Rechtsanwältin
Immigration to Germany for Australian Citizens
Australian citizens have privileged access to Germany. As nationals of a country listed in § 41 of the Residence Ordinance, Australians can enter without a visa and apply for a residence permit after arrival, and young Australians can use the Germany–Australia Working Holiday programme. This page outlines the main pathways.
Visa-free entry and applying from within Germany (§ 41 AufenthV)
Australia is one of eight “privileged” nations listed in § 41 of the Residence Ordinance (Aufenthaltsverordnung – AufenthV), alongside Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. In practice this means:
- You may enter Germany on your Australian passport alone, without applying for a visa at a German mission beforehand.
- If you intend to stay longer than 90 days or to take up work, you apply for your residence permit directly at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) — and you must do so within 90 days of entering Germany.
The Working Holiday programme
Under the Germany–Australia Working Holiday arrangement, Australian citizens aged 18 to 30 can stay in Germany for up to 12 months. The programme is for cultural exchange, and holiday work is permitted to help fund the stay. You can apply at a German mission abroad or, thanks to Australia’s privileged status, arrange your stay after entering Germany.
Working and living in Germany
Beyond the Working Holiday route, the full range of German work and residence options is open to Australians:
- EU Blue Card (§ 18g AufenthG) for university-qualified professionals.
- Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, § 20a AufenthG) to move to Germany and look for skilled work via a points system (usually applied for as a visa before entering Germany).
- Skilled-worker permits for university graduates (§ 18b) and vocationally qualified professionals (§ 18a).
- Job-seeker visa (§ 20 AufenthG), self-employment and freelance permits (§ 21), and student and language-course permits (§§ 16b, 16f).
Family, permanent residence and citizenship
Australians can bring family members through family reunification, progress to permanent residence (the settlement permit, § 9 AufenthG, or EU long-term residence, § 9a) and — once the requirements are met — apply for German citizenship, which since the 2024 reform generally no longer requires giving up Australian citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa before flying to Germany?
No. Australians can enter visa-free and apply for the residence permit at the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival. Do not start work until the permit is issued.
I’m over 30 — can I still move to Germany?
Yes. The Working Holiday programme has an age limit, but the skilled-worker, EU Blue Card, Opportunity Card and self-employment routes have no upper age limit.
Can I switch from a Working Holiday to a work permit?
Often yes, with the right qualifications and a job offer. It is a common next step and best planned before the Working Holiday period ends.