Visa-free entry lets nationals of certain countries enter Germany for short stays without applying for a visa in advance. This guide explains who qualifies, how the 90/180-day rule works, what you may and may not do while in Germany, and which next steps to take if you plan to work or stay longer.
Who can enter Germany visa-free?
Nationals of the following categories may enter Germany visa-free:
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: Citizens of EU/EEA and Switzerland enjoy full freedom of movement and do not require a visa or residence permit to live and work in Germany.
- Nationals in Annex II of the EU Visa Regulation
Nationals of Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Kiribati, Colombia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Solomon Islands, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, United Kingdom, SAR Hong Kong, SAR Macau can enter without a visa, but only for a short stay. As a rule, you cannot switch to a long-term residence permit in the country without leaving and re-entering.
Nationals of other countries must apply for the correct national visa (type D) for any long-term purpose (such as work or study) or a Schengen visa (type C) for short-term stays at the responsible German mission abroad before entering Germany.
Even if you are visa-exempt for entry, longer stays or work normally require a residence permit – applied for from abroad, prior to entry. Exceptions to this rule may apply for certain privileged nationalities.
How long can you stay without a visa? (90/180 rule)
Most visa-exempt visitors may stay up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Your days in other Schengen countries also count toward the 90 days. Keep your own record of entries and exits and avoid cutting it close—overstays can lead to fines or future entry problems.
What you can — and can’t — do on visa-free entry
Typically allowed activites for a short-term stay are tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, and short, non-productive trainings or site visits. Please be aware that this list serves only for a broad overview. Generally not allowed without a permit are any type of gainful employment or productive work in Germany, long-term study programs or vocational training, and establishing regular residence beyond short-stay limits.
Remote work note: Working from Germany—even for a non-German employer—can still be regarded as work requiring authorization. Get advice if in doubt.
Switching to a long-term residence permit
If you plan to work or remain in Germany beyond your visa-free allowance, you will need the appropriate residence title (e.g., EU Blue Card, skilled worker permits, intra-company transfer). In many cases, you must apply for a national visa in your home country before moving. Certain nationals may be able to apply after entry in Germany for specific permits, but options vary by case and local authority practice.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Miscounting the 90/180 days and overstaying
- Assuming business visits allow productive work
- Booking non-refundable travel before verifying permit routes
- Lacking proof of funds/insurance at the border
- Trying to “convert” a short stay to the wrong permit category
Documents you should carry
- Passport valid for the entire stay (ideally 3+ months beyond planned departure)
- Proof of purpose (conference registration, invitations, meeting agenda)
- Proof of funds and accommodation
- Return or onward ticket
- Travel health insurance covering your short stay
Visa-free entry is ideal for short visits, but it is not a substitute for a residence or work permit. If you plan to work or to remain longer, align your route early to avoid costly detours.
Next Steps
If you are an individual who intends to enter Germany for a short- or long-term stay, my law office provides clear advice on eligibility for visa-free entry to Germany, timelines and the right residence title or work permit, if necessary. Start with the Eligibility Assessment if you intend to apply for a long-term residence title, book a Consultation to discuss any immigration-related topics or contact my law office directly.
For businesses, employers and HR departments, my law office provides end-to-end support for assignments, EU Blue Card and skilled worker routes for potential employees. The Eligibility Assessment is designed to evaluate whether your candidate qualifies for a German work visa. You may also request a Business Activity Check for short-term business travel compliance.
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