If you want to live and work in Germany for more than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. A residence permit is a document that allows you to stay in Germany for a specific purpose and period of time. There are different types of residence permits depending on your situation and goals. In this article, we will explain the general steps to apply for a German residence permit, the requirements and documents you need, and the fees you have to pay.
Step 1: Enter Germany with the right visa
The first step to get a German residence permit is to enter Germany with the right visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Germany or not. You can check if you need a visa for Germany here.
If you need a visa, you have to apply for it at the German embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel to Germany. You cannot apply for a residence permit with a tourist or business visa. You have to apply for a visa that matches your purpose of stay in Germany, such as:
Student visa
Job seeker visa
Employment visa
Family reunion visa
Freelance visa
etc.
If you do not need a visa, you can enter Germany without one and apply for a residence permit from within the country. However, you still have to register your address and obtain health insurance and a bank account before you apply.
Step 2: Register your address
The second step to get a German residence permit is to register your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). This is a mandatory requirement for anyone who lives in Germany, regardless of their nationality or visa status. You have to register your address within 14 days of moving into your new home.
To register your address, you need to fill out a registration form (Anmeldeformular) and bring it along with the following documents:
Your passport or ID card
Your visa (if applicable)
Your rental contract or confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
Your marriage certificate or birth certificates of your children (if applicable)
You can find below the appointment websites of some of the major cities in Germany.
Step 3: Obtain health insurance and open a bank account
The third step to get a German residence permit is to obtain health insurance and open a bank account. These are also necessary requirements for living and working in Germany.
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone in Germany. You have two options: statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) or private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung). The type of health insurance you can get depends on your income, age, occupation, and health status. You can compare different health insurance providers and plans here.
A bank account is also essential for managing your finances in Germany. You will need a bank account to pay your rent, bills, taxes, and other expenses. You will also need a bank account to receive your salary or income if you work or freelance in Germany. You can open a bank account online or at a local branch of any bank in Germany. You will need the following documents:
Your passport or ID card
Your registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
Your tax ID number (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
Your proof of income or employment contract (if applicable)
Step 4: Fill out an application form and collect all the required documents
The fourth step to get a German residence permit is to fill out an application form and collect all the required documents. The application form and the documents vary depending on the type of residence permit you are applying for.
Some of the common documents you will need are:
Your passport or ID card
A biometric photo
A proof of livelihood (such as bank statements, payslips, scholarship letter, etc.)
A proof of purpose in Germany (such as admission letter, employment contract, marriage certificate, etc.)
A health insurance certificate
A fee payment receipt
You have to make sure that all your documents are valid, complete, and translated into German by a certified translator if they are in another language.
Step 5: Visit the local Foreigner’s Authority and submit your application
The fifth and final step to get a German residence permit is to visit the local Foreigner’s Authority (Ausländerbehörde) and submit your application. You have to make an appointment online or by phone before you go there.
At the Foreigner’s Authority, you will have to:
Present your passport or ID card
Submit your application form and all the required documents
Pay the application fee (usually between 50 and 150 euros, depending on the type of residence permit)
Give your fingerprints and signature
Receive a confirmation of your application
You will also have to answer some questions about your personal and professional background, your plans and goals in Germany, and your knowledge of German language and culture. You may also have to take a language test or an integration course if required by the type of residence permit you are applying for.
Step 6: Wait for the decision and pick up your residence permit card
After you submit your application, you will have to wait for the decision of the Foreigner’s Authority. The processing time can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of residence permit, the complexity of your case, and the workload of the Foreigner’s Authority. Unfortunately, there are no option to track your application status until the time of writing this article.
If your application is approved, you will receive a notification from the Foreigner’s Authority. You will then have to go back there and pick up your residence permit card. The German residence permit card is a plastic card with a chip that contains your personal data and biometric features. You have to carry it with you at all times when you are in Germany.
If your application is rejected, you will receive a letter from the Foreigner’s Authority explaining the reasons for the rejection and your options to appeal. You have to act quickly if you want to appeal, as you usually have only one month to do so.
Conclusion
Getting a German residence permit can be a long and complicated process, but it is worth it if you want to enjoy the benefits of living and working in one of the most developed and attractive countries in Europe. By following this step-by-step guide, you can prepare yourself well and increase your chances of success. We hope this article was helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or need any assistance with your residence permit application, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!
Some frequently asked questions about German residence permit
Who needs a German residence permit?
Anyone who wishes to live and work in Germany for more than 90 days, especially if they are from a non-European Union (EU) or non-European Economic Area (EEA) country, will typically require a German residence permit. The permit allows you to stay in Germany for a specific purpose and duration.