Settlement permit Would you like to stay in Germany on a permanent basis? Find out about the requirements for obtaining a settlement permit. On this page On this page Staying in Germany indefinitely: the settlement permit Settlement permit for skilled workers Settlement permit after vocational training or academic studies Settlement permit for highly skilled workers Settlement permit for self-employed persons Settlement permit for spouses of skilled workers Staying in the EU indefinitely: the permanent EU residence permit Staying in Germany indefinitely: the settlement permit Are you already working and living in Germany on a temporary residence permit and would like to stay here permanently? As a skilled worker , you may, under certain conditions, be able to apply for a permanent residence title , also known as a settlement permit , under Section 18c of the Residence Act (AufenthG) (External link) . A settlement permit opens many doors: you can live in Germany with your family without any restrictions. Additionally, you are allowed to take up employment as either an employee or a self-employed person. There is a fee for applying for a settlement permit, which varies according to the status group. The fee, up to approximately €150, must be paid at the time of application. Please contact your local foreigners authority to find out about the exact amount. Settlement permit for skilled workers According to the Residence Act (AufenthG), you are considered a “skilled worker” if you

Questions and answers regarding the opportunity card With the opportunity card, qualified persons from abroad can enter Germany, even without a concrete job offer. Here we will answer the most important questions regarding the opportunity card. On this page On this page Opportunity card: mandatory or optional? Proof of qualifications Proof of language skills Proof of adequate means of subsistence Application procedure and issuance Family reunification After successfully finding a job Are you a national of a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area ( EEA ) and would like to apply for an opportunity card in order to search for a job in Germany? In the “ Job search opportunity card ” section, you will find the most important information on the requirements, procedures and prospects in Germany with the opportunity card. If you have further questions on the opportunity card, you will find essential information here to facilitate your journey to Germany with the opportunity card. Opportunity card: mandatory or optional? Do I always have to apply for the opportunity card, if I would like to come to Germany? Having an opportunity card is not a condition to come to Germany. Whether you need it depends on the country you are coming from and why you would like to come to Germany. The opportunity card is the right choice if one of the following scenarios applies to you: you do not have a job offer for qualified employment in Germany yet; you have not found a

Other types of visa Other than taking up employment, there are other reasons to apply for a visa to enter Germany. For certain professional groups, special entry and employment rules have to be considered. Read more about other types of visa that are designed for a long-term stay in Germany. Special regulation for assistants in nursing As an assistant in nursing from a third country, you have the opportunity to practise your profession in Germany. Find out what the requirements are here. Visa for self-employment As an entrepreneur from abroad, your business plans could thrive in Germany. In some cases, a visa for self-employment might be necessary. Visa for research Germany is an attractive location for many international researchers. Those who come from abroad and wish to enter Germany for a research stay may need a visa for their research endeavours. Visa for language acquisition Taking a German class in Germany can have many advantages: the acquired language skills can immediately be put to practice in everyday life. For this purpose of stay, a visa for language acquisition may be necessary. Visa for a study-related internship EU As a student enrolled in a university abroad, it is possible to complete an internship in Germany to gain some initial work experience. For this purpose, a visa may be necessary in individual cases. Special regulations for professional drivers Professional drivers from third countries can work in Germany, even without a formal recognition. Learn

Family reunification You want to live in Germany together with your spouse and children? In this section you can find out what you need to bear in mind when applying for a visa for family reunification. Spouses joining EU citizens Spouses joining citizens of non-EU countries Family reunification for children

Visa for self-employment Would you like to start a business in Germany? You can find the necessary information for your visa application here. On this page On this page Visa for self-employment: setting up a business Visa for self-employment: freelancers Your prospects with a visa for self-employment With a visa for self-employment , you can realise your start-up project in Germany. Depending on whether you are planning on setting up a business or working as a freelancer, different conditions may apply. To find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany, please refer to the “ How do I apply for a visa? ” section. Visa for self-employment: setting up a business There are two ways to become self-employed in Germany. Either you set up a business or you work as a freelancer. If you are looking to start a business and meet the following requirements, you can obtain a residence permit for self-employment in accordance with Section 21 (1) on the Residence Act - AufenthG (External link) : There needs to be an economic interest in or a regional demand for your product or service. It is foreseeable that your company will have a positive effect on the economy. You are able to finance the implementation of your business concept with your own capital or through a loan commitment. If you are older than 45 years of age, this visa can only be issued if you can provide proof of adequate old age pension provisions. You can find more information in the section “ Visa for self-employed business

