Nationals of third countries (that is non-EEA nationals) need a residence title to stay longer than three months, study or work in Germany. Many of them also need a visa to enter Germany. They will have to apply for a visa in person at the nearest German embassy or consulate. You can get all necessary information on the type of visa, requirements and application procedures as well as contact details for the nearest consulate or embassy.

Schengen Visa and Business Visa

In general, a tourist visa or a business visa allows the holder to stay in Germany (as well as in all other countries within the Schengen Zone) for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period. However, it does not allow the holder to take up any work during their stay. People who will be visiting Germany regularly for private or professional reasons may also apply for a multiple Schengen visa.

Nationals of some countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the USA) do not need any entry visa for a visit shorter than 90 days, while they may use this time for job hunting or applying for admission to the university. If they meet certain conditions they can then apply for a corresponding residence permit while still in Germany.

German Study Visa

Those who wish to study in Germany will need to apply for a study visa (if already accepted to the university) or a study applicant’s visa. Visa applicants will have to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially for the duration of their stay. Once enrolled at the university, this type of visa will be converted into a residence permit for study purposes. Foreign students from non-EEA countries are allowed to work 120 full or 240 half days a year.

Visa for Training in Germany

Foreigners from third countries wishing to pursue a training course in Germany may apply for a residence permit for the purpose of school education serving to acquire a vocational qualification or for the purpose of basic and advanced industrial training. These permits are usually granted for training courses where there is a shortage of suitable candidates from Germany and other EEA countries. Applicants must prove they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves for the duration of their training course (usually two years). Foreign trainees from non-EEA countries are allowed to work for a maximum of 10 hours per week. In addition, those whose professional qualifications were not recognized as being fully equivalent to German qualifications may take part in a qualification programme in Germany that will help them acquire the skills they are lacking. For this, they will need to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of recognition of professional qualifications.

Jobseeker’s Visa and Work Visa for Germany

Individuals who want to come to Germany specifically for job hunting and stay longer than 90 days may apply for a special type of visa called “jobseeker’s visa”. Jobseeker’s visa is usually granted only to graduates of institutions of higher education whose degree is recognized in Germany. This visa allows the holder to stay in Germany for six months but, just like any other visitor type of visa, it does not allow them to take up any employment. Once they find a job that corresponds to their professional qualifications, they may apply for a residence permit for gainful employment or an EU Blue Card without having to leave Germany. Likewise, those highly-skilled foreign nationals from third countries who were offered a job in Germany while staying abroad (i.e., outside Germany) will need to apply for a work visa at the nearest German consulate or embassy and, once in Germany, they will be issued a residence permit for gainful employment or an EU Blue Card.

German Visa for Internship and Research

Young talented scientists from non EEA-countries may apply for a visa for internships or a visa for research. When approved they will be issued a corresponding residence permit.

Visa for Self-Employment in Germany

Foreign freelancers and business people from third countries may apply for a visa that will allow them to conduct business on German soil. Once approved, they will be issued a residence permit for the purpose of self-employment.

Van Der Elst Visa

Non-EEA employees of the European firms who were relocated to Germany from another country within the EEA are entitled to a Van Der Elst visa, which will allow them to work for their company in Germany.

To be continued.....