Visa and Residence Permit

Visa, formalities at the citizen centre, residence permit

Please observe the following information in the order given below.

1. Visa: EU nationals do not require a visa or a residence permit to enter the Federal Republic of Germany. In general, international guests from third countries require a visa; if in doubt, please check the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

2. Which Visa is the right one?

The Federal Foreign Office's Visa-Navigator helps to find out which visa has to be applied for.

3. Formalities at the citizen centre: New residents (coming from the EU or from outside the EU) must register with one of the eight citizen centres (“Bürgerämter”) in Hannover.

•     New residents must register within 2 weeks of their arrival in Hannover.
•     Appointments must be booked online.
•     Please bring your passport, the completed and signed form “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung” (confirmation of your move signed by your landlord), and your rental agreement.

3. Residence permit: Non-EU nationals require a residence permit. You can apply for a residence permit at the Ausländeramt Hannover.