VISA

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Short-term stay
3. Long-term stay (national visa)
4. Required documents

1. Introduction

In accordance with Section 6 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), the visa requirement governs the entry conditions for third-country nationals into the Schengen area, with EU/EEA citizens and nationals of visa-exempt third countries (e.g. the USA, Canada, Australia) enjoying exemptions for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For all others, a general visa requirement applies, depending on the duration and purpose of the stay: a Schengen visa (Type C) for short-term travel or a national visa (Type D) for longer stays such as study. Applications are generally submitted to the German diplomatic mission in the applicant’s home country, subject to financial, insurance and purpose-related documentation requirements.

• Short stay / Visa, Section 6 of the Residence Act – Visa (Schengen visa, national visa)

Anyone planning a trip to Germany must first clarify whether a visa is required at all. EU citizens and residents of privileged third countries may enter visa-free for a period of up to 90 days, whilst all others must apply for the relevant visa. The application must be submitted to the German diplomatic mission in the country of residence – but only if Germany is the main destination. Anyone travelling primarily to another country in the Schengen Area must contact that country’s diplomatic mission.

The choice of visa type depends on the planned duration of stay: for trips of up to 90 days, a Schengen visa is sufficient (fee: 90 euros); for a longer stay, a national visa is required (75 euros). However, not everyone is required to pay: children under six, school pupils, students, young representatives of non-profit organisations and researchers are exempt from the fee when applying for a Schengen visa. There are also exceptions for national visas – for example, for scholarship holders, family members of diplomats or in cases where Germany is obliged to waive the fee under international law.

Germany is switching to a digital format for visa issuance: via an online portal, applicants can apply from home for visas for work, study, vocational training or family reunification. Once registered, the entire process takes place online – from completing the application and uploading documents to booking an appointment. The diplomatic mission checks the documents in advance and highlights any omissions, so that corrections can be made before the in-person visit. The actual visit to the consulate is limited to presenting the original documents, providing biometric data and paying the fee.

Since the start of 2025, all German visa offices worldwide have been connected to the system, with 28 types of applications available online – and the number continues to grow. Where digital applications are not yet possible, the traditional method remains – applying in person. Important: The jurisdiction of diplomatic missions remains unchanged – anyone who cannot submit an online application in their own country is not entitled to simply apply digitally to another mission.

In parallel, the Federal Foreign Office has clarified its data protection regulations: in cooperation with the Federal Office of Administration, personal data in the Visa Information System is processed in accordance with GDPR standards. Data subjects may exercise their rights through the Federal Office of Administration.

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Sources:

Federal Ministry of Justice – Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetzhttps://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__6.html

Federal Foreign Office: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/visa-und-aufenthalt/visa-207794#content_5

Schengen visas for short stays

Since 2010, the EU Visa Code has applied to Schengen visas with a validity of up to 90 days. Diplomatic missions assess four main criteria: the credibility of the purpose of the journey, the availability of sufficient financial means, the intention to return, and health insurance with a minimum cover of 30,000 euros. Financial security may also be demonstrated by means of a declaration of commitment from a third party to the German immigration authorities. If there are security concerns or if the requirements are not met, the visa will be refused; an appeal is available in such cases.

>>>> Advice from specialist solicitors for German residence law https://brg-recht.de/ru/kontakt/anfrage.html

Sources:

EU Visa Code: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02009R0810-20200202&qid=1609945492487&from=DE

Schengen Borders Code: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32006R0562&qid=1415957502932&from=DE

• Long-term stay (national visa)

A visa is generally required for stays of more than three months or for the purpose of gainful employment; nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland are exempt. Nationals from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the USA may also apply for the necessary residence permit after entry. All other third-country nationals must apply for a visa at a competent diplomatic mission prior to entry; this usually requires the approval of the German immigration authority at their future place of residence. As other authorities – such as the Federal Employment Agency – are often involved in the process, processing the application can take up to three months or longer. When applying for work visas, the approval of the immigration authorities is often not required, which speeds up the process. The visa application form is available free of charge from the diplomatic mission; at least two original copies must be submitted in the language used by that mission. Decisions regarding residence after entry are made by the State Office for Migration and Refugees ( ) and the Foreigners’ Registration Offices, which are subordinate to the Ministries of the Interior of the federal states, and not by the Federal Foreign Office. A national Category D visa entitles the holder to freedom of movement within the Schengen Area for a period of up to three months within a six-month period. In the event of a refusal, the reasons for this will be communicated and the right to judicial review explained.

No appeal (remonstration) against a refusal possible

From 1 July 2025, it will no longer be possible to request a review at diplomatic missions. The Federal Foreign Office has abolished the so-called ‘remonstration procedure’ worldwide – an informal mechanism for reviewing rejected visa applications. Anyone receiving a negative response must either pursue the standard legal channels or submit a completely new application. The Ministry emphasises that this does not restrict the right to judicial protection, as the remonstration was in any case merely a voluntary service for which there was no legal obligation.

>>>> Advice from specialist solicitors in the field of German immigration law https://brg-recht.de/ru/kontakt/anfrage.html

• Required documents

To apply for a visa for Germany under Section 6 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), the following documents are generally required:

• Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of the stay, with 2 blank pages).
• Completed visa application form (VIDEX) with signature and 2 biometric passport photos.
• Travel health insurance (Schengen-compliant, minimum cover €30,000).

Additionally, depending on the type of visa:

• Proof of the purpose of the trip (invitation, booking, contract).
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, blocked account, letter of financial commitment).
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, tenancy agreement) and return travel tickets.

All documents must be translated and, where necessary, certified; specific requirements vary depending on nationality and purpose.