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How to register in Cologne (2026)

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Cost

€100.00

Variable depending on type: approx. 50-110€. Chance card: 100€.

Time at office

60-90 minutes at the appointment

Estimated time

Appointment: 2-6 months. Resolution: 4-12 weeks after the appointment.

Quick summary

English guide to applying for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) in Cologne. For Latin American citizens. Types of permits, required documents, and where to process them.

Required documents

  • Anmeldebestätigung

    Mandatory first step before the permit.

  • Valid passport

    At least 6 months of validity.

  • Employment contract or financial means

    Employment contract, job offer, or bank statements.

  • Active health insurance

    Valid German health insurance.

  • Biometric photo

    Recent photo with a clear background.

100 €
Variable depending on type: approx. 50-110€. Chance card: 100€. €100.00
€100.00
€100.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Do the Anmeldung first

    Without the Anmeldung, you cannot apply for the permit. It is the mandatory previous step.

    !

    Expert tip

    "You can enter as a tourist (without a visa for many Latin Americans) to do the Anmeldung and then apply for the permit from within."

  • 2

    Determine what type of permit you need

    Go to official site

    Work permit, family reunification, Chance card (since 2024), or others. The Chance card is the most accessible route for qualified individuals.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The Chance card requires a university degree, A1 German, 1 year of experience, and 2,161€ in savings. It allows you to search for work for 1 year without a prior offer."

  • 3

    Apply for an appointment at the Foreigners Office

    Appointments are limited. Check the portal daily and activate cancellation notifications.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you cannot get an appointment within 90 days of your tourist visa, the Ausländeramt may grant a provisional Fiktionsbescheinigung."

  • 4

    Attend the appointment with all documentation

    Bring originals and copies of everything. More documentation is always better.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Bring bank statements from the last 3 months, original diploma, and sworn translation if applicable."

Offices and service points - Colonia

Frequently asked questions

Do Spaniards need a residence permit in Germany?
No. EU citizens have free movement. They only need to do the Anmeldung. This procedure is for non-EU citizens.
What is the Chance card?
Permit since 2024 that allows you to search for work in Germany for 1 year without a prior offer. It requires a recognized university degree, A1 German, experience, and sufficient savings.

Trámites relacionados

This procedure in other cities

Official sources and useful links

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.