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Coming to Germany or staying in Germany

Application form for a Schengen visa

Visa regulations

Here you can find out whether you need a visa for visits to Germany and the Schengen states of up to 90 days. Foreigners wanting to stay longer than 90 days in Germany, who want to work or study in Germany, as a rule automatically need a visa.

Read more: Visa regulations


Memorial commemorating the Schengen Agreement

The Schengen Agreement

Citizens of Schengen countries can cross the internal borders of all member states without passport checks. The Schengen visa entitles the holder to visits of up to 90 days every 6 months in the entire Schengen area.

Read more: The Schengen Agreement


Immigrants in Germany

Immigration act

The Immigration Act entered into force on 1 January 2005 and contains provisions on the entry of foreigners into Germany, their residence in the country, various residence purposes, the termination of residence and asylum procedures.

Read more: Immigration act


Logo of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

Asylum Law

The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany stipulates: "Persons persecuted on political grounds shall have the right of asylum." (Art. 16a paragraph I of the Basic Law)

Read more: Asylum Law


certificate of naturalisation

Law on Nationality

The widely amended law on nationality entered into force on 1 January 2000. Here you can find the central points of the new law.

Read more: Law on Nationality


Further sources of information

Customs online

Customs regulations for passenger traffic

This offer gives you the possibility to gather information about existing regulations prior to travelling:

Immigration and Integration

Immigration and Integration

(FFO in cooperation with DW-TV)



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