General Requirements:
The United States of America is one of the nations for which the Federal Republic of Germany has special regulations concerning entry visas and residence permits.
US citizens in possession of a valid US passport do not need a visa for tourist or business trips to Germany — for stays of up to 90 days. The passport must not expire before the end of the scheduled trip.
For stays lasting 91 days or longer, you need a residence permit in the form of a visa that is affixed to your US passport. The residence permit is also a work permit for people who wish to be employed in Germany. (A separate work permit is no longer issued.) This combination visa, residence, and work permit (Aufenthaltstitel) indicates the following:
- The length of time you are permitted to stay in Germany (indefinite or a limited time, "valid until"),
- any conditions or restrictions on your stay,
- a color photo of you, the bearer, and
- the seal and stamp of the Aliens Office of issue.
General Consulates of Germany: