A Germany Transit Visa is for those who need to land at a German airport in order to get another flight to their destination country. A German Transit Visa enables its holder to switch their flight in Germany, to a non-Schengen country.

A holder of a German transit visa can stay in the airport international transit area up to 24 hours. Leaving the international transit area of the airport with this visa is strictly prohibited and illegal.

Do I Need a Germany Airport Transit Visa?

Whether you need a German airport transit visa depends on your nationality. The list of those who need a Germany airport visa is quite narrow actually.

Citizens of the following countries need a Germany Airport Transit visa:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Mali
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Syria
• Turkey

*Holders of Australia, Israel or New Zealand visas are exempt from the German transit visa requirement. Also, if your transit time does not exceed 12 hours, you will not need a German transit visa.

Note that if you need to stop at more than only one airport within the Schengen area, you will then need to apply for a regular Schengen visa. Whereas, if your destination country is one of the Schengen countries, to which you hold a short-stay visa, you will not need an airport visa to transit through an airport in Germany.

Do I Qualify for a German Airport Transit Visa?

If you are a national of one of the countries under the German Airport visa regime, you need to be eligible to apply for this visa. You will need to obtain a Germany Schengen Visa and not a Germany Transit Visa if you:

• Need to land at more than one airport within the Schengen Area.
• Your destination country is a member state of the Schengen Zone.
• Your return date is not fixed.
• You have to pick up your luggage and/or have to check-in again.
• Your stay in the international transit area is longer than 24 hours.
• You have to land at a German Airport that does not have an international transit area.

Germany Airport Transit Visa Exemptions

Yet, if you are a national of any of the countries listed above, you will be exempt from the transit visa requirement, if you are a:

• A holder of a US valid visa.
• A holder of a valid visa for a Schengen Member State, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Japan, or Romania.
• Turkish holder of a Service or Official Turkish passport.
• Jordanian national who has a visa to Australia, Israel or New Zealand and your transit time in Germany does not exceed 12 hours.
• A partner (married, common-law or same sex) or child of an EU/EEA/EFTA national and you hold a British “Residence Card of a Family Member of an EEA National.”
• A holder of Diplomatic Passports.

Required Documents for a German Airport Transit Visa Application

As per every other visa, you will need to submit some documents when applying for a German transit visa.

In addition to the standard required documents, find below the list of the required documents to apply for a Germany Airport Transit visa:

• German Transit Visa Application form. The form for a German airport visa is the same as for a German Schengen Visa.
• A signed Declaration of Accuracy of Information.
• Proof of onward journey:
  • A confirmed airline ticket to the final destination.
  • Copy of the valid visa for your destination country.
• Complete travel itinerary.
• Proof of purchased travel insurance.

Extra documents required for Airline staff:

• Staff member ID Card of Airline Company.
• An official letter from the airline company.
• A valid work contract with the Airline Company.

German Airports With An International Transit Area

Although there are over 50 airports in Germany, only six airports have an international transit area. Therefore, you can use your German transit visa only in the following airports:

• Frankfurt Airport.
• Munich Airport.
• Hamburg Airport. Between 4.30 am to 11.30 pm.
• Düsseldorf Airport. Between 6.00 am to 9.00 pm under an organized transit of Airline Company with the Federal Police.
• Cologne/Bonn Airport. Between 4.30 am to 11.00 pm.
• Berlin Airport. Between 6.00 am to 11.00 pm if you are an Air Berlin passenger, and under an organized transit of Airline Company with the Federal Police.

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany is one of the top destinations for many world travelers. Its old-fashioned architecture, infrastructure and rich history have made the country a top destination for travel. Moreover, the country is known for its many types of beer, fantastic bread and sausages.

In addition, it has one of the strongest economies in the world and a very low unemployment rate. As such, it is also a country of possibilities for investors and employees. With low university tuition fees and some of the best world universities, many students dream to study here.

What is a German Tourist Visa?

A German Tourist Visa is a short-stay Schengen Visa for Germany. It permits its holder to travel to Germany for tourism purposes, as sightseeing and experiencing the country. It can be granted with a maximum validity of 90 days within a 180 days period.

Do I Need a Schengen Visa for Germany?

You will need a Germany Tourist Visa if your country has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen Countries.

Currently, 62 countries are exempt from the Germany Tourist Visa requirement. If you are a national of any of these 62 countries, you do not need a visa to Germany for tourism purposes.

Germany Schengen Visa Requirements for Tourists and Visitors

The required documents to apply for a Germany Tourist Visa are as follows:

• Germany tourist visa Application Form.
• Your passport that is valid for at least six months.
• Two photographs in line with Germany guidelines.
• Proof of accommodation in Germany.
• No-objection certificate. If you are a student, your school or university should issue this certificate to you. If you are an employee, your employer or the company where you work at should issue this letter to you. However, if you are not a student and you do not work either, this certificate is not required.
• A Cover Letter. This personal cover letter should explain the reason why you wish to visit Germany, how long you intend to remain and what you will be doing there, amongst others.
• Your driver’s license and/or utility bill in your name. This is required as proof of residence in the country where you plan to apply for a visa.
• Travel Health Insurance for Germany. It must be valid for the entire period of your visit, and should be available amongst entire Schengen Area countries.
• Proof of a Booked Round-Trip Ticket Reservation(if applicable). It must show the entire program of the tour and the related dates of the visits you plan to make.
• Reserved Tour Package (if applicable).
• Proof of sufficient financial means.

If you are visiting a family member or friend in Germany, you should also submit the following:

• Formal Obligation Declaration. The document is obtained at the Aliens’ Authority in Germany by the hosting family member in Germany. By this letter the host has to undertake the costs of living and accommodation during your visit.
• Identity card of the host person. Or otherwise, a registration card of the host.
• Letter of Invitation by the host. The letter has to show the reason for inviting you, their relationship with you, the period of your stay, and their home address in Germany.
• Evidence of your relationship with the host.

How to Apply for a Germany Tourist Visa?

To get a Germany Tourist Visa you need to go through the following steps:

1. Complete the Germany Schengen Visa application form. You can find the Germany tourist visa application form online.
2. Gather the required documents. A very important part of the application process for a Germany tourist visa, is gathering the required documents. According to these documents, the German visa officers will take a decision on your application.
3. Make an appointment for a visa interview. The application for a German Tourist Visa has to be lodged at the Embassy or Consulate of Germany in the country where you live.
4. Pay the visa fee. The fee of applying for a German Tourist Visa is 80€, while for children of age 6-12 you have to pay 40€, while it is free for those aged 0-6 of age. But, according to your nationality, you may need to pay a lower fee.
5. Wait for processing. It takes up to 15 days for a German Tourist visa application to be processed by the relevant authorities. This period can be extended further, up to 30 days, if additional examination of the application is required.

Where Should I Submit my German Schengen Visa Application?

In some countries, Germany has outsourced visa admission to private visa application centers. Moreover, if you are planning to visit other Schengen countries during your trip, apply at the German authorities, only if Germany is your main destination. This means:

• You will spend more days in Germany than in other countries.
• You will spend an equal amount of days in every country, but you will enter the Schengen Area through Germany.

When is the Best Time to Apply for a Germany Tourist Visa?

The best time to apply for a German tourist visa is about a month before the date you plan to travel to Germany.  However, the earliest you can apply is six months before and the latest is two weeks before your intended trip.

What Should I Do In Case of Visa Application Rejection?

If your application for a Germany tourist visa is rejected, you will receive a reason for that when you collect your passport. If you think that the embassy has rejected your application wrongfully, you can always appeal this decision.

Do so by writing a visa refusal appeal letter and submitting it to the embassy. Usually, the embassy gives you a valid period to appeal the visa rejection. If you do not appeal the decision within this period, you can no longer do so after it ends.

How Many Times Can I Enter Germany With a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visas are grouped based on the number of times they entitle you to enter Germany and the number of Schengen countries you may visit with it:

• German Schengen Uniform Visa. This visa permits you visit Germany and any other Schengen states for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. Depending on the number of entries you can perform within your visa validity period, these are two Schengen Uniform Visas for Germany:
  • German Schengen “Single-Entry” Visa. You can enter Germany and move across the Schengen states, for no more than one time during the entire visa validity period. Once you leave the Schengen territory, returning to it is not possible with the same visa.
  • German Schengen “Multiple-Entry” Visa. If you get this visa, you can enter and leave the Schengen territory for as many times as you need to, as long as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
• German Schengen Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV). When this visa is granted to you, this means that you are not entitled to move across other Schengen states. You should only remain in Germany.

Can a German Schengen Visa Be Extended?

