring to Chapter 19c of the Act on Residence, Section 1 I.V.M 11 Section 2. 
    • If you get a “Zusatzblatt” or supplementary sheet, more detailed information can be found there, for example, “Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet” means employment is permitted. 

    Zusatzblatt zum Aufenthaltstitel – what it is and why it matters

    Some residence permits are issued with an additional document called a Zusatzblatt (supplementary sheet). This is an official part of your residence status and is legally binding. While the residence card confirms who you are and why you may live in Germany, the Zusatzblatt sets out the conditions of your stay inside Germany. This most commonly includes work permissions (whether employment or self-employment is allowed, restricted, or requires approval), but it may also list employer limitations, regional residence requirements, or special conditions. If there is a difference between what the card says and what the Zusatzblatt says, the Zusatzblatt takes precedence. Not everyone receives one, and having a Zusatzblatt does not mean there is a problem — it simply means that additional conditions apply and need to be documented separately.

    If your residence permit refers to a Zusatzblatt (for example, by stating „siehe Zusatzblatt“), this supplementary document is an official part of your permit and must always be carried together with your residence card.

    Travel and re-entry restrictions – where to look

    Someone holding a German residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) has the right to stay in Germany for the period stated on the permit — that is the very purpose of the permit. In most cases, this also allows the holder to travel and re-enter Germany freely during that time, and to make trips to other countries in the Schengen Area.
    However, travel rights are not automatic for every permit type; some permits may carry specific restrictions on re-entry or Schengen travel, especially for certain temporary or application-processing documents. Any such restrictions will be printed directly on the residence permit itself, not on a Zusatzblatt. For example, some permits may state “gilt nur für das Bundesgebiet” (“valid only for the territory of Germany”), meaning travel to other Schengen states is not permitted, or certain Fiktionsbescheinigungen may include instructions that leaving Germany may prevent re-entry.
    Border authorities and airlines check the permit and your travel document when you leave or return, so it’s important to read the exact wording on your card before you travel.

    More Limitations

    • The Aufenthaltserlaubnis does not automatically lead to permanent residency.
    • Holders are typically restricted to activities or purposes specified in their permit.
    • If the purpose of stay ends (e.g., job termination), the permit may become invalid unless another qualifying purpose applies.

    Employment limitations

    There is only an entitlement to gainful employment if this entitlement is expressly included in the residence permit (in the form of an electronic residence permit or in the form of an adhesive label).
    The scope of a permit for gainful employment is entered in the residence permit or it is documented on a supplementary sheet (Zusatzblatt) 

    Duration

    The validity period of the Aufenthaltserlaubnis is linked to the purpose of the stay. Extensions are possible but require continued fulfilment of the original conditions. For instance:

    • Students can extend their permit if their studies are ongoing.
    • Employees may renew their permit if their job contract is extended.


    However, authorities may limit extensions if the stay is explicitly intended to be temporary.

    Changing your Residence Title and Purpose of Stay

    In Germany, a residence permit is always issued for a specific purpose (Zweck), such as work, study, family reunification, or self-employment. A Zweckwechsel refers to changing the purpose of stay after you have already arrived in Germany — for example, switching from a student residence permit to a work permit, or from family reunification to employment. This is not automatic and is only permitted under certain legal conditions. Whether a change is allowed depends on your current residence title, the new purpose you are applying for, and the requirements of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (Residence Act).
    In many cases, approval must be granted before you start working or studying under the new purpose, and some changes may require you to leave Germany and apply anew from your home country. Because rules differ by residence type and situation, it is strongly recommended to clarify a possible Zweckwechsel with the Ausländerbehörde before making any commitments.

    The GGUA has a table you can use to indicate what is possible

    Permanent Residence

    Depending on the specific type of Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit) you hold, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany if you meet the necessary criteria. Eligibility typically requires a certain period of lawful residence in Germany, financial independence, sufficient German language skills, and integration into German society. For example, individuals with a residence permit for employment or family reunification may apply for permanent residency after 33 months (or 21 months for EU Blue Card holders with advanced language proficiency). Similarly, those who have studied or completed vocational training in Germany may qualify after two years of employment related to their field. The exact requirements vary based on your specific permit and circumstances.

    Permanent Residence

    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 below. Germany has a “Passpflicht” law. Photo Symbol for the electronic CHIP Surname and Names Your Aufenthalts number  Your Nationality /”Staatsangehörigkeit” your date of birth The valid date for the Card, not your residence. This is usually linked to the

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    Travel in the Schengen area

    If there are no limitations on the amount of entries in and out of Germany, you can use the permit to travel to and from Germany into the Schengen area.

    Travel in the Schengen Area

    Travel within the Schengen Area “The Schengen Area is a zone comprised of 29 European states which have officially abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders. Countries in the Schengen area can temporarily reinstate border controls at internal borders — for security reasons, to manage migration pressure, during major events, or in other emergencies. That’s fully legal and happens sometimes.For visitors, it effectively means that the Schengen Area acts as a singular country, i.e. once you enter one Schengen country, you have entered them all.”  See the ETIAS Visa for more information.Not all EU countries are in Schengen,

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    Legal Basis

    Info on the web

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    List of Long Stay Visas

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