The German government has released a list of 31 countries whose citizens can live and work in Germany without first obtaining a visa or residence permit.
The development is expected to attract the attention of people seeking employment opportunities in Germany, particularly those planning to relocate to the European country for work.
Germany releases list of 31 countries
The countries on the list are predominantly European nations. They include all 27 member states of the European Union, as well as 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 have the same visa-free access to Germany for employment.
Nigerians seeking to work in Germany generally need to obtain the appropriate visa and satisfy the country’s immigration and employment requirements before relocating.
This means Nigerians planning to seek employment in Germany would still have to complete the relevant application process before they can legally take up work in the country.
Germany maintains opportunities for foreign workers
Germany remains a destination for foreign workers and offers different immigration routes for qualified professionals, skilled workers and other eligible applicants.
International graduates and skilled professionals who meet the required conditions may also qualify for specific pathways that allow them to live and work in Germany.
For Nigerians and other nationals who are not covered by the exemption, however, securing a job offer or meeting the relevant eligibility criteria does not remove the requirement to obtain the appropriate immigration documents before commencing employment in Germany.