Residence permit

Residence permits

Persons from third countries can apply for a residence permit for a long-term stay in Hamburg. There are different residence permits and requirements depending on the purpose of the stay.

Employment

EU Blue Card

Foreign nationals with a university degree or similar qualification who wish to work in Germany may apply for an EU Blue Card, which grants extended rights and benefits and makes fulfilling the conditions for a long-term stay in Germany simpler.

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Residence permit for employment

If you want to live and work in Germany, you need a residence permit with a work permit.

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Residence permit for job seeking

You can apply for a job seeker's residence permit if you hold an accredited degree and wish to find qualified employment in Germany.

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Residence permit for self-employment

You want to set up a business in Germany as a foreign national? Get the right permit.

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Residence permit for researchers

Foreign nationals who are planning to work as a researcher in Germany should apply for a residence permit that states this purpose.

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ICT Card

The ICT Card is a supplementary residence permit to facilitate intra-corporate transfers of third-country nationals and intra-European mobility.

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Residence Permit for the recognition of professional qualifications

Would you like to work in Germany as a professional from abroad, but you do not have (full) recognition of your foreign qualifications for a residence permit for employment? Then, under certain conditions, you may be eligible for a residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications.

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FAQ on the Opportunity Card

Foreigners who have been tolerated for many years (through a 'Duldung') are to be given more chances to obtain a right to stay in Germany in the future ('Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht').

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Studies

Residence Permit for Students

If you're a foreign national planning to study in Germany, you'll need a residence permit that states this purpose. Find out how to apply.

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Residence permit for participation in a language course

When is it possible to stay in Germany to do a language course? Find out here.

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Other

Family Reunification

To enable families to live together in Germany, family members can apply for a residence permit.

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Au pair stays

Would you like to know when you can come to Germany as an au pair? Then you can find more information here.

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Permanent residence and naturalisation

Settlement permit

A settlement permit entitles the holder to unlimited residence and employment in Germany. It can only be issued under certain conditions.

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Permanent EC Residence

Foreign nationals with the permanent EC resident status enjoy greater mobility options inside and outside the European Union.

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Naturalisation

Apply for German citizenship and enjoy the right to vote, consular protection and unrestricted access to the labour market.

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