Right of Residence

Since January 1, 2005, Germany has regulated the residence of foreigners through laws contained in the Residence Act (AufenthG) and, for citizens of European Economic Area countries, in the EU’s Freedom of Movement Law (FreizügG/EU). The Residence Act regulates the residence of citizens of non-EU countries without connections to Europe.

The act governs travelling to Germany, residing here, gainful employment, acquisition of a residence permit, family reunification, revocation of residence cards, refusal, rejection, deportation, and crimal acts. Additionally, a statute on aliens covers the implementation of aliens law. This statute contains the regulations on implementing certain procedures concerning passport requirements, applicable administrative fees, statutory offences, etc.