Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, Korea Republic, New Zealand or USA can apply for longer term residence beyond the normal 30 days of tourist residence, or those on short term visas can apply for long term residence at their local Auslanderamt (make an appointment first!). They will need:
* a completed application (English version here) * a valid passport * two passport photos * Confirmation of income or financial stability * Confirmation of any work you may be hoping to do
When you first arrive in Germany, you have to register at your local "Rathaus." Brief information about the registration (Anmeldung) required when you first get to Germany: http://www.german-way.com/ident.html
External links
- Extensive information from the German Consulate to the U.S.:
http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/consular_services/visa.html
- Berlin´s Ausländerbehörde ("Foreigners' Office") website (in German):
http://www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/dienstleistungen/ae-info.html
- Schengen Agreement: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Visa