Visa for Germany: Enter the country without problems

Who needs a visa?

Whether you need a visa depends on three factors: your nationality, the reason for your trip and your planned length of stay. 

The basic rule is:

• EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland: Free access to the German labor market without a visa or residence permit.
• Citizens of certain third countries (e.g. Australia, Canada, USA): No visa requirement for short stays or entry for work. But: Before you start working in Germany, you must apply for a residence permit.
• Other third countries: A visa is required before entering the country, e.g. for work, study or language courses.

Which visa do I need?

Student visa

For persons admitted to a German course of study.

• Prerequisite: Recognized school-leaving certificate, confirmation of admission to studies, financial security (blocked account), health insurance and, if applicable, language skills (if the studies are in German).
• Valid for: three months. Please apply for a residence permit when you are in Germany and before your visa expires.

Citizens from Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino can also enter Germany without a visa to study. You must then apply for a residence permit in Germany after your arrival.

Will your degree be recognized in Germany?

With the Anabin database you can check whether your degree is recognized for studying at a German university. If your degree is not listed, you can apply for a declaration of comparability.

Did you graduate from school in China, Vietnam or India? Then the Academic Evaluation Center (APS) of the German Embassy in India must check and confirm your degree so that you can apply to a university.

Visa for applicants

For prospective students who have not yet been admitted to a university or college.

• Prerequisite: School-leaving certificate that entitles you to enter higher education in Germany.
• Valid for: Three to six months, extension possible.

Language course visa

For non-university intensive language courses with at least 18 hours of German lessons per week. The visa allows a maximum stay of one year in Germany.

• Prerequisite: Proof of funding and health insurance

Research and internship visas

For research projects or internships with German institutions

• Prerequisite: Employment contract or cooperation agreement

Au pair visa

For an au pair stay in Germany.

• Prerequisite: Persons must be under 26 years old and have a basic knowledge of the German language.

Work visa

For people with a job offer in Germany.

• Prerequisite: Recognized qualifications and job offer in Germany, proof of financial means and health insurance.
• Additional requirement for persons over 45: Minimum salary (it is best to check the current value here (link: website of the German Foreign Office)) or proof of retirement provision.

Visa for job seekers:

A visa for up to six months can be issued for people looking for a job in Germany. 

• Prerequisites: Recognized university degree, financial security and language skills.

ICT card (intra-company transfer)

The ICT card enables managers, specialists or trainees to work in a German subsidiary for a limited period of time. The duration is limited to one year for trainees and a maximum of three years for all others.

• Prerequisite: Managers, specialists or trainees who are employed by a non-EU company. Proof of qualification and employment contract must be provided.
• The stay must last at least 90 days.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is for university graduates and people from third countries with particular professional experience. The EU Blue Card is intended to make it easier for these people to come to Germany and the EU to work.

• Prerequisites: Recognized university degree, job offer with a minimum annual salary (it is best to check the current value here (link: website of the German Foreign Office)), and a suitable position

Family reunification/spouse visa

Visa to allow your spouse, your children or a parent to join you in Germany.

• Requirements: secure residence status, proof of income, accommodation and health insurance by the partner living in Germany
• Spouse: Minimum age 18 years, A1 language certificate (‘beginner’). There are exceptions for highly qualified persons or Blue Card holders.

Visa for self-employed persons

For business start-ups or freelance activities.

• Prerequisite: Proof of economic viability and proof of financing

Short stays (Schengen visa)

• Prerequisites: .Justification of the purpose of the trip; financing of living and travel expenses from own assets or income; willingness to leave the Schengen area again before the visa expires; presentation of health insurance (or travel health insurance) valid for the entire Schengen area and for the entire duration of the stay.

Costs and processing time

The fees and processing time vary depending on the visa. We recommend applying for a visa at least 4-5 months before the start of your trip. 

How do I apply for a visa for Germany?

The process is always the same:

1. Complete the application online and upload the required documents
2. Preliminary review of the application by the German Foreign Office. If there are any queries or further documents are required, the German Foreign Office will contact you.
3. Personal interview to verify your identity. The appointment for the interview takes place at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.