Germany

For tourism, business, trade fairs or visits on a passport that needs no Schengen visa.

For Irish citizens, who live, work and travel in Germany freely as citizens of the EU.

For short stays on a passport that needs a Schengen visa: tourism, business meetings, trade fairs and conferences, visits to family and friends, and short courses.

For a degree or a preparatory course at a German university, a doctorate or an exchange semester, with proof of admission and of the means to live on.

For employment under a German job contract, as a qualified professional, an intra-company transferee or a trained specialist, with the Federal Employment Agency's consent where it is required.

For university graduates with a job offer in Germany at the Blue Card salary threshold, which is lower for shortage occupations and recent graduates; the thresholds are revised every year and checked with a German embassy or consulate. It leads to permanent residence sooner than other permits.

For skilled workers with a recognised qualification, or who reach the points threshold for qualifications, German or English, experience, age and ties to Germany, to look for work in Germany, with part-time work allowed meanwhile.

For spouses, registered partners and minor children joining a German citizen or a resident of Germany, and in certain cases other dependent relatives.

For freelancers, artists and founders whose work in Germany has demand, financing and a benefit for the economy or cultural life.

For researchers with a hosting agreement from a recognised German university or research institution.

For an intensive German course at a recognised school, often in preparation for university study or a German language exam.

For young people aged 18 to 26 who live with a German host family, help with childcare and learn German.

For a dual vocational training (Ausbildung), combining work in a company with classes at a vocational school.

For young Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians, under bilateral agreements, to travel in Germany and work to fund the stay.