Visa Requirements

Complete guide to German visas for students, professionals, and skilled workers

Types of German Visas: Purpose & Requirements

Germany offers different visa and residence permit options depending on the purpose of stay. Non-EU/EEA nationals must usually apply for a national visa (Type D) before entering Germany and later convert it into a residence permit.

Below are the primary visa types relevant for students, professionals, and skilled workers.

1

Student Visa (Study Visa)

Purpose:To study full-time at a recognised German higher education institution (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) or to attend preparatory courses such as Studienkolleg.

Who should apply

Students who have received:

  • A letter of admission from a German university, or
  • A conditional admission requiring preparatory studies

Key Requirements

  • Valid passport
  • University admission letter or confirmation of preparatory course
  • Proof of financial resources (e.g. blocked account, scholarship, or formal obligation letter)
  • Proof of health insurance valid in Germany
  • Proof of language proficiency
  • German-taught programs: usually B1/B2 or higher
  • English-taught programs: IELTS/TOEFL as required
  • Academic certificates and transcripts
  • APS certificate (required for Indian degrees only)
  • Visa application form and biometric photos

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
  • After graduation, students may apply for an 18-month job-seeking residence permit.
2

Visa for Study Preparation / Language Course

Purpose:To attend intensive German language courses or preparatory studies before enrolling at a university.

Who should apply

Applicants planning to:

  • Learn German in Germany
  • Prepare for Studienkolleg or entrance exams.

Key Requirements

  • Enrollment confirmation for a recognised language course
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Basic educational qualifications
  • Clear intention to continue studies

⚠️ Important Notes

  • This visa does not automatically allow university enrollment.
  • Employment is usually not permitted.
3

Visa for Vocational Training (Ausbildung Visa)

Purpose:To complete vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany.

Who should apply

Applicants with:

  • A confirmed Ausbildung contract, or
  • Intention to search for an Ausbildung place

Key Requirements

  • Ausbildung contract or proof of search
  • Proof of German language skills (usually B1)
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Health insurance
  • School certificates
  • Visa application documents

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Ausbildung combines paid work + training.
  • Graduates may later switch to a work residence permit.
4

Work Visa for Qualified Professionals

Purpose:To work in Germany in a qualified occupation matching your academic or vocational qualification.

Who should apply

Professionals with:

  • Recognised academic degree or vocational qualification
  • Job offer from a German employer

Key Requirements

  • Valid job offer or employment contract
  • Recognised qualification (or proof of equivalence)
  • Proof of professional experience (if applicable)
  • Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (if required)
  • Proof of health insurance
  • APS certificate (for Indian academic degrees)
  • Visa application documents

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Employment must match your qualifications.
  • Leads to long-term residence options
5

EU Blue Card

Purpose:A special residence permit for highly qualified professionals with higher salaries and faster settlement options.

Who should apply

Professionals with:

  • Recognised university degree
  • Job offer meeting minimum salary threshold

Key Requirements

  • Recognised university degree
  • Employment contract with a required minimum salary
  • Proof of health insurance
  • APS certificate (if applicable)
  • Visa application documents

✨ Benefits

  • Faster permanent residence
  • Easier family reunification
  • Mobility within the EU
6

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Purpose:To enter Germany without a job offer and search for employment using a points-based system.

Who should apply

Qualified professionals meeting the criteria based on:

  • Education
  • Language skills
  • Work experience
  • Age
  • Connection to Germany

Key Requirements

  • Recognised qualification or partial recognition
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Language skills (German or English)
  • Health insurance
  • Points threshold fulfillment
7

Recognition Visa

Purpose:To complete qualification recognition or adaptation training in Germany.

Who should apply

Professionals whose qualifications are partially recognised.

Key Requirements

  • Recognition notice from the German authority
  • Proof of financial means
  • Language skills (usually B1)
  • Health insurance
  • Visa application documents
8

Visa for Self-Employment / Freelancing

Purpose:To work in Germany as a freelancer or entrepreneur.

Who should apply

Applicants with:

  • Viable business plan
  • Economic interest or regional need in Germany

Key Requirements

  • Business plan
  • Proof of financial capital
  • Professional qualifications
  • Proof of income potential
  • Health insurance
  • Pension plan (for specific age groups)
9

Family Reunion Visa

Purpose:To join a spouse, child, or family member who is legally residing in Germany.

Key Requirements

  • Proof of family relationship
  • Proof of sufficient living space
  • Proof of income (sponsor)
  • Basic German language skills (for spouses)
  • Health insurance
10

Schengen / Visitor Visa

Purpose:Short-term visits (up to 90 days) for tourism, family visits, or business meetings.

⚠️ Important

  • Not valid for study, work, or long-term stay
  • Cannot be converted into a residence permit

General Visa Application Process

1

Choose the correct visa type.

2

Gather required documents

3

Apply at the German Embassy or Consulate

4

Attend a visa interview.

5

Enter Germany and register for residence.

6

Convert visa to residence permit (if required)

Important Note: Visa requirements may vary depending on nationality, purpose of stay, and local embassy regulations. Always ensure your visa type matches your long-term goal in Germany.

Visa Guidance & Documentation Support

Berlin Global Consultancy provides structured guidance and documentation support throughout the visa application process.

We assist applicants with:

  • Visa category understanding and eligibility orientation
  • Step-by-step document checklist preparation
  • Guidance on financial, academic, and personal documentation
  • Application form structuring and submission readiness
  • Appointment preparation and interview orientation
  • Post-submission compliance guidance

Please note: Visa decisions are made solely by the German Embassy or relevant authorities. Our role is to guide, assist, and prepare your application in accordance with official requirements.