Germany applies free movement for EU/EEA citizens. Non-EU nationals must obtain a national (D) visa and then convert it into an Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit) at the local Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office).
EU / EEA
Free movement
75€
Non-EU visa fees
Ausl.behörde
Local authority
Germany is a member of the Schengen Area. Immigration is managed locally — each city has its own Ausländerbehörde. The Anmeldung (address registration) is mandatory within 14 days for all residents.
Which visa for your situation in Germany?
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Available visas and permits
The main visas we support.
Click a permit to see the requirements, required documents, timelines, and practical tips. Each of these visas comes with full guidance in your nomadpass space.
SKW
Fachkräftevisum — Skilled worker visa
Qualified profiles · non-EU · fast track
Non-EUAccessible
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Timeline
4 to 8 weeks
Cost
75€
Duration
4 years, renewable
Requirements
Recognized degree + job offer or salary ≥ €45,300 / year
The preferred route for tech, healthcare, engineering, and finance profiles — introduced by the Skilled Immigration Act and strengthened in 2023.
ETU
Studienvisum — Student visa
Higher education · non-EU
Non-EUModerate
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Timeline
4 to 12 weeks
Cost
75€
Min. funds
€934 / month (Sperrkonto)
Work allowed
120 days / year
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) showing €11,208 is mandatory — open it 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
18 months granted after graduation to look for a job in Germany.
Germany is one of the only European countries with a genuine freelance visa — ideal for digital nomads and independent consultants.
CHA
Chancenkarte — Opportunity Card (§ 20a)
Job search · non-EU · points-based
Non-EUAccessible
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Timeline
4 to 8 weeks
Cost
75€
Duration
1 year, non-renewable
Requirements
Points system (degree, experience, language, age) · No job offer required
A new route created in 2024 — lets you look for a job in Germany for 1 year. Convertible into a Fachkräftevisum once the contract is signed.
CB
EU Blue Card
Highly qualified (§ 18g) · non-EU
Non-EUSalary threshold
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Timeline
4 to 12 weeks
Cost
€75 visa + ~€100 permit
Min. salary
€50,700/year (€45,934 for shortage occupations)
Duration
4 years (or contract + 3 months)
Fast-track permanent residence: from 21 months with B1 German. Spouse with immediate right to work.
This list presents the main residence permits, which cover the vast majority of relocation situations. It is not exhaustive: other specific visas exist for particular situations, available from the country's official authorities.
Not sure which permit to choose?
Our assessment identifies the right visa in 3 minutes
Competent authorities
The official bodies for your procedure.
The competent authorities vary depending on your nationality and your project.
5 visas and permits are covered for Germany, including Skilled worker visa (Fachkräftevisum) · EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) · Student visa (Studienvisum). The free assessment identifies the one that fits your situation in 3 minutes.
How long does it take to get a visa for Germany?
From 4 weeks to about 3 months depending on the visa. For example, Skilled worker visa (Fachkräftevisum): 4 to 12 weeks (fast-track procedure possible).
How much does a visa for Germany cost?
Official fees depend on the visa. For example, Skilled worker visa (Fachkräftevisum): €75 visa + ~€100 residence permit.
Is the information on Germany up to date?
Yes: every sheet cites its official sources (Make it in Germany — Skilled Immigration Act, Make it in Germany — Visa types, Consular services portal (Auswärtiges Amt)) and carries a verification date. Last verified: 2026-10-06.
