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Glossary: D-Visa
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence permit as a long-term visa according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1 alternative 2 of the Residence Act )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a mandatory template of a visa stamp in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 on a uniform visa design , which is regularly updated. This template applies to both national visas (category D) and Schengen visas (category C). Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 on a uniform visa design has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV ). The visa stamp is printed in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .
Under “Remarks,” the purpose of stay and the corresponding paragraph (§) must be entered for D visas. Also under “Remarks,” it must be entered whether gainful employment is permitted or not ( § 4a para. 3 sentence 1 of the German Residence Act ). In some cases, further supplementary provisions are entered under “Remarks” at the discretion of the case worker (e.g., conditions for termination in the case of receiving social benefits).
Table of contents
1. What does a D visa look like (image)?
2. Definition of D-Visa
3. Who needs a D visa?
4. Example of the D visa
5. Important information about the D visa
5.1 Duration of D-Visa
5.2 Extension of D-Visa
5.3 Costs of a D-Visa
5.4 Processing time for D-visa
5.5 Authority responsible for D visas
6. Rights and opportunities with a D visa
6.1 Work permit with D visa
6.2 Study, school, language course with D visa
6.3 Family reunification with a D visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with the D visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons for a D visa
7. Requirements for a D visa
8. Required documents for D visa
9. Apply for a D visa online
10. Advantages of a D-Visa
11. Permanent residence permit D-visa
11.1 Path from D visa to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from D visa to naturalization
11.3 Next steps D-Visa
12. Legal basis for the D visa
13. Important laws regarding the D visa
14. Important rulings on the D visa
15. Frequently Asked Questions about the D Visa
16. Further information
16.1 D-Visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts D-Visa
16.4 Glossary entries for the D visa
16.5 Sources and references for the D visa
Definition of D-Visa
The D visa, according to Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) (legally correct: national visa; colloquially also: long-term visa/permanent visa), is a temporary residence permit for entry into and residence in Germany. It is issued for the purposes of residence specified in the Residence Act (e.g., "visa for the purpose of employment "). With a few exceptions, the D visa's legal effects are largely identical to those of a residence permit . However, the D visa is issued by German diplomatic missions abroad for entry into Germany prior to the residence permit, in order to manage migration (purpose of the visa procedure ). The term D visa is often used synonymously with " residence permit ," although this is legally incorrect. The term D visa must be strictly distinguished from the Schengen visa ( § 6 para. 1 AufenthG ), which is only intended for a short stay and cannot usually be converted into a D visa .
Who needs a D visa?
Every third-country national who intends to stay in Germany permanently (for longer than 90 days) needs a D visa ( § 4 para. 1 sentence 1 of the German Residence Act ) to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany (so-called visa requirement ; exception: " best friends" nationals according to § 41 of the German Residence Ordinance ). Some foreigners can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa ( citizens of countries with special status ). However, the visa exemption for citizens of countries with special status does not entitle them to apply for a long-term residence permit unless they are a "best friends" national according to § 41 of the German Residence Ordinance. A D visa is also required for short-term stays (up to 90 days) with employment (so-called short-term posting ), unless it is a case of deemed non-employment according to § 30 of the German Employment Ordinance . Diplomats and heads of state also do not require a D visa, as the Residence Act (AufenthG) applies to them, not the Residence Act (AufenthG) ( § 1 para. 2 no. 2 AufenthG ). The same applies to employees of international organizations (also subject to the Host State Act (GastStG) ) and NATO military personnel ( Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) ) as well as their respective family members, to whom the relevant international treaties apply, not the Residence Act (AufenthG) ( § 1 para. 2 no. 3 AufenthG ).
Example : A US-American human resources manager applies for a D visa in order to apply for a residence permit for employment at the Berlin State Office for Immigration and thus manage the German branch of the US company.
