The Aliens Offices (Ausländerbehörden) of the cities and local districts specify the status of residence permits that can be issued. The nature of the residence permit issued will be determined by the applicant's nationality and the main purpose of his/her residence in Germany.

Foreigners who intend to reside in Germany must report to the Aliens Office of their place of residence immediately after entering the Federal Republic of Germany. All persons residing in Germany – foreigners and German citizens – are obligated to register with the relevant authority. This also applies to EU citizens. Citizens of European Union countries should register with the Citizen Center (Bürgeramt) to be issued with a certificate granting right of free movement within Germany.