Visa to Germany: requirements, types of visas and how to apply

For entry into Germany, citizens of most countries need to apply for a visa — either a Schengen visa (up to 90 days) or a national visa (for a long term). The type of visa depends on the purpose of the trip: tourism, work, study, medical treatment, or family reunion.
The process includes preparing documents, registering at the visa center, and paying mandatory fees.

Key stages of the visa application process:

• choosing the appropriate type of visa;
• collecting the main and additional package of documents;
• filing an application and attending an interview (if necessary);
• waiting for a decision and receiving the visa.

The processing times for applications vary from 14 days for Schengen visas to several weeks for national visas.
Experts from Buch-dein-Visum will help determine the right type of visa, prepare documents, and submit an application without errors — quickly, reliably, and with accuracy guarantee.

Important clarifications:

• Citizens of the countries listed below have the right to stay in Germany and other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The purpose of the visit should be tourism, visiting relatives, or a business trip.
• The visa-free regime does not grant the right to work or engage in any paid activity.
• For long-term stays (more than 90 days) or for work, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate national visa or residence permit in advance.
• For some countries, visa-free entry is possible only if you have a biometric passport.

And also all the countries of the European Union (including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania, and Croatia) and the Schengen Area states not part of the EU (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).

Important clarifications:

• Citizens of the countries listed below are required to obtain a visa for any entry into Germany, including short-term tourist, guest, or transit trips.
• The type of visa (Schengen for short stays or national for long-term) depends on the purpose and duration of the trip.
• The application process includes collecting documents, scheduling an interview at a visa center or consulate, and paying the visa fee.

• Schengen visa (categories A and C) — for short-term trips up to 90 days.
• National visa (category D) — for long-term stays, studies, work or family reunification.

The Schengen visa allows staying in Germany and other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Purposes of travel under a Schengen visa:

• Tourism and private visits
• Business trips and assignments
• Short-term educational programs and seminars
• Medical treatment
• Participation in exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events

Categories of Schengen visas:

• Type A — transit visa (for transfer in the international zone of an airport without entering the country).
• Type C — short-term visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Features:

• Valid in the territory of all Schengen Agreement countries.
• Processing time — up to 14 working days.
• Possible waiver or reduction of visa fees for certain categories of citizens (children, students, researchers, participants in non-commercial programs).

National visa (type D) is issued to those who plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days. It can also be the basis for obtaining a residence permit.

Main purposes of obtaining a national visa:

• Studying at German universities and colleges
• Work or professional training
• Family reunification with a German citizen or resident
• Long-term medical treatment
• Business and investments
• Cultural or humanitarian projects

Features:

• The consideration period ranges from several weeks to several months.
• After entry, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the foreign affairs office.
• Some categories are entitled to visa fee waivers (for example, scholarship holders, employees of international organizations, family members of German citizens).

In addition to standard Schengen and national visas, there are specialized categories issued depending on the purpose of the trip:

Transit Visa (Type A)

Allows you to stay in the international transit zone of the airport during a transfer without entering Germany.

Student Visa

Issued to students admitted to German universities or participating in exchange programs.

Work Visa

For professionals who have received a job offer in Germany. May include highly qualified visas (Blue Card EU). Learn more about the work visa in Germany.

Family Reunion Visa

For spouses, children, and parents of German citizens or residents with permanent residence permits.

Humanitarian or Religious Visa

Issued in special cases by invitation of religious organizations or within the framework of humanitarian missions.

Visa for scientific or research activities

Intended for scientists, professors, and participants in international research projects.

Before applying, it is important to determine:

• Duration of stay — up to 90 days or more.
• Purpose of the trip — tourism, study, work, treatment, etc.
• Availability of grounds — invitation, contract, certificate from an educational institution.

If you are unsure which type of visa to choose, it is recommended to contact the managers of the visa agency Buch-dein-visum. Our managers will help determine the types of visas, list of documents and  filling out the application form.

When applying for a visa, you need to prepare a standard set of documents. For each type of visa (Schengen or national), there are additional requirements — our managers will help you understand them.

Main list of documents:

• Foreign passport, valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip, with two blank pages.
• Copy of the first page of the foreign passport and all pages with marks or visas.
• Filled and signed visa application form of the established sample.
• One color passport photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm), taken no earlier than 6 months ago.
• Copy of the internal passport (all filled pages).
• Confirmation of the purpose of the trip (invitation, tour booking, study contract, employment contract, etc.).
• Documents confirming financial solvency (bank statement, certificate from the place of work, sponsorship letter).
• Confirmation of accommodation (hotel booking, rental agreement, invitation from the host side).
• Medical insurance valid in all Schengen Agreement countries, with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
• Tickets or air flight reservation confirming the dates of entry and exit.
  
  

For each type of visa — tourist, work, student, or family — a separate additional package of documents is required.
Our managers will tell you in detail which documents are needed in your case, help collect them correctly and avoid mistakes when applying.

When applying for a visa to Germany, it is important to consider mandatory fees and possible additional expenses, depending on the type of visa and the category of the applicant. The main one is the consular fee — the established fee for processing the application. Its size may vary for adults, children, students, as well as depending on the terms and purposes of the trip.

In addition, a service fee is paid when submitting documents through a visa center, covering organizational and technical expenses. This amount is charged regardless of whether the application is approved. When paying online, a bank commission for acquiring may be charged if a bank card or electronic payment is used.

Additional services available to applicants:

• assistance in filling out the form and preparing documents;
• arranging medical insurance, in accordance with the requirements of the German consulate;
• translation and notarization of documents;
• service for expedited review of the application (if allowed by the visa category).

To calculate the total cost of obtaining a visa to Germany in advance, it is recommended to use a visa calculator or contact our managers. They will help determine the exact amount of all mandatory and additional payments, so you can plan your trip budget in advance and avoid unexpected expenses.