As a rule, a German Schengen Visa cannot be extended. The rule, however, disregards the cases when there are serious grounds upon which you cannot leave Germany, as follows:

• Force Majeure. When there are strong reasons beyond your control, which prevent your return in the home country. I.e. natural disasters, no air traffic due to bad weather, etc.
• Humanitarian Reasons. When you are incapable of traveling due to a disastrous event of a family member living in Germany, and similar.
• Serious Personal Reasons. In case of an unforeseen crucial business or professional event that cannot wait.
• Late Entry in the Schengen Area. When you have been late in entering Germany and you did not fully use your visa period.

Even in the aforementioned cases, the extension will not be granted if you fail to apply for an extension within your 90 days of stay.

Can Tourists Work in Germany with a Schengen Visa?

No, you cannot work in Germany with a Schengen Visa. A Schengen Visa does not entitle its holder to work anywhere in the 27 Schengen countries. If you want to work in Germany, you should instead apply for one of the following visas:

• Germany Employment Visa
• Germany Job Seeker Visa
• Germany Freelancer Visa

Can I Establish a Business in Germany with a Tourist Visa?

The German tourist visa does not entitle you to perform establish a business in Germany. To do so, you should instead get a German long-stay visa for self-employed.

A German Business Visa is a short-stay visa, and a Schengen Visa type. It permits its holder to perform business-related activities in Germany. It also entitles its holder to move through the 27 Schengen countries, except in the cases when he/she has an LTV visa.*

*An LTV (Limited Territorial Validity) tag on the Germany visa sticker means that the visa holder cannot travel to the other Schengen countries.

How to Apply for a Germany Business Visa?

The application process to get a Germany Business visa is quite similar to the application process for a Germany Schengen Visa. You only need to follow some steps according to the given instructions. These steps are:

Find out whether you need a Business visa for Germany

Persons traveling to Germany to attend business related activities may need a business visa to enter the country. These activities include meeting clients, meeting partners, taking part in a particular business fair, etc.

You will be exempt from the German Business Visa only if you are a national of one of the 62 Schengen visa-exempt countries.

Collect the required documents

To apply for the Germany Business visa you are required submit several documents. You should bring the following documents to your appointment for a Germany Business Visa:

• The German business visa application form.
• Valid Passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months before the intended trip to Germany.
• Two identical Germany Visa photos.
• Proof of Accommodation in Germany.
• Transportation / Round trip reservation or itinerary.
• Germany Travel Health Insurance.
• Proof of Financial Means.
• Your company bank statements. These statements should belong to the period of three previous months.
• Business references. They could be either from your collaborators, clients or other competent persons.
• Invitation letter from the business partner in Germany. This document should be either in English or German. It shall include your details, the dates and purpose of the trip with detailed schedule of the business meetings or trainings (day-to-day schedule), as well as information on the inviting business collaborator.
• Company covering letter with entire travel plan. The letter should mention your position, duration of your service, the dates and purpose of the trip and if your expenses are being covered by the employer or not.
• Business license. This is a document showing the eligibility of the sending company to do business.

Appoint a visa interview

If this is your first time applying for a Germany Business visa, you should check with the German authorities in your country where to apply. This could be:

• The German embassy.
• A German consulate.
• A Visa Application Center.

However, the decision on your visa application is taken by the German embassy, or the main consular office.

If You Will Be Traveling to Other Schengen Countries

If you will be traveling to other Schengen countries as well, during the same trip, things may change a bit. Before applying for a Germany business visa, check if Germany is your main destination, which means:

• You will spend fewer days in the other Schengen Countries than in Germany.
• You will enter Schengen through Germany, but you will spend equal days in every Schengen country you visit.

Pay the visa fee and attend the interview, on your booked day

The application for a Business Visa for Germany costs about 80€. Yet, the nationals of several countries are permitted to pay a lower fee of only €40. 

When to Apply for a German Business Visa?

The best time to apply for a German Business visa is about one month before your planned trip. In fact, the earlier the better, as thus you may avoid any possible delays. Yet, the earliest you can apply for a Germany Business visa is six months before your planned trip.

Processing Time for a Germany Business Visa

A decision on a Business Visa for Germany is taken within 10 to 15 working days. In individual cases, when further investigation of the application may be required, this processing time may be up to 30 days.

How Long Can I Stay in Germany with a Business Visa?

As it is a short-stay visa, a German Business Visa entitles you to stay in Germany for no longer than 90 days within a period of 180 days.

Yet, it depends on the embassy how long they want to let you stay in Germany with a Business Visa. You could be limited to a lower number of days, i.e. 10 days.

If you get a Singe-Entry visa, you will be able to enter the country only once. If you get a Multiple-Entry visa, you are entitled to enter Germany more than once to use the days of permitted stay.

Can I Establish a Business in Germany with a Business Visa?

German business visa does not entitle you to carry activities of establishing a business, nor launching a business activity in Germany. Instead, if you want to establish a business you should apply for a long-stay visa for self-employed persons.

Can I Get a Job in Germany with a Business Visa?

A German visa is issued for participation in business related activities only. It does not authorize you to work in Germany or in any other Schengen country. If you want to work in Germany, you should apply for a Germany Long-stay visa instead.

Germany has lured many bright students from around the world to study at one of its prestigious universities in the past decades.

With around 300 educational institutions with more than 15,000 different study programs, the European country attracts a lot of international students every year.

Do I Need a Visa to Study in Germany?

Only citizens of the following countries can study in Germany without a visa:

• EEA/EU citizens
• Australia
• Andorra*
• Brazil*
• Canada
• El Salvador*
• Honduras*
• Israel
• Japan
• Monaco*
• New Zealand
• San Marino*
• Switzerland
• United States
• South Korea

*Need a visa only if they want to work during or after their studies in Germany.

However, everyone must register at the local Residents’ Registration Office and the Aliens’ Registration Office two weeks of arrival in of Germany.

Nationals of other countries of the world, not mentioned above, must apply for a German Student visa.

What Kind of Visa Do I Need to Study in Germany?

The respective German authorities offer different types of German Student visas depending on the purpose of the study. The types of German Study Visas are the following:

Documents Required for German Student Visa

You must submit the following documents to apply for any of the German Study visas:

• Duly completed Germany Student Visa Application form.
• Your valid passport. It should be valid for an additional six months prior to your date of departure from Germany and have at least a blank page.
• Proof of civil status.
  • marriage certificate.
  • birth certificate.
  • birth certificate of children.
  • death certificate of spouse.
  • ration card if applicable.
• Two photographs. The photos must be of high quality and identical.
• Copies of previous visas, if any.
• Proof of accommodation in Germany. You must show proof that you have a place to stay during your studies in Germany.
• Proof of covered student health insurance for the entire period of stay in Germany.
• When applying for a Language Course Visa: A motivational letter for attending the language course.
• Curriculum Vitae. Attach to your CV evidence about any previous and current internship and employment.
• The minimum amount of financial means of at least €10,332 per year or €861 per month. The following are accepted as proof:
  • Personal financial statements for the last three months.
  • A scholarship award certificate.
  • Written confirmation of parents or sponsor that he/she will cover your costs.
  • Blocked account. Also known as Sperrkonto.
• If not admitted yet:
  • Recognized School Leaving Certificates.
  • Confirmation of application. This is usually an e-mail from the university, confirming the successful submission of the application for studies.
  • A certificate of admission in a preparatory course. In German, this is called “Propaedeutic Courses”, or a registration confirmation letter in a German language course (containing not less than 18 hours of lessons per week).
  • A recognized school leaving certificate “Abitur”. Or the equivalent of it.
  • Proof of German or English language proficiency (depending which is the language in which lessons are taught).
  • Proof of former education. Certificated of former degrees.
• If admitted to a university:
  • Acceptance letter from the university. A document, a university admission letter confirming your application for studies and an offered place to study in the program you have applied for
  • Certificates of earlier education. Submit all certificates of previous formal and informal education.
  • Cover Letter. Explain through it the reason for choosing the university, the program, study plan, and your plans on how these studies will improve your career in the future.
  • For programs in German, international students must provide a TestDaf or DSH score. Whereas, for courses in English, students will have to provide a TOEFL or IELTS score.

When Can I Apply for a German Student Visa?

The German Student Visa application along with the necessary documents should be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the date traveling to Germany in order to avoid any possible delay.

Where Should I Lodge My Germany Student Visa Application?

You have to apply for a German Student visa at the German Consulate or Embassy in your country. Your passport will remain at the Embassy/Consulate where you have applied during the entire process of visa proceeding. If you need to withdraw your passport for any reason, whether it be traveling or else, you will have to apply again from the beginning.

How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa?

To apply for a German student visa you must go through the following steps:

1. Fill out the Germany Student Visa application form.
2. Collect the required documents.
3. Schedule an appointment.
4. Go to the visa application center for the interview.
5. Pay the German student visa fee.
6. Submit biometrics.
7. Wait for processing.

Fill out the Germany Student Visa application form

You can find the form here. Fill the application form with detailed and accurate information about yourself and select the appropriate purpose of travel.

