Residence
Visitor visas, residence permits, appointments, renewal, family reunion, and citizenship.
13 guides
The essentials, one guide at a time
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizensEU and EEA citizens can have free-movement rights for work, job search or other qualifying grounds. Worker rights can continue after work stops. Swiss citizens use a separate agreement.Freizügigkeit
Residence permits, in outlineCheck whether you need a permit and find your route.Aufenthaltstitel
The EU Blue CardThe EU Blue Card is a residence permit for qualified work. In 2026, the standard minimum salary is 50,700 euros a year; a lower threshold of 45,934.20 euros applies in some cases with Federal Employment Agency approval.Blaue Karte EU
A residence permit for studyA section 16b residence permit covers full-time study and certain preparatory courses. The 2026 and 2027 notices set the standard amount to show for living costs at 992 euros a month, or 11,904 euros for a year. Lower housing costs can reduce that amount.Aufenthaltstitel
Family reunionLearn about permits for families joining each other in Germany. Both spouses normally need to be at least 18, and the joining spouse needs basic German; each rule has exceptions. Reunification to a person with subsidiary protection is suspended until 23 July 2027. Fees follow federal law and applicable exemptions; appointments are local.Familiennachzug
A settlement permitA settlement permit has no time limit. The general route requires five years with a residence permit and 60 months of pension contributions. Shorter routes cover skilled workers and Blue Card holders under section 18c, and family members of Germans under section 28(2).Niederlassungserlaubnis
Renew a residence permitApply before your title expires, and what to do with no appointment.Fiktionsbescheinigung
Opportunity cardThe Chancenkarte is a residence permit for seeking work or a recognition measure. The search card lasts up to one year. The points annex sets a minimum of 6.Chancenkarte
Residence for self-employmentSection 21 of the Residence Act offers third-country nationals routes to a residence permit for self-employment. EU citizens use free-movement rights instead.Aufenthaltserlaubnis
Citizenship by naturalisationLearn about the five-year residence requirement, other conditions and the 255-euro fee for naturalisation under section 10. The former duty to give up another citizenship has been repealed.Einbürgerung
A residence permit for vocational trainingThe section 16a permit for in-company or school-based vocational training.Aufenthaltstitel
Invite relatives for a visit: visa and sponsorshipPrepare a relative’s visit and understand the host’s financial commitment.Schengen-Visum
Residence permits for skilled workCompare the main residence routes for qualified employment, practical experience and professional recognition. Check the separate licence and visa requirements.Fachkraft