Apply for a national visa for Germany

Germany is a popular destination for people from all over the world, whether for work, study, research, or to live with family. For stays longer than 90 days, most third-country nationals need a national visa for Germany, often referred to as a "D-visa". This special visa serves as the basis for later applying for a residence permit in Germany. In this article, we explain who needs a national visa for Germany, what requirements must be met, and how the application process works. With a clear and detailed guide, we aim to help you successfully apply for your D-visa for Germany.

Table of Contents:

• What is a national visa?
• Who needs a national visa for Germany?
• What requirements must be met?
• How can I apply for a national visa?
• How much does a national visa for Germany cost?

What is a national visa?

A national visa, also known as a D-visa, is a special type of visa issued for long-term stays in Germany. Unlike the Schengen visa type C, which is valid only for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is used for tourism or business purposes, the national visa allows for a stay of more than 90 days in Germany. The national visa is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit for Germany and is typically issued for specific purposes. These include:

• Work: People who want to start working in Germany need a work visa. For more information on working in Germany, visit Make it in Germany.
• Vocational training: Individuals who wish to undergo vocational training in Germany need a vocational training visa.
• Study: Students who wish to study in Germany must apply for a student visa. For more information on studying in Germany, visit Study Germany.
• Language course: Foreigners who wish to take a language course in Germany that lasts more than 3 months need a language course visa.
• Spouse and family reunification: Family members who wish to join their relatives living in Germany need a family reunification visa.
• Marriage: If you wish to marry a German citizen in Germany, you need a marriage visa.
• Research: Scientists and researchers who want to conduct research in Germany for an extended period can apply for a research visa.
• Au-pair: Young people who want to work as an au-pair in Germany and experience the German culture also need a national visa.

A national visa is typically issued for a period of up to 90 days, after which the stay can be extended through a residence permit in Germany.

In summary: Features of the national visa

• Long-term stay: Allows for a stay in Germany for more than 90 days.
• Permission to work: Only with a national visa can you obtain permission to work in Germany. With a Schengen visa type C, you are not allowed to work!
• First step towards a residence permit: The national visa is only the first step; after entry, a residence permit must be applied for at the responsible immigration office in Germany.
• Specific requirements: The requirements and necessary documents vary depending on the purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, enrollment certificate, invitation letter).

Who needs a national visa for Germany?

In general, all third-country nationals need a national visa if they wish to stay in Germany for more than 3 months. This includes people who want to work, study, undergo vocational training, or stay in Germany for family reasons. However, there are exceptions for nationals of certain countries who can enter Germany without a national visa and apply for a residence permit once in Germany.

1. Nationals who need a national visa for Germany

Most nationals from non-EU countries require a national visa to enter Germany. This particularly applies to citizens from:

• Africa
• Asia (with some exceptions)
• South America
• most countries in the Middle East

Citizens of these countries must apply for the national visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country before entering Germany.

2. Nationals who do not need a national visa for Germany

• EU/EEA countries: Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area do not require a visa to enter and stay in Germany. They have the right to free movement.
• Switzerland: Swiss nationals enjoy similar rights to EU citizens and do not need a visa.

Nationals of some third countries can enter Germany without a national visa and apply for a residence permit once in Germany. This is due to bilateral agreements between the countries and Germany and applies only to Germany!

• Certain third countries: Citizens of the following countries can enter Germany without a national visa and apply for a residence permit within 90 days of arrival:
  • Australia
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Canada
  • Republic of Korea (South Korea)
  • New Zealand
  • United States of America (USA)
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Special regulations
  • Third-country nationals with residence rights in another EU country: Individuals with long-term residence rights in another EU country can enter Germany without a national visa under certain conditions.

Good to know: It is important to know that the visa exemption for about 60 third countries does not apply to national visas, as it only applies to short stays. This means that nationals of countries such as Argentina and Colombia still need a national visa if they wish to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, even though they are visa-exempt for short-term visas.

What are the requirements to apply for a national visa?

The requirements for applying for a national visa for Germany depend on the purpose of the stay, such as work, study, family reunification, etc. Therefore, we will first list the general requirements and later the specific requirements depending on the visa type:

1. General requirements for a national visa

Regardless of the specific purpose of the stay, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Valid passport:
   • The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned stay.
   • The passport should have at least two blank pages.
      
2. Completed visa application:
   • The application for a national visa must be completed fully and correctly.
      
3. Recent passport photo:
   • The photo must meet biometric requirements (35x45 mm, frontal, light background).
      
4. Health insurance:
   • Proof of valid health insurance for national visas covering the entire duration of the stay.
      
5. Proof of sufficient financial resources:
   • Depending on the visa type and purpose of stay, sufficient financial resources must be demonstrated to support oneself in Germany (e.g., blocked account, scholarship, employment contract).
      
