Germany Releases 31-Country List For Visa-Free Work In 2026

The German government has announced a list of 31 countries whose citizens can move to Germany and take up employment without first obtaining a visa or residence permit under applicable freedom-of-movement rules.

The development is expected to attract attention from people seeking employment and relocation opportunities in Germany, particularly those from countries covered by the exemption.

The countries on the list comprise Germany’s fellow 26 European Union member states, alongside Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.

The 31 countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.

Citizens of these countries benefit from the applicable freedom-of-movement arrangements, allowing them to live and work in Germany without first applying for a visa or residence permit.

Nigeria, however, is not included on the list. This means Nigerian citizens do not enjoy the same visa-free access to Germany for employment.

Nigerians seeking to work in Germany are generally required to obtain the appropriate visa and satisfy the country’s immigration and employment requirements before relocating and commencing work.

Germany continues to offer various immigration pathways for foreign workers, including routes for qualified professionals, skilled workers and other eligible applicants.

International graduates and skilled professionals who meet the relevant conditions may also qualify for specific pathways to live and work in the country.

For Nigerians and other nationals not covered by the exemption, meeting the necessary employment or eligibility requirements does not eliminate the need to obtain the appropriate immigration documents before taking up employment in Germany.