National Visa; Application and Renewal

Non-EU citizens generally require a visa to enter Germany, which is issued by a German diplomatic mission (embassy, consulate) in their country of origin.

For stays longer than 90 days—for example, for family reunification or to engage in gainful employment—visas are issued as so-called “national” visas. The requirements for issuing a national visa are based on the regulations governing the issuance of a residence permit, an EU Blue Card, an ICT Card, a settlement permit, and a permit for long-term residence in the EU, and thus vary depending on the purpose of the stay (see “Related Topics”).

After entry , the national visamay need to be replaced by another residence permit, which must be applied for at the competent immigration office. The application must be submitted within the visa’s period of validity.

National visas are to be distinguished from visas for short stays (e.g., tourist or visitor stays, business trips) of up to 90 days per 180-day period. These are generally issued as so-called “Schengen visas” (see “Related Topics” – “Schengen Visa; Issuance and Extension”).

Exemptions from the visa requirement apply to nationals of

• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the United States,
• Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and the
• Republic of Korea,

who are always permitted to enter without a visa, regardless of the duration and purpose of their stay.

This also applies to nationals of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, and San Marino, provided they do not intend to engage in gainful employment.

For tourist stays (up to 90 days per 180-day period), nationals of many countries are also exempt from visa requirements. Engaging in paid employment is not permitted during a visa-free stay. As a general rule, an immediate extension of the visit is not automatically possible.

For more information on visa requirements, visa exemptions, the application process, and the Schengen countries, please visit the website of the Federal Foreign Office (see “Further Links”). The Foreigners’ Registration Office also provides general information on the requirements for the visa application process.

The requirements for issuing a national visa are based on the regulations governing the issuance of a residence permit, an EU Blue Card, an ICT Card, a settlement permit, and a long-term EU residence permit, and therefore vary depending on the purpose of stay (see "Related Topics").

The visa application must be submitted to the appropriate diplomatic mission well in advance of the intended entry.

• The documents to be submitted can vary widely.
  Please check with the relevant local diplomatic mission. However, the following documents, among others, are generally required:
• valid passport
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself; if necessary, a letter of financial commitment
• Proof of adequate living space
• Proof of Health Insurance Coverage
• Proof of the purpose of stay, e.g., employer's statement or employment contract, marriage certificate
• additional documents, if applicable

• Issuance: 75 EUR
• Extension: 25 EUR
• Extension of a Schengen visa within Germany beyond 90 days as a national visa: 60 EUR

Protest to the respective diplomatic mission abroad