Apply for your residence permit
Do you need a residence permit for Munich, Germany?
Whether it’s a residence permit, EU Blue Card, or family reunification—all of these procedures require a huge amount of paperwork. But no worries: ‘Make it in Munich’ provides the crucial information you need to transition smoothly. Take an in-depth look at the information and links on this page.
Get the residence permit (“Aufenthaltstitel“): many advantages
If you plan to stay in Germany long-term, you must convert your visa to a residence permit (“Aufenthaltstitel“). This allows you to live in Germany for an extended period. It also serves as your official German ID – some types even grant you unrestricted travel throughout the entire European Union.
Know the difference between a visa and a permit:
- A visa allows you to enter Germany (bord crossing) and stay for up to 90 days.
- A residence permit allows you to live in Germany for extended periods (over 90 days).
More info on visa types
There are many types of visas for Germany: vocational training visa, work visa, visa for language acquisition, and many more. Check here if your type qualifies for our free offers!
Residence permits: how to apply
In order to receive your residence permit in Munich you need to apply to the Foreigners Office (Ausländerbehorde) at the KVR in Munich.
Here is how:
You should manage many services at the KVR directly online (you cannot book appointments!): Only once the KVR has checked your application, you will receive an invitation for a personal appointment.
- On this page, you will find a number of online services for several purposes.
- Scroll down and you will find the section “Residence (online applications)“
- There, you will find three relevant sections: “Academic professions (Akademische Berufe)“, “Job search/Opportunity card” and “Family reunification (Familiennachzug)“. They lead to several pages, depending on the topic.
Please note that online application forms are only available in German.
Highly qualified? Get the EU Blue Card!
The EU Blue Card (Section 18g AufenthG) is a fast-track residence permit for academics or highly qualified professionals pursuing skilled employment in Germany.
Requirements:
1. Address registration in Munich
2. Minimum gross annual salary:
– At least €48.300/year (2025)
– Your gross salary must be at least €43,759.80 (as of 2025)/year if the Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment and you work in a bottleneck profession, or if you have graduated within the last 3 years as a young professional.
Note: Salary limits apply regardless of working time model. These salary limits are for the year 2025 and may change annually.
EU Blue Card: additional information
After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application (“Antragstellung“). This email has “Fiktionswirkung“, extending your visa until the KVR makes a decision about the Blue Card. Keep it as important information and save this email.
- It takes 10 to 12 weeks
- KVR checks your visa, your entry registration, any criminal records and all the necessary documents you have submitted.
- Skilled worker visas are usually valid for 12 months
- The KVR recommends applying for the Blue Card residence permit at their office – at least four months before the expiry date of your visa.
- Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America can also enter Germany without a visa – and apply for a residence permit once in Munich.
Tip: Processing times for the conversion of residence permit in Munich can be lengthy. To avoid delays in starting your work in Munich, you should apply for a work visa at the German embassy before traveling.
The KVR will invite you for an in-person appointment – to collect biometrics (photo and fingerprints) and pay a € 100,- admin fee.
Congratulations! Now you have your Blue Card!
- 4 years for permanent contracts.
- For temporary contracts (min. 6 months): Blue Card validity matches the contract length + 3 months for job search (“Arbeitsplatzsuche”).
- Your Blue Card is tied to your initial employer for 1 year.
- To change employers later, notify KVR using the contact form (Mitteilungspflicht).
The City of Munich offers more information about the Blue Card, a permit for self-employed work or a settlement permit for highly qualified persons at this link.
Reunification: Bring your family!
Do you want to bring your family to Munich, Germany? The good news is that this is possible, as a third-country national. However, the requirements will depend on the nationality of your family members – research them beforehand. Here, you get a quick overview of the procedure.
Do you want your spouse to join you in Munich, Germany?
Check the requirements here:
Your status:
You hold a valid residence permit, settlement permit, or EU Blue Card. However, the specific rules and requirements for your family members will depend on their nationality and your residence permit type
Financial stability:
You need to provide proof of health insurance and financial resources to support your spouse. (EU Blue Card holders need only proof of health insurance.)
Age:
Your spouse must be at least 18 years old.
Language:
Basic German is recommended but not mandatory.
Visa Application:
Your spouse applies for a Family Reunification Visa at the German embassy. The required documents include:
- Passport
- Proof of long term family relationship or marriage certificate
- Visa application form
- Proof of German language skills (if required)
- Proof of financial stability and living space
The KVR is secondarily involved in the family reunification visa application: They verify the requirement of secure livelihood (“Lebensunterhalt”) and living space for the partner already living in Munich – and forward this information to the embassy. You can find more detailed information here on the City of Munich website.
Our Tip
To make moving easier for your whole family, check the specific regulations that apply to their nationality. Planning ahead will help you and your spouse reunite more smoothly.
Do you need help learning German?
After arrival: registering your spouse
Step 1: Residence Registration
Upon arrival in Munich, your spouse must register their address at the Bürgerbüro.
Step 2: Residence Permit Application
Submit the required documents through the KVR online portal (page in German):
You will need to submit several documents, including your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate, either in the original or as a copy (also with an apostille or legalization). If no international or multilingual document is available, you will need to provide a certified translation by a translator sworn in Germany.
Fees:
€100,- for residence permits longer than one year
Tip: Recognition of studies is not required but beneficial if the spouse may later apply for a different residence title.
Facilitated family reunification for skilled workers
Starting 1 March 2024, new rules of the “skilled immigration act“ make it easier for families of skilled workers to reunite in Germany:
- No proof of living space: Spouses or minor children of skilled workers will no longer need to provide proof of sufficient living space.
- Extended Family Reunification: Skilled workers can also bring their parents, and if their spouse is a permanent resident, their parents-in-law as well.
This applies to skilled workers receiving their residence permit for the first time on or after 1 March 2024.
For full details, visit the KVR webpage (page in German).
More about Munich family life
What is the difference between ”Tagesmutter“ and ”Krippe“? Which school types do exist? Family life in Munich can be fulfilling, but it’s important to stay informed about how the system works and to ensure you register for services on time. Click below for more information.
Our Tip
Do you have a very urgent case? Use the KVR Servicepoint counter for emergencies. Emergency appointments can only be booked when truly needed, for the same day – starting at one hour before opening. Always bring the confirmation email of the application to your residence permit to the emergency counter. Here is the link to book an appointment. True emergencies only! Please ensure that you take your passport with you, as no actions can be taken without it.
