Germany: The different types of residency permits

Anyone intending to live, study or work in Germany would require an Aufenthaltstitel or residency permit for the same.

Regardless of whether the foreign national seeks to study overseas in Germany or migrate to Germany, a residency permit will nonetheless be needed by them for the same.

While citizens of certain countries – that generally do not require a visa for an initial 3-months’ stay in Germany – can apply for a Germany residency permit after arriving in the country, those arriving from other countries will be required to apply for a visa before coming to Germany.

The types of visas for Germany that can be applied for either in person from within Germany, or through an embassy or consulate of Germany in their home country include –

Student visa

The first step to study abroad in Germany is that of securing an admission in a German university, or a language course. Certain other requirements – that of possessing sufficient finances and an acceptance letter from an institution in Germany – would also have to be met.

As proof of funds, a foreign student seeking to study in Germany at the university level will be required to have a Sperrkonto [blocked account], with a minimum of €9,936 [or €10,932 for language course students].

Job seeker visa

Allowing the visa holder to stay in the country for up to 6 months, a Germany Job Seeker Visa [JSV] offers the ideal platform for a foreign national to look for a job from within Germany.

As interviews can be attended within Germany in person, a Germany JSV can greatly enhance the chances of a foreign national secure a job in the country.

Proof of academic or vocational training will be required. Similarly, the foreign national would be required to be able to prove that they can cover their costs of living while in Germany.

As proof of funds, the individual can either submit a Verpflichtungserklärung, that is, a declaration of commitment from either a friend or family member guaranteeing financial support; or show a blocked account.

Employment visa

For a foreign national to be able to work overseas in Germany, their company would have to issue a statement to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit [the Federal Employment Agency]. This is for stating that the individual concerned is uniquely qualified for the position under consideration in a way that no German or EU national could be found to be.

Proof of income would also have to be supplied. The funds required in a specific situation might vary from nationality to nationality.

Blue Card

The Blue Card is the easiest way for an individual of any nationality – and their immediate family – to secure a residency permit for Germany.

Germany is the highest approver of Blue Cards in the EU offering 90% of the allocated cards annually. A Blue Card enables an individual to stay and work in Germany.

In addition to having a college or university degree, the individual would also be required to meet the salary requirements.

Generally, those interested might apply from their country of origin. Some might be able to apply while living in Germany in certain situations.

Freelance visas

Germany also offers various kinds of freelance visas. Berlin offers a freelance visa. Most German states have a visa for freelance writers or journalists.

Usually, there no requirement of submitting a financial plan along with the visa application.

Intra-Corporate Transfers [ICT] Card

The Intra-Corporate Transfers Card, or ICT Card, is issued to non-EU workers that move to Germany for working for a branch of their company based in Germany.

The worker must be a specialist or manager in the field.

Permanent residency

Most foreign nationals – that have already called Germany home for a minimum of 5 years – might be eligible for applying for Niederlassungserlaubnis, permanent residency in Germany.

For settling in Germany as a permanent resident, the individual must fulfil certain conditions. They must have – lived in Germany for 5 uninterrupted years, have adequate living space in Germany for themselves and family members, a working knowledge of the German language, and must be able to take a test for showing that they have adequate knowledge of the social and legal systems in Germany.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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