Immigration Law: The Residence of Citizens of the European Union and Switzerland in Germany

Requirements and Legal Regulations for the Residence of EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens in Germany

Residence of EU/EEA Citizens in Germany

The residence of citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) in Germany is governed by the Law on the General Freedom of Movement for EU Citizens (FreizügG/EU).

According to this law, EU and EEA citizens are entitled to freedom of movement in the following cases, among others:

• • • Short-term stays: Residence of up to three months.Stay of up to three months.
    • Employment: Engaging in gainful employment, either as an employee or self-employed in Germany.Exercise of gainful employment or self-employment in Germany.
    • Provision of services: Providing or receiving services.Provision or receipt of services.
    • Right of residence: Former employees who are entitled to remain under Regulation (EEC) No. 1251/70 and Directive 75/34/EEC.Former workers who are entitled to remain under Regulation (EEC) No 1251/70 and Directive 75/34/EEC.
    • Job searchJob seeking: Residence for the purpose of seeking employment.
    • Vocational trainingVocational training: Undertaking vocational training in Germany.
    • StudyStudy: Residence for the purpose of studying.
    • RetirementRetirement: Residence for persons already receiving a pension.
    • Permanent residencePermanent residence: Acquisition of the right of permanent residence after a lawful stay of at least five years (three years in special cases).

Family members of EU and EEA citizens may also be entitled to freedom of movement, including:

• • • Spouses and life partners: Spouses and registered life partners of EU or EEA citizens.Spouses and registered partners of EU or EEA citizens.
    • Descendants: Children under 21 years of age.Children under the age of 21.
    • Relatives in ascending and descending lines: Relatives receiving maintenance.Relatives to whom maintenance is granted.

Non-employed EU and EEA citizens may also be entitled to freedom of movement under certain conditions.

Until January 2013, EU and EEA citizens were issued a so-called „freedom of movement certificate“ to document their right of residence. However, this certificate has not been issued since the amendment of the FreizügG/EU on January 29, 2013. Instead, citizens of the Union now only receive a registration certificate according to the registration laws.

In principle, it is assumed that citizens of the Union have the right to freedom of movement. The absence of this right must be determined by the competent authority. Such verification may only occur in individual cases and with justified doubts, with the burden of proof resting on the authority.

The following certificates and cards are provided for under the FreizügG/EU:

• • • Certificate of the right of permanent residence for Union citizens (§ 5 Abs. 5 in conjunction with § 4a FreizügG/EU). for EU citizens (Section 5 (5) in conjunction with Section 4a FreizügG/EU).
    • Residence card Residence card for family members of Union citizens (§ 5 Abs. 1 in conjunction with § 2 Abs. 1 FreizügG/EU).
    • Permanent residence card for family members of EU/EEA citizens (§ 5 Abs. 5 in conjunction with § 4a Abs. 1 FreizügG/EU). for relatives of EU/EEA citizens (Section 5 (5) in conjunction with Section 4a (1) FreizügG/EU).

Residence of Swiss Nationals in Germany

Special regulations apply to Swiss nationals due to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, signed on June 21, 1999, between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation.

The agreement provides for the following residence permits:

• • • Residence permit for Swiss nationals entitled to freedom of movement (§ 28 S. 2 AufenthV in conjunction with the Free Movement Agreement EC/Switzerland). Residence permit for family members of Swiss nationals entitled to freedom of movement (§ 28 S. 2 AufenthV in conjunction with the Free Movement Agreement EC/Switzerland).
    • Residence permit for relatives of Swiss nationals entitled to freedom of movement Residence permit for family members of Swiss nationals entitled to freedom of movement (§ 28 S. 2 AufenthV in conjunction with the Free Movement Agreement EC/Switzerland).

Important Note: The content of this article has been prepared to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, due to the complexity and constant evolution of the subject matter, we must exclude liability and warranty.

This information has been prepared to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, due to the complexity and constant changes in legal frameworks, we do not assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.

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