Important information about the D visa
Duration of D-Visa
A national D visa is issued for different periods depending on the purpose of entry and stay. For stays for educational and employment purposes (§§ 16–21 of the German Residence Act), the D visa is generally issued for up to one year ( Visa Handbook , General Requirements for the Issuance of National Visas, as of 09/2025, pages 18/20). This exhausts the maximum duration permitted under EU law for national visas ( Article 18(2), first sentence, of the Schengen Convention ). If a shorter stay is planned from the outset, the D visa will be issued for a correspondingly shorter period. If the competent immigration authority was involved in the D visa application process, it may, for organizational reasons, determine a shorter or longer visa validity period. For national visas for employment, it is also crucial that the approval of the Federal Employment Agency covers the entire visa validity period. For employment relationships of less than one year, the D visa can, in certain cases, be granted for up to three months beyond the contract duration, but never for a total of more than one year. These principles apply equally to spouses , registered partners, and minor children , provided their visa applications are submitted simultaneously with or in close temporal proximity to the application of the person facilitating family reunification ( § 31 AufenthV ).
Extension of D-Visa
The D visa cannot usually be extended, but must be converted into a residence permit at the immigration office.
Cost of a D visa
The fee for issuing a national visa (category "D") is €75, and for extending a national visa (category "D") it is €25 (§ 45 para. 2 of the German Residence Ordinance). The fee for a D visa is usually payable at the visa appointment . When paying the D visa fee, it is important to note whether it must be paid in the local currency or in euros, and whether payment must be made in cash or electronically. Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication fees may also apply.
Processing time for D-visa
The processing time for a D visa depends on the embassy or country and its efficiency, as well as the domestic authorities involved (e.g., approval procedures by the Federal Employment Agency for employment ( § 39 Residence Act ) or approval by the immigration office for family reunification ( § 31 Residence Ordinance )), and the type of visa. As a general rule, work and education visas (with the exception of visas for the self-employed ( § 21 Residence Act )) are processed relatively quickly, while family and humanitarian visas take a very long time. Visa application processing times can be further expedited through the skilled worker procedure according to § 81a Residence Act or by obtaining prior approval . In practice, the processing time depends significantly on the restrictiveness and workload of the respective embassy. Studies show that processing times in poorer countries are considerably longer than those in wealthier Western countries . The processing time for D visa applications can be expedited after three months by filing an action for failure to act ( § 75 VwGO ). As a general rule of thumb, work visas take 1-3 months, training visas 2-6 months, and family reunification visas 4-9 months to process. However, this also depends significantly on appointment availability at the respective embassy.
Competent authority D-visa
According to Section 71 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ), the German missions abroad authorized by the Federal Foreign Office are responsible for issuing D visas . These missions abroad include embassies, consulates general, consulates, and permanent missions to intergovernmental and supranational organizations (Section 3 Paragraph 1 of the German Act on the Implementation of the German Foreign Service Act (GAD)). In many cases, there are several German missions abroad in the respective countries. In these cases, the embassy's jurisdiction for issuing D visas can usually be found on the website of the respective mission (see, for example, the consulate finder in the USA and the overview of consular districts in Great Britain ). The designation as "embassy" or "consulate" does not affect the technical responsibility for issuing D visas.
Rights and options D-Visa
Work permit D visa
Foreign nationals holding a D visa are permitted to work unless a law or the supplementary provisions under "Remarks" stipulate a prohibition ( § 4a para. 1 of the German Residence Act ). As a general rule, D visas for employment ( §§ 18 et seq. of the German Residence Act ) generally permit work for a specific employer , D visas for family reunification ( §§ 27 et seq. of the German Residence Act ) permit any employment (including self-employment), and D visas for education / studies ( §§ 16 et seq. of the German Residence Act ) permit work only to a very limited extent or not at all. However, the specifics usually depend on the type of D visa and the supplementary provisions imposed by the issuing authority regarding the work permit.
Studies , school , language course , D-visa
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit and any D visa. Unlike a work permit, no separate authorization is required for this.
Family reunification D visa
Generally, for family reunification, a D visa must first be converted into a residence permit . However, there are numerous exceptions to this, particularly if it is a D visa for an EU Blue Card or an ICT Card (see Sections 30 and 32 of the German Residence Act ). Family reunification with the holder of a D visa is usually also possible if the application for the D visa is submitted simultaneously with the application for a family reunification visa (see Section 31 of the German Residence Ordinance ).
