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Long-stay national visas (D visas)/ residence permits for more than 90 days
A national visa (D visa) can be used to obtain a residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days.
British citizens may apply to the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) for their residence permits after arrival in Germany and without having obtained a visa prior to travelling to Germany. Please note that you need to register your new residence (Anmeldung) with the authorities (Meldebehörde) within 2 weeks of having moved in and apply to the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) for your residence permit within the first 90 days of your stay in Germany. This privilege is also extended to citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea (Republic) and the United States of America.
Citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino may apply for their residence permit after arrival in Germany, provided that they do not intend to take up employment. Otherwise a visa is needed.
Processing times for D visas vary greatly from about 2 weeks for some categories of employment visas to up to six months for self-employed professionals. Please ensure that you submit your application well in advance.
New:
The Chancenkarte is aimed at Non-EU nationals who hold an academic degree or a professional qualification. It will enable holders to remain in Germany for a period of 12 months in order to find appropriate employment or to pursue additional qualifications with a view to finding employment.
