Guide collection: German visas and immigration

Moving to Berlin

This guide shows you how to relocate to Berlin. It covers finding a job in Berlin, getting a residence permit, finding an apartment, and more.

This guide shows you if you need a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) to live, work or study in Germany.

How to get a work visa
This is how you apply for a work permit and start working in Germany.
How to get a Blue Card
This is how you apply for a Blue Card to work in Germany.
How to get permanent residence
The process and the requirements to get a Niederlassungserlaubnis and become a permanent resident.
How to get a freelance visa
The process and the requirements to get a German freelance visa or artist visa. This is how you become self-employed in Germany.
- Freelance visa letters of intent
  How to get letters of intent for the German freelance visa application, with examples.
- How to renew a freelance visa
  When your German freelance visa is about to expire, you must renew it. This is how you must do it.
How to get a Fiktionsbescheinigung
This guide explains what a Fiktionsbescheinigung is, how it works, and how to get one. It explains how to travel with a Fiktionsbescheinigung.
How to read your Zusatzblatt
This guide helps you understand the Zusatzblatt that you received with your German residence permit.
How to activate your eID
This is how you activate the Online-Ausweisfunktion of your elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel (eAT).

How the Berlin Landesamt für Einwanderung works. This guide explains how to get an appointment, apply for a residence permit, and more.

Immigration office wait times
See how long it takes to get citizenship, a residence permit or permanent residence in Berlin.