The German government has officially announced a list of 31 countries whose citizens can live and work in Germany without first applying for a visa or residence permit.
The development is expected to interest people seeking employment opportunities in Germany, particularly those looking to relocate to the European country for work.
Germany Releases List of 31 Countries
The countries on the list are made up mainly of European nations, including all 27 member states of the European Union, alongside Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.
Citizens of these countries can move to Germany and take up employment without first applying for a visa or residence permit under the applicable freedom-of-movement rules.
The 31 countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Iceland
Nigerians Not Included on the List
Nigeria is not among the countries listed, meaning Nigerian citizens do not enjoy the same visa-free access to Germany for employment.
Nigerians who want to work in Germany generally need to obtain the appropriate visa and meet the country’s immigration and employment requirements before relocating.
This means Nigerians planning to seek jobs in Germany would still need to go through the relevant application process before taking up employment.
Germany Has Work Opportunities for Foreigners
Germany remains a destination for foreign workers and has different immigration routes for qualified professionals, skilled workers and other eligible applicants.
International graduates and skilled professionals who meet the required conditions may also be able to use specific pathways to live and work in the country.
For Nigerians and other nationals not covered by the exemption, however, having a job offer or meeting the relevant eligibility requirements does not remove the need to obtain the appropriate immigration documents before working in Germany.