Germany at a glance
| Visit with an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Yes |
| E-1 treaty trader visa | Available |
| E-2 treaty investor visa | Available |
| Own line in the Visa Bulletin | No: worldwide line |
| Green card lottery (last published list, DV-2026) | Eligible |
| Entry restrictions | None |
| Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | Not designated |
| Where visas are processed | The U.S. Embassy in Berlin and the Consulates General in Frankfurt and Munich process nonimmigrant visas, and immigrant visas are processed at the Consulate General in Frankfurt. |
Green card lottery: registration for DV-2027 had not opened as of mid-October 2026. A federal court ordered the State Department to open it, and that order may be appealed.
What is specific to Germany right now
- Germany has a treaty with the U.S. that allows both E-1 treaty trader and E-2 treaty investor visas.
Common U.S. immigration paths for people from Germany
ESTA / Visa WaiverVisit the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days with ESTAE-2 investor visaTreaty investor visa to run a business you invest inH-1B visaWork visa for specialty jobs, sponsored by a U.S. employerL-1 visaTransfer to a U.S. office of your multinational employerO-1 visaWork visa for people with extraordinary ability or achievementMarriage green cardGreen card through your U.S. citizen or resident spouseGreen card lottery (DV)Yearly random drawing for green cards from lower-immigration countries
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Can people from Germany visit the U.S. with an ESTA?
Yes. Germany is in the Visa Waiver Program, so its citizens can usually visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business with an approved ESTA instead of a visa.
Can people from Germany get an E-2 investor visa?
Yes. Germany has an E-2 treaty with the United States, so its nationals can qualify for the E-2 treaty investor visa by making a substantial investment in a U.S. business they will run.
Can people from Germany enter the green card lottery?
Germany was eligible in the last published program (DV-2026). Eligibility is set again every year, so check the official instructions when registration opens.
Where do people from Germany have their visa interview?
The U.S. Embassy in Berlin and the Consulates General in Frankfurt and Munich process nonimmigrant visas, and immigrant visas are processed at the Consulate General in Frankfurt.
Can I work with a U.S. attorney while I am still in Germany?
Yes. MyUSVisa works online: you tell your story from anywhere, licensed U.S. immigration attorneys review it and send proposals, and you choose. This works before you travel or once you are already in the United States.
More countries in Europe
Last checked by the MyUSVisa team and counsel in October 2026. Country rules change often, especially entry restrictions, TPS and parole programs. Always verify on travel.state.gov and uscis.gov, or ask your attorney.
MyUSVisa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.