Medical Visa Germany
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. Medical treatment in emergencies/MEDEVAC procedures
6. FAQ Visa medical treatment
7. Conclusion
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, a special therapy, or a medical examination. 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.
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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 for the long-term medical visa:
Completed application form – The applicant must properly complete and sign the visa application form. Minors require parental consent.
Passport – A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the intended end of the stay.
Biometric passport photos – Two recent passport photos (35mm x 45mm) with a light background.
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 funding – proof that the treatment costs have already been paid or that there is a declaration of reimbursement (e.g. from a government agency or insurance company).
Flight and accommodation confirmation – confirmation of the outbound and return flight and accommodation reservation (if no inpatient admission to hospital is required).
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 also be extended 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 application process. In this case, the application may be denied, and the patient must leave the country.
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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 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.
5. Medical treatment in emergencies/MEDEVAC procedures
The MEDEVAC procedure allows members of the U.S. armed forces who are required to have a visa to enter Germany without a visa in the event of a medical emergency . This special regulation applies when immediate transfer to the U.S. Military Hospital in Landstuhl is necessary due to life-threatening injuries sustained in connection with combat operations or terrorist attacks. The U.S. Military Hospital in Landstuhl is the central medical facility for emergency transfers of U.S. soldiers to Germany. If visa-free entry under the MEDEVAC procedure is not possible, the Federal Police at the border can issue exceptional visas . If the nature and severity of the injuries do not require immediate transfer, the regular visa procedure is followed. This procedure applies exclusively to acute emergencies requiring immediate treatment and is subject to careful review by the responsible authorities.
6. FAQ medical visa Germany
What types of medical visas are available for Germany?
There is the Schengen visa (C visa) for short-term medical treatment of up to 90 days and the national visa (D visa) for long-term medical treatment.
What are the requirements for a medical visa?
Applicants must provide, among other things, a medical certificate, a confirmation from the German hospital, health insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 and proof of financing.
Can an accompanying person obtain a visa?
Yes, a companion can also apply for a visa. However, the hospital in Germany must confirm that the companion is medically necessary.
Can a Schengen visa be extended for medical reasons?
Yes, a Schengen visa can be extended for medical reasons. However, an extension is only possible if the treatment is unexpectedly prolonged and this was not foreseeable beforehand.
What financial evidence is required for a medical visa?
Applicants must provide evidence that the treatment costs are covered, either through an upfront payment, reimbursement by insurance, or a government agency. They must also provide evidence of financial security (particularly for accommodation during treatment).
7. Conclusion
The medical visa allows international patients access to highly qualified healthcare in Germany. Depending on the duration and type of treatment, either a Schengen visa for short-term stays or a national D visa for longer-term medical therapies may be considered. Applicants must meet stringent requirements: in addition to a detailed medical report and a written confirmation of treatment from a German clinic, they must also provide proof of full financial resources. Accompaniment by relatives is permitted, but requires a separate visa, and accompanying persons are not permitted to be employed. It is particularly important to note that an extension of the Schengen visa is only possible in exceptional cases – for example, in the event of unexpectedly extended treatment times. For foreseeable long-term therapies, a national visa must be applied for in advance.
List of sources
[1] Hofmann (ed.), Aliens Law, 3rd edition 2023
[2] Kluth/Heusch, BeckOK, Immigration Law, 3rd edition 2025
