Immigration requires you to get a visa. And if you’ve chosen to immigrate to Germany, you need to understand the different types of German visas and the one you’ll need.

There are many benefits of migrating to Germany. It is known for its robust economy, rich culture, and high quality of life. And it attracts millions of visitors yearly. 

If you are planning to study, work, or explore this beautiful country, understanding the types of German visas available is essential. The type of German visa needed depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. 

Do you want to come to Germany briefly, e.g. as a tourist? Or are you planning a more extended stay, e.g. for studies?

This post will help you navigate the various German visa types and determine which one suits your needs best.

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Types of German Visa

Germany offers several visa types tailored to different purposes and duration of travel. Based on the duration of your stay, there are two main types of German visas: the Schengen visa, also known as the short-stay visa, and the National visa, also known as the long-stay visa.

The Schengen Visa allows you to stay in Germany and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within 180 days. It is ideal for tourists, business travellers, and those visiting family or friends. While the National Visa is for stays longer than 90 days. This visa covers various long-term purposes, such as studying, working, and reunification.

There are different types of German visas based on the purpose of immigration. Here’s a list of some of them: 

1. Study Visa

Having a German degree opens many doors, and there are several affordable institutions and programs in Germany, even for international students. To immigrate to Germany as a student, you’ll need a study visa. Before applying for a study visa, you must have been admitted to a state-recognized higher education institution in Germany and prove that you can cover your living costs for the duration of your study program.  

Some programs also require a certain level of language proficiency, usually level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You’ll also need your academic transcripts and health insurance.

Residence permits for study purposes are usually issued for an initial period of two years. If you are yet to obtain your degree within this period, you can request a renewal for a further two years.

While studying, you can work up to 140 full days, 280 half days annually, or up to 20 hours per week. You can also take up part-time student jobs for an unlimited period.

2. Visa for Seeking Admission to a Higher Institution

If you want to study in Germany but haven’t gained admission to a university, you can apply for a visa to seek admission. The requirements include a school-leaving certificate that entitles you to study at a German higher institution or attend a preparatory course for university admission. You must also meet the language requirements for your chosen study program and prove that you can cover your living costs for the entire duration of your stay.  

This type of German visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to nine months. During this time, you can apply for admission to a university or enroll in a preparatory measure before being admitted into a higher institution. Examples of preparatory measures include attending a language course or a preparatory course for university admission.

You can also work up to 20 hours weekly. Note that this visa cannot be renewed for the same purpose. When you gain admission to a higher institution in Germany or to a preparatory course for university admission, you can apply for a study permit.

3. Skilled Worker Visa

Another type of German visa is the skilled worker visa. It allows you to immigrate to Germany if you’ve got a German job. The requirements for this visa include an employment offer from a German employer, an employment contract, proof of health insurance and proof of qualifications. 

Your qualification must be recognized in Germany or comparable to a German degree. The job must be for a qualified position, requiring a degree or qualified vocational training. Auxiliary tasks do not qualify you for a work visa.

A skilled worker is a third-country national who meets one of the following conditions:

• Successful completion of qualified vocational training or higher education in Germany; or
• Successful completion of qualified vocational training or higher education abroad, and the acquired qualification is equivalent/comparable to German vocational training or a German higher education degree.

German skilled worker visas are issued for a maximum of four years. After three years of working in Germany with a work visa, you’ll be eligible for a settlement permit. The settlement permit has permanent validity and entitles holders to exercise gainful employment.  

Note that working in a regulated profession, such as healthcare, requires a license to practice. If you are over 45 years old and are immigrating to Germany for the first time, the job must offer you a gross annual salary of at least €49,830, or you must prove that you have adequate pension provision.

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4. Job Seeker Visa

This type of German visa, also called an opportunity card, is for the purpose of seeking employment in Germany. It allows qualified professionals to enter Germany for up to six months to search for a job. The opportunity card improves your chances of contacting German employers and finding employment in Germany. 

To be eligible for this visa, you must have obtained your university degree, a professional qualification in Germany, or a foreign professional or academic qualification fully recognized in Germany and the country you received it from. You must also score a minimum of six points in the points system. 

If you possess a vocational qualification, it must have required at least two years of vocational training. In addition, you must have proof of English or German language proficiency and the ability to cover living costs while searching for a job in Germany.

Opportunity cards are issued for a maximum of one year. While looking for gainful employment, you can have one or more part-time jobs (secondary employment) totaling 20 hours weekly.

When you find a job, you can apply for one of the existing residence permits for qualified employment. If your job meets the requirements for qualified employment but is not eligible for any other residence title, your opportunity card will be extended for up to two years.

You can also do job trials for a maximum of two weeks per employer as part of your job search. The aim of the job trial must be either to obtain qualified employment, an apprenticeship or a qualification program. 

5. Visa for Research

If you want to work in Germany as a researcher, you will need to apply for a visa for research. This type of German visa is issued for at least one year and gives you the opportunity to reside in Germany as a research fellow. 

You can work at the research institute listed in your work contract, or you can take on a teaching position with this visa. You must have concluded a hosting agreement or a work contract with a research institute in Germany. The research institute commits itself in writing to cover your living and travel costs back to your country of origin, which otherwise have to be covered by public funds. This commitment applies for up to 6 months after the research position has ended.  

Once your research position has ended, you have up to nine months to find another position in Germany that aligns with your qualifications.  

You can apply for any of the above-mentioned types of German visa, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Understanding the types of German visas is crucial for a smooth application process. Whether you’re planning a short or long visit, Germany offers visas tailored to your needs. Make sure to gather all necessary documents and follow the application steps diligently. You’ll be on your way to experiencing the benefits Germany offers.