Enter on tourist visa, apply for residence card

Hi Ewald.
Yes. U can. That approach would sooner or later then lead to somebody in Germany (hosts / ur wife) that have (must) declare themselves willing to bear all consequential cost related 2 ur person that might subsequently come up during ur stay ( medical fees, administration , carry ur expenses during unemployment , legal fees possible / deportation etc.).

Such parties have to proof their ability to carry u financially, by disclosing their salary, investments, means of income to the state. Some might do it initially, but such expectation might affect ur relationship with these people  over an extended time.

Else u can consider the alternative I suggested in ur previous thread - https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=554838

We have sufficient finances to keep us going as I am an offshore engineer and earn in Euros as it is. So don't worry about my relationship with the people we going to be living with. That accommodation is temporary till we find our own.

Just needed to know if that was possible.

Thank you.

In Short if you planning for a long stay, apply for a long stay, they won't allow you to change  your conditions of your visa. You can't change a visit visa to long term visa. Look in the German embassy site. They will give you some insight to what you need, I believe your can apply for spouse reunion visa or work visa or student visa as long term stays.. be very sure you inform yourself, confusion might result having your visa being rejected. Dishonest will also result in your visa being rejected. Have one story and stick to it. Good luck