Foreigners Affairs
Service description
Legal regulations for foreigners result from international agreements, the law of the European Union and from national law. In national law, the Residence Act regulates the entry, residence, employment and promotion of integration of foreigners in the Federal territory. The Residence Act does not contain any conclusive regulations for the residence of a foreigner in the Federal territory. Where a statutory fact is not linked to a person's status as a foreigner, the general laws apply. Foreigners, like nationals, must observe the legal rules of command and prohibition. Entry is only permitted if it is in accordance with the Residence Act and related legal provisions.
Integration is the right and duty of foreigners living here permanently. Integration efforts of foreigners are supported by a basic offer for integration (integration course). Regulations in other laws remain "unaffected". The Residence Act is thus understood as a regulation of "general foreigners law", which is subordinate to the more specific regulations. More specific regulations include, for example: Freedom of Movement Act/EU, Asylum Procedure Act, Act on the Legal Status of Homeless Foreigners in the Federal Territory (HAG), Armed Forces Residence Act.
Who should I contact?
You can obtain further information from thelocal foreigners registration office of the administrative districts and independent cities. The State Administration Office is the supervisory and appeal authority.
Legal basis