Collect the required documents

Collect all the documents that are required for application, depending on your admission status.

Schedule an appointment

You should schedule the appointment for a German student visa interview at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can have your student visa application processed only by booking an appointment prior to attending the interview.

Attend the interview

Make sure to be on time at the application center since they may not accept your application if you are later than ten minutes. After the verification of your appointment letter, you will be issued a token.

When you go to the visa application center for the interview you should have with you the document file. You should submit your application when you attend the interview so make sure to have everything well in order. The submission may take about 10 minutes.

Pay the German student visa fee

After the authorities verify your application, your information will be entered into the online system of the German consulate. You will receive a printed copy of your application. This process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you get the printed form, please make sure to verify all the details are correct and sign the form.

You will have to pay a fee for the Germany student visa which is €75. After paying the fee you will be issued a receipt which you have to keep in order to collect your processed application.

Submit biometrics

The final step is to provide your fingerprints. This is a quick process that usually takes 7 to 8 minutes. This includes capturing a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.

Wait for processing

After going through these steps, the application procedure has now been completed. The Embassy or consulate will then process your application, which may take from 6 to 12 weeks. The consular officers and may also ask for additional documents in the meantime. Make sure to provide anything extra they ask for.

After You Arrive in Germany With a Student Visa

With a Germany student Visa, you can freely travel to the country. After you arrive in Germany, there are steps you need to follow, in order to make your stay in Germany legal.

1. Register your address in Germany. You should register your address at the registration office that is closest to your home in Germany. To do so you will need an identification document, your visa, and a rental contract or other proof of your address.
2. Apply for a Germany Student Residence Permit. After you register your address, you should apply for your Student Residence Permit in Germany. Note that you have 90 days from the day you enter Germany, to do so. You first need to appoint a meeting at the Immigration Authorities that are nearest to your living location in Germany. There you can also get the application form. On the day of your interview, you will need to submit this form and the required documents.

Can I Work in Germany With a German Study Visa?

Foreign students in Germany are allowed to work with a German study visa while carrying their studies, but the number of hours they can work is restricted.

• Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can work freely in Germany for a maximum of 20 hours a week during term time, (including voluntary work).
• Students coming from other countries are also allowed to work, but they cannot exceed more than 120 full days a year or 240 half days. Unused days cannot be carried over to the next year.
• International students with a residence permit, who want to work in Germany after the completion of their studies can extend their permit for up to 18 months, as long as they have found a job in their field of study.
• Graduates from EU/EEA countries can stay and seek work without any restriction or permission. After two years of employment in Germany, it is possible to apply for the permanent residency status in Germany.

If you are planning to study at a German university, you may have to prove you know the German language at the required level. There are a few types of German language ability certificates, which the universities in Germany recognize. Three main of them are as follows:

• Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF)
• Goethe Institute German Language Diploma (GDS)
• German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD)

If you do not have a Language Certificate, universities often require you to undergo a course in order to get one in Germany. The course may last up to three months, or even more.

Do I Need to Apply for a German Language Course Visa?

Your nationality determines whether you need a Germany Language Course Visa. You will be exempt from the requirement of possessing a visa to attend a language course in Germany, if:

• You are a citizen of the European Union member states, the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association
• You are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand or the United States

Nationals of the rest of the world countries will need to apply for a visa in order to attend a language course in Germany.

Germany Language Course Visa Requirements

When you apply for the visa, you will need to submit some documents to prove that you are eligible for it. The required documents for a Germany Long Stay Language Course Visa are as follows:

• Two Germany national visa application forms. The forms should be fully completed and filled with genuine information about yourself.
• Your valid passport. It should be valid for at least 6 months before your intended date of return to your home country.
• Two identical Germany visa photographs.
• Proof of Accommodation in Germany. This could be:
  • A hotel booking.
  • Rental agreement.
  • Letter of invitation from the host in Germany.
  • Proof of ownership of an apartment or house in Germany.
• Copies of previously held visas.
• Confirmation letter of language course registration, or, certificate of enrollment. The course must contain at least 18 hours/week of classes for a duration of at least 3 months.
• Letter of motivation – in which the applicant shows the reason why he or she wishes to attend a German language course.
• Proof of purchased student health insurance policy that covers the entire stay in Germany.
• Proof of paid visa fee.
• Blocked bank account to prove financial sufficiency. 

*Note: Each original has to be offered with two photocopies

Depending on the embassy, you may also need to provide proof that you do not have any criminal record. You shall obtain the document at the relevant authorities in your country of residence (i.e. police station). The visa officer may require extra documents upon the visa interview.

Language Course Visa types

You can apply for one of the two types of Language Course Visas according to the reason why you wish to attend the course:

• Language Learning Visa – if you are intending to learn German and then return to your home country.
• Residency for Study Preparation – if intend to learn German in order to attend studies at a German University or Higher Education Institute.

Upon finishing the course, if you wish to apply to a German university, you need to return to your country. Then you can apply for a Germany Student Applicant or a Germany Student Visa from your country of residence.

If you have already been admitted to a university, but the completion of a language course is a condition, you only need to apply for a student visa. The student visa will also enable you to attend a course prior to getting enrolled at the university.

Germany Language Course Visa Application Process

When applying for a Germany visa under the purpose of attending a language course in Germany, you will need to complete a specific process. The Germany visa application process consists of the following steps:

1. Fill out the application form for a German national visa.
2. Ensure you have all the required documents.
3. Schedule an appointment.
4. Attend the interview.
5. Pay the visa fee.

Fill out the application form for a German national visa

Answer the questions honestly and be careful not to make any technical mistake. Make sure the information given in this form complies with that in the rest of the required documents. Find the application form here.

Ensure you have all the required documents

Some embassies/consulates may ask you to prove that you already have a little knowledge of German. You may also be requested to pay your language course fees in advance. If a visa is granted, you will have to attend classes regularly. Please note that you have to sign up for at least 18-25 hours per week.

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the German embassy or consulate in your country as soon as possible. If you do not book an appointment before you go to the application center, they will not accept the application. All visa applications are accepted only if you have made prior to the appointment.

Attend the interview

Go to the visa application center for the interview and submit your visa application. Do not be late! Prepare yourself prior to it in order to avoid stress and unpleasant situations during the interview.

Pay the visa fee

After you pay the visa fee, you will be issued a receipt. Keep it since you will need it as proof when you collect your visa.

Please apply on time for your visa for your German language course. Depending on the time you apply, the processing of your visa might take up to three months.

If your visa application is rejected, most of the courses will send back the fees you paid. Just take care to send back to the course the documents they require. This includes the original letter confirming the course registration, the original letter of visa refusal and your bank details. However, the registration fee is not reimbursable.

Can I Work in Germany With a Language Course Visa?

Note that under no circumstances, you will be allowed to work in Germany under a Language Course Visa. However, if you hold a Student Visa, but you are attending a course as a preparation for university, then you can work for a limited number of hours. The student visa gives you the ‘student’ status even if you are attending a language course, which makes working legal.

Please note that a Language Course Visa will permit you to travel throughout the whole Schengen territory, as Germany is a member state.

What Should I Do if the Course Lasts Less than Three Months?

If the course lasts less than three months, then you may have to apply for a short-stay visa to Germany. On the other hand, if the course is set to last more than that, then you will probably need to apply for a Germany Long-Stay Language Course Visa.

After You Arrive in Germany With a Language Course Visa

When you arrive in Germany, you have two more tasks left to complete. First, register your address at the registration office nearest to your place in Germany.

Second, apply for a German Study residence permit at the Immigration Authorities in the city you settled. Note that you will have to make a prior appointment, pay the fees, attend an interview, and submit some documents to get a residence permit.

Prospective universities are not the only opportunity that Germany offers to foreign students and newly graduates. Foreigners also have the chance to do an internship in their field study / interest, at the many institutions and companies here. During the internship, they can benefit professionally and have the chance to work alongside specialists of their field of study.

Who Can Get an Internship in Germany?

Everyone interested can get to do an internship in Germany. Even if your German is very basic, or you know no word in German at all, you can still manage to get an internship. It all depends on the company that wants to hire you as an intern.

Here are two ways of finding an internship in Germany:

• You can check online for internship vacancies.
• You can also email the company/institution you would like to do an internship at and ask them if they are taking interns.

Often companies do not pay interns. Therefore, if you think that the costs of living in Germany will be unbearable for you, try finding an internship that is paid. A paid internship can at least cover some of your most basic needs.

Who Needs a Germany Long-Stay Student Internship Visa?

If your internship is less than three months long, then you ought to obtain a Short Stay Visa to Germany. However, if your internship is longer than that, you will have to apply for a Long Term Internship / Training Visa. It is part of the National Visa, also known as D Visa, for those who wish intend to remain in Germany for longer than three months.

If you are planning to do an internship in Germany, know that depending on your nationality and situation, you may need this visa.

