Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Germany is an important step towards legally staying, working or studying in the country. Find out what types of permits are available, the step-by-step application process, what documents are required and other important details.

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Temporary residence in Germany is a status that allows a foreigner to legally stay in the country for a certain period. It is not citizenship or a permanent residence permit, but it opens up many opportunities: study, work, research, entrepreneurship or family reunification.

In 2024-2025, Germany significantly simplified access to the labor market for foreigners, so now is one of the best times to move.

How to get a temporary residence permit in Germany? The main stages of registration and the required documents are in our material.

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Visa vs temporary residence permit

For most third-country nationals (Paraguay, Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea and others), you first need to obtain a national visa (D) at the German consulate at the place of residence.

After arriving in Germany, apply for a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the migration authority (Ausländerbehörde). This permit is usually issued for a period of one to three years with the possibility of extension.

Some citizens (e.g. USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Israel, Great Britain) can enter Germany without a visa and obtain a residence permit on the spot.

Important! Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area, including citizens of Latvia, who intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, do not need to apply for a residence permit. This category of foreigners only needs to register their German address with the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.

Types of temporary residence permits in Germany

A temporary residence permit in Germany is issued by foreigners who need to reside in the country for a limited period. It can only be obtained if there is a specific purpose for moving.

Depending on the purpose of moving, the following types of temporary residence permits are distinguished:

- Student residence permit

This type of residence permit is usually valid for two years. Issued to those who come to Germany to study. It allows you to work for up to 120 days per year. You can usually extend your stay until you have completed your course. After completing your studies, you also have the option of extending your stay for another 18 months while you look for a job related to your qualifications.

Basic requirements: You must prove that you have been accepted to the university and that you have sufficient funds to live in Germany.

- Work permit

Foreigners who have found a job in Germany are entitled to a residence permit for up to three years, depending on the planned duration of the job. Once the temporary residence permit has been granted, it can be regularly extended as long as you continue to work in this position.

Basic requirements: You will need to provide an employment contract, a job description completed by your employer, and documents confirming your professional qualifications.

- EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a work permit for citizens of countries outside the European Union. The document grants highly qualified specialists with certain special skills and appropriate education the right to reside and work in the countries of the region.

Basic requirements: a minimum wage of around 43,800 euros/year (or 39,682 euros/year for shortage specialties). Graduates and IT specialists can apply for the card even without a diploma if they have sufficient experience.

- Job search

If you have a higher education and want to find a job in Germany, you can get a Job Seeker Visa.

After the specified period, if you have managed to find a job, you can simply apply for a work visa and residence permit.

Basic conditions: validity period of up to 12 months, allowed to work up to 20 hours/week while looking for a job.

- Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)

This type of permit is suitable for professionals who want to move to Germany without a prior contract. The application is made according to a points system (education, experience, language, age, etc. are taken into account). Allows you to live in the country and look for work with the possibility of part-time employment.

Basic conditions: points are awarded for language skills, age, qualifications and experience, and connections to Germany. To obtain the Opportunity Card, you need to score at least 6 points out of 14.

- Research permit

Academics who have an agreement with a research institute can apply for a residence permit for up to 3 years. After completing your research activity, you can extend your stay for up to nine months in order to find work related to your qualifications.

Basic requirements: employment contract or contract with a research institution, proof of financial support.

- Business permit

This permit can be issued to entrepreneurs for up to 3 years. However, you need to prove that the planned business will have a positive impact on the German economy and that you have the personal capital to implement the project. If your business is successful after three years, you will be able to apply for a permanent residence permit.

Basic requirements: provide a business plan, a financing plan and a projected income. If you are over 45 years old, you must also demonstrate adequate provision for old age, such as savings or a pension plan.

Read important details about the German freelancer visa or Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur freiberuflichen oder selbständigen Tätigkeit here.

- Family reunification permit

Foreigners who have close relatives who are German citizens or expats living on the basis of a permanent residence permit can apply for a temporary residence permit in Germany.

The main requirements are: to prove that you have family ties to a German citizen or a foreigner residing in the country on the basis of a residence permit.

How to apply for a residence permit in Germany

If you meet the requirements for a temporary residence permit, you can start the application process. Processing your application can take several weeks, so be sure to apply well in advance, before your visa expires.

Steps to apply for a temporary residence permit in Germany and the required documents

The application process for a temporary residence permit in Germany depends on the type of permit you are applying for. However, there is a general procedure that is suitable for most cases:

Step 1 - Enter Germany with the appropriate visa

If you need a visa to enter Germany, it is important to have the right one for the purpose of your stay (for example, a national visa type D for study, work or family reunification). A tourist or business visa does not entitle you to apply for a residence permit.

Step 2 – Registration of residence (Anmeldung)

Upon arrival in Germany, you must register your residence with the relevant city or district authority (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). This is a mandatory step that confirms your official residence in the country.

Step 3 – Obtaining health insurance

Be sure to obtain health insurance for the entire period of your stay. You may already have temporary insurance from your home country, but to apply for a residence permit, you need an insurance policy that is recognized in Germany (public or private).

Step 4 – Opening a bank account

A German bank account is often a requirement to prove financial stability. This will prove that you have sufficient funds to live there.

Step 5 – Filling out the application and making an appointment

There is a separate application form for each type of permit. You need to fill out the appropriate form and make an appointment with the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

Step 6 – Prepare the required documents

The main list of documents that are usually required:

- Valid passport.

- One biometric photo (according to the requirements).

- Completed application form for a temporary residence permit.

- Certificate of registration of residence (Anmeldung).

- Confirmation of health insurance.

- Confirmation of financial security (e.g. bank statements or sponsorship letter).

- Confirmation of the purpose of your stay in Germany (e.g. employment contract, university enrollment, invitation from relatives, etc.).

Step 7 – Visit the immigration office

On the appointed day, visit the Ausländerbehörde with all your documents. There you will be interviewed, submit an application and, as a rule, pay an administrative fee for the permit (from 50 to 110 euros depending on the type of permit).

Processing time for a temporary residence permit application

The process usually takes two to four weeks, but may take longer during busy periods. During this time, you will receive a letter stating that you are applying for a residence permit.

Obtaining a residence permit

If your application is approved, your residence permit will be issued and you will be asked to come to the immigration office to collect it. You must collect it in person. You may also be sent a PIN code by post, which you will need to obtain the permit.

Since September 2011, paper residence documents have been replaced by electronic residence permits. This electronic residence permit (eAT) is issued as a plastic credit card with a chip that contains all your personal data, your passport photo and your fingerprints.

A temporary residence permit in Germany is the key to legal residence with the possibility of studying, working, doing business or reuniting with your family. The current conditions in 2024-2025 make this process more accessible, especially for qualified professionals. It is important to strictly follow the established stages of processing, submit a complete package of documents on time and consider the type of permit according to the purpose of your stay.

If you are planning to move to Germany or have already started applying for a temporary residence permit, contact our experienced immigration lawyers. We will help you at every stage: from consultation to full support in the process of submitting documents.

Do not postpone your legal stay in Germany - contact us today to get a consultation and start your journey to a new life without unnecessary worries!

Reminder! In 2025, Germany introduced visa reforms to attract talents from all over the world, as the state is facing a major labor shortage. In particular, during this year, the country planned to issue 400,000 work visas. We have already told you what changes to migration legislation await foreigners in Germany in 2025, what positions are best for expats to get a job, and the current procedure for obtaining a work visa.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice on business issues in Germany;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Medical insurance around the world.

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