German visas and residence permits: the decision tree

The decision tree

1. EU/EEA/Swiss passport? → No visa. Arrive, do Anmeldung, work. Done.
2. Job offer ≥ €50,700 (or €45,934 shortage/new-grad) + degree? → Blue Card (guide) - always take it over alternatives.
3. Job offer below threshold but qualified? → Skilled worker permit (§18a/b): recognized qualification + any qualified job. Slower to PR (4 years vs 21-27 months) but solid.
4. No offer, want to search from inside Germany? → Chancenkarte: points for degree, German/English, age, Germany-connection; €13,092 blocked funds; 12 months to find work (guide).
5. Admitted to a German university? → Student visa + €11,904 Sperrkonto).
6. Spouse/partner/child of a resident? → Family reunification (guide) - Blue Card spouses skip the German test and work freely.
7. Self-employed with German clients/prospects? → Freelance (Freiberufler) or self-employment visa (guide).
8. Researcher/academic? → §18d researcher permit via hosting agreement - university handles most of it.

Visa-free application nationals

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel may enter Schengen visa-free and apply for any of the above FROM INSIDE Germany at the Ausländerbehörde within 90 days. Everyone else applies at the German embassy at home first (national D visa), then converts after arrival.

Universal requirements whatever the route

Valid passport, health insurance from day one, or incoming insurance for the gap - Feather box), proof of funds where no salary exists, and increasingly: patience with appointment systems (Ausländerbehörde guide). Every permit also expects Anmeldung within two weeks of housing.

Frequently asked questions