Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA = EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland have a right to free movement. You do not require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany/Saarland and reside here. All you need is a valid passport or identity card. The same applies to your family members. If your family members are not national citizens of one of the above countries have (so-called third-country nationals), they require a visa, depending on their nationality or intended length of stay.

When you arrive, the immigration office will issue you a residence card as proof of your freedom of movement, as long as you meet certain requirements (marriage status, sufficient means, health insurance). Exception for citizens of Switzerland and their family members: You must notify the local immigration office of your intention to stay within three months of entering the Saarland. You will receive a residence permit to show that you have the right to stay.

Registration with the authorities is mandatory in Germany. If you move into an apartment in the Saarland, you must register at the registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) in the city or municipality in which you live. In the Saarland, you must do this within a period of one week.

If you are a citizen of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand or the USA, you can also enter without a visa and then apply for a residence permit for the intended purpose of residence (e.g., work) at your local immigration office. The same applies to citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino, but only if you want to engage in gainful employment.