6. Proof of the purpose of stay:
   • Depending on the purpose of stay, various documents must be submitted (see specific requirements).

2. Specific requirements depending on the purpose of stay

The specific requirements vary depending on the purpose of the stay:

1. Work visa:
   • Employment contract or binding job offer from a German employer.
   • Approval from the Federal Employment Agency, if required.
   • Proof of qualifications (e.g., diplomas, certificates).
      
2. Study visa/language course visa:
   • Admission letter from a German university, college, or language school.
   • Proof of sufficient language skills (German or English, depending on the course of study).
   • Proof of sufficient financial resources (e.g., blocked account with around 11,208 euros per year).
      
3. Spouse reunification / Family reunification visa:
   • Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
   • Proof that the family member residing in Germany has sufficient financial resources and housing.
   • Basic knowledge of the German language (A1 level for spouses).
      
4. Research visa:
   • Letter of agreement or employment contract with a recognized research institution in Germany.
   • Proof of financial resources, if required.
      
5. Au-pair visa:
   • Au-pair contract with a German host family.
   • Basic knowledge of the German language.
   • Age limit: 18 to 26 years.
      
6. Self-employment and entrepreneurship:
   • Business plan and proof of funding for the project.
   • Proof of relevant qualifications and work experience.
   • Proof of self-sufficiency.

Special requirements and notes

• Language skills: Depending on the visa type and purpose of stay, proof of language skills (German or English) may be required.
   
• Processing time: Processing a national visa application may take several weeks to months. It is advisable to apply early.
   
• Interview: Applicants are usually required to appear in person at the German embassy or consulate and participate in an interview.

How can I apply for a national visa?

You apply for your national visa for Germany at the German authorities in your home country. This means at the German Embassy or the German Consulate General, if they handle visa matters. Note: In many countries, the German authorities already work with external service providers for visa applications. In Turkey, with iDATA, and in countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam (and many more) with VFS Global. Depending on the country, check if the external service provider is authorized to accept applications for national visas. If not, make an appointment directly with the German authorities.

Here is a brief overview of how to proceed step by step:

1. Determine the type of visa and prepare documents.
2. Make an appointment at the German Embassy, Consulate, or with the external service provider for the visa application.
3. Submit the application and documents in person at the appointment and conduct the interview.
4. Pay the visa fee for a national visa.
5. Wait for the processing time of the visa.
6. Pick up the visa and enter Germany.
7. Register and apply for a residence permit in Germany.

How much does a national visa for Germany cost?

The cost of a national visa for Germany may vary depending on the applicant's country of origin. Generally, the visa fees for a national visa are:

Standard fees for a national visa for Germany:

• Adults: 75 Euros
• Children and minors under 18 years old: 37.50 Euros

These fees cover the processing of the visa application and are generally non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.

Discounts and exemptions:

In certain cases, discounts or exemptions from visa fees may apply:

• Scholarships: Individuals who receive a scholarship from German public funds are exempt from visa fees.
• Diplomats and international organizations: Diplomats working at German diplomatic missions or international organizations in Germany.
• Humanitarian reasons: In special humanitarian cases, visa fees may be reduced or waived.
• Close family members: For spouses, registered partners, and minor unmarried children of Germans, parents of minor Germans, and family members of EU/EEA nationals.

Good to know: If you apply for the visa through an external service provider like VFS Global or iDATA, you will also have to pay a service fee in addition to the visa fee. This varies from country to country.

With a D-visa, like with a C-visa, you can visit other Schengen countries as long as you do not exceed the 90/180-day rule. Even though the national visa is initially valid only for one country, travel within the Schengen Area is possible. With a D-visa, like with a C-visa, you can visit other Schengen countries, provided you do not exceed the 90/180-day rule.

Don’t forget your incoming insurance for a national visa!

For your visa application, you need health insurance for a national visa. Without health insurance, your visa will be denied! Our AXA Schengen Incoming Insurances meet all the requirements for health insurance for national visas. New with us: With the medical Doctor please! remote consultation, you can also get advice from a doctor in Germany via video call in your preferred language.

Get your travel insurance now easily online!

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FAQ

Can I travel to other countries with a national visa?

Yes, as a rule, you are allowed to travel to all other Schengen Area countries with a national visa and stay there for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

How long does it take to process a national visa for Germany?

If you apply for a national visa (D-visa), you can expect several months of processing time, depending on the purpose of stay. Therefore, submit your visa application in good time! You can apply for the visa 6 months before your entry.

Where do I submit my visa application for national visas?

For national visas, you always submit your visa application to the country where you plan to stay longer. You make an appointment at the respective embassy in your home country and submit all necessary documents there.