Germany

📋 Requirements

• •Valid passport that meets Schengen rules, usually issued within the last 10 years and valid at least three months beyond the planned departure.
• •Proof of onward or return travel and accommodation bookings for your stay.
• •Travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 in medical and repatriation costs for all Schengen States, even if you are visa exempt.
• •Evidence of sufficient financial means for the whole stay such as bank statements, salary slips or proof of sponsorship.

📝 Application Steps

1. 1Check on the Federal Foreign Office site whether your nationality is exempt from Schengen visa requirements for short stays.
2. 2Plan your time in the Schengen area so that all stays added together remain within 90 days in any 180 day period.
3. 3Carry clear proof of accommodation, onward travel, insurance and funds when you travel.
4. 4Comply with biometric and border procedures under the EU Entry Exit System where applicable.

📋 Requirements

• •Completed Schengen visa application form and recent biometric photos.
• •Valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years and valid at least three months beyond the end of the planned stay.
• •Travel medical insurance for at least EUR 30,000 covering all Schengen States for the full trip.
• •Proof of accommodation for the whole stay such as hotel bookings, rental contracts or invitation letters.
• •Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the stay, for example recent bank statements, payslips or proof of sponsorship.
• •Documents showing the purpose of the trip and your ties to your country of residence, for example employment, study or family links.

📝 Application Steps

1. 1Use the Visa Navigator or the Federal Foreign Office website to confirm that a Schengen visa is the correct category for your trip.
2. 2Book an appointment at the German embassy, consulate or external visa centre responsible for your place of residence.
3. 3Collect all documents listed in the local checklist including insurance, accommodation and financial proof.
4. 4Attend the appointment in person, provide fingerprints and pay the visa and service fees.
5. 5Track your application and collect your passport once the decision has been made.

📋 Requirements

• •Recognised professional qualification or university degree that matches the job, including any necessary recognition procedures.
• •Binding job offer or employment contract from a German employer describing salary, duties and working hours.
• •Completed visa application form, valid passport and biometric photos.
• •Proof of accommodation or at least initial housing in Germany.
• •Proof of health insurance or a confirmation that statutory health insurance cover will start when the job begins.
• •Any additional documents listed in the local checklist for skilled worker visas or Blue Card applications.

📝 Application Steps

1. 1Check via Make it in Germany and the Foreign Office navigator which route applies to you, for example skilled worker visa or EU Blue Card.
2. 2Have your foreign qualification recognised where needed and obtain the official recognition documents.
3. 3Obtain a binding job offer or contract from a German employer that meets the relevant salary and qualification rules.
4. 4Book a visa appointment at the competent German mission abroad, prepare all documents and pay the visa fee.
5. 5After the visa is issued and you enter Germany, register your address and apply for your residence permit at the foreigners authority.
6. 6Keep documentation of your job, salary and insurance up to date for future renewals or for changing to long term residence.

📋 Requirements

• •Proof of admission or conditional admission to a German university or recognised higher education or preparatory programme.
• •Valid passport, completed visa application form and biometric photos.
• •Proof of financial resources for at least one year such as a blocked account for the required annual amount, a scholarship letter or a formal declaration of commitment.
• •Proof of suitable accommodation or at least initial housing in Germany.
• •Health insurance that meets German requirements for students for the entire initial period of stay.
• •Where required, proof of previous study history and language skills in German or English according to the programme.

📝 Application Steps

1. 1Apply for admission or pre admission at a German higher education institution and obtain an acceptance or conditional offer.
2. 2Check the Federal Foreign Office and Study in Germany information and the checklist of the German mission that will process your visa.
3. 3Open a blocked account or secure another accepted form of financial proof and gather all supporting documents.
4. 4Book a visa appointment and submit your application with admission letter, financial proof, insurance and housing evidence.
5. 5Travel to Germany after visa issuance, enrol at the university and apply for a residence permit for study at the foreigners authority within the legal deadline.
6. 6Maintain your enrolment, health insurance and sufficient progress in your studies in order to renew your permit.

📋 Requirements

• •Recognised vocational training or university degree, or sufficient points in the official points system if the qualification is not fully recognised.
• •Basic knowledge of German at level A1 or English at level B2, depending on the route used for the points system.
• •Proof of sufficient financial means for the planned stay, for example a blocked account for at least EUR 1,091 per month or a combination of own funds and a part time work contract.
• •Valid passport and completed application form with biometric photos.
• •Proof of health insurance valid for the entire stay in Germany.
• •Any further documents listed in the local checklist for the Opportunity Card, such as evidence of work experience, qualifications and language tests.

📝 Application Steps

1. 1Use the official Opportunity Card information to check whether you qualify as a recognised professional or through the points system.
2. 2Collect evidence of your qualifications, work experience, language skills and financial means, including a blocked account or bank statements if needed.
3. 3Book an appointment for an Opportunity Card visa at the competent German mission abroad and prepare all documents as listed in its checklist.
4. 4Submit your application, provide biometrics and pay the national visa fee.
5. 5Once issued, travel to Germany, register your address and collect your residence document. You can then look for qualified work and take limited part time jobs or trial work within the allowed hours.
6. 6If you find suitable employment, apply at the foreigners authority to change from the Opportunity Card to a long term work based residence permit.