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Professional activities not classed as economic activities/ work

16.02.2023 - Article

This page provides an overview as to what professional activities may be carried out without a visa or residence permit as they are not classed as economic activities/ work (“Erwerbstätigkeit”).

All nationals of countries with visa-free privileges do not require a visa for any of the following activities subject to the conditions and time limits stipulated.

In all cases the total stay must not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.

Please note that the following exemptions are not exhaustive and are subject to individual interpretation. They are meant as a guideline only and do not constitute legal advice. It is the responsibility of travellers to ensure that any activity conducted falls within the scope of permitted activities. If in doubt, you should take legal advice from an immigration lawyer or specialist. The German Mission in Qatar is not authorised to provide legal advice on individual cases.

Additional exemptions apply to personnel employed in road transport or the goods transport sector and personnel employed in international air travel. Please contact us for details.

These exemptions apply to both employed and self-employed individuals.

Any economic activity not listed below and not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period requires a C visa authorising such activity.

For any stay of more than 90 days within any 180-day period a D visa and/or residence permit is required. All nationals of countries with visa-free privileges may apply to the local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”) for their residence permits after arrival in Germany and do not need to have obtained a visa prior to travelling to Germany. Please note that you need to register your new residence (“Anmeldung”) with the authorities (“Meldebehörde”) within 2 weeks of having moved in and apply for your residence permit with the local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”) within the first 90 days of your stay in Germany.

Click on the categories below to find out more:

Professional activities


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