You will not need to obtain a Long-Stay Internship / Training Visa before heading to Germany, if you are a national of:

• EU/EEA/EFTA
• Australia
• Canada
• Israel
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• New Zealand
• United States of America

On the other hand, if you are a national of a country not listed above, you must obtain a visa to do an internship in Germany. Internships in Germany cannot last more than 12 months and can only be extended in exceptional cases.

You will be required to find an internship prior to your visa application. The internship must be in your area of studies, in order to be able to get this type of visa.

Note that a Germany National Visa also permits you to travel through the whole territory of the Schengen Area. However, you are only permitted to carry your internship in Germany, and you are not permitted to work in any of the countries.

Visa Requirements for a Student Internship Visa

In order to complete the necessary procedures to obtain a Germany Student Internship Visa, you will need to collect several documents. The required documents for a Germany Student Internship Visa are as follows:

• Documents required for a Germany Visa.
• Proof of study: Student’s ID card (if applicable).
• Permission to work, received from ‘Bundesagentur für Arbeit’ (original and photocopy) – it is upon your employer to apply on your behalf for approval of the BA. Some internships do not require the agreement of the BA. These include internships under EU-funded programmes (Leonardo, Socrates, Erasmus, etc.). Internships funded by international intergovernmental organizations are also exempt from approval.
• A letter from the university institution you are studying at (if applicable), confirming that the applicant is a student of that organization (original and photocopy).
• Approval letter from the German company confirming conditions of your stay in Germany, including payment.
• Proof of qualification (diploma, academic degree, or mark sheets).

*Note that each original document has to be offered with 2 (two) photocopies.

Depending on the embassy, you may also need to provide proof that you do not have any criminal record. You shall obtain the document at the authorities in your country of residence. The visa officer may require extra documents, upon the visa interview. Take care to submit them all because your visa application depends on it.

Please note that your passport will remain at the Embassy/Consulate where you have applied during the processing of your application. If you need to withdraw your passport for any reason, you will have to apply again from the beginning.

How to Apply for a Student Internship Visa

You need to follow some very specific steps to complete the application process for a Student Internship Visa. These steps are as follows:

1. Complete the application form for a Long-stay Student Internship Visa online. Print it twice and sign it at the end. 
2. Gather the required documents and photocopy each original twice.
3. Appoint an interview. You can do so through the website of the German mission in your country of residence. If Germany has outsourced visa submission to a third-party company in your country, apply through the website of this party. The appointment might take up to three months. Therefore, take care to make the appointment as soon as possible in order to avoid any possible delay.
4. Show up at the appointment center on time (embassy or consulate). Remember that if you are late even for a few minutes, then they will cancel your appointment. Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you and well organized. The submission process takes around 10 minutes to complete.
5. Pay the visa fee. After you pay the visa fee, you will be issued a receipt, which you must save.

Can I Extend my Internship Visa?

You will be able to apply for a visa extension if f the company where you are working as an intern wants you to continue your internship.

To apply for a visa extension, appoint a meeting at the Foreigner’s Office in the city you are staying in Germany. Take all the documentations you have. Include a letter from your company that they wish to extend your internship for another couple of weeks/months.

Can I Switch My Internship Visa to a Working Visa?

You can switch your internship visa into a Working visa only in exceptional cases as. I.e. when the company where you are doing your internship wants to hire you as an employee.

However, after the end of your internship, you can always return to your country and apply for a Germany working visa or a German job seeker visa.

Can I Bring Family Members Over?

No, an intern in Germany cannot bring their family over through the Family Reunion Visa. However, that does not mean that the family member is not eligible to apply for any other type of visa.

After You Arrive in Germany With a Student Internship Visa

As soon as you have a valid visa on your hands, you can travel to Germany. Within two weeks of arrival, register your address at a registration office close to your new home.

Then apply for a Germany Residence permit for student internship, following these steps:

1. Make an appointment. The Immigration Authorities in Germany do not accept walk in applications due to the high number of applications they receive. You should make an appointment before you show up there.
2. Attend the interview. On the day of your appointment, you should attend an interview with an immigration officer. You will also submit your documents and pay the residence permit application fee.

Germany, the land of invention and innovation, has become an attractive opportunity for researchers of different fields, among other professionals. The Western European country has opened its gates for all those wishing to carry researches and have all types of means to do so.

Because of German visa policies, depending on your nationality you may need a Researcher visa to enter the country.

Who needs a Germany Researcher and Guest Scientist Visa?

If you are a scientist wishing to carry a research in Germany you may need a visa to do so according to you nationality.

You will not need to apply for a Germany Researcher and Guest Scientist Visa if you are a:

• Citizen of one of the member countries of the European Union, the European Economic Area or the European Free Trade Area
• National of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of South Korea, or the United States of America.

On the other hand, if you are a national of any of the rest of the world countries not mentioned above, you must obtain a visa in order to be able to enter Germany and develop your research.

In order for a researcher to be eligible for a Germany visa, there is a perquisite for a hosting agreement to be drawn up and signed by the international researcher and a research institute in Germany.

Germany Researcher Visa Requirements

When applying for a Germany long-stay Researcher Visa you must meet several requirements, in order to prove you are eligible to enter the country and develop your research. The required documents for a Germany long-stay Researcher Visa are as follows:

• Germany national visa Application Form.
• Your passport that is valid for at least six months.
• Two identical photographs in line with guidelines.
• Proof of accommodation in Germany.
• Personal covering letter explaining the purpose of your stay in Germany, period of stay and other details. Must be very convincing.
• No-objection letter of your local university / research institute, which states that you have contractual obligations in your home country which you have to and will return to.
• Invitation letter from German university / research institute confirming conditions of your stay in Germany, including payment (scholarship).
• Proof of academic qualification (academic Degree Certificate, or mark sheets) – in original.
• Proof of purchased health insurance for researchers.

*Note that each original document has to be offered with 2 (two) photocopies. Do not staple any of the documents!

The German embassy or consulate on your home country, may also ask you to provide proof that you do not have any criminal record. You shall obtain the document at the authorities in your country of residence. The visa officer may require extra documents, upon the visa interview. Take care to submit them all or your visa may be denied.

How to Apply for a Germany Researcher Visa

There are some steps that you must follow, to apply for a long-stay Researcher Visa. Find these steps listed and explained below in order:

1. Complete the application form for a Germany long-stay Researcher Visa. The application form should be filled online, and then printed twice. Sign both copies at the end.
2. Collect the required documents, according to their specifications listed and elaborated above in this article.
3. After you have collected all the required documents, including the application form, take care to photocopy each original document twice.
4. Make an appointment through the website of the German mission in your country, embassy or consulate. In some countries, you will need to appoint the interview in person.
5. Attend the interview. On the day of the appointment, be there on time with all of the required documents. Do not be late since if you are late even for a few minutes they will probably cancel your appointment.
6. Pay the visa fee. After you pay the visa fee, you will be issued a receipt which you have to keep in order to collect your processed application.

The submission process takes around 10 minutes to complete. Please make sure that the official person at the application center will check and verify all of your documents.

After you receive your passport with the visa sticker, check it data for possible mistakes. Pay particular attention to the visa start and end dates, the correct spelling of your name, as well as the number of entries you were granted.

Extending Your Researcher Visa

The extension of the Long-Term Researcher Visa is possible, but you must follow some step in order to complete the visa extension application process. These steps are as listed below:

1. Make an appointment with the foreigners’ registration office of the city you are staying in Germany, at least two months before your visa expiration.
2. Attend the appointment. On the day of the appointment, bring the documents that show why you wish to extend your visa, including:
   • A cover letter explaining why you wish to extend your stay
   • A letter from the research university/institution stating that they would like you to carry on for a few more months with your research would a huge plus
3. Pay the renewal fee, which is about 80 euro.

Bringing Spouse and Children to Germany on a German Researcher Visa

After you obtain your Researcher Long Term Visa and come to Germany, you have the possibility to bring your children and spouse with you. Note that it is required for your children to be underage and not married. You also must fulfill other requirements as:

• Prove that you have enough living space for the family members you want to bring in Germany (as judged by the German authorities).
• Show you can financially support yourself and the family members that are going to join you.
• Submit proof that these family members have at least basic German knowledge.
• Your spouse is also eligible to work in Germany during his or her stay. However, the approval of the Federal Employment Agency to take up employment is necessary.

After You Arrive in Germany With a Researcher Visa

Once you reach Germany with your Researcher visa, you need to complete some other steps, as follows:

1. Go to the Registration Office to register your address in Germany. Find the closest office to your home, and go there within two weeks of being in Germany. Have some documents with you, as your passport with the German researcher visa on it, and documents proving where you are living in Germany.
2. Make an Appointment for a Researcher Residence Permit. You should also get a German residence permit in order for your stay in Germany to be legal. To do so, you shall first make an appointment with the German immigration authorities in the city where you are living.
3. Attend an interview for a Germany researcher residence permit. You will have to attend an interview with the immigration authorities as a part of your application. You will also need to submit several documents, which are pretty much the same ones with which you applied for your long-stay visa to Germany.

