The Visa System in Germany / Europe

Third-country nationals generally need a visa to travel to Germany. In this blog post, we provide information about visa types and purposes, jurisdiction, and application procedures. Finally, we address some specific details.

What is a Visa and Who Needs One?

Third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) generally need a visa to enter Germany or another member state of the Schengen Agreement. Visas regulate entry into a country's territory. To stay longer or permanently in a country, a residence permit is required. More on this later.

Visa Types: Schengen Visas / National Visas

In practice, two types of visas can be distinguished: For short stays under 90 days within a 180-day period, a Schengen visa is required. For longer stays over three months, a national visa is necessary.

Visa Purposes

Purposes of Schengen Visas

Short-term stays of up to 90 days are usually for tourist trips, visits to family and friends, medical treatments, as well as business trips and trade fair visits.

Purposes of National Visas

National visas are for longer stays related to education, studies, and work. The following purposes are typically distinguished:

• for vocational training in Germany
• for job searching
• for working in Germany
• for studying in Germany
• for attending a preparatory college in Germany
• for participating in a language course in Germany
• for research or a doctorate
• for pursuing self-employment (freelancers, business startups)
• family reunification visas
• child reunification
• parent reunification

When applying, it is important to specify the visa purpose that corresponds to the actual purpose of the stay in Germany so that a residence permit can be issued after entry based on the visa.

Jurisdiction

Visa applicants can contact the German embassies and consulates in whose jurisdiction they reside or usually stay.

In Iran, this is the embassy in Tehran, or if an Iranian resides in another country with a residence permit, the respective embassy or consulate. It is becoming increasingly common for German representations to commission official application acceptance centers (external service providers of the embassy) to accept visa applications. For the German embassy in Tehran, this is VISAMETRIC.

Application Procedure / Documents

Here is an overview of the visa application process. In practice, there are numerous details to consider, but visa applications can generally be summarized as follows:

Schengen Visas

1. (Online) fill out the form.
2. Read the information sheet about the purpose of travel and prepare the necessary documents for the application. The required documents depend on the visa purpose and can vary greatly.
3. Schedule an appointment with VISAMETRIC.
4. Submit the visa form along with the necessary documents.

According to the "Visa Code," the following requirements must be met for transit through or a short stay in a Schengen area:

1. The purpose of the trip to Germany must be plausible, understandable, and credible.
2. Living and travel expenses must be covered, either through personal assets or income or through support from another person, institution, or organization.
3. Visa holders must comply with visa laws. This primarily means that the person is willing to leave the Schengen area before the visa's validity expires.
4. Travel health insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000).

National Visas

For national visas, the required documents also depend heavily on the visa purpose. However, the following criteria generally apply to national visas:

1. The purpose of the national visa must be plausible, understandable, and credible.
2. Living expenses must be covered, for example, through personal assets or income in Germany, such as an employment contract, or through support from another institution or organization.
3. Visa holders must comply with visa laws. This primarily means that the person fulfills all conditions related to the visa purpose to convert the national visa into a corresponding residence permit. This usually involves proving eligibility for a longer stay in the Federal Republic of Germany.
4. Adequate health insurance for entry (minimum coverage of €30,000) and appropriate health insurance for obtaining the residence permit.

Here are some examples:

Visa for Studying

• Successful application to a German university
• Sufficient financial resources for the first year of study.

Visa for Vocational Training

• A vocational training position
• Approval from the Federal Employment Agency.

Visa for Working

• Recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany.
• For healthcare professions: Professional practice permit.
• A specific job offer corresponding to the professional qualification.
• Proof of planned accommodation (e.g., rental agreement).

Since March 2020, there have been simplifications in the visa application process due to the Skilled Immigration Act (FEG, see also the blog post "Shortage of Skilled Workers in Germany"). The new law means, for example, that the employer can expedite the visa process (accelerated skilled worker procedure) if a specific job offer already exists.

Fees

The fee for a Schengen visa is generally €80, and for a national visa, €75. However, external service providers may charge an additional processing fee.

Processing Time

• Schengen Visa: Usually 14 days. During peak travel times, waiting times should be expected.
• National Visa: Depending on the purpose of stay, four weeks to several months.

Entry to Germany – Without (Additional) Visa

is required for a visit to Germany of up to 90 days per 180-day period if

• a person already has a valid residence permit in or a long-term visa (category "D") for a member state of the Schengen Agreement;
• a Schengen visa was issued by the foreign representation of another Schengen member state other than Germany.

Long-Term Visa and Multiple Entries

For individuals who need to travel frequently for professional or private reasons and have previously used visas in a demonstrably legal manner, annual or multi-year visas can be issued, allowing multiple entries and exits.

Visa Services for Germany by DIB

We are happy to assist you with your visa questions and help you compile and prepare your documents, such as creating a CV according to German standards. We also provide advice on starting a business with a corresponding residence permit.

After initial contact and reviewing your information, we offer you a personal visa consultation. We accompany you on your journey to make a good decision and implement it successfully.