Do I need to leave the Schengen zone or the entire EU after my German residence permit expires? [closed]

I'm a US citizen living in Berlin with a German language course visa. My residence permit is due to expire in a month. I wanted to stay in Berlin longer and was looking for different ways to make it happen.

I recently consulted with the immigration lawyer, which resulted in even more confusions. My original plan was to apply for a freelancer visa, but my the lawyer said I would have to leave the EU and come back in 3 months; only then I can re-apply for a different visa.

I was aware of the fact of not getting a new type of visa while still being on the language course visa. However, I still wanted to find it out from my lawyer. I asked her what if go to a non-Schengen zone like the UK, London to be exact. She said “no” and that I will have to leave the entire EU and go back to US for 3 months. This is where it didn’t make any sense. I know that the UK isn’t a Schengen zone and my expired German residence permit has nothing to do with it. Am I correct?

My question is: After the expiration of my German residence permit do I have to leave the entire EU or just the Schengen zone?

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Do I need to leave the Schengen zone or the entire EU after my German residence permit expires? [closed] - Interior of stylish work zone in cozy apartment

Do I have to leave the EU after 90 days?

A non-EU national who stays in the Schengen area beyond 90 days (without a residence permit or long-stay visa) is illegally present, which can result in a re-entry ban to the Schengen area.

How long do you have to leave the Schengen zone before returning?

Under the terms of Schengen, non-EEA nationals cannot spend more than a total of 90 days within a total period of 180 days without a visa. Furthermore, once you've used up your quota of 90 days, you cannot return to Schengen until 90 more days have passed.

Do I need a Schengen visa after Brexit?

Since Brexit became official on January 1, 2021, British citizens do not need a visa travel to one or several Member States of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. Like foreign nationals, they must be able to provide certain documents, including a passport and travel insurance.

Can I travel to Schengen countries with German residence permit?

Where can I travel with my German residence permit? Holding a residence permit in Germany (or any other Schengen country, in fact) entitles you to free travel within the Schengen zone for the duration of your visa or permit.

Overstaying in the Schengen Zone - How to Extend Your Stay in Europe UPDATED

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