EU citizens do not require a visa to enter or a residence permit to stay in Germany. Citizens of the EEA states Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are treated as EU citizens in accordance with the provisions of the Act on the General Freedom of Movement of EU Citizens (Freizügigkeitsgesetz/EU - FreizügG/EU), but without acquiring the status of EU citizens or family members of EU citizens.

EU citizens who identify themselves with a valid passport or identity card enjoy freedom of movement and thus also the right to stay for more than three months as workers, to seek work or for vocational training, as established self-employed persons, as providers and recipients of services and as permanent residents. EU citizens who are not gainfully employed are entitled to freedom of movement if they have adequate health insurance cover and sufficient resources.

The law no longer provides for the issuing of a certificate on the right to freedom of movement.

EU citizens who have been legally resident in Germany for five years have the right of entry and residence (right of permanent residence), regardless of whether the conditions for freedom of movement are still met, see § 4a FreizügigkeitsG/EU. Upon application, the foreigners authority will certify their right of permanent residence.

Family members (spouse or registered partner, children up to the age of 21 and, under certain conditions, other family members) of an EU citizen entitled to freedom of movement are also entitled to freedom of movement if they accompany or join the EU citizen. However, family members entitled to freedom of movement who are not EU citizens (so-called third-country nationals) generally require an entry visa (see "Related topics" - "National visa"). The immigration authority will issue them with a residence card for family members of EU citizens, which is valid for five years, ex officio within six months of entering the country after they have provided the required information. The family member will immediately receive a certificate confirming that the required information has been provided. Family members of EU citizens who are third-country nationals are entitled to permanent residence if the family member is entitled to permanent residence and has resided legally with the family member in Germany for five years. They will be issued a permanent residence card by the immigration authority within six months of submitting their application.

Note: An absence of more than two consecutive years for a reason that is not merely temporary in nature will result in the loss of the right of permanent residence.

For further information on the right of permanent residence and certificates on the right of permanent residence as well as residence cards and the right of residence of family members (e.g. in the event of divorce from the EU citizen entitled to freedom of movement or his/her departure or death), please contact the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence on a case-by-case basis.