Germany has confirmed that citizens of eight countries can enter the country without obtaining a visa before travelling.
US passport holders are among those allowed to enter Germany visa-free and apply for a residence permit after arriving.
The visa-free privilege also applies to nationals from countries such as New Zealand, the UK and several others.
Germany has confirmed that citizens of eight countries can enter the country without securing a visa before departure and apply for a residence permit after arrival.
The arrangement allows eligible travelers to begin the residency process at Germany’s local immigration office, known as the Ausländerbehörde, rather than applying through a consulate before travelling.
Eight countries covered by the arrangement
The countries whose citizens qualify are:
- Australia
- Canada
- Israel
- Japan
- New Zealand
- the United Kingdom
- the United States
- the Republic of Korea
US passport holders are among those permitted to use the route. After arriving in Germany, they can approach the relevant immigration office to start their residence permit application.
However, the process comes with strict deadlines. New arrivals must register their address, a procedure known as Anmeldung, within two weeks of moving to Germany.
They must also submit their formal residence permit application within 90 days of arriving.
Work is not automatically permitted
The visa-free entry arrangement does not give travellers an immediate right to work in Germany.
Eligible nationals may only begin employment after receiving a residence permit that specifically authorises them to work. The application must be handled by the relevant immigration authority.
The arrangement also excludes intra-corporate transfers, or ICT transfers. This means employees moved from one branch of a multinational company to another in Germany cannot use this route.
TUKO.co.ke also reported that Germany had published a list of nationalities whose citizens could travel to the country and apply for the Opportunity Card after arrival without obtaining a visa beforehand.
Separate route for some foreign workers
Germany has also announced a special employment rule for citizens of 12 countries. Under the policy, eligible applicants may seek work-related residence without proving their qualifications.
However, they still require approval from Germany’s Federal Employment Agency. The pathway could offer an alternative for foreign workers seeking jobs in a country dealing with labour shortages.
Source: Legit.ng
