Rechtsanwältin
Immigration to Germany for South Korean Citizens
South Korean citizens have privileged access to Germany. As nationals of a country listed in § 41 of the Residence Ordinance, they can enter without a visa and apply for a residence permit after arrival, and young South Koreans can use the Germany–Korea Working Holiday programme, which has a slightly higher age limit than most. This page outlines the main pathways.
Visa-free entry and applying from within Germany (§ 41 AufenthV)
South Korea is one of eight “privileged” nations listed in § 41 of the Residence Ordinance (Aufenthaltsverordnung – AufenthV), alongside Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. In practice this means:
- You may enter Germany on your South Korean 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–Republic of Korea Working Holiday arrangement, South Korean citizens aged 18 to 34 can stay in Germany for up to 12 months — a wider age range than most Working Holiday programmes, which stop at 30. The programme is for cultural exchange, with holiday jobs permitted to help finance the stay. South Korean applicants apply through the German Embassy in Seoul before travelling.
Working and living in Germany
Beyond the Working Holiday route, the full range of German work and residence options is open to South Korean 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
South Korean 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 South Korean citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa before flying to Germany?
No. South Korean citizens can enter visa-free and apply for the residence permit in Germany within 90 days of arrival. You should not begin work until the permit has been issued.
What is the age limit for the Working Holiday visa?
South Korea is the exception among Working Holiday countries: the limit is 34, rather than the usual 30.
Can I stay after my Working Holiday year?
Often yes — if you find qualifying employment you can switch to a skilled-worker permit or EU Blue Card. Plan the change before your Working Holiday period ends.