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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 understand the test questions. Part of the Integrationskurs (integration course). Aimed at helping migrants understand life in Germany: politics, history, rights, values, and local customs. Often a requirement for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis) — but not always. Einbügerungstest The Einbürgerungstest tests your knowledge of the legal and social order and the living conditions in Germany. If you apply for German citizenship, you must use the test to demonstrate understanding of Germany’s legal and social system and living conditions. You need a minimum of Level B1 to understand the questions.Specifically required for naturalisation (Einbürgerung), i.e., becoming a German citizen. Note – Some indications are that you need to have certificates for both tests to apply for your Citizenship. Please confirm this with your local Ausländerbehörde. You should schedule an “Information” session with your local authority before submitting your application ✅ So, are they the same test? Technically, yes — they pull from the same question bank, and the LiD test can count as the Einbürgerungstest, if it was taken as part of an integration course and certified accordingly.But! Not all LiD tests are automatically accepted as the Einbürgerungstest unless the certificate says so.So don’t assume. Always check with your local Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation office). If you want to knock out both in one go, take the Leben in Deutschland test through the integration course and make sure it’s properly documented for Einbürgerung. Where do I register for the tests You can contact your local foreigners office (Ausländerbehörde) or register at the local VHS.  How do I prepare for the tests The official list of possible questions (310) is available as a download on the BAMF website.The above link is for the Einbürgerungstest and Leben in Deutschland questions. The list of questions is the same for both tests, but for Leben in Deutschland you will get Klasse 1 questions, and for the Einbürgerungstest you will get Klasse 2 questions. There is no way of knowing which questions are Klasse 1 or Klasse 2, so you need to know all of them. You can enrol for the “Leben in Deutschland” course at the VHS, and write the “Test zum Orientierungskurs Leben in Deutschland“ exam. This test is needed for permanent residence in Germany.There is no course requirement for the Einbürgerungstest, but if you would like to enrol for a course, consider the Leben in Deutschland option, or contact the VHS or Ausländerbehörde. Apps and websites “Leben in Deutschland Test” for Google and Apple VHS – Test-Trainer zum Orientierungskurs. It offers lessons and tests your knowledge. It is a free service Leben in Deutschland website Infotech IT Solutions Einbügerungstest: 2025 VZ INC APPS Einbürgerungstest 2025 Personal experience:I wrote the Einbürgerungstests in October 2023 at the VHS in Stuttgart. Since then, the questions have been updated, so make sure you use the latest versions of any app. I used the EiInbürgerungstest (2023) app to practise the questions. It had the option to do all 310 questions, and you could mark them as difficult so you could review them later. I also used the Einbürgerungs Trainer app, which explains the learning material very well. I finished my test and checked my answers within 5 minutes. I received my results after 3 months and got 100% What to expect during the test During the exam, you will receive a test booklet with 33 questions. You have 60 minutes to answer the questions. Each question requires you to choose the correct answer from four possible answers. If you answer at least 17 questions correctly, you have passed the test. You will then receive a certificate of your personal test result from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. 30 questions belong to the subject areas “Life in a Democracy”, “History and Responsibility” as well as “People and Society”. Three test questions are asked about the federal state in which you are registered as your primary residence for example Baden-Württemberg Info on the internet Integrationsangebote im Überblick Online-Testcenter für den Test “Leben in Deutschland” und den Einbürgerungstest Einbürgerung in Deutschland Related content

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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)

