Please note: Due to the current situation, personal interviews with the Immigration Office are only possible with an appointment until further notice. We ask for your understanding for this measure.

If you wish to send an inquiry or an application to the Immigration Office Bonn, you can do it primarily by e-mail. We will process your inquiry as soon as possible and contact you by e-mail, letter or telephone.

For telephone inquiries, you can call the service number 0228 77 6000.

Citizens of the EU

Citizens of the European Union do not require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany.

Citizens from non-EU countries

Foreigners who are not citizens of an EU country generally require a visa for entry and residence in Germany.

An overview of the countries for which a visa is required for entering Germany can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office, see under "Forms and Links".

Visa-free visits and business stays of up to 90 days (within a period of 180 days) or visas issued for visiting and business purposes (tourists) generally cannot be extended in Germany.

Exceptions to the visa requirement

Citizens of the following states are allowed to enter Germany without a visa also for a longer-term stay (more than 90 days) and apply for a residence permit after entry (§ 41 (1) of the Residence Regulation):

• Switzerland
• Australia
• Israel
• Japan
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Republic of Korea and
• the United States of America

The same applies for citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino (§ 41 (2) of the Residence Regulation) if they do not wish to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment. It would be possible, for example, to apply for a residence permit for study purposes or for the purpose of family reunion.

Entry for the purpose of employment

Since 02.03.2020, the new Central Office for Immigration of Skilled Workers NRW is responsible for questions regarding entry for employment. This office can be reached under:

Central Office for Skilled Worker Immigration North Rhine-Westphalia
Cologne District Government
50606 Cologne

E-mail:  zfebezreg-koeln.nrwde 
Phone: 0221 1474777
Telephone consultation hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.