Coming to Germany or staying in Germany
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
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
Foreigners make up 9% of the overall population in Germany. For the overwhelming majority, Germany has become their home. The Aliens law governs the residence and entry of foreign nationals.
Read more: Aliens 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
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
