There are several different types of visas in Germany, below is a list of the most applicable.
- Tourist & Visitor visa
- Family Reunion visa to join a relative or a partner
- Job Seeker visa
- Working visa
- Business visa
- Training/Internship visa
A full list of German visas can be found at https://www.germany-visa.org/
Who Needs A Visa
German law requires anyone who wishes to take up employment or pursue self-employment in Germany, to obtain a national visa if you are not from an EU member state.
Exceptions to this:
- Nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea (South Korea) or the United States of America.
- Holders of an EU Blue Card which was issued by another EU member state, that has been valid for at least 18 months.
- Holders of the unlimited residence title EU Permanent Residence issued by an EU member state (except Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland or Romania).
Working Visa
This is most likely the visa that you will need. A working visa or German employment visa is an opportunity for qualified foreigners to settle in Germany and work in their field. It gives its holder the chance to enter and work in Germany for up to two years, with the possibility of extending the visa, and later applying for an EU Blue Card, or other types of residence permits.
Criteria for Obtaining a Visa
According to the “Act on Residence”, the act that regulates the residence issue for foreigners in Germany, the following categories are eligible:
Highly qualified foreigners, in particular:
- People with special technical knowledge.
- Teaching personnel in prominent positions or scientific personnel in prominent positions.
Intra-corporate transferees, in particular:
- Managers.
- Specialists.
Furthermore, third-world country nationals with a university degree or a non-academic vocational qualification that fulfil the conditions listed below:
- There is a shortage of skilled workers in the profession you want to practice in Germany.
- You have a concrete job offer.
- Your education must be recognized as equivalent with a German degree.
How to Apply for a Germany Work Visa?
- Get a job offer in Germany.
- Check if you need a visa to Germany for long-stays.
- Find out where you need to submit your visa application.
- Collect all of the required documents according to the instructions.
- Make an appointment for a visa interview.
- Pay the German Employment Work visa fee.
- Attend the interview.
- Wait for a response on your visa application.
What Documents Will You Need?
- Two fully completed application forms printed and signed.
- Two passport photos.
- National passport.
- Proof of residence (from the area of the consulate where you want to apply).
- Health insurance (This certificate is compulsory in Germany and will be given to you by your employer).
- An employment contract/binding job offer.
- CV.
- Proof of qualification (Diplomas/certificates).
- Personal covering letter (explaining the purpose and duration of your stay).
- Proof of clean criminal record.
- Proof of paid visa fee (€75).
- Declaration of accuracy of information (https://www.germany-visa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Declaration-of-Accuracy%EF%BB%BF_Information.pdf)
Where To Apply
You should apply for your visa at the representative body of Germany in your country that is responsible for visa admission:
- German Embassy.
- A German Consulate.
- A Visa Application Centre.
How Long Will It Take?
The processing time for a ling-stay visa is between one and three months depending on how many visa applications have been received and your personal situation.
Posted by Adam Dunne on 26 February 2019