Travel and stays abroad D-Visa
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with a D visa, provided the visa is valid (and issued for multiple entries). A certificate of fictitious residence permit is required for travel with an expired D visa. Unlike residence permits and settlement permits , the D visa does not expire even if the traveler leaves Germany for more than six months or for a non-temporary reason (see Section 51 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Clause 2 of the German Residence Act ).
Eligible group of persons D-visa
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) are eligible to obtain a D visa . Only foreigners whose habitual residence is outside of Germany can apply for a D visa (otherwise, German embassies and consulates are not authorized to process applications). Foreigners already in Germany must apply for a residence permit instead of a visa, although the two terms are sometimes used synonymously. German citizens cannot obtain a D visa, as the Residence Act does not apply to them ( § 1 AufenthG ). European citizens do not need a D visa to enter Germany. Family members and close relatives who are not EU citizens require a visa to enter Germany, unless they are permitted to enter and reside in Germany visa-free under the Residence Act (§ 2a para. 2 sentence 1 FreizügG/EU).
Requirements for a D visa
The requirements for D visas differ according to Section 6 Paragraph 3 Sentence 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) depending on the purpose of the stay (so-called special residence requirements). However, some requirements must be met for every D visa (so-called general residence requirements ( Section 5 AufenthG )).
The requirements for a D visa are as follows:
Fulfillment of the special residence requirements (e.g. employment contract , study offer or family in Germany )
Secure livelihood or financial resources ( § 5 para. 1 no. 1 AufenthG )
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
No specific grounds for refusal (e.g., Section 10 of the Residence Act or Section 19f of the Residence Act ) and no grounds for expiry ( Section 51 of the Residence Act ) exist.
The requirements for a D visa are proven with the appropriate documents (e.g., a job offer demonstrates sufficient means of subsistence ). The fulfillment of D visa requirements is frequently the subject of administrative and legal proceedings . From a legal perspective , a frequently problematic requirement for a D visa is the existence of grounds for deportation , as such grounds can be assumed even for minor offenses (e.g., short overstays in Germany). In such cases, the visa application is often rejected by the German embassy or consulate, a decision which then has to be challenged in court with the assistance of a lawyer.
Required documents for a D visa
The documents required for a D visa depend on the country where the visa is applied for and the purpose of the visa (e.g., work, study , family reunification ). In Western countries (especially the USA , Great Britain , Canada , and Australia ), fewer documents are usually required, and often no authentication or apostille is necessary. Submitting documents for a D visa in Western countries is often possible in English and digitally. In countries with high migration pressure (e.g., North African and Central Asian countries), however, the staff at the embassy or consulate usually apply very strict standards when verifying documents and information.
It is not possible to definitively answer which documents are required for a D visa application in all cases. Contrary to a widespread misconception, the visa application process is not bound to a specific form ( Berlin Administrative Court, judgment of November 22, 2023, case no. 6 K 352/22 V) . Nevertheless, administrative practice at German missions abroad (which is subject to the discretion of the case officers at the authority) has shown that at least the following documents are usually required for a D visa:
Application form for D-visa ( VIDEX form for applications submitted in person or online form in the international portal for online applications)
Proof of purpose of stay: e.g. employment contract and declaration of employment for work permits, or certificate of enrollment for study permits , or training contract for training visas , or marriage certificate for spousal residence permits , or birth certificate for child reunification .
Proof of residence abroad for the jurisdiction of the foreign mission (e.g. driver's license, registration certificate, rental agreement or utility bill)
Proof of identity, nationality and travel authorization: passport ; in some countries additional documents such as birth certificates, registration certificates or ID cards from the home country are required.
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (financial resources (only required if no work visa )): Bank statements, screenshots of bank account, blocked account or declaration of commitment
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence ( health insurance ): Full health insurance confirmation in Germany (travel health insurance is not sufficient for a D visa)
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (housing): Rental agreement stating the size of the apartment (not mandatory)
Other formalities:
Only required if applying through an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer ): Power of attorney
When applying for a visa in a country other than the country of origin: valid residence permit of the respective country.