As the largest national economy in Europe and one of the biggest in the world, Germany keeps attracting workers of different levels to come and work here.

High salaries, good working conditions and the wide range of opportunities for workers and professionals of different areas have lured a very high number of people to look up to these opportunities that make them to consider Germany as the best chance for their future.

Who Needs a Visa to Work in Germany?

Non-German citizens, who wish to move to Germany and work there, may need a Germany Work visa to do so. There are several countries the nationals of which to not need to hold a visa in order to work in Germany. However, most of world countries fall under the German visa regime when it comes to working in Germany.

The following do not need a visa to work in Germany:

• Nationals of one of the member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association, do not need any German visa in order to be able to work in Germany.
• Applicants who are nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the United States of America or South Korea can apply for a residence permit upon their arrival in Germany, with no need to initiate such procedures back in their home country. The above mentioned only need a passport in order to be able to enter the country.

As for nationals of other countries of the world that do not fit in these two categories, they are required to apply for a visa, and obtain one in order to be able to enter and work in Germany.

Types Germany Long stay Employment Visa

There are three types of Long stay Employment Visa depending on your field of expertise and the economic needs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Germany General Employment Visa

Those intending to apply under this type of National Employment Visa must fulfill two vital conditions:

• vocational qualification
• a concrete offer of a contract of employment.

Germany Special Employment Visa

Germany has established a visa for specialist professionals who wish to work and live in Germany. This type of visa applies particularly to graduates with special professional knowledge, university teachers with outstanding career profiles and experienced managers with an offer of a job carrying a salary not less than 86.400 euros per year.

The only conditions the applicant of these categories must fulfill is the possession of sufficient funds to maintain themselves, and a contract of employment.

According to the European Commission information, a foreign applicant applying for a German Visa, must be able to prove the possession of 45€ per day to the German Embassy or Consulate for the period of stay in German territory.  This might be a document of personal financial statements of the last three months, fixed deposit statement, written confirmation of parents or sponsor that he/she will cover your costs along with a document that shows they have the means to do so, or other.

Germany Self-Employed Visa

This category includes those who:

• wish to work as freelancers in Germany
• wish to start a business in Germany and have sufficient funds to do so

The process and documents required are the same as for other visa types, with an additional requirement being that you must prove your work will bring benefit to Germany.

Germany Work Visa Requirements

The required documents in order for one to be able to work in Germany are as follows:

• Standard Requirements for a Germany Visa.
• Letter of intent or contract offered to you by a company in Germany containing a detailed description of the employment.
• For Germany General Work Visa: Proof you have the required vocational qualification.
• For Germany Special Work Visa: Documentation of your professional knowledge and experience – this includes CV, recommendation papers by former employers, university diplomas, certificates and everything else that shows proof you have the professional capability to work.
• Health insurance coverage for foreign workers in Germany.

Usually, each original document is required with two copies so take care to photocopy them all.

Germany Work Visa Application

The application procedure for a German long stay work visa is pretty much the same as the application procedure for every long stay German visa. You can start applying for your Germany work visa by following these steps:

1. Prepare your Germany work visa application in advance. Get the list of the documents required for the visa you wish to apply for and gather them all, including the German work visa application form. Print the form and sign it at the end, if required. 
2. Make an appointment. You can make a German work visa interview appointment online, through the website of the German mission in your country. If you do not book an appointment before you go to the Application center, they will not accept your documents or application.
3. On the day of the interview. Make sure to be on time at the application center since they may not accept your application if you are late. After the verification of your appointment letter, you will be issued a token. The submission process takes around 10 minutes to complete.
4. Entering of application information. After the verification of your application, all the application form information will be entered into the online system of the German consulate and you will receive a printed copy of your application. This process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you get the printed form, please make sure to verify all the details are correct and sign the form.
5. Pay the fees for Germany work visa application. After you pay the fee, you will be issued a receipt, which you have to keep in order to collect your processed application later.
6. Biometric data collection. Once the application has been completed, biometrics will be collected. This is a quick process that captures a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner. It usually takes 7-8 minutes per applicant.

After all these steps, the applying procedure has been completed. The Embassy or consulate where you have applied will process your application. It may also ask for additional documents in the meantime, as mentioned above. Take care to provide anything extra they ask for or your visa may be denied.

Please keep in mind that your passport will remain at the Embassy / Consulate where you have applied during the entire process of your Germany Work visa proceeding. If you need to withdraw your passport for any reason, whether it be traveling or else, you will have to apply again from the beginning.

Bringing family members in Germany on a German Work Visa

Nationals of the European Union member states, working in Germany can bring their family members such as a spouse, children aged under 21, parents and grandparents, as long as they have the financial means to support them and can provide enough living space.

As for the non-EU citizens with a working visa, family members normally include children under the age of 18, spouses and in some cases other family members. The family reunion can only take place after certain conditions have been met such as:

• Having enough room for the people they want to bring up which is judged by the German embassy / consulate during the processing of the application.
• Sufficient and secured finances, in order to be able to support the people you bring up.
• Basic knowledge of German language.

The family members must apply for a German Family Reunion Visa and follow the required procedures in order to be able to join their relative in Germany. The decision whether the candidate should or should not be granted with a visa is upon the visa officials.

After You Arrive in Germany With an Employment Visa

When you arrive in Germany with an employment visa, you have two weeks to register your address with the German authorities.

Find a registration office that is closest to the place your home in Germany. Show up there with your visa, and a document that proves where your address is, i.e. a bill or a rental contract.

After that, you can apply for a German Employment Residence Permit. You should first make an appointment with the German Immigration Authorities. On the day of your appointment, show there with all the required documents with you. Pay the fee and attend a short meeting with an immigration officer.

The shortage of skilled workers in many sectors and professions in Germany, specifically in engineering, manufacturing and the IT sectors, as well as health specialists, has pushed the Federal Government to try and find other solutions in order to fill the labor gaps.

The Germany Job Seeker Visa is a German National long stay visa that was established in August 2012. The main idea is to lure more qualified experts from abroad to come to Germany to attend interviews and find a job. However, job seekers are not allowed to work in Germany under this type of visa.

Do I Need to Apply for a Job Seeker Visa for Germany?

If you are a national of one of the countries below, you do not need to apply for a Job Seeker Visa:

• • EU/EEA countries.
  • Australia*
  • Canada*
  • Israel*
  • Japan*
  • Korea*
  • New Zealand*

*Must apply for a temporary residence permit upon their arrival in Berlin, directly at the Immigration Office.

Nationals of other countries need to first obtain a Job Seeker Visa in order to be able to enter Germany and search for employment.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?

The applicant must also fulfill several criteria in order to be eligible to apply for the Germany job seeker visa, as follows:

• The possession of a Bachelor or Master’s Degree from a German university or an equivalent foreign degree.
• Have a relevant (a minimum of 5 years) of experience in your related field of interest/study.
• Show proof of travel or medical insurance for your entire stay in Germany or until you get your Work Permit.
• Show proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your whole stay in Germany.

In addition, it is highly recommended that you have German Language ability. Though English proficiency is sufficient to qualify for the visa, it would be better for you if you at least knew basic German.

Germany Job Seeker Visa Requirements

First of all, get a list of all the required documents. The documents for the Germany Job seeker visa are as follows:

• A duly completed German long-stay visa application form.
• Your passport with at least six months validation.
• Three passport-style photos. The photos must be identical and be of high quality.
• Proof of accommodation in Germany during your job-seeking period.
• Proof of purchased health insurance policy for foreign workers in Germany.
• A cover letter. Explain the objective of your visit, how you plan to find employment, and your alternative career plans if you cannot find a job.
• Proof of academic qualification. Diploma of your degree or any other proof of academic qualification from a German or non-German university. Attach any certificates of previous work experiences as well.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of financial resources. This could be one of the following:
  • bank statement,
  • a letter of sponsorship by another person, a combination of both,
  • or a blocked bank account.

Note that all documents must be produced in German or English or together with a translation into German provided by a translator recognized by the embassy. All official documents must be provided in a translated, attested and legalized version. Depending on the embassy or consulate in your country they may ask for extra documents. If you fail to comply with the requirements set by the German authorities your visa application may be denied!

Keep in mind that depending on your country of residence they might ask you for extra or fewer documents. Gather the required documents and photocopy each original twice. Also, you are required to hand in the documents during your interview at the appointment center in your country of residence (embassy or consulate).

Germany Job Seeker Visa Application Steps

The application procedure for a German Job Seeker visa is very similar to the application procedures for other types of German visas. To apply for a Germany Job Seeker visa, you need to follow these steps:

1. Complete the German Job seeker visa application form.
2. Make an appointment.
3. Collect the required documents.
4. Attend the interview.
5. Pay the fees.

