Applying for a residence permit after entry with visa
You have entered Germany with a visa and would like to apply for a residence permit?
Please note the following points:
Basic information
Please note that a residence permit can only be issued if you have entered the country with the required national visa or if you have a corresponding exemption from the visa requirement.
There are exceptions for the following countries: Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Republic of Korea
To obtain a residence permit, you must visit the Migration Office in person. However, this is only possible with an appointment at the "Immigration" department. To request an appointment, please fill out the "Appointment request form" (see under Forms) and send it by email to mailto:ref11@migrationsamt.bremen.de
Alternatively, you can also send us your appointment request by post or fax. We will send your appointment as soon as possible to the contact details you have provided.
If you have entered the country without the required visa and have to stay in Germany due to a special personal/family emergency, please contact us immediately by e-mail and request an appointment, stating the reasons:
mailto:office@migrationsamt.bremen.de
Further important information on the national visa (category D)
Persons entering Germany for a long-term stay (e.g. for work, study, family reunification) will receive a national visa (recognizable by the letter "D") in their passport from the German embassies and consulates.
In this context, we would like to point out that a national visa of category "D" is a fully-fledged and valid residence title in accordance with Section 4 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
The electronic residence permit (eAT) will only be issued by the Migration Office in Germany after you have entered the country. You will only receive an appointment for this shortly before your visa expires. The visa in the passport bridges the time until the eAT can be issued and is legally equivalent in its period of validity.
Holders of a valid national visa are entitled to reside legally in Germany and can exercise all associated rights (e.g. open a bank account, rent an apartment, take out insurance, etc.). We therefore ask the relevant authorities or private individuals to recognize this document as legitimate proof.
