As a general rule, you must apply for a visa at the appropriate diplomatic mission abroad before entering Germany. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom may also apply for a residence permit after entering Germany at the relevant immigration office in Germany. The intended employment may only be taken up after the corresponding residence permit has been issued. The Central Overseas and Specialized Placement Service (ZAV) of the Federal Employment Agency, along with its regional offices, is also responsible for approving residence permits. The Foreigners’ Registration Office consults with the ZAV internally when issuing the residence permit.
In addition to the visa for entry and the subsequent short-term stay, residence permits are issued as: a residence permit, an EU Blue Card, an ICT Card, a Mobile ICT Card, a settlement permit, or a long-term residence permit – EU.
The settlement permit and the EU long-term residence permit are open-ended residence permits. The other residence permits listed are time-limited and purpose-specific. They are issued to individuals who
- wish to pursue vocational training, study, or work in Germany,
- are permitted to remain in Germany for reasons of international law, humanitarian grounds, or political reasons,
- wish to immigrate to Germany for family reasons,
- are foreign nationals or former German citizens who wish to return to Germany, or
- have a right of permanent residence in another member state of the European Union.
A residence permit can be extended. In general, consideration is also given to whether the person has properly participated in an integration course.
Make it in Germany – The Federal Government’s Information Portal for Skilled Workers from Abroad