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Glossary: Visa for Germany
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 visa applications . Also under “Remarks,” it must be stated 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 German visa look like (image)?
2. Definition of Visa
3. Who needs a visa in Germany?
4. Visa example
5. Important information about the visa
5.1 Visa duration
5.2 Visa extension in Germany
5.3 Visa costs in Germany
5.4 Visa processing time
5.5 Competent authority for visas
6. Rights and Options Visa
6.1 Work permit with visa in Germany
6.2 Study, school, language course with visa
6.3 Family reunification with a visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with a visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons for a visa
7. Visa requirements for Germany
8. Required Documents Visa
9. Apply for a visa online
10. Advantages of a German visa
11. Permanent residence permit with visa
11.1 Path from visa to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from Visa to Naturalization
11.3 Next steps Visa
12. Legal basis for visa
13. Important Visa Laws
14. Important rulings on visas
15. Frequently Asked Questions about Visas
16. Further information
16.1 Visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about visas
16.4 Glossary entries for visas
16.5 Sources and references for the visa
Definition of visa for Germany
A visa pursuant to Section 6 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) is a temporary residence permit that authorizes entry into and residence in Germany. The term "visa" is ambiguous and can refer to both short-term visas (Schengen visas, airport transit visas, visas with limited territorial validity) and long-term national D visas (e.g., work visas, student visas, or spousal visas). Legally, the term "visa" refers only to a residence permit issued by German diplomatic missions abroad (embassies and consulates) (short-term or long-term visa in the narrower sense, Section 6 AufenthG). However, in everyday language, any residence permit (including the " residence permit " issued by immigration authorities in Germany) is referred to as a "visa" (visa in the broader sense, Section 4 AufenthG ). An outdated and no longer used term for a visa is “visa stamp”.
Who needs a visa?
Every non-European foreigner who wishes to stay in Germany requires a visa or residence permit for entry and residence ( § 4 para. 1 of the German Residence Act ). This does not apply to short-term stays if an exemption from the visa requirement applies for short stays (see EU Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 ). However, a visa is always required for long-term stays, even if short-term visa-free entry of up to 90 days is possible (see § 5 para. 2 of the German Residence Act ). An exception to the visa requirement for long-term stays usually only applies to family members of "best friends" countries , who can enter visa-free and apply for a long-term residence permit in Germany ( § 41 of the German Residence Ordinance , § 39 of the German Residence Ordinance ). Regardless of nationality, a residence permit or a visa authorizing employment ( work visa ) is always required for taking up employment (even for nationals of neighboring countries) ( § 4a German Residence Act ), unless a case of deemed non-employment pursuant to § 30 of the Employment Ordinance applies. Diplomats and heads of state do not require a visa, as the Host State Act (GastStG) applies to them, not the Residence Act ( § 1 para. 2 no. 2 German Residence Act ). 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 ( § 1 para. 2 no. 3 German Residence Act ).
Example: A businessman from the United Arab Emirates needs a visa to meet business partners in Germany and negotiate new collaborations.
Important information about the visa
Visa duration for Germany
Visas are issued for different periods depending on the purpose of entry and stay. A basic distinction is made between short-term (Schengen) visas (up to 90 days) and long-term (D) visas (90 days or more). For stays for educational and employment purposes (Sections 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 September 2025, pages 18/20). This exhausts the maximum duration permitted under EU law for national visas ( Article 18, paragraph 2, sentence 1 of the Schengen Convention ). Family reunification visas are generally linked to the duration of the reference person's residence permit or issued for a flat period of six months.
Visa extension - Germany
A D visa cannot usually be extended; instead, it must be converted into a residence permit at the immigration office. A Schengen visa can only be extended in exceptional circumstances . An extension of a Schengen visa is generally only possible for the reasons specified in Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (force majeure or humanitarian reasons), to safeguard the political interests of the Federal Republic of Germany, or for reasons of international law .
