Germany Confirms 31 Countries Whose Citizens Can Work Without a Visa
The German government has confirmed that citizens of 31 countries can live, work, and settle in Germany without first obtaining a visa or residence permit, according to official guidance published by the authorities in 2026.
The exemption applies to all 27 European Union (EU) member states, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland. Citizens of these countries can enter Germany, take up employment, and establish residency without going through the standard visa application process required for nationals of many other countries.
The complete list of exempt countries includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia (Czech Republic), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
However, the rules differ for citizens of countries outside this list, including Nigeria and Ghana. Such nationals generally need to obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit before taking up employment in Germany. Depending on their circumstances, applicants may need a jobseeker visa, a work visa, or an employment-related residence permit.
The German government's guidance, available via the Make it in Germany portal, also outlines options for international graduates from non-exempt countries who wish to remain in Germany after completing their studies to search for employment. According to the portal, specific conditions apply, and graduates from outside the EU can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for work. The post-study permit allows holders to take up any type of work during that period, rather than being restricted to roles related to their degree.
The portal also previously explained how long international graduates can stay in the country to find work after their studies, and highlighted circumstances under which German citizenship could be lost, according to the same guidance.