Complete the German Job seeker visa application form

Complete the application form online carefully and correctly, print it twice and sign it at the end.

Make an appointment

Appoint an interview through the website of the German mission in your home country. The appointment might take up to three months, therefore, take care to make the appointment as soon as possible in order to avoid any possible delay.

Collect the required documents

Make sure to collect all the required documents, or the application may be denied.

On the day of the appointment

Show up at the appointment center on time (embassy or consulate). Remember that if you are late even for a few minutes, then they will probably cancel your appointment. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation with you.

Pay the fees

After you pay the Germany Job Seeker visa fee, you will be issued a receipt which will need to collect your processed application.

After Arriving in Germany With a Job Seeker Visa

The Germany Job seeker visa holders can stay in Germany for up to six months in search of a job in their field. Once they find the job they must convert it into an employment residence permit. Once you get a job you have two possibilities:

• you can either apply for an EU Blue Card, or
• you can apply for an employment residence permit

Applying for an EU Blue Card

In order to be able to get the EU Blue card you must have an employment offer of at least 44,800 euros annual gross salary. In case you are a specialist in the field of mathematics, IT, life sciences or engineering the annual gross salary must be at least 34,944 euros.

After just 33 months with an EU Blue Card, you can obtain a permanent residence permit in Germany. In case you prove your German Language ability to be of level B1 then you can get the permanent residence permit just after 21 months.

Getting a Germany Employment Visa

As per the German Employment Visa, in most cases, the Employer will sponsor it, but if not you will need to do it on your own. You can get the permanent residence permit after 5 years in Germany with an employment visa.

With this visa, you can bring your family with you through the Family Reunion Visa. To do so, you and the family members must fulfill the requirements for this type of visa.

After You Arrive in Germany With a Job Seeker Visa

With a Germany job-seeking visa in your hands, you can immediately travel to the country. Yet, once here, you should complete another two tasks, which are:

1. Register your address at the registration office. It does not matter if you will be staying in a hotel, a rented place, or over at some relatives or friends. You always need to register your address in Germany. Thus, within two weeks of arrival in Germany, you should register your address. Find the closest registration office, and go there with your passport, visa and documents regarding the address where you are staying.
2. Get your Germany Temporary Residence Permit. After you register your address, you can apply for a residence permit for a job seeker person. To apply you should make an appointment with the Immigration Authorities near your place. On the day of the appointment, you will be attending an interview during which you will be submitting some documents regarding your application.

To be self-employed in Germany, you will need a so-called Germany Freelancer Visa.

This type of visa has risen in popularity in recent years, although the road to getting one is a long and often frustrating process of German bureaucracy.

What is a German Freelancer Visa?

As the name suggests, the German Freelancer Visa allows you to live in Germany and work as a freelancer. The overall “visa” is divided into two components:

1. Freelancer (Entry) Visa. This is a National (D) Visa, which you have to apply for at the German Embassy where you live. This is only valid for a few months, but you need it so you can enter Germany and let the immigration authorities know you are entering with the purpose of working. Once in Germany, you trade the visa in for a Freelancer Residence Permit.
2. Freelancer Residence Permit. This is what allows you to actually live and work in Germany long-term. You have to apply for the Freelancer Residence Permit at the Ausländerbehörde (German Immigration Office) after you arrive in Germany with the entry visa. Once you get the Freelancer Residence Permit, you no longer need the visa.

Types of Germany Freelance Visa

There are two types of Freelance Visas for Germany that you can apply for, based on your occupation:

1. Visa for freelance employment (Freiberufler). You can receive this type of visa if you have an occupation that will have a positive impact on German culture and economy, such as an artist, writer, self-employed doctor, engineer, language teacher, interpreter, auditor, or architect.
2. Visa for self-employment (Selbständiger). You can receive this type of visa if you are a company founder, a sole proprietor, or managing director/legal representative of a partnership or corporation and:
   1. There is an economic interest in Germany for your profession/business.
   2. Your profession/business will have a positive impact on the German economy.
   3. You have financed your profession/business through equity or a loan commitment.

Who Can Apply for a Germany Freelancer Visa?

Technically, everyone who fulfills the prerequisites and has an eligible profession can apply for a German Freelance Visa. You are considered a freelancer if you conduct independent scientific, artistic, literary, teaching, or educational activities. This includes, but is not limited to, the following professions:

• Doctors.
• Dentists.
• Veterinarians.
• Lawyers.
• Notaries.
• Patent attorneys.
• Surveyors.
• Engineers.
• Architects.
• Commercial chemists.
• Auditors.
• Tax consultants.
• Advisory people.
• Business economists.
• Sworn accountants.
• Tax agents.
• Naturopaths.
• Dentists.
• Physiotherapists.
• Journalists.
• Photo reporters.
• Interpreters.
• Translators.
• Pilots.
• Other similar professions. See the definition of self-employed individuals, as per Section 18 of the German Income Tax Act.

Prerequisites for a German Freelance Residence Permit

Before you get a Germany Freelance Permit, you must comply with the following prerequisites:

• There must be an economic interest or a regional need for your profession.
• You must prove that there are clients interested in working with you. Your prospective clients have to write letters of intent, proving they plan to hire you. This is not a work contract, just a letter showing interest in your services or work.
• You must prove that you have enough money to live comfortably in Berlin. At least €9,000/year.
• You must have legal residence in Germany. You have to find accommodation and register your address at a local registration office, known as Bürgeramt.
• You must have an adequate pension plan if you are over the age of 45. This means that by age 67, you must have either:
  • A monthly pension of €1,332.36 for a minimum of 12 years; or
  • Assets amounting to at least €194,631.

How to Get the Germany Freelance Visa?

To get the Germany Freelancer visa, you need to:

1. Apply for a Freelancer Visa at a German Embassy.
2. Travel to Germany.
3. Find accommodation in Germany and register your living address.
4. Register with the Tax Registration Office (Finanzamt).
5. Get health insurance.
6. Apply for a Residence Permit for Freelancing.

Applying for a Freelancer Entry Visa

To apply for a Freelancer Visa, you have to contact the nearest German Embassy. You must request a National (D-Type) Visa for working or freelancing. The application process is naturally different in each Embassy, but generally, you should follow these steps:

1. Locate the nearest German Embassy or Consulate.
2. Make an appointment.
3. Collect the required documents. Some of the documents are listed below, but keep in mind that each Embassy may have its own specific requirements.
4. Submit the documents on the date of your appointment. You may also have to enter a visa interview on the same day or at another time, as per the Embassy rules.
5. Pay the visa fee. You have to follow the instructions of the Embassy regarding payment of the visa fee. It can be online, through a bank transfer, or cash.
6. Wait to hear back. It can take several weeks to three months for your visa application to be processed.

Remember:

• The Freelancer Visa you receive at the Embassy is valid for three months, during which you have to enter Germany and apply for a residence permit, which then replaces the visa.
• If you are from the USA, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, or South Korea, you can simply travel to Germany, get your accommodation, health insurance, and Tax Office registration settled, then apply for a Freelancer Residence Permit at the Ausländerbehörde. You do not need an entry visa.

Once you have your Freelancer Visa, then you can travel to Germany. This is when you can make an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde and start preparing your documents. One of the main things you need to do is find potential clients who can support your application (if you haven’t already done so).

You also have to find a permanent place to live, register your living address, get health insurance, and register your freelance activity with the tax office. See these in more detail below.

Registering Your Living Address

One of the most important requirements of a Freelancer Visa is having a registered living address in Germany. The procedure of registering your residence is called Anmeldung. What you have to do is:

1. Find a place to live. You can also find accommodation before you travel to Germany, but you have to register your living address within 14 days of moving in.
2. Make an appointment at the local Resident’s Registration Office (Bürgeramt). Depending on the specific Registration Office, you could do this online without having to visit the office in person.
3. Prepare the following documents:
   1. Your passport.
   2. The registration form. You can download this online or get it at the Registration Office.
   3. Rental agreement.
   4. Confirmation of moving in from your landlord. The confirmation must contain the landlord’s name and address, your move-in date, and your new apartment’s address.
   5. Civil status documents, such as birth or marriage certificates.
4. Submit the documents (in person) at the Bürgeramt on the date of your appointment.
5. Wait to get your Meldebescheinigung. This is the document confirming your residence registration, and you usually get the certificate on the same day.
6. Wait to receive a Tax ID number. You need this number to register your freelance activity with the German Tax Office. This process could take a few weeks, so make sure to start the application process as early as you can.

