Depending on their nationality and the purpose and length of their stay, foreign nationals may either require an entry clearance in the form of a visa, or enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit once in Germany.

When a foreign national is required to obtain a visa, the application is submitted to the German Embassy (Botschaft) or Consulate General (Generalkonsulat) at their place of residence abroad. In a growing number of cases, appointments have to be made with external visa service providers. Before issuing the visa, the German authorities will involve the immigration office (Auslaenderbehoerde) responsible for the place of intended residence in Germany and ask the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur fuer Arbeit), if necessary, for approval. Approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required for most work and employment activities carried out in Germany.

Foreign nationals from a privileged or semi-privileged country that is party to a non-visa movement treaty signed by Germany or the EU may enter Germany without an entry clearance, and may submit their applications to the local immigration office directly (except for applications for the ICT Permit, see further information below). The immigration office will internally involve the Federal Employment Agency as necessary.