Visa costs for Germany
The fee for issuing a long-term national visa (category "D") is €75, and for extending a long-term national visa (category "D") it is €25 (§ 45 para. 2 of the Residence Ordinance). The fee for issuing a short-term Schengen visa (category "C") is €60 ( Art. 16 para. 1 of the Visa Code ). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication fees may also apply.
Visa processing time for Germany
Visa processing times depend on the embassy or country, the efficiency of the embassy, and the involvement of domestic authorities (e.g., approval from the Federal Employment Agency for employment ( § 39 Residence Act ) or approval from the immigration office for family reunification ( § 31 Residence Ordinance )), as well as 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 considerably longer. For Schengen visas, the processing time depends largely on the availability of appointments at the embassy or consulate or with external service providers. Overall, visa procedures take between one and six months. At embassies with poor processing capabilities (particularly in Africa and Asia), the processing time can be nine to twelve months or even longer.
Responsible authority for visas in Germany
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 visas. Missions abroad include embassies, consulates general, consulates, and permanent missions to intergovernmental and supranational organizations (Section 3 Paragraph 1 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 a visa 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 visas.
Visa rights and options
Work permit visa - Germany
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 ). Working with a Schengen visa is not permitted (see § 6 para. 2a of the German Residence Act ) and even constitutes a criminal offense (see § 95 para. 1a of the German Residence Act ). The only exceptions to this are the so-called " Schengen hybrid visa ," which is specifically issued for short-term employment purposes, and the so-called " fiction of non-employment ."
Studies , school , language course , visa-Germany
Attending university, school, or language courses is possible with any D visa and also with a Schengen visa . Unlike a work permit, no separate authorization is required for this.
Family reunification visa - Germany
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 Schengen visa is not possible.
Travel and stays abroad Visa-Germany
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 is required for travel with an expired D visa. Unlike residence permits and settlement permits , the D visa does not expire even if the country is left 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 ). Multiple entries to and from Germany are only possible with a Schengen visa if it was issued for multiple entries.
Eligible group of people for a visa to Germany
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) are eligible to obtain a visa. Only foreigners whose habitual residence is outside of Germany can apply for a visa (otherwise, German missions abroad are not responsible). Foreigners already in Germany must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office instead of a visa, although the two terms are sometimes used synonymously. German citizens cannot obtain a visa, as the Residence Act does not apply to them ( § 1 AufenthG ). European citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany. Family members and close relatives of EU citizens who are not themselves 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). Non-European foreign family members of German citizens always require a visa, as their residence is governed by the Residence Act (see Section 28 of the Residence Act ), not the Freedom of Movement Act, even though German citizens themselves are also entitled to freedom of movement . An exception to this rule applies only in so-called "return cases" (see Section 12a of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU).
Visa requirements for Germany
The requirements for a visa differ depending on the length and purpose of stay. While short-term Schengen visas are generally granted regardless of specific residency requirements, such as an employment contract , long-term national D visas always require proof of so-called "special" residency requirements. Therefore, 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 stay. However, some requirements must be met for every visa (i.e., both short-term and long-term visas in Germany) (so-called general residency requirements ( Section 5 AufenthG )).
The general visa requirements that must be met for every visa application (unless a specific exception applies) are as follows:
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.
Depending on the purpose of stay and visa type: fulfillment of the specific residence requirements (e.g. employment contract for work visa , enrollment offer for student visa and intention to return for Schengen visa)
The requirements for a visa in Germany are proven with the appropriate documents (e.g., a valid passport proves identity and nationality). The fulfillment of visa requirements is frequently the subject of official and legal proceedings . This applies particularly to proof of sufficient means of subsistence .
Required documents for a German visa
The documents required for a visa depend primarily on the type of visa being applied for. In particular, the documents required for a short-term Schengen visa (up to 90 days) differ significantly from those required for a long-term national D visa (over 90 days). The documents needed for a D visa depend on the country where the visa is applied for and the type of visa (e.g., work , study , family reunification ), while the Schengen visa requirements depend primarily on the purpose of the visa (e.g., tourist visa or business visa).
