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Types of visas
All important information from a lawyer on how to distinguish between the different types of visas in Germany.
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About this Page
according to which criteria visas are differentiated
what practical relevance the visa categories have
which terminology applies to the respective visas
what legal doctrine visa law has
Table of Contents
1. Differentiation of visas according to length of stay (short-term and long-term)
2. Differentiation of visas according to the purpose of stay
3. Differentiation of visas according to visa categories (A, B, C, D visa)
4. Differentiation of visas according to geographical validity (national or Schengen area)
5. FAQ Visa Types
6. Conclusion Differentiation of visa types
1.Differentiation of visas according to length of stay
Visas can generally be differentiated according to how long a person intends to stay in a country. Short-term visas are generally valid for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period ( Section 6 (1) of the Residence Act ). They are often applied for for tourism, business visits, or family stays and do not permit permanent residence or employment in the respective country. Exceptions to this rule are possible, however (so-called Schengen hybrid visas ).
Long-term visas, on the other hand, are valid for stays of more than 90 days and usually require a specific purpose of stay, such as studying , working, or bringing family members with them . Such visas are often a prerequisite for later applying for a residence permit and, in many cases, also enable long-term integration into the social and economic life of the country (e.g., through later application for a settlement permit or even naturalization ).
2. Differentiation of visas according to the purpose of stay
Visa types can also be differentiated according to the purpose of stay . A key aspect in visa issuance is the purpose of stay, which applicants must state when applying. A study visa, for example, is issued if someone wishes to attend a university or complete an academic education in a country. A work visa, on the other hand, is intended for individuals who wish to take up employment in another country. Other residence permits, such as visas for family reunification or for attending language courses, also fall under this category of purpose-specific visas.
The German Residence Act recognizes the following purposes of residence:
Residence for the purpose of education ( Section 3 of the Residence Act)
Residence for the purpose of employment ( Section 4 of the Residence Act)
Residence for international , humanitarian or political reasons ( Section 5 of the Residence Act)
Residence for family reasons ( Section 6 of the Residence Act)
Special residence rights ( Section 7 of the Residence Act)
The respective purposes of residence in turn have subordinate applications (e.g. reunification of spouses, reunification of children and reunification of parents in the case of family reunification).
3. Differentiation of visas into A, B, C and D visas
Visas are often also differentiated by category . The categorization of visas into A, B, C, and D visas depends on the purpose and duration of the stay, as well as whether the stay is merely transit. An A visa is generally issued for transit through the international airport area and does not permit entry into the country itself. The B visa, which was once more commonly used, is rarely used today and has largely been replaced by other types of visas.
The C visa corresponds to a Schengen visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days, while the D visa is intended for long-term stays (national visa). With a D visa, applicants can, for example, study, work, or bring family members to Germany. In many cases, the D visa is also a prerequisite for later obtaining a residence permit within the country (see above).
4. Distinction between national visa and European Schengen visa
It is also common to differentiate visas based on their geographical scope . A national visa is issued by a single country and generally only entitles the holder to stay in that specific country (e.g., a work visa from Germany also only entitles the holder to work in Germany (exceptions are possible under certain circumstances, e.g., for the EU Blue Card and for business trips ). These visas are usually designed for a specific purpose and a longer period of stay and, in many cases, lead to a residence permit.
In contrast, the Schengen visa is valid for the entire Schengen area and is usually issued for short-term stays. It allows travelers to move freely within the Schengen states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Especially for tourists, business travelers, or visitors, the Schengen visa is a flexible solution for traveling to several European countries with a single visa.
5. FAQ Visa Types
What criteria are used to distinguish between visas in Germany?
Visas in Germany are differentiated according to the following main criteria:
Length of stay (short-term or long-term)
Purpose of stay (e.g. study, work, family)
Visa category (A, B, C, D visa)
Territorial scope (national visa or Schengen visa)
What do A, B, C and D visas mean?
The visa categories have the following meanings:
A visa: Transit visa for stay in the international airport area (no entry into the country).
B visa: Former visa category for short transit trips, hardly relevant today.
C visa: Schengen visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days.
D-Visa: National visa for long-term stays (e.g. study, work, family reunification).
6. Conclusion
The differentiation between visa types in Germany follows clear criteria that are significant both legally and practically. The most important distinction is the length of stay, purpose of stay, categorization into A, B, C, and D visas, and geographical area of validity (national visa or Schengen visa). Short-term visas (e.g., C visa ) are primarily for short stays for tourism, business, or family reasons, while long-term visas (e.g., D visa ) offer a longer-term perspective—for example, for study, work, or family reunification. Classification according to purpose of stay is also common. Equally important is the distinction between national and Schengen visas, which determines whether the stay is limited to a single country or several states within the Schengen area. A sound legal classification helps you apply for the right visa and correctly assess the respective opportunities and obligations.
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Further Information
List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Bergmann/Dienelt, Aliens Law, 12th edition 2018, § 6