Registering with the Tax Office

To begin freelancing, you have to register with the German Tax Office (Finanzamt) and declare your freelance activity or business and get a freelance tax number (Steuernummer). To do this, you have to:

1. Complete the Questionnaire for Tax Collection (Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung)*. You can complete this form online, via the website of the German Ministry of Finances (Bundesministerium der Finanzen) or you can request it from the Finanzamt. You should have the following information at hand:
   1. Your Tax ID Number. The one you received when you registered your address.
   2. Your bank information.
   3. A detailed description of your freelance activity or business.
2. Find the local Finanzamt (Tax Office). Make an appointment, if one is required.
3. Send the questionnaire to the Finanzamt in person. You may also be able to mail it, depending on the specific office.
4. Wait to receive your freelance tax number (Steuernummer). It could take a few weeks, and you should receive it via mail.

*If you are a business owner: You have to register your business and get a license at the local Trade Office (Gewerbeschein) before you complete the Questionnaire for Tax Collection.

Registering with the tax office can be quite daunting and complex, especially for freelancers who have no experience with the German tax system. That’s why it is advisable to consult with tax professionals, such as Sorted, to assist you on these matters. They can assist you in preparing all the necessary tax reports, issuing invoices and submitting them to the tax office.

Why submit your taxes through certified tax professionals?

• Sorted is a leading Germany-based company with a strong backing of serious investors.
• They cover the entire tax needs for the vast majority of the freelancers and self-employed professionals in Germany.
• Sorted supports you if you have domestic clients or even outside of Germany.
• With Sorted, you register as a freelancer, do your bookkeeping and submit yearly tax reports for free, until your revenue meets a certain amount or obtain clients in the EU.
• You can submit your tax reports electronically to the Finanzamt through Sorted. Sorted is connected directly to the Finanzamt through their official software provider, ELSTER.

Getting Health Insurance

Before you apply for the Freelancer Residence Permit, you likely have to get some sort of private insurance plan because statutory insurers might not accept to enroll you.

If you have applied for a visa to enter Germany, you should already have a health insurance plan, but it might not be sufficient to apply for the Freelancer Residence Permit. So for the period of time from entry to Germany and until you receive the permit, you have to get an expat health insurance plan for freelancers Germany, which is private.

Then, once you have gotten the residence permit and are considered a full, legal resident of Germany, you can enroll under whichever type of plan you choose, public or private.

Applying for the Freelancer Residence Permit

Once you have all the necessary certificates and tax numbers, you can finally apply for a Freelancer Residence Permit. The process is as follows:

• Book an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office).
• Collect all the required documents. Including your Residence Registration Certificate,
  Freelance Tax Number, and letters from prospective employers.
• Show up on the date of your appointment and enter the interview.
• Wait to receive your visa. The processing time changes between states, so it can be anywhere from one to twelve months.

The Ausländerbehörde authorities will ask to see whether you have job prospects in Germany – at least two. Your potential clients will have to write a letter attesting to the fact that they plan to hire you for your services.

Once you have gotten the Freelancer Residence Permit (the last step on the visa process), you can start working.

Health Insurance for Freelancers in Germany: Statutory or Private?

There are two types of health insurance in Germany: public and private. Freelancers in Germany have the option to opt-out of public health insurance and get a private insurance plan instead. Private insurance is often an appealing option for self-employed individuals, especially if they are young and healthy because the cost can be lower than that of statutory insurance.

Why? Well, under German law, for public insurance, you have to pay a monthly contribution which is about 14.6% to 15.6% of your monthly income. If you are employed, you pay half the contributions and your employer pays the other half.

But, as a freelancer, you have to pay all your contributions yourself, to a maximum of approximately €400/month. This is why many freelancers opt-out of statutory insurance and get a private insurance plan, which will cost less.

Required Documents for Freelancer Visa

The documents you have to submit at the Ausländerbehörde when applying for a Freelancer Visa for Germany include:

• Your passport.
• Passport-size picture of yourself. It must be recent and follow the Germany visa photo requirements.
• Application form for Freelance Residence Permit (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels).
• Your income estimation.
• Letter of Intent for Collaboration. Your prospective clients (you need at least 2) should write a letter, confirming they plan to collaborate with you once you get the visa. This is only necessary if you will work on a fee basis.
• If you will work as an artist and language teacher: Proof of regular income. Such as from your own savings, regular transfer, or by submitting a “declaration of obligation” from a third party.
• Health insurance. Statutory health insurers may not agree to enroll you without a visa, so you may have to get a private insurance plan initially.
• Certificate of Address Registration in Germany.
• Your rental lease and confirmation from your landlord (if applicable).
• Proof of home ownership (if applicable).
• Proof of retirement plan (if you are over the age of 45). This can be your own savings, pension rights, operating assets, or proof of a private pension or life insurer.
• Your CV.
• If you are a university graduate: Proof of degree from a recognised university or training institution.
• If you will work as a company/business owner:
  • Your business plan.
  • Your financing plan.
  • Registration with the Trade Register.
  • Letter from your university, confirming that the knowledge you acquired in university is relevant to your business idea.

Note:

• You will have to submit many of these documents to the German Embassy in your country as well when you apply for the entry visa.
• The documents have to be in German or English. If they are not, you must have them translated.

Freelance Visa Fees

You have to pay two visa fees when applying for a Freelancer Visa:

• The Embassy fee: €75
• The Ausländerbehörde fee: €100 (€28.80 for Turkish citizens)

Can Students Freelance in Germany?

International students (non-EU) cannot freelance as part of their Student Visa. However, if you find prospective employers and meet all the other self-employment prerequisites, then you can apply for a Freelancer Visa at the Immigration Office, following the same procedure as everyone else.

What If I am Already in Germany?

If you are in Germany with another type of Residence Permit or with a long-stay visa for working purposes, then you can apply for a Freelancer Visa at the German Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde). You have to meet all the prerequisites that make you eligible for freelancing.

However, you cannot apply for a Freelancer Residence Permit if you are in Germany with a tourist visa or other short-term visa. If you are in Germany as a tourist, you will have to return home and re-apply for the appropriate visa which is a National D-type visa for employment.

Many non-German residents in Germany tend to bring their families with them once they have settled, specifically spouses and children. The Immigration Authorities in Germany, support reunification of families as a necessary way of making family life possible, even when the resident does not hold a permanent residence permit, but rather a Germany family reuinion residence permit.

What is a Family Reunion Visa for Germany?

The German Family Reunion visa, as the name says, is a German long stay visa that is issued for the purpose of bringing family members of German residents to Germany.

Who Needs a Germany Family Reunion Visa?

Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and the European Free Trade Association, do not need a residence permit to enter and work in Germany, and even bring their families with them. They only need to be able to support them financially and have enough room as judged by the German authorities. However, any family member who is not a citizen of the above mentioned countries will need to apply for a German Family Reunion Visa.

Legal Assistance with Applying for the German Family Reunion Visa

The process of family reunification in Germany can be complex. As you will see, there are many steps that need to be taken, and possessing the right documentation is crucial. For this reason, we would recommend working with experienced professionals in the field of family reunification in Germany such as the immigration law team at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte.

Working with experts prevents costly mistakes and unexpected delays with the process, and should certainly be considered by those looking to succeed with their application on the first attempt.

The Sponsor of Application for Family Reunification

A “sponsor” is called the person who legally resides in Germany and wishes to bring in his or her family members by offering them financial support and sufficient living space for himself or herself and the family member joining them.

Third-country nationals who want to act as sponsors for a spouse or registered partner, a child, a parent or another family member must have one of the following:

• Possession of a settlement permit,
• An EU long-term residence permit,
• A residence permit or
• An EU Blue Card.

This is the first vital requirement alongside with the financial capability of the sponsor to offer financial security and a safe living habitat to the family members he or she wants to bring in.

Who can benefit from the Family Reunion Visa?

Though all family members can apply for this type of visa, core family members are more privileged. Other family members shall be granted a visa in order to prevent particular hardship. The German Immigration Authorities ask for different requirements for every family member, and if the requirements are not met, the application is rejected.

If you would like to determine who you can bring to Germany, and what documents and other requirements are needed in your situation, make sure to get professional legal advice such as from the immigration lawyers at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte

Registered partner, spouse (husband / wife)

If a sponsor who is a third-world country national residing in Germany wants to bring his or her registered partner/ spouse, beside of the above mentioned requirements, they both must be older than 18. The immigrating spouse or registered partner must also have at least basic German language capability. However, sometimes even when these requirements are met the Immigration Authorities might reject your visa, because they might asses that the other requirements have not been met.

As for applicants in polygamous marriages, if the sponsor is already living in Germany with a spouse or registered partner, no other spouse or partner shall be granted a visa to join them.

Minor children

If both parents or a sole parent wish to bring their children to live with them in Germany, the German Immigration Authorities will grant these children with visas as long as parents met the above mentioned requirements,  and also:

• The ‘sponsor’ parent must have the sole right of care and custody of the child.
• If sole parent, then he or she must the have the sole right of care and custody of the child.
• When parents share the right of care and custody, the other partner must grant the right of custody to the ‘sponsor’ in order for the child to be eligible.