It is not possible to definitively answer which documents are required for a visa application in all cases, so the document requirements for visa applications should be taken from the respective glossary entries:
Apply for a German visa online
Visas in Germany can be applied for via the Federal Foreign Office's online portal . Most visa types are available online through this portal, at least those that are frequently requested (e.g., work visas , family reunification visas , student visas , and language course visas ). Less commonly used visa types generally cannot be applied for via the portal. The following online applications are available for visas in Germany:
→ Apply for an EU Blue Card visa online
→ Apply online for the Visa Opportunity Card Germany
→ Apply online for a visa for skilled workers with a university degree (§ 18b)
→ Apply online for a visa for skilled workers with vocational training (§ 18a)
→ Apply for an experience visa (§ 6 BeschV) online
→ Apply for a visa placement agreement online
→ Apply for a visa qualification analysis online
→ Apply online for a vocational training visa (§ 16a)
→ Apply for a student visa (§ 16b) online
→ Apply online for a visa for family reunification (§ 30)
Advantages of a German visa
Staying in Germany and (possibly multiple) entries into Germany is possible.
Studying or taking a language course is possible in Germany.
Working in Germany is possible if the visa includes a work permit (“Employment permitted”).
Self-employment in Germany is possible if the visa includes permission for self-employment (“Self-employment permitted”/“Employment permitted”).
Some social assistance benefits can be applied for (see Section 2 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act ).
The path from visa to permanent residence permit: Visa Germany
A visa is not intended for applying for a permanent residence permit . The visa should first be converted into a residence permit .
The path from visa to naturalization
Naturalization with a 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 a 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 a German visa
If you wish to apply for a visa to Germany, you must first find out about the requirements. If you meet the requirements, you should consult the authorities' website to find out which documents are required for the visa application and how to submit the application. Afterwards, you submit the application (e.g., via the online portal) and book an appointment (if one is not automatically assigned). 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 visa in Germany
The legal basis for a visa depends on the type of visa. The short-term Schengen visa is regulated in Section 6 Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) and under European law in the so-called Visa Code ( Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas ). The long-term national D visa is regulated in Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the German Residence Act. In a broader sense, the legal basis for a D visa is always the specific purpose of the visa, for example, Section 30 of the German Residence Act as the legal basis for a D visa for family reunification or Section 16a of the German Residence Act as the legal basis for a D visa for completing vocational training in Germany.
Important laws regarding visas for Germany
all Schengen regulations which were transferred into the framework of the European Union pursuant to Article 311 EC as amended by the Treaty of Amsterdam in conjunction with the Protocol on the incorporation of the Schengen acquis (so-called Schengen acquis )
Important rulings regarding visas for Germany
The purpose of the visa procedure is to control immigration ( Federal Administrative Court, judgment of 16 November 2010, 1 C 17.09 ).
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 authorities are obliged to counteract excessively long visa procedures ( OVG Bremen, 21.12.2011, 1 B 246/11 ).
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).
Frequently Asked Questions about Visas
Who needs a visa for Germany?
In principle, all persons who are not nationals of EU countries, EEA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), or Switzerland require a visa. A distinction is made between short stays (up to 90 days) and long stays. For short stays, there are exceptions to the visa requirement for certain countries (such as the USA, Canada, or Japan), provided that no work is intended during the stay. For long stays (e.g., for work or study), all third-country nationals require a visa. However, some privileged nationals ("best friends") can apply for a residence permit after entry instead of a visa before entering the country (§ 41 AufenthV).
What types of visas are available in Germany?
There are two main categories of visas: the Schengen visa (Type C) for short stays of up to 90 days (tourism, visits, business trips; Section 6 Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act) and the national visa (Type D) for stays exceeding 90 days (Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the German Residence Act). Within the category of national visas, there are specialized types such as the work visa for skilled workers, the opportunity visa, the student visa, the family reunification visa, and the marriage visa. Generally, other residence permits, such as the residence permit, are sometimes also referred to as visas, although this is technically incorrect.
How do I get a German visa?
