Rechtsanwältin
Immigration to Germany for Japanese Citizens
Japanese citizens have privileged access to Germany. As nationals of a country listed in § 41 of the Residence Ordinance, Japanese citizens can enter without a visa and apply for a residence permit after arrival, and young Japanese citizens can use the Germany–Japan Working Holiday programme. This page outlines the main pathways.
Visa-free entry and applying from within Germany (§ 41 AufenthV)
Japan is one of eight “privileged” nations listed in § 41 of the Residence Ordinance (Aufenthaltsverordnung – AufenthV), alongside Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. In practice this means:
- You may enter Germany on your Japanese 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 bilateral Germany–Japan Working Holiday arrangement, Japanese citizens aged 18 to 30 can stay in Germany for up to 12 months. The programme is designed for cultural exchange, and you may take on holiday jobs to help finance your stay. It is a popular first step for young people who want to experience life in Germany before committing to a longer-term route.
Working and living in Germany
Beyond the Working Holiday route, the full range of German work and residence options is open to Japanese citizens:
- 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
Japanese citizens 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 Japanese citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa before flying to Germany?
No. As a Japanese citizen you can enter visa-free and apply for your residence permit at the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival. Bear in mind that it can take some time to receive the permit, and you should not start work until it has been issued.
I’m over 30 — can I still work in 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, depending on your qualifications and a job offer. It is a common next step and should be planned before the Working Holiday period ends.