How Long Can US Citizens Stay in Germany?

Germany is one of Europe's most popular destinations for both tourists and business travelers. The good news is that US citizens can visit for up to 90 days without needing a visa. Here's what you need to know about the rules, what to bring (and what not to bring), and your options for staying longer.

Germany is part of the Schengen Area, so your time there counts toward a shared 90-day limit across 29 European countries. Whether you're visiting Berlin, Munich, or the countryside, the same rules apply as the rest of the zone.

The Short Answer: 90 Days Visa-Free

According to the US State Department, American citizens do not need a visa for stays in Germany under 90 days.

This 90-day limit follows the Schengen Area's standard rule: you can stay for 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. The window isn't based on calendar months. Immigration officials look back 180 days from any given date to calculate how much time you've spent in the zone.

Because Germany is part of Schengen, time spent in France, Italy, Spain, or any other member country counts toward your 90 days. You can't reset the clock by crossing from Germany into the Netherlands.

Entry Requirements for Germany

The State Department lists these requirements for entering Germany:

• Valid US passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area (6 months is recommended)
• Two blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps
• Proof of sufficient funds and return ticket (if requested by border officials)

Currency Declaration

If you're carrying €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it when entering or leaving Germany.

What NOT to Bring to Germany

Germany has some strict rules about what you can bring into the country that travelers should know about.

Medications

If you're bringing prescription medications, be aware of these requirements:

• Keep medications in their original packaging with your doctor's prescription
• Narcotics are limited to a 30-day supply
• Controlled substances may require special certification forms
• Check the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices approval list before traveling

The EES and ETIAS Changes

European border systems are changing. As of October 2025, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) started rolling out at Schengen borders, including Germany. This system collects your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) and automatically tracks how long you stay.

Later in 2026, Americans will also need to register through ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling. This online application costs €20 and is valid for three years. It's not a visa, just a pre-screening requirement.

Neither system changes the 90-day limit. They just make it easier for border officials to track your time.

Tracking Your Days

The 90/180 rule can get confusing, especially if you're visiting multiple European countries or making several trips throughout the year.

Remember:

• Days in France, Italy, Spain, Austria, and other Schengen countries all count toward your 90
• The 180-day window is rolling, not based on calendar dates
• Time in the UK, Ireland, or Croatia does NOT count (separate from Schengen)

If you're planning multiple trips to Europe, use our free Schengen calculator to see how many days you have available. For ongoing tracking, the Days Monitor app automatically calculates your remaining days based on your travel history.

Staying Longer: Your Options

If you want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a residence visa. Here's an important distinction: Germany does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa like Spain, Portugal, or Italy.

Freelance Visa (Freiberufler)

The closest option for remote workers is Germany's Freelance Visa, but it has a significant requirement: you must have German clients.

The visa is designed for "liberal professions" such as writers, designers, software developers, IT consultants, artists, and engineers. You'll need to demonstrate financial stability (typically €10,000+ per year) and have valid German health insurance.

The visa is valid for up to 3 years with a possible 1-year extension, and you can apply for permanent residency after 3-5 years.

Other Options

• Self-Employment Visa: For entrepreneurs starting a business in Germany. Requires a detailed business plan and proof of economic contribution.
• Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card): Introduced in June 2024, this allows skilled workers to enter Germany to search for a job.
• Student Visa: For those enrolled in German educational institutions.
• Employment Visa: Requires a job offer from a German employer.

A Note for Digital Nomads

If you're a remote worker looking for a European base, Germany may not be your best option for a long-term stay. The lack of a proper digital nomad visa and the requirement to have German clients makes it more complicated than countries like Portugal, Spain, or Italy, which specifically cater to people working remotely for non-local employers.

For short visits of 90 days or less, however, there's no issue at all. You can work remotely while in Germany on a tourist basis as long as you don't exceed the Schengen limit.

Planning Your Germany Trip

For most American visitors, 90 days provides ample time to explore Germany's cities, castles, and culture. If you're considering a longer stay, research the visa options early and be aware of the specific requirements, especially if you're a freelancer or remote worker.

Keep track of your time if you're combining Germany with visits to other Schengen countries. Our free Schengen calculator can help you plan, and the Days Monitor app handles ongoing tracking automatically.