top of page
VISAGUARD Logo

D-Visa Requirements

From the lawyer: Overview page and guides on the requirements for issuing national D visas.

flag-germany.jpg

Share:

VISAGUARD skyscraper berlin.jpg

About this Page

On this page, you will find all the necessary information for applying for a national D visa in Germany (e.g., for employment , studies , or family reunification ). With the help of these guides, you can complete the corresponding visa process independently. However, please note that there are significant differences between applying for long-term D visas (for stays of more than 90 days) and applying for short-term Schengen visas (for stays of up to 90 days). If you want to apply for a Schengen visa, you must refer to this page for information about the Schengen visa .

Table of Contents

1. D visa for Germany: What is it and who needs it?

2. What are the requirements for a D visa?

3. FAQ

4. Conclusion

5. VISAGUARD Guides D-Visa

1. D visa for Germany: What is it and who needs it?

The national visa, also known as a D visa, is required for longer stays in Germany—for example, for work , study , or family reunification . Unlike the Schengen visa , the D visa entitles you to enter the country for the purpose of a longer stay and is usually converted into a residence permit after entry. Choosing the right visa type is crucial, as the requirements for issuing each visa vary considerably. VISAGUARD supports you with dedicated guides on all relevant visa categories, from work visas to family reunification.

2. What are the requirements for a D visa?

The requirements depend on the purpose of your stay and are regulated by the Residence Act. Basic requirements include a valid passport , a specific purpose of your stay (e.g., work, study, or family), and, in many cases, proof of financial security or a declaration of commitment. Careful preparation is essential – therefore, use our VISAGUARD checklists and guides on visas.

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. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!

3. FAQ D-Visa Germany

What is a D visa?

The D visa, also known as a national visa, is the basis for longer stays in Germany. After entry, it is usually converted into a residence permit.

 

What is the difference between the D visa and the Schengen visa?

While the Schengen visa is for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, the D visa is aimed at people who want to live, work, or study in Germany for a longer period.

 

Who needs a D visa?

A D visa is required by third-country nationals who wish to stay in Germany for more than three months. This includes skilled workers, students, researchers, and family members who wish to move to Germany as part of family reunification.

 

What are the requirements for obtaining a D visa?

The requirements depend on the specific purpose of your stay. General requirements include a valid passport, proof of a clear purpose of your stay (e.g., an employment contract or university acceptance letter), and financial security.

4. Conclusion D-Visa Germany
The D visa is the first step for anyone who wants to live, work, or study in Germany long-term. Since the requirements vary greatly depending on the purpose of your stay, careful preparation is crucial. Gathering all your documents early and knowing the specific requirements will avoid delays and increase your chances of success. VISAGUARD guides and checklists provide reliable support to help you optimally prepare for your journey to Germany.

Specialist Articles on the Topic

Picture of a visa (Germany).

What is a visa?

Lawyer explains what a visa is and how it differs from other residence documents.

More
Picture of a language school from the inside (classroom).

Proof of language skills for visa

In these cases, you need German language skills for a visa in Germany: All about language certificates

More
Image of files from the immigration office.

Approval of the immigration authorities for visa procedures

Lawyer: All information on the approval of the immigration authorities in the visa procedure at the embassy (§ 31 AufenthV).

More
Image of a rejected visa application.

plausibility

How embassies check the credibility of your application - Everything about so-called “plausibility” in visa law.

More
People in suits wait in a line.

Visa appointment and visa interview

Statement from the lawyer: This is how the visa appointment works - all information about the appointment process and the questions asked in the visa interview.

More
Picture of a visa for Germany.

Conversion of visa to residence permit

All information on applying for a residence permit after entering the country with a D visa.

More
Picture of files.

Do I need a visa?

Lawyer: All information on the different types of visa requirements in Germany (e.g., for citizens with a positive nationality).

More
Image of a globe in space.

Types of visas

All important information from a lawyer on how to distinguish between the different types of visas in Germany.

More
Image of an airport and a plane taking off.

Step by Step: Apply for a visa

Step-by-step instructions: Applying for a visa at the foreign representation (embassies and consulates) in Germany.

More
Image of the visa handbook (cover sheet).

Visa Handbook

All information on the content and functionality of the visa handbook of the Federal Foreign Office (AA).

More

You might also be interested in

Further Information

List of Sources (Paywall)

[1] Huber in Huber/Mantel Residence Act | Residence Act § 6 | 4th edition 2025

[2] Stahmann/Schild in Hofmann, Aliens Law | Residence Act § 6 | 3rd edition 2023

[3] Section 6 of the Residence Act in the version published on 25 February 2008 (Federal Law Gazette I p. 162), last amended by Article 1 of the Act of 17 July 2025 (Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 173)

bottom of page