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 residence title for the purpose of an intra-corporate transfer of a foreigner. An intra-corporate transfer is the temporary secondment of a foreigner to a national entity belonging to the undertaking by which the foreigner is employed, if the undertaking is located outside the European Union, or to a national entity of another undertaking of the group of undertakings to which the undertaking located outside the European Union belongs and by which the foreigner is employed. A Mobile ICT Card is a residence title in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU for the purpose of an intra-corporate transfer within the meaning of section 19 (1) sentence 2, if the foreigner possesses a residence title which is valid for the duration of the application procedure and has been issued by another member state in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU. The ICT card enables managers, professionals or trainees to work in a German branch for a set amount of time.The ICT card can be issued to employees, managers or specialists for a duration of 3 years. For trainees, the duration is limited to a maximum of 1 year. How to apply You need to apply for a normal work visa at the Germany EmbassyYour family applies for a Family reunification (spousal and Child to a foreign parent) visa.Your spouse will need to have A1 German at least. See the BAMF Flyer for additional info. Legal Basis Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners – Section 19 Resources on the web Bamf – Intra-corporate employee transfer BAMF Flyer – intra-corporate transfer for third-country nationals Make it in Germany – ICT card Shared experiences The following were sent to us to share  XXX is a global company and I worked for the Dubai office overlooking Africa. I asked in 2018 to management any chance of a global transfer and the following options were provided to me. Dubai, Czech Rep, or Germany. Obviously, Germany was best suited for Kids and language. Once we decided, I received a new Employment offer contract linked to the business entity in Germany with country-related employment benefits. Once agreed and signed, the company appointed PWC (Düsseldorf and Cape Town) to handle the immigration and relocation.  At first, we received an online platform registration with PWC called “Mymobility” where all documents, task, and services were registered and logged, as well as all documents uploaded to the document library. So the portal was split in two.  Immigration Taxes  For immigration, they supplied us with application forms that can also be found on the German embassy website, and we had to provide the following document copies ( never asked for original or Police certified) and they handled all Translations which we received copies of.  Unabridged birth certificates Unabridged marriage certificate Passport copies Id Copies  For my application for work, they requested a new work contract and qualifications and after a few weeks per post, I received an original Work Permit which I used for my Visa application, so PWC did the application for the work permit on our behalf and with the original Work Permit (Valid for 3 years on paper).  The family then applied in conjunction to a Family reunification visa ( spousal and Child to foreign parent) We submitted all applications to TLC in Pretoria and received a normal 3 Month Schengen Visa without any Flight booking, but we needed 3 months travel insurance ( this was split 2 month/ 1 month from 2 companies and we canceled the second one after Residence permits were received)  So we arrive in Germany in July 2019 and started work in August We applied for Residence permits within 2/3 weeks from arrival and all were granted 3 years. My wife had no A1 so the Landrat tested her on that day and was satisfied she is A1 capable.  With our first Residence as stated, we all had 3 years of residence linked to my work permit and I also received a Zusatsblatt with residence (little paper I had to carry in my passport the full time), because I do not carry a blue card! With residence renewal, mine was extended to 2028 linked to my passport expiry, as well as my children, but the wife only had a 2-year extension. The reason for this is she already has B1 and Leben in DE, so after July 2025 if I also have B1, we can apply for Niederlassung.  Moving Forward PWC then also closed all my Taxes in SA (not immigrated, just to have a Tax clearance) and started the first year of income for Germany. Apparently, this service from PWC is extremely expensive, however, from HR the comment was it is worth it as the approval rate is high and way less stress as both myself and the company had direct access to PWC for tracking and support. Even all the nitty gritty info like registration and accommodation rental can be linked to PWC to ease other tax processes.   Related content

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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 “Gultig bis” is the validity date of your residence permit. Make sure you apply for an extension of your residence permit early enough.
  • Under the Anmerkungent 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

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.

