EU citizens

The 27 states of the European Union are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

NOTE: As a result of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU (Brexit), its nationals have lost the right to freedom of movement. Special regulations apply to British nationals who had their center of life in Germany before 31.12.2020. In principle, they continue to enjoy freedom of movement (more information here).

As part of the European Economic Area (EEA), nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway enjoy the same freedom of movement as EU citizens. They require neither a residence permit nor a work permit.

The same applies to Swiss nationals. This is regulated by the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU member states (AFMP). Swiss nationals who wish to stay in Switzerland for longer than three months can apply for an electronic residence permit - but this is not mandatory.

EU citizens as well as citizens of Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are entitled to the recognition of professional qualifications are given preferential treatment. The EU Professional Qualifications Recognition Directive stipulates that professional qualifications within the EU/EEA/Switzerland are generally recognized as equivalent.

Nationals from the EU/EEA/Switzerland can even work in a regulated profession without recognition if they only want to work in Germany occasionally and temporarily.

EU citizens who have legally resided in Germany for more than 5 years without interruption have an unconditional right of permanent residence. The right of residence is not dependent on securing a livelihood. It can only be lost for serious reasons of public safety and in the event of a longer stay abroad (more than 2 years).

The same applies to citizens of Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Swiss nationals can also obtain a permanent residence permit after 5 years of residence.

You can only benefit from freedom of movement if you are in possession of a valid identity card or passport.

If you are staying in Germany for more than 3 months, you must

• be gainfully employed or at least have the prospect of gainful employment;

• have sufficient means of subsistence and health insurance cover.