The visa application process begins with scheduling an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. You will need to complete an application form (the so-called VIDEX form ) and provide various documents, such as a valid passport, passport photos, travel health insurance, and proof of travel purpose and financial resources. After your personal interview and submission of biometric data, the embassy will review your application and then either grant (or deny) the visa. Other application processes are also available, such as the online visa application portal, and legally, a visa can also be applied for in writing.
How can I bring someone to visit me in Germany?
To invite someone, you should send your guest an informal letter of invitation confirming the purpose and duration of their visit. If the guest cannot provide proof of travel expenses, you must submit an official declaration of sponsorship to your local immigration office, committing to cover all associated costs. The guest must then submit this document, along with their visa application and proof of travel health insurance, to the German embassy.
Visa in other glossaries
The visa can also be found in the following glossaries:
Quellen und Einzelnachweise zum Visum
(Behördenressourcen und Literatur)
[1] Bergmann/Dienelt/Kolber/Samel, Kommentar zum Ausländerrecht, 15. Aufl. 2025, AufenthG § 6
[2] BeckOK MigR/Beiderbeck, 24. Ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 6 Rn. 1-20
[3] BeckOK AuslR/Maor, 46. Ed. 1.10.2025, AufenthG § 6 Rn. 1-25
[4] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259. EL Oktober 2025, § 6 Rn. 1-4
[5] NK-AuslR/Stahmann/Schild, 3. Aufl. 2023, AufenthG § 6
[6] Huber/Mantel, Aufenthaltsgesetz/Asylgesetz, 4. Aufl. 2025, AufenthG § 6
[7] MüKoStGB/Gericke, 4. Aufl. 2022, AufenthG § 6 Rn. 1
[8] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira AufenthaltsR | Teil 1. Aufenthaltsgesetz Rn. 1125-1131 | 2. Auflage 2025
[9] Harbou/Tometten in Münchener Anwaltshandbuch Verwaltungsrecht, 5. Aufl. 2023, § 23 Rn. 29-36
[10] Friederike Wapler in Lisken/Denninger/Bäcker, Handbuch des Polizeirechts, Kap. 8 Gefahrenabwehr durch Ordnungsverwaltung Rn. 46, 47 | 8. Auflage 2026
[11] Tim Kliebe/Reinhard Marx in Marx, Ausländer- und Asylrecht | § 1 Ersterteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels | 4. Auflage 2020
[12] Melms/Felisiak in Münchener Anwaltshandbuch Arbeitsrecht, 6. Auflage 2025, § 11 Arbeitsverhältnisse mit Auslandsberührung, Rn. 5-7
[13] Koch in Schaub ArbR-HdB | § 27. Beschäftigung von ausländischen Arbeitnehmern in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland Rn. 9 | 21. Auflage 2025
[14] Kluth: Die Steuerungsfunktion von Visa und Aufenthaltstiteln zum Zweck der Beschäftigung – eine kritische Bestandsaufnahme zu den Maßstäben, Aufsatz von Kluth, ZAR 2024, 319
[15] Groß: Entwicklungsetappen des Visums als Grenzinfrastruktur, Aufsatz von Groß, ZAR 2024, 187
[16] Kluth: Das humanitäre Visum als Instrument der sicheren Fluchtmigration, Aufsatz von Kluth, ZAR 2017, 105
[17] Zerger: Migrationssteuerung und Entwicklungseffekte durch zirkuläre Migration?, Aufsatz von Zerger, ZAR 2008, 1
[19] Visumhandbuch, Bona Fide-Antragsteller (Schengen-Visa), 77. Ergänzungslieferung, Stand: 10/2023
[20] Visumhandbuch, Annullierung und Aufhebung von Schengen-Visa, 76. Ergänzungslieferung, Stand: 03/2023
[22] Visumhandbuch, Schengen-Historie, Stand: 10/2025
[23] Visumhandbuch, Zuständigkeit, 71. Ergänzungslieferung, Stand: 02/2020
[24] Verwaltungsanweisungen zum Aufenthalt in Berlin (VAB), Stand 18.02.2025, § 6
Last updated: March 6, 2026
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