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Visa-free visitors, Working Holiday participants and students: what you can change inside Germany.

Visa-free visitors

As an HKSAR, Macao SAR or BN(O) passport holder you may stay up to 90 days in 180, without work. Hong Kong is not on the list in § 41 Residence Ordinance, so you usually have to return and apply for a national visa from Hong Kong. § 39 no. 3 allows an application in Germany only if the entitlement arose after entry; this is narrow, and claims under §§ 16b, 16e and 19e are excluded, so a switch into studies is not possible this way. Whether the HKSAR counts as a “state” under Annex II for § 39 no. 3 is not confirmed. Ask the LEA or an advice centre before your 90 days end.

With a national visa or residence permit

Holders of a national visa or residence permit can generally apply for a different permit in Germany (§ 39 no. 1). Change of purpose fee: €98 (§ 45). Typical cases: after studies to a job (Study), from the Opportunity Card to a skilled-worker permit (Opportunity Card). For the Working Holiday visa, ask the LEA whether a change is possible.

Losing your job

Tell the LEA if your permit is tied to a job. Benefits: since 1 July 2026 the basic income support is called Grundsicherungsgeld (replacing Bürgergeld); claiming it can affect your residence. Get advice first, for example at the Berlin Welcome Centre.