Medical visa
Information from a lawyer on applying for a visa for medical treatment in Germany.
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Here you learn ...
what types of medical visas are available in Germany
when you can apply for a medical treatment visa
Application procedure for medical visa treatment at Charité Berlin
Extension of Schengen visa for medical reasons
Table of contents
1. Medical Visa Germany
2. Operations and short-term treatments in Germany
3. Long-term medical treatment (D visa)
3.1 Medical D-Visa Charité Berlin
3.2 Medical D-Visa accompanying persons
4. Extension of Schengen visa for medical reasons
4.1 Requirement for extending a Schengen visa for medical reasons
4.2 Documents for the extension of a Schengen visa for medical reasons
5. FAQ Medical Stay
6. Conclusion Medical stay in Germany
1. Medical Visa Germany
Germany is one of the leading countries for high-quality medical treatment. Every year, over 250,000 people travel to Germany from abroad to receive medical treatment. However, those from non-EU countries often require a medical visa to enter the country. Depending on the duration of the treatment, either a Schengen visa for medical purposes or a D visa for treatment in Germany is required.
A medical visa for Germany allows foreign patients to receive medical treatment in Germany – whether for a planned surgery, special therapy, or a medical examination. In order for an application for a Schengen visa for medical treatment to be approved, certain requirements must be met, including a medical certificate, proof of reimbursement, and valid travel health insurance.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about visas for medical treatment in Germany:
What requirements must be met
How much are the visa costs
Where and how to apply
Which documents you need
How long the visa is valid and whether an extension is possible
With our step-by-step instructions, you can optimally prepare your application and avoid common mistakes.
2. Operations and short-term treatments in Germany
Germany is known worldwide for its state-of-the-art medical care and specialized surgeons. Many international patients travel to Germany to undergo necessary surgery—be it for a complex condition, innovative treatment methods, or cutting-edge medical technology.
Anyone wishing to come to Germany for medically necessary surgery generally requires a Schengen visa for medical treatment . The application process requires careful preparation, as in addition to a certificate of medical necessity, proof of hospitalization and proof of financial resources are required. The application must be submitted early, as processing can take several weeks. The following documents must be submitted to apply for a long-term medical visa:
Completed application form – The applicant must properly complete and sign the visa application form.
Passport – A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a sufficient period of validity.
Biometric passport photos – Two recent passport photos.
Travel health insurance – The insurance must cover at least EUR 30,000 and include medical emergencies and possible repatriation to the home country.
Proof of medical treatment - confirmation from the hospital or clinic in Germany with information on the diagnosis, duration of treatment and costs.Current medical report from the treating physician in the home country.
Proof of financing – proof that the treatment costs have already been paid or that a declaration of cost coverage has been submitted.
Flight and accommodation confirmation – confirmation of the outbound and return flights and, if applicable, an accommodation reservation.
Proof of willingness to return – documents proving that the applicant will return to his or her home country after treatment (e.g. employment certificate, property ownership).
Patients who cannot provide fingerprints for health reasons must provide a medical certificate. A visa exemption for fingerprinting may be granted in cases of intensive care treatment or arrival by medical flight (medevac).
In many cases, patients require a companion. The clinic in Germany must explicitly confirm that a companion is required. This person must submit their own visa application and provide additional proof of financial support for the stay.
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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. Long-term medical treatment (D visa)
For long-term medical treatment in Germany, patients from non-EU countries require a national visa (Type D). This permits a stay of more than 90 days and, under certain conditions, can be converted into a residence permit for medical treatment. For particularly long or complex treatments, the residence permit can be extended even in Germany.
3.1 Medical D-Visa Charité Berlin
Berlin hospitals, in particular, are increasingly acquiring international patients to strengthen Berlin's economic position as a medical center. Entry for medical treatment is generally possible under Section 7, Paragraph 1, Sentence 3 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) if a confirmation from the treating hospital or medical facility is available. This must contain the following:
Availability of a treatment place
Date for the start of treatment
Expected duration of treatment
3.2 Medical D-Visa accompanying persons
If family members or other close relatives wish to accompany the patient, they can also be granted a residence permit under Section 7, Paragraph 1, Sentence 3 of the Residence Act. However, the following restrictions apply:
The accompanying person must provide evidence of verifiable care.
Employment in Germany is excluded.
The residence permit is issued with the additional condition “Only for the purpose of caring for the…”.
4. Extension of Schengen visa for medical reasons
It often happens that treatments in Germany take longer than planned , resulting in the patient initially applying for the wrong visa at the embassy. If a person enters Germany with a Schengen visa (C visa) for tourism purposes and subsequently applies for a residence permit for medical treatment, this may be considered incomplete information in the visa process. In this case, the application may be denied, and the patient must leave the country.
4.1 Requirement for extending a Schengen visa for medical reasons
The extension of a Schengen visa is therefore only possible under certain conditions . A medical reason can include necessary medical treatment that cannot be completed within the original length of stay. It is important to note that this must not have been foreseeable from the outset . An extension of a Schengen visa for medical reasons is therefore only possible if the treatment takes an unexpectedly long time . If the lengthy treatment was foreseeable from the outset, the Schengen visa cannot be extended.
4.2 Documents for the extension of a Schengen visa for medical reasons
An application for an extension of a Schengen visa for medical reasons must be submitted to the relevant immigration authority. At a minimum, the following documents must be submitted:
Form for extending a Schengen visa (available from the competent authority).
Valid passport (with current visa).
Proof of medical necessity (medical certificate or hospital report).
Proof of financial security (health insurance or
Proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs).
Proof of accommodation and means of subsistence during the extended stay.
The application should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than before the current visa expires. It is important to note that the extension of a Schengen visa does not have a fictitious effect (Section 81 (4) Sentence 2 of the Residence Act) . The immigration authorities must therefore decide on the extension before the Schengen visa expires .
If the application for an extension is denied, you can file an appeal or appeal against the decision. Alternatively, you can contact a law firm specializing in immigration law.
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!
5. FAQ
What is a medical visa for Germany?
A medical visa allows foreign nationals to receive medical treatment in Germany. It is issued either as a Schengen visa (Type C) for short-term stays of up to 90 days or as a national visa (Type D) for long-term treatment.
What types of medical visas are there?
There are the following types of medical visas:
Schengen visa (type C): For treatments of up to 90 days (e.g. operations, short-term therapies).
National visa (Type D): For long-term treatment with a stay of more than 90 days.
Where do I apply for a medical visa?
The visa must be applied for at the responsible German diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the home country.
Can accompanying persons also obtain a visa?
Yes, but only if the hospital in Germany confirms the medical necessity of accompanying the patient. The accompanying person must submit their own application and may receive a residence permit under Section 7 of the Residence Act – without a work permit.
Can a Schengen visa be extended if the treatment takes longer?
Yes, but only in cases where the treatment is unexpectedly extended. The application for an extension must be submitted to the relevant immigration authority in a timely manner. An extension is not possible if the lengthy treatment duration was already known upon entry.
6. Conclusion
Germany is a globally recognized destination for medical treatment and offers patients from non-EU countries a regulated way to access high-quality healthcare through its medical visa. Whether for a short-term surgery or long-term therapy, the appropriate visa (C or D visa) depends on the duration and type of treatment. Careful preparation of the application, including medical certificates, financial documents, and insurance, is essential. In the event of unforeseen complications, a visa extension is possible under certain conditions.
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List of sources
[1] Bergmann/Dienelt, Aliens Law, 12th edition 2018, § 7
[2] Administrative Instructions on Staying in Berlin (VAB), as of 18 February 2025, Section 7