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

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 validity of your passport. CAN Your birthplace. Registered Domicile/address The competent Ausländerbehorde   Online-Ausweisfunktion logo Machine code Residence Title vs Residence Card A residence title is a general legal term for any official document that grants a foreign national permission to reside in Germany for a specific period and purpose. These include Temporary residence permits (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) and Permanent residence permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis) A residence card is proof of your residence title. It is used to identify you You can use it for online identification on official websites if your card allows it. The validity of your residence title (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) may extend beyond the expiration of your passport. A temporary residence title has a specific expiration date, while a permanent residence title remains valid as long as you continue to meet the necessary conditions, such as not being absent from Germany for more than 6 months within a 12-month period. The validity of your electronic residence card (eAT) will never exceed the validity of your passport. Since the card is linked to your passport, it becomes invalid when your passport expires. The card serves as proof of your residence title, but this does not mean your residence title itself becomes invalid—only the official proof of it does. Who qualifies The requirements for obtaining permanent residence in Germany differ based on your specific category. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the Make it in Germany website. Skilled professionals (persons who have completed academic or vocational training, EU Blue Card Holders and international researchers) You have been the holder of a residence permit in accordance with Sections 18a, 18b, 18d or 18g AufenthG (German Residence Act) for at least three years (36 Months).  You are able to cover your costs of living without using public funds.  You have paid at least 36 months of mandatory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund.  You are employed at a job for which you are qualified or that adequately suits your qualifications.  You possess sufficient knowledge of the German language (B1 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR)) as well as knowledge of the legal and social order and of the German way of life. This can be proved by way of passing the “Life in Germany” test.  You have enough living space for yourself and your family members. EU Blue card holders Blue card holders qualify after they have been employed in a qualified job for at least 27 months You have been employed in a qualified job for at least 27 months during which you made monthly contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund. You possess a basic command of the German language (A1 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)). For persons who can provide proof of German language skills at the B1 level, the required time of 27 months can be reduced to 21 months. You have basic knowledge of the legal and social order in Germany. This can be proved by way of passing the “Life in Germany” test. You can provide proof of adequate living space. Those who have completed  university or vocational training in Germany Have you completed university or vocational training in Germany? Special conditions also apply to you when it comes to applying for a settlement permit. You have held a residence permit for the purpose of employment as a “qualified professional” for at least 2 years (Residence permit in accordance with Sections 18a, 18b, 18d or 18g AufenthG (German Residence Act)). You have a job that your residence permit allows you to do. You have paid into the statutory pension insurance fund for 24 months. You can demonstrate German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and have a basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany. This is usually proven by the “Life in German” test. You can provide proof of adequate living space. Highly qualified professionals In individual cases, highly qualified professionals can receive a settlement permit under Section 18c (3) AufenthG (German Residence Act) straight away without having to first spend a set amount of time in Germany. For example, if you are a scientist with special technical knowledge or a teacher in a high-level position, you can obtain a settlement permit immediately upon entering Germany. Important: You must be able to provide proof of academic training and It must be correct to assume that you can integrate into the German way of life and that your living costs will be covered without having to use public funds. It is a good idea to gather the required documents before entering Germany to be able to immediately obtain your settlement permit. Self-employed persons If you have held a residence permit for self-employed work in accordance with Sect. 21 AufenthG (German Residence Act) for three years, you may request to obtain a settlement permit (Sect. 21 (4) AufenthG (German Residence Act)). To obtain the settlement permit, you must fulfil the following requirements: At the time of the application, you are the holder of a valid residence permit enabling you to be self-employed. You must have been self-employed for three years. The work you are currently doing gives reason to expect that it will continue to develop in a sustainable way, given the success and longevity of your business activities.  You can provide proof that you and your family members are able to permanently cover your costs of living. Family members of a German national You will receive your settlement permit if you have held a residence permit

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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. 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 ETIAS Visa for more information.Not all EU countries are in Schengen, and some non-EU countries (like Norway and Switzerland) are part of Schengen.You can find a list of the Schengen area countries here. Schengen visa A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows non-EU citizens to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, typically for tourism or business. Aufenthaltstitel An Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit) is a general term for a legal residence status in Germany, granted for work, study, or family reunification. Aufenthaltserlaubnis A Residence Permit for Germany (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is a temporary residence permit tied to specific conditions, such as employment or studies Niederlassungserlaubnis A Niederlassungserlaubnis is a permanent settlement permit that grants unrestricted residence and work rights in Germany, with no expiry date. Travel on a Residence permit If you hold a South African passport along with a valid Schengen residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis or Niederlassungserlaubnis), you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for as long as your permit remains valid. However, be sure to check for any specific restrictions, such as whether your residence permit is limited to Germany. For official details, refer to Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament, available on EUR-Lex. Travel with a Schengen Visa Single-entry visa A single-entry visa allows its holder to enter the Schengen Area only once, within the given period, as mentioned in the visa sticker affixed to their passport. Once the visa holder exits Schengen territory, he or she can no longer go back, even if they have not spent the number of days as permitted by the embassy that issued them the visa. Some people confuse the single-entry visa, thinking that it is about the number of countries the visa holder is permitted to visit and that it allows them to enter one single country. The territory you are permitted to visit is given close to the “Valid for” tag on your visa sticker, whereas the time you are allowed to stay is given close to the “Number of entries” tag. Multiple-entry visa A multiple-entry visa allows its holder to go in and out of the Schengen Area as many times as he or she wants, as long as they do not violate the 90/180 rule. Based on how frequently you travel to the Schengen zone, you may apply and obtain one of the following multiple-entry visa types: 1-year multiple-entry visa 3-year multiple-entry visa 5-year multiple-entry visa Source: SchengenVisaInfo Types of Schengen visas. Type “A” is for airport transit, “B” is for land Transit, “C” is for a short stay (> 90 days)  and “D” is for a long stay (<90 days) visa. A Visa with Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) is a special type of Schengen visa that only allows travel to specific Schengen countries, rather than the entire Schengen Area. Unlike a standard Schengen visa, which permits movement across all member states, an LTV visa restricts travel to only the country or countries explicitly mentioned on the visa sticker. How to check your visa: Gültig für/Valid for – Is it valid only for Germany (Limited Territory) or valid for the Schengen states Remarks –  for example the reason for your visit and any restrictions.  Number of entries – MULT (Multiple) double, or Single entry Good to know If your visa is only valid for Germany and single entry, you are not allowed to return to Germany once you leave on the same visa. If your visa is valid for the “Schengen-Staaten” and single entry, you are allowed to travel within the Schengen area, but once you leave the Schengen area you cannot return on the same visa If your visa is valid for the “Schengen-Staaten” and multiple entry you can leave and enter the Schengen area for as long as your visa is valid, keeping  the 90/180 rule in mind. Things to keep in mind When travelling within the Schengen Area, it’s essential to always carry your passport and visa/residence permit with you. While internal border checks are rare, authorities can still conduct random checks, and failure to provide valid identification could lead to fines, delays, or even being denied entry into another Schengen country. Some airlines, hotels, and law enforcement agencies may also require proof of your legal right to stay in Europe. Having both documents on hand ensures a smooth journey and avoids unnecessary complications.  European Union (EU): A political and economic union of some European countries that cooperate on trade, laws, and policies. Some EU countries (e.g., Ireland and Cyprus) are not in the Schengen area, meaning they still have border checks, while some non-EU countries are in Schengen. Schengen Area – This refers to the group of European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing free movement of people. It includes most EU countries plus a few non-EU members like Norway and Switzerland. Even if you have a permanent residence card for Germany, for countries outside the Schengen area, you will need to adhere to the rules applicable to your passport. See Where can I travel on my SA passport for some visa exemptions. Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and the Vatican have opened their borders but are not members of the visa-free zone. The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands are special members of the EU and part of the Schengen Zone, even though they are located outside the European continent. In many European countries, highways, expressways, bridges or tunnels may be subjected to Maut (Tollfees)  – see the ADAC site.  You can buy a Vignette before your trip, or when arriving at the toll gates.For Austria, you can buy a Vignette directly on the ASFINAG site if you

