Visa timeline in Berlin

• EU, EEA or Swiss citizenNo visa and no residence permit. Register your address and you are in the system.5 steps
• Skilled employee, non-EUAn EU Blue Card or a skilled-worker residence permit, tied to a qualifying job offer.6 steps
• Student, non-EUA study visa, then a residence permit for study from the local Ausländerbehörde.5 steps
• Job seeker, non-EUThe Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card): up to a year to find skilled work, with part-time work allowed.4 steps
• Freelancer or founder, non-EUA residence permit for self-employment (§21), assessed on the business case.4 steps

Residence permits are issued by the local Ausländerbehörde, so waiting times and booking systems differ city by city. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel may enter visa-free and apply for most residence permits after arrival; check whether that suits your case before booking a consulate appointment. This is a general guide, not legal advice. Confirm each step with Make it in Germany, the federal government's portal for skilled immigration before you rely on it.