Germany Entry Hub 2026

Canadian citizens can visit Germany for tourism or business meetings for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

• ETIAS (Starting Late 2026): Canadians will eventually need an electronic authorization (ETIAS) before boarding. It is valid for 3 years.
• Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from Germany.
• On-Site Residency: Canadians are among the few who can enter as tourists and apply for a residence permit while IN Germany.

A brilliant path for young Canadians to live and work in Germany for up to a year.

• Age Limit: Canadian citizens can apply until their **36th birthday**.
• Financial Proof: You must show at least **€2,466** (approx. $3,600 CAD) in savings for the first 3 months.
• No Pre-Job Needed: For Category D (Working Holiday), you don't need a job offer before you apply.

Germany’s newest points-based system for Canadians seeking high-skilled work.

• The Logic: If you score 6 points (based on education, age, language, and experience), you can move to Germany for 1 year to find a job.
• Basic Requirement: You must have a recognized degree OR 2 years of vocational training, plus English (B2) or German (A1) skills.
• Blocked Account: For 2026, you must show at least **€13,092** ($19,000+ CAD) to cover your living costs during the job search.

Once you arrive in Germany to stay, the first and most critical step is the residence registration.

• 14-Day Rule: You must register your address at the local Citizens' Office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days of moving into a home.
• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: You need a signed confirmation from your landlord to complete this registration.
• Tax ID: Completing the Anmeldung automatically generates your German Tax ID, which you need for any job.