Originally Posted by
jscore
The only advantage of coming in on a rez permit is that it allows me to stay longer in EU (rez permit + 3 month visa when rez permit expires). If I come in on the 3 month visa directly, the clock starts ticking right away.
I guess I can always try my luck, and if the permit gets denied, I just ask them to use my 3 month visa -- shouldn't be any issues right?
Actually, AFAIK, it doesn't matter how you enter. As long as you have your residence permit to prove that you can remain in the country legally, you are not required to produce it when you enter the country. I'm not sure if this is the case for Germany/Austria/Switzerland, but given that other countries do not/may not routinely scan the permit/stamp American passports, you should be ok entering with just your passport. The residence permit may be required if you need to prove that you are allowed to stay more than 90 days in 180 days, or if you need to engage in any other type of activity, other than tourism.