Moving to Germany from the US, Canada or the UK

For skilled workers, job seekers, freelancers, students and people with German ancestors. Why US, Canadian and UK citizens can apply from inside Germany, the 2026 Blue Card salary, and the faster path to citizenship.

Germany suits people who want to work. Its routes favour skilled workers with a job offer, job seekers with a recognised qualification, freelancers, founders and students. It has no dedicated retirement visa. US, Canadian and UK citizens also get a rule most nationalities do not: they can enter without a visa and apply for residence from inside Germany. This guide covers the routes and what changed.

How it works: apply in Germany within 90 days

Most foreigners need a national visa from a German embassy before they move. Citizens of the US, Canada and the UK do not. Under § 41 of the Residence Ordinance, they can enter visa-free and get the residence permit they need inside Germany. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea share this rule. You must apply within 90 days of entry, at the foreigners’ office (Ausländerbehörde) where you live.

You can still apply at a German mission before you go if you prefer certainty before moving. Ask your local foreigners’ office whether you may start work before your permit is issued.

The main ways in

EU Blue Card. This fits university graduates with a German job offer. In 2026, the salary must be at least EUR 50,700 a year, gross. A lower floor of EUR 45,934.20 applies to listed shortage occupations and to people who earned their degree in the last three years. IT specialists without a degree can qualify with at least three years of relevant experience in the last seven. After 27 months you can apply for permanent settlement, or after 21 months with sufficient German.

Skilled worker permit. This fits people with a recognised vocational qualification or degree and a qualified job below Blue Card pay. Recognition of your foreign qualification is generally needed. Settlement is possible after three years.

Opportunity Card. This fits qualified people who want to look for work in Germany first. You need a fully recognised qualification, or a foreign degree or two-year vocational qualification plus at least six points on Germany’s points system. You also need basic German (A1) or English at B2. The German missions in the US ask for proof of EUR 1,091 a month, or EUR 13,092 for the year. The card lasts up to one year. Meanwhile you may work up to 20 hours a week and take trial jobs of up to two weeks. With a qualified job offer, a follow-up card of up to two years is possible.

Freelance permit. This fits writers, artists, IT consultants, teachers, translators and other liberal professions. You show that your work is viable, usually with letters of intent from clients and an income plan. Any licence your profession needs must be granted or promised. Applicants over 45 should show adequate retirement provision. The permit lasts up to three years.

Self-employment permit. This fits founders of a commercial business with financing in place. The business must serve an economic interest or regional need. If it succeeds and supports you and your family, you can apply to settle after three years.

Residence for retirees and financially independent people. Germany grants this permit at the office’s discretion. There is no national income figure, and offices set their own benchmarks. You need comprehensive health insurance and may not work. Our table rates this route low confidence, so ask your foreigners’ office early.

Student permit. You need a university place and proof of funds. German missions ask for EUR 11,904 for the first year in a blocked account, released at EUR 992 a month.

Citizenship through ancestry. Germany has three routes for people with German ancestors.

• Citizenship by descent confirms you were German from birth through a German parent. An ancestor’s naturalisation abroad before the next generation was born can break the line. A formal determination costs EUR 51.
• Citizenship by declaration covers people who missed out because of past sex discrimination, such as children of German mothers born before 1975, and their descendants. It is free. The window closes on 19 August 2031.
• Restoration for descendants of Nazi persecution victims is free and also covers descendants.

See every route below for the full rules on each.

What changed recently

• Dual citizenship is allowed. Since 27 June 2024, people of every nationality who naturalise in Germany can keep their old citizenship. Check that your own country’s law also allows it. Germans also no longer lose citizenship by taking another nationality.
• Naturalisation takes five years. The same 2024 reform cut the residence requirement from eight years to five. You also need B1 German.
• The three-year fast track has gone. The 2024 reform also allowed naturalisation after three years for very well-integrated people. That option is no longer in the law, so five years is now the minimum.
• The Blue Card salary changes every year. The floors are a fixed share of the pension contribution ceiling, which is reset each year. Check the current figure before you negotiate a salary.

Money, tax and health care

Fees are low. A residence permit or Blue Card costs EUR 100. A national visa from a German mission costs EUR 75. Our visa cost calculator adds these up for a family.

On living costs, our cost of living in Germany page compares national averages with home. The cost of living calculator prices your own spending.

Moving to Germany will usually make you tax resident there. Speak to a tax adviser before you move. US citizens still file US tax returns wherever they live.

Timeline and your first weeks

1. Pick your route and gather documents. Get degree recognition started early if your route needs it.
2. Enter Germany. If you plan to apply inside Germany, your 90 days start on the day you enter.
3. Contact the foreigners’ office early. The law requires you to apply within 90 days of entry. Ask the office how to file in time if appointments are scarce.
4. Apply for your permit. Bring proof of health insurance, income or funds, and any job contract.

What catches people out

• The 90 days count from entry. The deadline runs from the day you arrive in Germany, not from when you find a home or a job.
• Freelance and founder permits are discretionary. Offices judge your plan and local demand. No income figure guarantees approval.
• Retirees face uncertainty. Without a set income figure, two offices can reach different answers.
• The declaration deadline is fixed. If you might be German through your mother or grandmother, check before 19 August 2031.

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Confirm each requirement with your local foreigners’ office or a German mission before you apply.