Fees for the residence permit
Photograph (passport photo) that complies with the standards of Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 ; see also sample photos of the Federal Foreign Office
Depending on the authority: Data protection declaration/Consent to data processing
If the foreigner's name in the submitted documents differs from the name in the passport : Certificate of name change
The required documents for the D visa are usually listed on the English version of the website of the German embassy or consulate (see, for example, information sheets D visa USA , information sheets D visa Great Britain , information sheets D visa Canada , information sheets D visa Australia ).
Apply for a D visa online
Whether a D visa can be applied for online depends largely on the responsible German mission abroad and the purpose of the stay. At most missions abroad, the D visa is applied for during the visa appointment . However, the D visa can also be applied for by mail or email if the VIDEX online application form for D visas is sent to the embassy. Saving or downloading the VIDEX form does not constitute an online application for the D visa (the VIDEX form only serves to prepare for submission of the application form at the visa appointment ). At some missions abroad, however, the D visa can be applied for online via the Federal Foreign Office 's online portal , provided the mission in question is enabled for the online procedure. In some cases, external service providers of the Federal Foreign Office also offer online D visa applications. These procedures (VIDEX, the online portal , external service providers) must be kept strictly separate.
Advantages of a D-Visa
A D visa has the following advantages:
Staying in Germany and entering Germany is possible.
Studying or taking a language course is possible in Germany.
Working in Germany is possible (if permitted by the visa).
Under certain circumstances, the family can be brought to Germany (family reunification).
Some social assistance benefits can be applied for.
After conversion to a residence permit, later permanent residence and even naturalization are possible.
The path from D visa to permanent residence permit
A D visa is not intended for applying for a permanent residence permit . The D visa should first be converted into a residence permit .
The path from D visa to naturalization
Naturalization with a D visa is theoretically possible, since Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) requires not a residence permit , but only a "residence title," and the visa is a residence title according to Section 4 of the Residence Act . However, there are hardly any practically relevant situations in which a visa directly entitles the holder to naturalization. In most cases, conversion to a residence permit is required first.
Next steps for the D visa
First, determine which purpose of stay applies to you ( work , study , family , etc.). Then, research on the embassy's website which documents are required to prove your purpose of stay for a D visa (e.g., employment contract , university acceptance letter , or marriage certificate). Next, obtain the documents, complete the VIDEX form (or the online application), and book a visa appointment . After your appointment, you will receive your D visa and can enter Germany. Once you arrive, you should register your residence and convert the visa into a residence permit. Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with the application process. → Book an appointment
Legal basis for D-visa
The legal basis for the D visa is Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act (general legal basis). The legal basis according to Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act is then supplemented (“in conjunction with (iVm)”) by the specific legal basis (e.g., Section 16b of the Residence Act for the residence permit for study purposes , Section 18b of the Residence Act for the residence permit for academic professionals , Section 18d of the Residence Act for the residence permit for researchers , or Section 30 of the Residence Act as the legal basis for the residence permit for family reunification ).
Important laws regarding the D visa
The most important laws regarding the D visa are the following:
Important rulings on the D visa
The most important rulings regarding the D visa are the following:
The purpose of the visa procedure is to control immigration ( Federal Administrative Court, judgment of 16 November 2010, 1 C 17.09 ).
The principle of a fair procedure requires that, in the event of unavailability of appointments, applicants be informed that visa applications can also be submitted informally (VG Berlin, judgment of 22 November 2023, case no. 6 K 352/22 V and VG Berlin, judgment of 2 December 2021 – VG 13 K 383/19 V – juris para. 19).
The immigration authority has a duty not to delay approval of visa applications longer than necessary ( OVG Bremen, 21.12.2011, 1 B 246/11 ).
The purpose of the visa is the same if it is derived from the same section of the Residence Act as the purpose on which the previous residence permit was based ( Federal Administrative Court, judgment of 04.09.2007, 1 C 43.06 ).
The immigration authority is obliged to counteract excessively long visa procedures ( OVG Bremen, 21.12.2011, 1 B 246/11 ).
Employers are only marginally affected when visa applications from foreign workers are rejected ( VG Munich, decision of 29.01.2021, M 4 E 21.148 ).
Frequently Asked Questions about the D Visa
What is a Type D visa?
