How can a russian stay in Germany for longer than 90 days?

Question

Hello Wefugees,

I'm from Moscowa and run away from the country because of the war and mobilization to army.
It's not my war and I'm more than sorry for what happens in Ukraine. I'm ashamed of my country.

I do have a job in russia, I can still do online. My question is:

Can I stay in Germany? How likely is it to get a Visa to stay for a year or two? And which one do you recommend? (I don't want to be a refugee. I have money to pay for everything)
What do I have to keep an eye on in the process?

Thank you very much for your help.

Vladimir

Answer 1

Hi @Vladimir754,

It depends what kind of visa you would apply for. From what you have described there is no specific purpose at the moment for you to reside in Germany. The most common ones are working (either with a company or freelance in Germany, i.e. not online for a company abroad), studying, learning German, as a family member or as a refugee.

Aside from the refugee status, the other visas require you to have applied for them with the German embassy before entering Germany. It is generally not possible for Russian citizens to apply for a visa in Germany. You would have to prove to the immigration authorities why it is not reasonable to expect you to return to Russia to do so.

There are no special rules at the moment for Russian citizens. But the option to apply for asylum and receive a refugee status is open to you. You mention not wanting to be a refugee and that you have money. Applying for refugee status does not mean you also apply for social welfare benefits in Germany. They are two separate things so you could apply for asylum but pay for your costs (including healthcare) yourself.

Best,

Éanna

Comments

Thank you éanna!