The procedures will go faster and the visa can be obtained easier if the child has at least basic German language ability, and can integrate into the way of life prevailing in the Federal Republic of Germany, as judged by the German authorities.

Adult children

If one wishes to bring over his or her adult children in Germany, aside of the above mentioned conditions, the candidate also must not be married. Parents cannot bring their minor children in Germany too, for as long as they are married. However, this does not remove the possibility that the candidate gets another type of visa.

Parents

If a minor third-world country national is a resident in Germany, and no one who possesses the right of care and custody is a resident in Germany, then his biological and adoptive parents shall be given the residence permit to join the minor.

On the other hand, parents of adult children residing in Germany can only join them in order to prevent particular hardship.

Other family members

Other family members as siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews or cousins, may also be granted a residence permit for the purpose of subsequent immigration to join the foreigner in order to avoid particular hardship, i.e. when the immigrating family member needs family support which can only be provided by the family members living in Germany.

Germany Family Reunion Visa Document Requirements

In addition to the required documents for Germany visas, this is the following list of documents that you need to provide for the Germany family reunion visa application:

• Proof of German language skills at least level A1 of the applicant
• Proof of spouse / registered partner:
  • a registration or marriage certificate attested by a foreign officer, translated into German and legalized by the Germany embassy
  • if the spouse is of German nationality, then a copy of the German spouse’s passport and identity card must be submitted
  • if the spouse is a non-German residing in Germany, proof of legal residence and their passport must be submitted
• Proof on children:
  • birth certificate
  • proof of child’s nationality
  • proof of the right of care and custody of the parent residing in Germany

Note that all documents must be produced in German or English or together with a translation into German provided by a translator recognized by the embassy. All official documents must be provided in a translated, attested and legalized version.

It is in these situations that the second opinion of experienced professionals is of enormous benefit. The immigration lawyers at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte have helped people worldwide with their family reunion visa documents and applications. If you require further advice or assistance with your application, they are who we can recommend.

Read: Common reasons for Germany visa application refusal.

Application Procedure for a German Family Reunion Visa

The application procedure for Long Term Family Reunion Visa is similar to every other German visa application procedures.

1. First of all take care to gather all of the necessary documents, including proof that the ‘sponsor’ has enough room for you and has enough financial means to support you and themselves.
2. Appoint an interview online through the website of the German mission in your country. On the day of the appointment, attend the interview on time with all the required documents. Do not forget to take with you any of the required documents.
3. If the interviewer asks you to gather extra documents do so. Keep in mind that your passport will be kept at the embassy or consulate until they issue or reject the visa, so do not appoint the interview if you know that you will have to travel abroad in the meantime, since if you withdraw your passport you will have to make a new visa application appointment.
4. You will have to pay a visa fee for the interview. Normally, German family reunion long-term visa (category D) costs 75,00 Euro for adults and for children up to 18 years 37,50 Euro.

German Family Reunion Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a German Family Reunion visa can take from several days or weeks up to several months. This depends on the number of applications made at the German mission in your home country.

Partners and Relatives – Who Can Work?

Every adult that comes to Germany on a Family Reunion visa is allowed to work. The only condition is that the relative they are joining must meet one of the requirements as follows:

• The sponsor possesses a residence permit authorizing employment for themselves.
• The sponsor is an EU Blue Card holder.
• The sponsor is in Germany as a researcher or a highly skilled person.

After You Arrive in Germany With a Family Reunion Visa

After you reach Germany, you should register at a registration office. To do so, you should present a document that shows where your address in Germany is, i.e. a bill or a rental contract.

There are registration offices all across the country. Find the nearest one to your home in Germany. Note that you should complete this task within two weeks of arrival here.

You should apply for your German Family Residency Permit as soon as you register your address. First, make an appointment with the German Immigration authorities. Since there are always a lot of people at their offices, they do not accept walk-in applications.

On the day of your appointment, show there up on time. You may have to wait a little bit due to the flux of people. Make sure you take with you all of the required documents for a Family Residence Permit in Germany. You will also have to pay a fee and attend a meeting with an immigration officer.

Often family members are conditioned to attend German language classes and then enter an extra exam to prove they have at least basic German language.

The German healthcare system is among the best in the world. Over two thousand hospitals and clinics in Germany offer the full range of up to date treatments. The government strictly supervises each of them regarding hygiene, safety, quality and prices.

That is why a large number of people from abroad enter Germany every year seeking better medical treatment for their health condition.

Many of these patients may need a visa to enter Germany. Those who need less than three months to receive their medical treatment, can enter Germany with a Short Term Medical Treatment. Whereas, those that need to remain in Germany for a period longer than three months to receive their treatment, should apply for a German long stay Medical Treatment Visa.

Who Can Obtain the Medical Treatment Visa?

Every international with health issues is able to seek medical treatment in Germany. However, depending on your country of origin you may need a visa to enter the country. You will be exempt from the visa requirement, only if you are a passport holder of one of the following countries:

• European Union
• Australia
• Canada
• Iceland
• Israel
• Japan
• Liechtenstein
• New Zealand
• Norway
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United States

Applicants from the rest of the world countries must obtain a visa in order to seek medical treatment in Germany.

Germany Medical Visa Requirements

If you are considering Germany for medical treatment for your health condition, then you should follow some procedures before applying for a visa. Find these procedures listed below step by step:

1. Find the hospital or clinic you want to be treated at, and contact them.
2. Send them the medical diagnosis from the doctor in your country of residence and every other document you have regarding your condition. The medical team of the hospital you have contacted might ask you for some extra documents regarding your health condition. Take care to provide them all.
3. If they agree to treat your medical condition, they will come up with a treatment plan and provide an estimated cost of treatment.
4. After you establish the method of payment, the hospital / clinic will send you a letter of invitation. Only then, you can start your visa application.

Required Documents for a Germany Medical Visa

As per every other visa, you are required to submit several documents to the German embassy/consulate in your country of residence. The required documents for a Germany Long-Stay Medical visa are as follows:

• Documents required for a Germany Visa.
• Personal covering letter with entire travel plan (itinerary).
• Leave letter of your company (if employed).
• Confirmation that specific medical treatment is needed. A certificate from a medical doctor from your home country or elsewhere confirming the need of specific medical treatment, which can be provided in Germany.
• Medical treatment appointment confirmation. A certificate from a medical doctor in Germany confirming that the necessary treatment can be provided and an appointment has been made.
• Proof of advance payment of the treatment / financial arrangements with the medical doctor in Germany.
• Correspondence between the sending medical doctor and the receiving medical doctor.

*Note that all documents need to be presented in the original, with two A4 size copies. Do not staple any of the documents.

Germany Medical Visa Application Process

The application process for a Germany medical visa consists of a few steps that you should follow in the given order. These steps are as follows:

1. Fill-in the application form online.
2. Collect the required documents for a Germany Medical Visa, as given above.
3. Make an appointment through the website of the German mission in your country, embassy or consulate. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 3 weeks before your scheduled trip in order to avoid any processing delays.
4. Attend the interview. On the day of your appointment, show there on time with all of the required documents arranged in order.
5. Pay the visa fee.

When you receive your visa sticker, check it for possible mistakes. Pay particular attention to the visa start and end dates, the correct spelling of your name, as well as the number of entries you were granted.

Can I Extend My Medical Treatment Visa?

If your health has not improved and you need to receive medical treatment for a longer period than foreseen, then you can apply for Medical Treatment Visa extension. The hospital where you are beating treated for your medical condition can help you a lot in this regard.

Appoint a meeting at the foreigners’ registration office of the city where you are receiving medical treatment in Germany. On the day of the appointment, bring all the documents you have with you.

A letter or a document from the hospital showing that you need to stay in Germany for a longer period in order for your conditions to improve, is vital.

Can I bring family members with me?

If the person who wishes to receive medical treatment in Germany is underage then the legal guardian will be allowed to accompany him or her. Contact the German embassy / consulate in your country and ask them for further details.

The same might apply to cases when the person who needs medical treatment is so ill, that he or she needs a family member (or other depending on the case) to stay next to them to complete procedures and take care of other stuff.

Health Check-Up

Please note that if you are only planning to travel to Germany for a health check-up, and you do not have any diagnosis regarding your health condition, then you are not eligible for this type of visa. You will have to apply for different type of visa depending on your situation.

After You Arrive in Germany With a Medical Treatment Visa

When you come to Germany with a Germany Medical Treatment Visa, you should also register your address, even if it is a hospital, a sanatorium or another medical treatment establishment. If your health prevents you from going to a registration office, persons at the establishment where you are staying are responsible to do it for you.

You should also get a residence permit to remain in Germany for medical treatment. Again, if you cannot go to a registration office because of your health, persons responsible at the establishment where you are staying are responsible to bring an immigration officer over.