The Type D visa, also known as a national visa, is an entry document for longer stays in Germany exceeding 90 days (see Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the German Residence Act). Unlike the C visa (Schengen visa for tourists according to Section 6 Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act), the D visa is purpose-bound and serves as a preliminary step towards a later residence permit. It also authorizes short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in other Schengen states; however, these short stays in other EU countries do not authorize employment, even if a work permit exists in Germany.
Is it possible to work with a D visa?
Yes, provided this is explicitly stated in the visa (e.g., with the supplementary provision in the addendum sheet "Employment permitted" or "Gainful employment permitted", Section 4a Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act). The D visa is often issued directly for taking up employment (e.g., as a skilled worker or with an EU Blue Card). In this case, the visa sticker states whether and to what extent gainful employment is permitted. One can then begin working immediately after entry, even before the final residence permit has been issued by the local immigration office.
How long can you stay in Germany with a D visa?
A D visa is generally issued for a period of 3 to 6 months, and in some cases (e.g., for certain employment relationships or for study purposes) for up to 12 months. Within this validity period, you must apply to the immigration office at your place of residence in Germany to convert it into a longer-term residence permit. If a residence permit is applied for before the D visa expires, the D visa remains valid "fictitiously" until a decision is made on the application for a residence permit (so-called legal fiction, Section 81 Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act).
Who is eligible for a D visa?
A D visa is granted to individuals from third countries who plan a long-term stay in Germany and meet the general requirements for issuance (§ 5 of the Residence Act) as well as the specific requirements for issuance (depending on the purpose of the visa/stay). Common reasons for issuance include taking up qualified employment (skilled workers as defined in §§ 18 et seq. of the Residence Act), studying or seeking a university place (educational migration as defined in §§ 16 et seq. of the Residence Act), or family reunification with relatives living in Germany (§§ 27 et seq. of the Residence Act).
D-Visa in other glossaries
The D visa can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the D visa
( Government resources and literature )
[1] Visa Handbook of the Federal Foreign Office
[2] Administrative Instructions on Residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18 February 2025, § 6
[3] Bergmann/Dienelt/Kolber/Samel, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 6
[4] BeckOK MigR/Beiderbeck, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 6 Rn. 1-20
[5] BeckOK AuslR/Maor, 46th ed. 1.10.2025, AufenthG § 6 Rn. 1-25
[6] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259th ed. October 2025, § 6 para. 1-4
[7] NK-AuslR/Stahmann/Schild, 3rd ed. 2023, AufenthG § 6
[8] Huber/Mantel, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 6
[9] MüKoStGB/Gericke, 4th ed. 2022, AufenthG § 6 para. 1
[10] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira, AufenthaltsR | Part 1. Residence Act, paragraphs 1125-1131 | 2nd edition 2025
[11] Harbou/Tometten in Munich Lawyers' Handbook on Administrative Law, 5th ed. 2023,
[12] Friederike Wapler in Lisken/Denninger/Bäcker, Handbook of Police Law, Chapter 8 Prevention of Danger by Public Order Administration, paragraphs 46, 47 | 8th edition 2026
[13] Tim Kliebe/Reinhard Marx in Marx, Immigration and Asylum Law | § 1 Initial Issuance of a Residence Permit | 4th Edition 2020
[14] Melms/Felisiak in Munich Lawyers' Handbook on Employment Law, 6th edition 2025, § 11 Employment relationships with foreign elements, paras. 5-7
[15] Wißmann in Munich Lawyers' Handbook on Employment Law, 6th edition 2024, § 30 Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Workers, para. 12
[16] Koch in Schaub ArbR-HdB | § 27. Employment of foreign workers in the Federal Republic of Germany Rn. 9 | 21st edition 2025
[17] Kluth: The steering function of visas and residence permits for the purpose of employment – a critical review of the standards, article by Kluth, ZAR 2024, 319
[18] Groß: Development stages of the visa as border infrastructure, essay by Groß, ZAR 2024, 187
[19] Kluth: The humanitarian visa as an instrument of safe refugee migration, article by Kluth, ZAR 2017, 105
[20] Zerger: Migration control and development effects through circular migration?, article by Zerger, ZAR 2008, 1
Last updated: March 7, 2026
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