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Work and Long-Term Residence in Germany Require the Appropriate Status

Published: 13.04.2026

After entering Germany and registering an address, foreigners who need to stay long term apply for a residence permit at the foreigners’ office. Most workers use work-related visas and residence permits, while visa-free or short-term entry is generally limited to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period and does not authorize paid work.

According to the source, a work-related move to Germany generally involves entering on an appropriate basis, registering an address and applying to the foreigners’ office for a long-term residence permit. Third-country nationals must not confuse short-term or visa-free entry with permission to work: employment requires the relevant authorization and, in some cases, a national visa before entry. This directly affects document preparation and the timing of when work can begin. The issue is most important for employees, long-term hires and people planning a permanent or extended stay, who should address the procedure before relocating.