German Resident permit for US citizens

[soulplane]

Does anyone know how to get a German resident permit for US citizens. I have this on another website, and I will quote them. "Citizens of the EU, United States of America, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland may apply for a residency permit after entering Germany without a visa."
My question is, just exactly what is it that makes residents of these countries any different from the Congo or Philipines?
Do Americans get some kind of special privalege?
How long are these resident permits good for?

[Wanderer]

Does anyone know how to get a German resident permit for US citizens. I have this on another website, and I will quote them. "Citizens of the EU, United States of America, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland may apply for a residency permit after entering Germany without a visa."
My question is, just exactly what is it that makes residents of these countries any different from the Congo or Philipines?
Do Americans get some kind of special privalege?
How long are these resident permits good for?

Think it just means u can witch to a residency type visa in-country if u qualify, ie to student visa or work permit.

My Russian gf had to get a German (schengen) visa first before she was allowed to enter and switch to a residence permit, ie work permit.

So the key is 'residence permit, if you qualify for one'