🇩🇪 Germany
How the 90/180 rule applies to Germany, plus the tools you'll want before you go.
Joined Schengen
1995
Currency
EUR
Timezone
Europe/Berlin
Calling code
+49
What counts toward your 90 days
Every day spent in Germany counts toward the same Schengen-wide 90-day allowance. Days in Germany are added to days in any of the other 28 Schengen countries when calculating the rolling 180-day window.
Entry and exit days both count as full days.
If you hold a Germany national long-stay visa or residence permit, the 90/180 rule does not limit your stay in Germany itself, but it does still cap your time in the rest of Schengen.
Nomading in Germany, specifically
US, UK, and Australian passport holders get 90 days visa-free. Indian citizens need a Schengen visa.
Who Gets In & What Stamp Do They Get?
Most nationalities can enter Germany visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This includes citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. If you're from India, Brazil, or most Asian countries, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa beforehand. Germany's border control is generally efficient. They usually stamp your passport on entry and exit, tracking your days within the Schengen zone. Don't expect them to meticulously count every single day if you're just popping over for a weekend trip from a neighbouring country, but for longer stays, they do track it. Remember, ETIAS is coming for visa-exempt travellers, so keep an eye on that requirement, likely starting sometime in 2025.
The 90/180 Rule: Germany's Tricky Math
The 90/180 rule is where most remote workers trip up in Germany. It means you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This isn't 90 days per year; it's a constantly shifting window. Overstaying, even by a day, can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen area. Germany doesn't typically stamp passports on land border crossings between Schengen countries, so you need to keep your own count. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to look into a specific German national visa, like the Freelancer Visa or a Digital Nomad Visa, which are separate from the Schengen rules and require applications from your home country.
Where Nomads Actually Settle & What It Costs
Berlin remains the undisputed magnet for remote workers in Germany. It offers a sprawling, diverse city with a relatively lower cost of living compared to other major European capitals. Expect monthly expenses for a single person to range from €1,200 to €1,800, depending heavily on your accommodation choices. Internet speeds are generally excellent, with speeds often exceeding 100 Mbps in most urban areas. Outside Berlin, Munich is another popular choice, though significantly more expensive. For a more laid-back vibe and lower costs, cities like Hamburg or even smaller university towns can be good options. Paying for services is straightforward; most places accept cards, though carrying some cash is always wise for smaller shops or markets.