Visa types and residence permits
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If you want to live, work or train in Germany, you will need a visa in many cases. On this page you will find a clear overview of the most important regulations and options for your stay in Saxony.
Wenn Sie aus einem Land kommen, das für die Einreise nach Deutschland ein Visum benötigt, müssen Sie dieses vor der Einreise bei der deutschen Auslandsvertretung beantragen.
Das Visum erlaubt Ihnen die Einreise nach Deutschland. Es ist in der Regel nur für einen begrenzten Zeitraum gültig.
Nach der Einreise benötigen Sie für einen längeren Aufenthalt einen Aufenthaltstitel. Dieser erlaubt Ihnen, für einen bestimmten Zweck in Deutschland zu leben – zum Beispiel zum Arbeiten, für eine Ausbildung oder ein Studium.
Es gibt verschiedene Arten von Aufenthaltstiteln, zum Beispiel:
- Aufenthaltserlaubnis – für einen befristeten Aufenthalt, zum Beispiel zum Arbeiten (§ 7)
- Blaue Karte EU – für hochqualifizierte Fachkräfte mit Hochschulabschluss und einem bestimmten Mindestgehalt (§ 18g)
- Niederlassungserlaubnis – für einen unbefristeten Aufenthalt in Deutschland (§ 9)
- Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt – EU – für einen dauerhaften Aufenthalt mit zusätzlichen Rechten innerhalb der EU (§ 9a)
General information about the visa
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)
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.
Find the right visa
Use the Visa Navigator to quickly and easily find the right visa for your entry and stay in Germany.
