Guide to Obtaining a Certificate of Free Movement in Germany

Table of Contents

Description

What is it?

A Certificate of Free Movement, known as “Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung” in Germany, is a document that ensures the rights of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens for visa-free living, working and studying within these nations.

Who needs it?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who are residing in Germany and wish to travel, study or work in other EU, EEA countries or Switzerland.

Procedure

  1. Register your resident address with the corresponding local town hall or “Bürgeramt” within one or two weeks of moving. Note that this step is compulsory.
  2. Apply for a Certificate of Free Movement at the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
  3. Provide all necessary documents (see Required Documents section).
  4. After verifying your application, the BAMF will issue a Certificate of Free Movement.

Required Documents

  • Valid Passport or ID card.
  • Proof of health insurance. It could be either statutory (“Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung”) or private (“Private Krankenversicherung”).
  • Proof of enough income to support yourself, such as a contract of employment, bank statement or proof of pension.
  • Proof of address registration (“Meldebescheinigung”) which you get from your local town hall or Bürgeramt.

Providers that can do it for you

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Additional details

  • This certificate does not expire as long as the holder continues to fulfill the requirements.
  • The certificate is issued immediately.
  • Family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who are not nationals of these countries themselves but are living with an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen in Germany, also need a residence card for EU/EEA/Swiss family members.
  • For marriage in Germany, a level A1 Certificate from the Goethe Institute is often required to prove basic German language skills. However, this requirement can vary from state to state.
  • If moving to Germany from a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country, please check visa requirements.

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