Entry to Germany

Entry Requirements

Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Denmark, Finland and Sweden join a common visa policy. Only one visa is needed to enter those countries.

In general, citizens from non-EU countries have to obtain a visa before they enter Germany. Still, there are various exceptions from this prerequisite. A list provided by the Federal Foreign Office specifies the countries whose citizens do need a visa.

Essentially, EU-nationals do not need a visa to enter Germany. This applies for some other nationalities too. Nevertheless, there are restrictions. Those who may legally enter Germany without a visa are normally not allowed to stay for more than three months per half a year, nor can they take up a gainful employment. EU-citizens of countries of the European Economic Zone are excepted from this rule. In the list provided by the Federal Foreign Office, a single star (*) marks the countries whose citizens are not restricted in their stay and employment in Germany.

When no exception applies, i.e. a visa prior to arrival is compulsory, visas must be obtained from the German diplomatic missions worldwide. A list (in German) of embassies and consulates is available from the Federal Foreign Office.

You can find information about bilateral relations between Germany and any other country as well as about German Permanent Representatives in the relevant country through the search engine of the Federal Foreign Office.