Applying for the residence permit

Depending on your nationality you must apply for a residence permit at the Immigration Office (Amt für Ausländerfragen) if you are staying longer than three months.

No obligation to apply for a residence permit

Citizens of countries belonging to the European Community (EC) or the European Economic Area (EWR) do not need a residence permit. If you are staying for more than three months, you need to register with Trier's Registration Office. You will then receive a “Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung“ (EU Freedom of Movement certificate).

Pre-requisites for obtaining the „Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung“:

  • proof of financing for secure livelihood 
  • proof of health insurance coverage 

Obligation to apply for a residence permit

If you are citizen of another country you must apply for a residence permit at the Immigration Office (Amt für Ausländerangelegenheiten) within 90 days after your arrival respectively before your visa expires. This also applies to citizens from countries such as the USA which can enter Germany without a visa.

Required documents

When applying for the residence permit, you are required to present the following documents:

  • ID or passport 
  • proof of financing for a secure livelihood (e.g. contract of employment/ letter of invitation including the amount of the grant or salary)
  • proof of registration issued by the Registration Office
  • proof of health care insurance coverage
  • passport photograph
  • if you are accompanied by your partner/ children: marriage certificate/ birth certificates (please note: In the case of foreign marriage and birth certificates, a translation by a state-approved translator or a state-approved translator is required. Certificate(s) and translation must be presented in the original.

Important:

Your residence permit expires immediately if you no longer have a valid passport or if you leave Germany for more than six months.