Germany: stay of more than 6 months
One stay in Germany of up to 6 months, even across the new year
About This Rule
Counts how long your current stay in Germany has lasted: a connected stay of more than 6 months makes Germany your habitual abode from its first day, even when it runs across two calendar years, and short interruptions don't break it. The law gives no day limit for those interruptions, so the app starts a new stay after any recorded day abroad and your legal stay can be longer than the count; the limit is 181 days, so the card flags day 182, the first day a stay can be more than 6 months. Stays only for visits, holidays, cures or similar private purposes of up to a year don't count. A shorter stay can also be a habitual abode when the circumstances show you are not there only temporarily, and a home you keep in Germany can make you resident on its own.
Sources
Reviewed September 30, 2026
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