Journalist Visa
All necessary information about the work of foreign journalists in Germany.
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Here you learn ...
what a journalist visa is and when it is necessary
How to get accredited as a foreign correspondent in Germany
what applies to employed and self-employed journalists
Visa information for Writers in Exile (PEN) and Reporters Without Borders
Table of contents
1. Journalist visa Germany
2. Long-term visa for foreign correspondents
2.1 Visa with accreditation
2.2 BPA accreditation process
3. Employed journalists
4. Self-employed journalists
4.1 Freelance journalists
4.2 Writers in Exile (PEN) and Reporters Without Borders
5. Short-term journalistic stays
6. FAQ
7. Conclusion Journalist visa Germany
1. Journalist visa Germany
Germany is an important location for media, press freedom, and international journalism. Many foreign reporters, correspondents, and freelance journalists are therefore drawn to Berlin, Hamburg, or other German cities. To legally work as journalists here, they generally require a journalist visa . This special visa allows media professionals to research, report, or collaborate on projects with media companies in Germany for a specific period of time.
Whether you work as a freelance journalist or report for an international media outlet, the requirements for a journalist visa vary depending on your country of origin, scope of work, and planned length of stay . In this article, we'll show you who needs to apply for the visa, what documents are required, and what you should pay attention to during the application process. This way, you'll be optimally prepared for your journalistic work in Germany.
2. Long-term visa for foreign correspondents
2.1 Visa with accreditation
Foreign journalists sent to Germany by their employer for temporary employment require special recognition as part of the visa process. According to Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 18 No. 1 of the Employment Ordinance, the Federal Press Office (BPA) is responsible for the accreditation of foreign correspondents . The prerequisite is that the applicants are full-time journalists and work for a media outlet based abroad . Their main journalistic activity is assessed based on the criteria of the "Journalist Job Profile." Questions of demarcation can arise, particularly in modern professional fields – for example, when there is overlap with PR, technology, or marketing.
2.2 BPA accreditation process
BPA accreditation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Liaison Office for Foreign Correspondents at the Federal Press and Information Office (BPA). The application requires, among other things, an introductory letter from the employer , a translated employment contract or proof of journalistic activities, and a copy of the passport . Documents proving livelihood (especially health insurance coverage ) are also required. Following a positive review, the BPA forwards the recognition directly to the foreign mission.
The embassy then sends the documents to the head of the Liaison Office for Foreign Correspondents at the Federal Press and Information Office, Dorotheenstraße 84, 10117 Berlin (Tel.: +49 (0)30 - 18 272 – 1660 / -1661, Email: kathrin.prida@bpa.bund.de ). Based on these documents, the BPA will determine whether the applicant is engaged in full-time journalism and will inform the diplomatic mission of the approval or rejection directly. The diplomatic mission then decides on the application on its own responsibility.
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Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
3. Employed journalists
A distinction must be made between the case of a foreign correspondent (i.e., a journalist with a foreign employer) and the case of long-term domestic employment . If you work for a domestic employer (e.g., a German newspaper), you do not require accreditation. However, in this case, you must meet the requirements of the Skilled Immigration Act . This means, in particular, that you have a recognized professional qualification (degree or vocational training) and earn the required minimum salary. We have written separate VISAGUARD articles on the recognition of skilled workers and the minimum salary for skilled workers .
4. Self-employed journalists
4.1 Freelance journalists
According to Section 21 of the Residence Act, self-employed and freelance journalists have the opportunity to apply for a visa for self-employed journalistic activity in Germany. The prerequisite for obtaining a visa is proof of ongoing journalistic activity, which can be demonstrated by a website, blog, or published articles in recognized magazines. In addition, a livelihood must be secured – this can be demonstrated, for example, by a current tax return and a letter of intent from potential clients. This visa offers freelance journalists the opportunity to work permanently and legally in Germany. Further information on visas for self-employed journalists can be found in our VISAGUARD article on the freelancer visa.
4.2 Writers in Exile (PEN) and Reporters Without Borders
Journalists can also benefit from residency opportunities for humanitarian reasons . The PEN Center's Writers in Exile program and the initiatives of Reporters Without Borders offer refugee writers and journalists from crisis regions important support in Germany. The focus is not only on promoting creative and journalistic work, but above all on humanitarian protection. Subject to certain residency requirements, participants receive visas that allow them to work independently as writers or journalists. This commitment is particularly strengthened in Berlin, a key location for exile media, due to public interest.
5. Short-term journalistic stays
Even short-term journalistic work is possible for journalists in Germany. Since January 1, 2009, foreign journalists have been able to work as journalists in Germany for up to 90 days within a 12-month period without accreditation from the Federal Press Office (BPA) ( Section 18 No. 2 of the Employment Regulations ). However, applying for a corresponding visa can cause practical problems with the embassy, as some foreign missions believe that BPA accreditation is necessary even for short-term assignments. This is not true, however. One of our VISAGUARD lawyers will be happy to advise you if the embassy rejects your short-term visa application due to a lack of accreditation.
Contact us
Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
6. FAQ
What is a journalist visa and who needs it?
A journalist visa is a special visa for foreign media professionals who wish to work as journalists in Germany. It is required if you want to work as a foreign reporter, correspondent, or freelance journalist in Germany.
How does accreditation for foreign correspondents work?
Foreign correspondents require accreditation from the Federal Press Office (BPA). The prerequisite is full-time employment for a media outlet based abroad. Recognition is granted as part of the visa process.
What applies to employed journalists with a German employer?
Journalists employed by a German media outlet do not require BPA accreditation. However, they must meet the requirements of the Skilled Immigration Act, such as a recognized degree and minimum salary.
What opportunities do freelance journalists have?
Freelance journalists can apply for a visa under Section 21 of the Residence Act. Requirements include proof of continuous journalistic activity and a secure livelihood.
Can I stay in Germany long-term as a journalist?
Yes, both employed and self-employed journalists can work in Germany long-term, provided the respective residence requirements are met.
7. Conclusion
Germany is a central location for press freedom and international journalism. Foreign journalists wishing to work in Germany – whether short-term, long-term, employed, or self-employed – generally require a visa. The decisive factor is whether accreditation by the Federal Press Office is required, particularly for foreign correspondents. Freelance and self-employed journalists have the option of applying for a visa for their work under the Residence Act – the prerequisites are proof of professional activity and a secure livelihood. Humanitarian programs such as Writers in Exile and Reporters Without Borders also offer protection and prospects for media professionals from crisis regions. Accreditation is not required for short-term journalistic assignments of up to 90 days – despite the contrary practice of individual foreign missions. Those who want to stay on top of the visa jungle should find out about the appropriate category early on and seek legal advice if necessary.
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List of sources
1] Offer/Mävers, Employment Ordinance, 2nd edition 2022, § 18
[2] Visa Handbook, Journalists, 72nd Supplement; Status: 08/2020