Special regulation for assistants in nursing Would you like to work as an assistant in nursing in Germany, accompanying people who are ill and in need of care? Find out what visa options are available for this type of employment. The German labour market is also open to assistants in nursing from third countries. This means that people with less than three years of vocational training in nursing – or training recognised as less than three years – are able to work in the health and care sector. To find out if you need a visa to enter or a residence permit to stay in Germany, see the “ How do I apply for a visa? ” section. You want to work as an assistant in nursing? To take up employment as an assistant in nursing, you must meet the following conditions: You must have a concrete job offer as an assistant in nursing in Germany. Ideally, you will have already signed an employment contract with your future employer. You have successfully completed vocational training as a nursing or care assistant in Germany or you have a foreign nursing qualification that is recognised in Germany for the purpose of assisting in nursing: For more information on the procedure for the recognition of foreign. qualifications, please visit the “ Anerkennung in Deutschland ” portal. Which residence title do third-country nationals need? If you are not a citizen of an EU or EFTA State, you must apply for a residence title before taking up employment as an assistant in nursing. This is issued if the

Visa for a study-related internship EU Are you studying outside the EU and would like to gain work experience in Germany through an internship? Then the visa for a study-related internship EU is for you. With a visa to complete an academic internship in accordance with Section 16e of the Residence Act (AufenthG) (External link) , you can learn about the everyday working life in Germany, gather work experience and establish contacts with potential employers. To find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany, see “ How do I apply for a visa? ”. What are the requirements to receive a visa for a study-related internship EU? You can provide proof of an internship agreement with a Germany facility. You are currently enrolled at a university abroad or have obtained your degree no more than two years before the visa application was successfully completed. The internship corresponds with your course of studies. The facility commits itself in writing to cover your costs of living and travel costs to your country of origin, which would otherwise need to be covered by public funds. This commitment applies for up to six months following the end of the internship. Do you meet these requirements? Learn about the procedure for the entry and visa process. What opportunities does a visa for a study-related internship EU offer? A visa or residence permit to complete an academic internship shall be issued for the duration of the internship and for a maximum of six months. You may not obtain

Special regulations for esports professionals Are you an esports professional looking to compete professionally in Germany? Find out here which visa regulations apply to you. The German labour market is also open to esports professionals from abroad. To find out if you need a visa to enter or a residence permit to stay in Germany, see the “ How do I apply for a visa? ” section. You want to work as an esports professional When are you considered an esports professional? You are considered an esports professional if you receive more than an expense allowance for your activities. To obtain a visa to take up employment as an esports professional, you must meet the following conditions: You must be at least 16 years of age; You must work at a German esports club or similar esports institution. This institution must participate in competitive esports; The esports club or institution must pay you an annual gross salary of at least €50,700 (as of 2026); The national association responsible for esports confirms the professional performance of esports and that the form of esports performed is of considerable national or international importance, for example because there is a major national/international league. Concerning this, the German Esports Federation ESBD has published a list of qualified esports gaming operations . Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Information on entry and visa process Learn more Quick-Check: Check your options for working and

Opportunity card Germany Would you like to work in Germany but don't have a job offer yet? The opportunity card opens up new prospects for a career in Germany. In this section you can find out everything about the requirements, the application procedure and the prospects after entering Germany with the opportunity card. Job search opportunity card Job seekers from abroad can enter Germany in order to look for a job. In some cases, a visa might be necessary. We will explain how it works. Self-Check: Opportunity card As a recognised skilled worker or via the points system, you can obtain an opportunity card for the purpose of finding a job in Germany. Use the self-check to see whether you are eligible for the opportunity card. Questions and answers regarding the opportunity card Would you like to apply for the opportunity card and don't know where to start? In our FAQ you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions as well as tips to help you assess your chances in a realistic manner.