Which route fits me?
US citizens have an unusual advantage: you may enter without a visa and apply for your residence permit in Berlin (Entry and residence). Pick your route by your situation.
| You are | Route |
|---|---|
| Have a job offer, any kind of job, any qualification | Any job (§ 26 BeschV) |
| Degree holder or experienced IT specialist with a well-paid job offer | Skilled worker and Blue Card |
| Freelancer, artist, consultant, founder | Freelance and self-employed |
| No job offer yet, qualified | Opportunity Card (often not needed, see page) |
| Want a degree in Germany | Study |
| Want vocational training | Ausbildung |
| Under 30 and want to travel and work | Working holiday? Au pair, internship, volunteering |
| Spouse, partner, child or parent in Germany | Family |
| A parent, grandparent or great-grandparent was German | German ancestry |
| Already in Berlin | Already in Berlin?, After arrival |
| Serve in the US military or are a dependant | Military status and returning |
Three honest checks
- Money: Costs at a glance.
- Taxes follow you: US citizens file in the US wherever they live.
- Nobody sells you a permit: Avoiding scams.
General orientation only. It does not assess your individual case; for that see a lawyer for migration law or a recognised advice centre.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.