Visa Information
Legislation on Foreign Nationals
Citizens of EU or EEA countries only require a valid identity card or passport to enter Germany. They also enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement in Germany and the same rights as Germans in many aspects of residence or work legislation.
Non-EU or -EEA nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Germany. The one exception to this rule is for citizens of certain countries, who can stay in Germany without a visa for up to three months within a given half-year period. This time can be used to prepare for starting up a company or implementing an investment project.
Foreign visitors can, of course, conduct negotiations or conclude contracts. An alternative solution may be to obtain a so-called business visa, issued for multiple entries and a total duration of stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. With such a visa, foreign nationals can not only propare a business start-up, but also establish additional contacts and engage in other business activities.
Visa/ Residence Permit Applications
As a non-EU or -EEA national, you will usually require a residence permit if you plan to stay in Germany for more than three months. This permit must be applied for and issued before you travel to Germany. You can apply for a visa and residence permit at the German embassy or consulate general in your home country. A list containing the addresses of Germany’s diplomatic representations abroad is available from the Federal Foreign Office.
Visa applications usually require about three months to be processed. The initial, three-month residence permit is issued by the diplomatic representation in your country of origin. Once you have entered Germany, you can apply for a 15-month extension of your residence permit at the aliens registration office in your district. This permit can subsequently be extended once more. A different set of visa regulations applies to business representations.
Work Permits
A specific visa is required for foreign nationals intending to work in Germany. A differentiation is made between employed (hired) and self-employed persons. Prospective employees must apply for a separate work permit in conjunction with the visa.
The work permit requirement does not apply to:
- Citizens of EU or EEA member states
- Senior management personnel with power of attorney or representation
- Managing directors of a joint stock or limited liability company (AG, GmbH) or majority shareholders of a partnership (OHG, KG)
- Head of the representative office of a foreign company with sole power of representation or unlimited power of attorney.
The HWF Hamburg Business Development Corporation will gladly assist you in obtaining a residence permit, or recommend suitable advisors.