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Legal Basis

Info on the web

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Temp Aufenthalt

Residence 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 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. Related content

Temporary proof of German Residence

To stay in Germany longer than 90 days in a 180 period, you will need a residence permit. Qualifying for a residence permit will depend, among other things, on the type of visa you applied for. Your long-stay visa allows you to travel to Germany. Within two weeks after arrival in Germany, you need to register at your local town office and  Immigration authority. See Registering at the local town office. You will receive a Meldebestätigung (Certificate of registration at the main residence) After registering at the relevant immigration authority (Ausländerbehorde), you will be issued a Residence permit. Fiktionsbescheinigung A Fiktionsbescheinigung is temporary proof of your residence status.Due to circumstances, it can take longer than expected to receive your residence permit card. The current process is that the Ausländerbehorde send your papers to the Staatsdrükerei in Berlin, who has to print your Residence card. This is then sent back to the Ausländerbehorde and they will contact you to come pick it up.If you need proof of residence, for example, to travel, you can request a fictional certificate or Fiktionsbescheinigung at the Ausländerbehörde, which they can issue immediately,This document is seen as proof of your residence permit and will have the same restrictions as your residence permit. A single entry for example, will mean you are not permitted to travel back to Germany unless otherwise indicated.  A fictional certificate cannot be issued to holders of a Schengen visa for short-term residence (Category C). There are currently 3 variations of a Fiktionsbescheinigung The rules applicable to you will be marked clearly on your Fiktionsbescheinigung Variation 1: § 81 Abs. 4 AufenthG The Fortgeltungsfiktion applies to foreign nationals who already hold a valid residence permit and are either waiting for their residence card, have applied for an extension of their current residence title, or have applied for a different residence title before their existing one expires.As long as the application was submitted on time, the previous residence permit remains valid with all its associated rights and obligations until a decision is made on the application.A certificate issued under § 81 (4) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) also entitles the holder to travel. Departure and re-entry are permitted. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult with the relevant embassy in the destination country to ensure that entry and exit with a Fiktionsbescheinigung will be accepted without issues, and to check if any additional documents may be required. This does not apply to visas issued in accordance with section 6 (1). If the application to issue or extend a residence title was filed too late, the foreigner’s authority may order that the previous residence title remains valid in order to avoid undue hardship. –  Gesetze im Internet From Service Berlin“If a currently valid residence permit (temporary residence permit or national visa for long-term durations – Category D ) is available, a fictional certificate according to § 81 Section 4 of the Residence Act will be issued. In this case, the residence permit and all supplementary regulations (also regarding the stipulations concerning gainful employment) remain in force until a decision has been made in relation to the application. Journeys abroad and re-entry into the area of the Republic are possible with a valid fictional certificate in accordance with § 81 Section 4 of the Residence Act. “ If you entered Germany on a National Visa (Category D) Abs. 4 will apply to you. This means – With a valid passport and a Fiktionsbescheinigung, you can travel from and to Germany. It must of course be within the validity dates of the Fiktionsbescheinigung Variation 2: § 81 Abs. 3 Satz 1 AufenthG The Erlaubnisfiktion under § 81 (3) sentence 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) applies to certain  nationals who do not need a visa for short stays. If these individuals apply for a residence title in Germany for the first time, their stay is considered legal until a decision is made by the immigration authorities. It is crucial that the application for the residence title is submitted before their current legal stay expires. However, traveling is not permitted with an Erlaubnisfiktion under § 81 (3) sentence 1 of the Residence Act. If theapplication is filed too late, deportation is deemed to be suspended from the time of application up to the time of the decision by the foreigners authority. –  Gesetze im Internet From Service BerlinIf the male or female applicant is lawfully resident without a visa in the Federal Republic, because he or she is entitled to be by virtue of his/her nationality, the fictional certificate will be issued in accordance with § 81 Section 3 of the Residence Act.This permits residence in the area of the Federal Republic until a decision has been made regarding the application. This fictional certification, however, does not permit re-entry into the territory of the Federal Republic. It also does not permit the commencement of gainful employment. This means you are allowed to travel from Germany but not back without a valid visa Variation 3: § 81 Abs. 3 Satz 2AufenthG The Duldungsfiktion also applies to certain nationals. It is required that the foreign national does not already hold a residence title. In cases of Duldungsfiktion, the application was not submitted on time. In such cases, the stay is not considered legal, but deportation is temporarily suspended. Therefore, the late applicant is granted a form of “fictitious toleration” (Duldung). Gesetze im Internet This means you are allowed to travel from Germany but not back without a valid visa Types of Residence permits Legal basis Section 81 Aufenhaltsgesetz – AufenthG (Act on Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory) Related content

