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Visa for Australians in Germany
All information on the special visa and residence requirements for Australians.
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What are the entry requirements for Australians in Germany?
Under what conditions are Australians allowed to work in Germany?
How to apply for a visa at the German Embassy in Australia
Everything about the " 90/1/90 rule " for Australians in Germany
1. Visa-free entry for Australians
2. Stay of up to 90 days for Australians
3. No work during visa-free stay
4. Apply for a visa at the embassy in Sydney
5. Residence permit for Australian citizens in Berlin
6. 90/1/90 rule for Australians
7. FAQ Visa for Australians
8. Conclusion
1. Visa-free entry for Australians
Australian citizens enjoy privileged status in Germany when applying for residence permits due to the political and cultural ties between the two countries. This applies not only to visa-free entry into Germany (see the Federal Foreign Office's visa list ), but also, unlike other nationalities who can enter visa-free, to the ability to apply for a residence permit directly in Germany . While other nationalities can only apply for permanent residence in Germany with a visa from their embassy in their home country, Australians can enter without a visa and apply for a residence permit directly at the immigration office in Germany (§ 41 AufenthV).
For visa-free entry for Australian citizens, the general requirements of the Schengen Borders Code must be met (see Article 6 of the Schengen Borders Code (EU Regulation 2016/399)) . This primarily means that Australians must possess a valid passport . The passport should also have at least one blank data page, as Australian citizens also receive an entry stamp upon arrival in Germany. A further requirement for visa-free entry for Australians is that they can prove the purpose of their trip at the border and demonstrate that they can finance their stay in Germany. Specifically, for business trips, this means that a corresponding letter of invitation from the inviting company and proof of hotel booking must be presented at the border.
2. Stay of up to 90 days for Australians
Australians can stay in Germany for up to 90 days within any 180-day period after successful entry without a visa (§ 41 AufenthV). The EU Commission provides the " Schengen Calculator " for a precise calculation of the 90-day period. The stay of Australian citizens can also be extended beyond 90 days if a residence permit is applied for at the immigration office during the visa-free stay. In this case, the so-called " legitimate interest " takes effect, which legalizes the stay until the immigration office has decided on the application for a residence permit (§ 81 para. 3 AufenthG). A certificate of deemed residence can be issued until the immigration office makes its decision. Further information can be found in our VISAGUARD guide on applying for a certificate of deemed residence .
3. No work during visa-free stay
However, visa-free entry for Australian citizens generally only applies if they do not engage in any gainful employment in Germany. Therefore, a visa or residence permit is always required to take up employment, regardless of whether the foreigner comes from a privileged country like Australia or not (see Section 4a Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act). The only exceptions to this are the so-called " deemed non-employment " provisions (Section 30 of the German Employment Ordinance). According to this regulation, Australian citizens may pursue certain activities in Germany during a visa-free stay, although these activities are very limited. A frequently used example of permit-free employment for people from Australia is business travel or participation in trade fairs. However, it should be noted that the deemed non-employment provisions do carry some risks . If the limits of permitted activity are exceeded, it constitutes illegal employment. In this case, severe penalties may apply (see VISAGUARD information on illegal employment of foreigners ). One of our independent VISAGUARD experts will be happy to advise you on whether you need a work permit for your work in Germany as an Australian citizen. or not.
4. Apply for a visa at the embassy in Sydney
If you are an Australian citizen and intend to work full-time in Germany, it is generally advisable to apply for a visa at the German Embassy in Sydney (see the website of the German Embassy in Sydney ). The German Embassy in Sydney provides information on its website regarding the necessary documents for visa applications by Australian citizens.
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can book a visa appointment through the RK Visa service . As soon as the embassy in Sydney has issued the visa, you can enter Germany and begin your employment. Further information can be found in our VISAGUARD guide to applying for a visa .
