Passport Atlas

Entering Germany

Germany playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#96

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

105

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Country profile

Capital

Berlin

Population

83.5 million

Area

357,021 km²

Currency

Euro EUR

Languages

German

Time zone

UTC+01:00

Foreign-born

16.8 million · 2024

Migrant share

19.8%

Ethnic groups · 2022

German85.4%
other/stateless/unspecified8.3%
Turkish1.8%
Ukrainian1.4%
Syrian1.1%
Romanian1%
Other1%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type C / Type F

Mains

230 V · 50 Hz

Driving

Right

Emergency

Police 110 · Ambulance 112

Dialing code

+49

Airports

FRA · MUC · DUS · HAM

Highlights

Aachen
Freiburg im Breisgau
Baden-Baden
Heligoland
Brandenburg Gate
Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Germany Passport Guides · Germany Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Schengen short-stay (type C)
Visit / tourism · 90 days in any 180-day period
- Apply at a Schengen consulate or visa centre in your country of residence, with biometrics, for the main destination.
- Visa-exempt passports use the EES entry/exit system. ETIAS will apply on the EU timetable — confirm whether your passport is in scope before travel.
EU Blue Card
Work · Matches the contract; faster settlement
- A degree plus a German job at the Blue Card salary threshold, via a mission or foreigners’ office.
Opportunity Card
Work · Up to 1 year to job-seek
- Enter on points (degree, German, experience, age) to job-seek, then switch to a Blue Card or employment permit.

Immigration routes

Settlement permit
Skilled work
Blue Card with B1 German can settle in about 27 months; ordinary employment often 3–5 years.
Leads to PR：The settlement permit is German PR.