Visa
The visa is permission to enter Germany and is usually a prerequisite for the issue of a residence permit. The purpose for which you are entering the country is noted on the visa. Whether you need a visa depends on your country of origin and the purpose and duration of your stay. These also determine whether you need a national visa or a Schengen visa.
You apply for your visa at German embassies or consulates in your country of origin. If you enter Germany without a visa, contrary to the regulations for your country of origin, your stay is unauthorized and you are obliged to leave the country.
National visa
The national visa is your permit to enter Germany and stay for longer than 90 out of 180 days. When applying, you must state the purpose of your entry and, if necessary, provide proof of an employment contract, health insurance or sufficient financial means.
National visas are issued for the following purposes, among others:
- Education and study
- employment
- Blue card for highly qualified persons
- research
- family reasons
- tourism
Under certain conditions, the national visa also entitles you to move freely within the territory of other Schengen states for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Please note the waiting and processing times and apply for your visa in good time.
Schengen visa
For short stays, you can sometimes obtain a Schengen visa, which is valid as an entry permit for all Schengen states and can therefore be applied for at all associated embassies and consulates.
The Schengen visa is issued for short-term stays of up to 3 months for visits, business trips and similar purposes. A stay of 90 out of 180 days is therefore legal.
The Schengen visa may not be used to start a course of study or to work.
It is not possible to subsequently extend the visa or convert it into a residence permit. An extended stay can only be permitted in special cases such as force majeure or for humanitarian reasons.