Visa types and residence permits

A visa is an entry permit in your passport. It shows that you are allowed to enter Germany, travel through or stay here for a certain period of time. Persons from countries requiring a visa (third countries) generally require a visa.

Which visa you need depends on how long you are staying and why you are coming. You may only stay as long and for the reason permitted by your visa.

Use the Visa Navigator to quickly and easily find the right visa for your entry and stay in Saxony.

Before you apply for a visa, please check whether you meet the following important requirements:

• You must be able to support yourself.
• You must be able to prove your identity and nationality.
• There must be no reason for you to be deported.

• You need a valid passport.

If you come from the following countries, you can enter Germany with a valid passport or other valid identification document without a visa :

• Countries of the European Union (EU)
• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (these countries belong to the European Economic Area, EEA)
• Switzerland (bilateral agreement)

People from the following countries (privileged third countries) do not need a visa to enter Germany: Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, UK and USA.

Visas are generally required for all other countries, unless special regulations apply. You can find out which countries these are on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

If you want to work in Germany, you must apply for a residence permit. Even if you are allowed to enter the country without a visa, this is only possible for a maximum of 90 days . Within this period, you must apply for a residence permit for your work at the local immigration office.

If you come from a third country, you need a Schengen visa for tourist travel or short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. You are not allowed to work in Germany with this visa. Once you have entered Germany with a Schengen visa, you cannot apply for a residence permit to work without first applying for a regular visa.

You must meet the following requirements for a Schengen visa:

• You must be able to clearly explain the reason for your trip to Germany.
• You must show that you have enough money for your stay and the trip, for example through your own income or a declaration of commitment from another person.
• You must confirm that you are willing to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires.
• You need valid health insurance for all Schengen countries and for the entire duration of your stay. The insurance must cover at least 30,000 euros in costs.

Please also consult the website of the Federal Foreign Office for more information.

You can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate general of the Federal Republic of Germany responsible for you in the district in which you are resident. You can use the consulate finder of the Federal Foreign Office to find the responsible diplomatic mission abroad.