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).
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.
Would you like to know more about specific residence permits and how to apply? Please check the page:
Residence permit application for more details