Freedom of movement
EU citizens normally do not need a visa or separate work permit to move and work in Germany. Registration, insurance and tax setup still matter.
Immigration routes
Visas & residence
Start with citizenship, purpose and length of stay. “Non-EU” is not one visa category, and address registration is not a residence permit.
Best starting point3 factsNationality · purpose · planned stay
Closely aligned route
Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway generally use EEA free-movement rights. Confirm family-member cases separately.
Separate agreement
Swiss citizens benefit from mobility arrangements but should check the specific residence-document process that applies.
Purpose-specific route
Check whether permission is required before travel and what work or study is allowed. Nationality-specific entry rules may alter the sequence.
EU / EEA route at a glance
- Prepare identity and status documents
- Find registrable accommodation
- Move
- Collect Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
- Complete Anmeldung
- Confirm health insurance
- Set up employment and tax records
- Handle household obligations
Non-EU routes
Match the route to the real purpose
Eligibility and documents can differ even when two routes sound similar.
Employment
For a specific job or job offer. The relevant route can depend on the role, qualification, salary and recognition requirements.
Check official routeEU Blue Card
A residence route for qualifying higher-education graduates and comparable professionals with eligible employment. Verify current conditions officially.
Check official routeOpportunity Card
A job-search route with its own eligibility, financial and work conditions. It is not a general permission for every non-EU job seeker.
Check official routeUniversity
For admission to a recognised course of study. Evidence can include admission, funding and accepted health coverage.
Check official routeAusbildung
For eligible vocational training. The contract, language ability and funding can matter.
Check official routeResearch
Research hosting and employment arrangements can lead to specific routes; the institution should help identify the correct one.
Check official routeSelf-employment / freelance
Business and freelance routes require an individual assessment and do not apply identically across occupations.
Check official routeFamily reunification
Requirements depend on the sponsor, family relationship, nationality and residence status.
Check official routeOfficialMake it in GermanyGermany · Last checked 2026-09-24
OfficialGerman Federal Foreign OfficeGermany · Last checked 2026-09-24
OfficialBAMFGermany · Last checked 2026-09-24
OfficialEU Your EuropeEuropean Union · Last checked 2026-09-24