List of Long Stay Visas

Long Term visas are seen as visits longer than 90 days and will typically be for work or study visits. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa to enter Germany. Once you are in Germany you will need to apply for your residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible. You will always apply for your first long-stay German Visa at the German Embassy in South Africa.This might also apply when you change your type of visa e.g from study to work. The German Embassy in South Africa has offices in Cape Town and Pretoria.From now on, you will have the opportunity to apply for the following types of visa online via the Consular Service Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. Appointments for national visas can be booked online (free of charge). Residents of the following countries/provinces must submit their visa application to the indicated mission: Online appointments Embassy Pretoria: Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, Lesotho, Swaziland Online appointments Consulate General Cape Town: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape. To sponsor someone’s visit for example your adult child who wants to study in Germany and does not qualify for the financial requirements, you need to apply for a Verpflichtungserklärung List of long term visas As rules and regulations can change on a regular basis, we provide the 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. Blue Card (minimum salary and university degree). You can find additional information on Make it in Germany. You can also download this handy flyer about an EU Blue Card Employment Visa – for qualified professionals.  Subcategories are : Skilled worker holding a University degree IT specialist with professional experience Research stay Skilled worker with vocational training qualification – As a skilled worker with vocational training qualification, you can be issued a residence permit to engage in skilled employment that your qualification enables you to perform. Have a look at the current professions in demand. Please note that some university degrees from foreign universities are classified as vocational training qualifications in Germany. Work in case of partial recognition of qualification – If your vocational training has not been fully recognised by the competent German agency, you can apply for a visa to complete the necessary training in Germany and at the same time start to work. After completion and full recognition of your training, you can apply for permanent residence in Germany. Intra-corporate transfer (ICT). Flyer from BAMF.  Study Visa – General, Doctorate and German language studies. See also our page about studying German in Germany Au Pair Visa Jobseeker, vocational training or voluntary service visa Family reunification – Spouse – see also our page about this topic Family reunification  – Parent to a minor German child Family reunification – Child to a foreign parent (In case a foreign child intends to move to a foreign parent living permanently in Germany) Legal basis Residence Act Aufenthaltsverordnung AufenthV Federal Act on registration Visumhandbuch Resources on the web What type of visa do I need? – Make it in Germany Federal Foreign Office / Auswärtiges Amt Federal Office for Migration and Refugees / Bundesamt für Migration und Flugtlinge Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territor from the Bundesministerium der Justiz. Visa Regulations  Terminology Permanent Residence Permit Die Nierderlassungserlaubnis Residence Permit Der Aufenhalstitel Visa Das Visum Blue Card Die Blaue Karte Related content

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