Section 19c & Remote Work in Germany

Written by the US GO EU Germany immigration team · Last updated July 2026

Germany’s Framework for Remote Workers

While Germany does not have an official “digital nomad visa”, Section 19c(1) of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz / AufenthG) serves as the legal basis for residence permits for remote workers employed by foreign companies. The German government has shifted its interpretation in recent years to recognise modern remote work arrangements where the employee’s activities have no impact on the German labour market.

Privileged Nationals: The In-Country Route

The most straightforward pathway exists for citizens of select countries under Section 26(1) of the Employment Regulation (Beschäftigungsverordnung / BeschV). These nationalities can enter Germany visa-free, register their address, and apply directly at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) — no consulate appointment required before travel.

What You Need to Apply

There is no rigid checklist — local Ausländerbehörden have discretion in how they assess applications. These are the five core requirements consistently applied across cities.

• 1
  Valid Foreign Employment Contract

  Employment with a company based outside Germany. You must demonstrate an ongoing, genuine employment relationship — not a short-term contract or informal arrangement.

  • Employment contract signed with a non-German company
  • Payslips from the last 3–6 months confirming active employment
  • Letter from employer confirming remote work is permitted and ongoing
• 2
  No German Labour Market Integration

  The central condition under Section 19c(1) is that your work has no impact on the German labour market. This means:

  • No German clients or customers
  • No local business activity in Germany
  • Work must remain entirely international — serving the foreign employer only
• 3
  Comprehensive Health Insurance

  Must meet German statutory standards: inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, and prescription medications. Private international health insurance policies may be accepted if they meet these standards — confirm with your Ausländerbehörde before applying.

• 4
  Sufficient Financial Resources

  There is no fixed minimum income threshold for Section 19c(1). You must demonstrate that your income is adequate to cover living expenses in your chosen German city without relying on public funds. In practice, Ausländerbehörden typically expect income broadly comparable to local standards — roughly €2,000–€3,000 net per month depending on city and household size.

• 5
  Registered Address in Germany (Anmeldung)

  You must have a registered German address before applying. This requires a housing contract (Mietvertrag) and completing address registration (Anmeldung) at your local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). The Anmeldung confirmation document is a required part of the permit application.

What This Permit Does Not Allow

Section 19c(1) is narrowly scoped to remote work for a foreign employer. The permit explicitly does not authorise:

Section 19c(1) vs. Section 19c(2)

Section 19c has two distinct provisions that apply to very different situations. Make sure you are applying under the correct one.

How to Apply as a US Citizen

The following process applies to US citizens using the privileged nationality route under Section 26(1) BeschV. Non-privileged nationals must obtain a visa at a German consulate before travelling — see the note below.

• 1
  Enter Germany on your US passport

  US citizens have 90 visa-free days in the Schengen Area. Use this window to get settled. Do not let it expire before your permit is issued — submit your application well before day 90.

• 2
  Find housing and complete Anmeldung

  Secure a rental with a formal Mietvertrag. Register your address at the Einwohnermeldeamt (local registration office) — you will receive an Anmeldebestätigung (registration confirmation) which is required for the permit application. Anmeldung is typically possible within 1–2 weeks of arrival with a signed lease.

• 3
  Obtain German-compliant health insurance

  Arrange health insurance that meets German statutory standards before your appointment. Some international policies are accepted — confirm with your chosen Ausländerbehörde in advance as requirements vary by city.

• 4
  Book an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde

  Each city has its own Ausländerbehörde. Appointment availability varies significantly — Berlin and Munich can have waits of several weeks. Book as early as possible after completing Anmeldung. Some cities accept walk-ins for certain cases.

• 5
  Submit your application with all documents

  Bring your passport, Anmeldebestätigung, employment contract, employer letter, payslips, health insurance proof, and financial documentation (bank statements). Biometric photos are typically required. The officer will assess your case and may request additional documents.

• 6
  Receive your residence permit

  If approved, you will typically receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung (fictitious certificate) allowing you to remain legally while the permit is processed. The biometric residence permit card (Niederlassungserlaubnis or Aufenthaltstitel) is issued separately, usually within a few weeks.

Upcoming Changes in 2026

For non-US nationals or those whose situation does not fit the privileged nationality route, a visa application at the German consulate in your home country is typically required before travelling to Germany. Since local practices vary between cities — Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt each handle cases somewhat differently — consulting with a German immigration lawyer is recommended for case-specific guidance.

We work with German immigration specialists who focus on American remote workers. From Section 19c document checklists to Ausländerbehörde appointment preparation and Anmeldung logistics, we connect you with the right licensed professionals for your situation.