5. Residence permit for Australian citizens in Berlin
If you are already residing in Germany and wish to apply for a residence permit here as an Australian citizen, you must contact your local immigration office . In Berlin, for example, residence permits for Australian nationals are issued by the State Office for Immigration (LEA) . The State Office for Immigration provides specific information for Australian citizens on its website . If you, as an Australian national, wish to apply for a residence permit pursuant to Section 26 Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) at the Berlin Immigration Office, you must submit the following documents:
Valid passport
Employment contract
Rental agreement including details of the living space
Proof of monthly rent (e.g. bank statement)#
Proof of your health insurance
The collected documents must then be submitted via the LEA contact form . The immigration office will then schedule an appointment for you. Booking an appointment is no longer possible in Berlin (see the VISAGUARD blog post on the abolition of the appointment system in Berlin ).
6. 90/1/90 rule for Australians
In addition to the aforementioned privileges, Australian citizens can benefit from a unique residency regulation. According to the German-Australian Visa Waiver Agreement of December 22, 1952, Australians may not exceed 90 days in Germany, but there is no limit to the number of entries into Germany . To re-enter Germany for another 90 days, Australian visitors simply need to enter another country outside the Schengen Area (e.g., the UK) and can even return to Germany on the same day (the 90/1/90 rule). Since visitors must document their stay in Germany, we recommend entering and exiting via a German airport to obtain an official entry and exit stamp in your passport. This proves that you left Germany for a short time and thus triggered the 90/1/90 rule. However, please note that the 90/1/90 rule applies only to Germany and not to the entire Schengen Area. Further information on this special regulation for Australian citizens is available on the website of the German Embassy in Australia .
7. FAQ Visa Australia to Germany
Can Australians enter Germany without a visa?
Yes, Australian citizens may enter Germany without a visa according to § 41 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) and stay there for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A residence permit is required for a longer stay.
Are Australians allowed to work in Germany during their visa-free stay?
No, Australian citizens also require a valid work permit to work (§ 4a para. 1 AufenthG). Exceptions exist only for certain short-term activities according to § 30 BeschV, e.g., business trips or trade fair visits.
What is the "90/1/90 rule" for Australians in Germany?
Under the German-Australian visa exemption agreement, Australians may enter Germany multiple times for 90 days each, provided they have previously been outside the Schengen Area for at least one day. This rule applies only to Germany, not to the entire Schengen Area.
Can Australians enter Germany without a visa?
Yes, Australian citizens may enter Germany without a visa according to § 41 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) and stay there for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A residence permit is required for a longer stay.
Are Australian nationals affected by the new ETIAS regulations?
Yes, since Australian nationals can enter visa-free, they will be subject to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from mid-2025.
Which German embassies are responsible for Australian citizens?
For Australian citizens, the German diplomatic missions in Australia are primarily responsible. These are the German Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Canberra (119 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla, ACT 2600) and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sydney (Level 17, 100 William St, Sydney (Woolloomooloo), NSW 2011).
What is the "90/1/90 rule" for Australians in Germany?
Under the German-Australian visa exemption agreement, Australians may enter Germany multiple times for 90 days each, provided they have previously been outside the Schengen Area for at least one day. This rule applies only to Germany, not to the entire Schengen Area.
How long does a visa application process take for an Australian visa?
Visa procedures in Australia are relatively quick. Most Australian visa applications can be completed within 2-4 months if our VISAGUARD tips for speeding up visa processes are followed .
What is the success rate for visa applications from Australia?
Due to the various privileges for foreigners from Australia, the success rate for visa applications is over 90% if the requirements are met.
8. Conclusion
On this page, you have learned about the special visa and residence regulations that apply to Australians in Germany. Australians are citizens of the so-called "Best Friends" countries and, as such, can enter Germany without a visa, apply for a residence permit (§ 41 AufenthV), and work without a formally recognized qualification (§ 26 para. 1 BeschV). A unique exception also applies to Australians regarding the so-called "90/1/90 rule."
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] BeckOK AuslR/Klaus, 29th Ed. April 1, 2021, BeschV § 26
[2] Offer/Mävers, Commentary on the Employment Ordinance, 2nd edition 2022, § 26