If you are looking to travel to Germany then you might need to apply for a German visa, depending on whether your country is visa-exempt or not. In this article, you can find out more information regarding Germany’s long-stay visas.
Who requires German visas?
As already mentioned, whether you need to apply for a visa or not will depend on the country you are from.
If you are from the following countries then you are visa-exempt from German long-stay visa requirements:
- EU countries
- EEA countries
- EFTA countries
- Australia
- Israel
- Japan
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of South Korea
- the United States of America
Germany long stay visa types
Long term employment German visa
As you might already know, Germany employs people from all over the world and is known to have an increase in immigrants who go there to work. If you wish to travel to Germany for long-term employment then this visa is the one you should apply for. However, keep in mind that high priority will be given to individuals who are qualified and skilled to contribute to the economy.
Family reunion German visa
This visa is for those wishing to join a relative who lives in Germany. Keep in mind that the relative must have a few documents such as the residence permit, accommodation for family members, and sufficient financial resources.
German student visa
Are you a student who would love to study in Germany? If so then you will need to apply for a German study visa which is valid for 2 years. Do know that in order to apply for one you must first be accepted by an educational institution in Germany and be able to financially support your studies as well as your living expenses during your stay. Sometimes you might also be given the right to work. For more information, you should always contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country.
German visa for researches
This visa is granted to skilled professionals such as scientists or executives to pursue a career in their field.
Visa for job seekers in Germany
If a person has not yet found work in Germany, they can request for a job seeker visa in Germany for up to 6 months to find work during that time. To acquire such a visa, one must possess a German-recognized higher education certificate as well as the financial means of supporting themselves during the stay. If you find a stable job in Germany, you can qualify for a Residence Permit.
Freelance Germany visa
If you want to work as a freelancer in one of the progressive professions in Germany, you’ll need to get a visa that enables you to remain in Germany for a longer period. The candidate must demonstrate that they have the necessary resources to demonstrate their project, support themselves, and have a license to practice that career path. If you’re over 45, you’ll need to give evidence that you’ve set aside enough money for retirement.
Visa for language study in Germany
If you are not a European national and wish to take part in a language course in Germany then you are allowed to apply for a language study visa. This is a long-stay visa and its validity is a maximum of 1 year.
Germany internship visa
If your country is not visa-exempt and you want to take an internship in Germany then you will need to apply for a German internship visa. The Federal Employment Agency must provide an authorization form as well as your internship contract. Also, the company you are going to work at will need to submit an application letter.
Keep in mind that the internship must be for a period of no more than 12 months.
German medical assistance visa
If you need medical assistance in Germany as soon as possible then you might need to apply for this type of visa. Those who require medical care for less than three months can enter Germany on a short-term Medical Treatment Visa, those who require medication for longer periods of time must apply for a long-term visa.
Long stay German visa requirements
Once you have decided for which type of visa you are going to apply for depending on the purpose of your visit, you must know which kinds of documents you will need to submit as well.
Here are the general documents that need to be submitted for a long stay German visa:
- Completed application form – It should be filled in precisely and sincerely. Mistakes in your application form can result in a denial.
- Financial resources evidence – This will work as evidence that you have enough resources to cover your living expenses during your stay.
- Itinerary of your trip – It must be detailed, explaining very well what your plans are, the purpose of your visit, the place you are going to stay at and more.
- Evidence of accommodation – It can be a reservation of a hotel or evidence that you are going to stay somewhere else such as a friend’s house. Do know that if you plan to stay at someone else you will need to provide their ID and passport copies and evidence that they can support you.
- Evidence of civil status
- Health insurance in Germany
- If you are going to work in Germany then you will need a letter from your employer, stating your work relations.
- If you are going to study in Germany then you will need evidence of enrollment which can be provided by the educational institution you are going to study at.
- If you are a freelancer then you will need to provide some documents to confirm your business.
Germany long stay visa application
You can find below the steps that are needed to take in order to apply for a German long-stay visa.
First step: Preparing the application form
A German visa application form can be found at the official website online. Keep in mind that the form must be filled in sincerely. Once you are done, you will have to print it.
Second step: Scheduling an interview
An interview or appointment is a crucial part of the application process. Neglecting one might result in your visa denial. At the interview, you will be asked questions such as the purpose of your visit and you will also have the chance to ask questions yourself if you have any uncertainties. You will also have to submit every required document.
Third step: German visa application center
Please ensure you arrive at the application facility on time; if you arrive more than 10 minutes late, your application may be rejected.
You will be given a token after your appointment letter has been verified.
Fourth step: Submission of the visa application
This step is nothing too difficult if you have correctly done the previous steps. All you have to do is to submit your application and wait around 10 minutes for your documents to be checked and verified by an official.
Once everything has been verified, your data will be entered in the online system and you will be provided with an application copy.
Final step: Providing biometric data
Biometric data will be collected after the request has been completed.
This is a simple process that requires 7-8 minutes per applicant to provide their fingerprints with a digital scanner.
One thing you should know is that each type of German visa will require a German visa photo. These types of photos should not be any ordinary photos as they should meet biometric standards.
