Germany
General visa requirements for travelling to Germany. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Student visa (National Student Visa (Type D))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 6-12 weeks
- Fee
- €75
- Validity
- Initially up to 2 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
National visa (Type D) for full-time studies at a German university or institution. Includes undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate programs, Studienkolleg preparatory courses, and language courses. Students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year (20 hours/week). The blocked account requirement for 2026 is €11,904 (€992/month). Minors pay reduced fee of €37.50.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
For full-time enrollment in undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate studies, Studienkolleg, or language courses at German institutions.
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Financial
Must prove sufficient funds through blocked account, scholarship, or declaration of commitment.
Minimum funds: €11,904 for first year (€992/month)
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Age
Typically 18+ for university, but younger students accepted for certain programs with parental consent.
Min age: 16
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background, biometric
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Germany and Schengen; Minimum coverage: €30,000 or statutory German health insurance
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form; Form url: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Proof of address
Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.
Accepted documents: Housing contract, dormitory confirmation, or preliminary housing arrangement; Max age months: 3
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: German: TestDaF, DSH, Goethe Certificate; English: TOEFL, IELTS for English-taught programs; Minimum score: Varies by institution
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Blocked account
Accepted banks: German or approved European banks; Minimum amount: €11,904 for first year
How to apply
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Online application
Complete national visa application form online.
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Document gathering
Gather admission letter, blocked account confirmation, transcripts, language certificates, insurance, and other documents.
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Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at German embassy/consulate. Apply as early as possible, up to 6 months before program start.
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Fee payment
Pay the national visa fee.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data at appointment.
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Interview
Attend interview to discuss study plans and financial situation.
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Document submission
Submit all required documents.
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with student visa.
Student visa (Vocational Training Visa (Ausbildung))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1095 days
- Processing time
- 6-12 weeks
- Fee
- €75
- Validity
- 1-2 years initially, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For dual vocational training (Ausbildung) combining work and school. Duration typically 2-3 years. Can work part-time up to 20 hours/week in addition to training. After completion, can stay 18 months to find qualified employment. Training contract must be in place before applying.
Eligibility
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Employment
Must have vocational training contract with German company/institution.
Required status: Vocational trainee
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Financial
Must prove sufficient funds for living expenses.
Minimum funds: €11,904 per year
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Purpose of visit
For dual vocational training in skilled trades or professions.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background, biometric
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Germany; Minimum coverage: €30,000 or statutory health insurance
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa - Vocational Training; Form url: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
-
Proof of address
Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.
Accepted documents: Housing confirmation or employer accommodation letter; Max age months: 3
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: German B1 normally required (Goethe, telc, TestDaF); Minimum score: B1 level German
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Blocked account
Accepted banks: German or approved banks; Minimum amount: €11,904 per year (€1,091/month)
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
How to apply
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Online application
Complete visa application after securing training contract.
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Document gathering
Gather training contract, language certificate, blocked account, transcripts, insurance.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at German embassy/consulate.
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Fee payment
Pay visa fee.
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Document submission
Submit all documents.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing.
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Visa collection
Collect vocational training visa.
Student visa (Language Course Visa (Long-Term))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 75
- Validity
- Duration of the language course, typically 3-12 months
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Under Section 16f(1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG), third-country nationals can obtain a residence permit to attend an intensive German language course in Germany. Since March 1, 2024, there is a legal entitlement to this visa. The course must be intensive with at least 18 hours of instruction per week (daily classes). Evening or weekend courses do not qualify. The course must aim at teaching comprehensive knowledge of the German language with a clearly defined duration. Employment alongside the language course is permitted for up to 20 hours per week. A blocked account or equivalent financial proof is required to demonstrate sufficient funds (EUR 1,091.20 per month / EUR 13,094.40 per year as of 2025).
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled in an intensive German language course at a recognized language school in Germany with at least 18 hours of instruction per week
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means via a blocked account or equivalent, covering EUR 992 per month (2025) for the duration of stay
Minimum funds: EUR 992/month (2025)
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Criminal record
Must not pose a threat to public safety or order. Clean criminal record required.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form for Language Course (Section 16f); Form url: https://digital.diplo.de
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://digital.diplo.de; Location: German embassy or consulate
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Blocked account
Accepted banks: Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle, or other accepted providers; Minimum amount: EUR 11,904 per year (EUR 992 per month, 2025 figure; subject to annual adjustment)
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Germany; Minimum coverage: Equivalent to German statutory health insurance for the entire duration of stay
How to apply
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Document gathering
Enroll in an intensive German language course (minimum 18 hours/week). Obtain the enrollment confirmation showing course dates, hours per week, and target proficiency level. Open a blocked account.
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Online application
Complete the national visa application via the German Consular Services Portal
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 75
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Document submission
Submit all documents including passport, photos, course enrollment confirmation, blocked account proof, motivation letter, health insurance, and any prior German language certificates
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy appointment
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Processing wait
Wait for the visa decision. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect your visa from the embassy. After arrival in Germany, register at the local registration office and apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority.