Germany’s Visa Requirements Explained

Planning a short visit, long-term stay, or permanent relocation to Germany? 

Understanding Germany visa requirements is one of the most important steps to make sure you won’t face any rejection. 

Whether you’re coming for work, study, family reasons or to explore freelance opportunities, this guide simplifies the complex visa landscape and helps you prepare for a smooth application.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Who needs a visa to enter Germany and who doesn’t
• The difference between Schengen and national visas
• Types of long-term visas: work, study, family reunification, and freelance
• What documents you need, including Germany visa photo size and specifications
• How and where to apply
• Why having the right health insurance is critical for approval
• What to do after your visa is granted

Germany visa requirements: who needs a visa?

Germany’s visa rules depend heavily on your citizenship: 

1. Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not need a visa to live, work, or study in Germany, and can enter the country freely and register with local authorities after their arrival.
2. If you’re from countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea or Israel, you can also enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit once you’re here — but only if you do not plan to start working right away. You may stay for up to 90 days visa-free, but you cannot begin any employment until your residence permit is approved.
3. If you plan to work immediately upon arrival, you must apply for a national visa (such as a work visa) from your local German embassy or consulate before entering the country. The visa will allow you to start working when you arrive and ensure your residence status is already in order.
4. A visa is required for nationals of most non-EU countries before entering Germany, particularly for long-term stays. You can check Germany’s Federal Foreign Office to confirm the rules for your nationality.

Understanding Germany visa types: Schengen vs. national

Germany offers two main categories of visas:

Schengen visa (type C)

This short-stay visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is suitable for tourism, business travel, or short-term family visits. It does not allow you to work or stay long-term.

If you plan to visit multiple countries in the Schengen Area, apply through the country you will spend the most time in — or the first one you enter, if your stays are of equal length.

Learn more and apply via Germany’s official Schengen visa page.

National visa (type D)

This is the visa for long-term stays (over 90 days) and includes categories like:

• Work Visa – for those with a German job offer
• EU Blue Card – for highly skilled professionals
• Student Visa – for university or language school students
• Freelance Visa – for artists, self-employed workers, or digital nomads
• Family Reunion Visa – to join a spouse, child, or partner living in Germany.

Each visa has different eligibility criteria and document requirements, but all allow you to live in Germany and eventually apply for a residence permit.

Required documents for your visa application

Although exact requirements may vary slightly by visa type and consulate, most Germany visa applications will need the following:

• A valid passport (valid for at least 3–6 months after your intended stay)
• A completed and signed visa application form
• Biometric passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• Proof of purpose (job contract, university admission letter, family relationship)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, blocked account, or income statements)
• Proof of accommodation in Germany from your landlord or primary tenant
• Health insurance coverage, valid in Germany from the start of your stay
• Visa fee payment confirmation (usually €75 for long-term visas).

For freelance visas, a portfolio or client contracts may also be needed.

German visa photo size requirements

When applying for a German visa, it’s important to provide a biometric passport photo that meets very specific requirements:

• The standard German visa photo size is 35mm x 45mm (width x height)
• The face should occupy 70–80% of the image.
• The photo must be in colour, taken against a plain, light grey or neutral background
• The applicant looks straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression and closed mouth.

Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons, and the eyes must be clearly visible with no reflections from glasses. These specifications align with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards, so they are similar to those required by many EU countries. 

How and where to apply: visa timeline, costs and process

Visa applications must be submitted through the German embassy or consulate in your home country, or the one responsible for your current place of residence. Some countries use third-party providers like VFS Global to facilitate bookings and document checks.

Booking your appointment early is essential, as interview wait times can stretch for weeks or months in high-demand regions. After your interview and submission, processing can take 6–12 weeks for most long-term visa types, especially work and freelance visas. Student visas may be processed faster, depending on the volume.

Application fees typically range from €75–€100, payable in local currency at the time of your appointment. 

Why health insurance is essential for a German visa

No matter your visa type, you must have valid health insurance to be approved for a visa or residence permit in Germany. This is a legal requirement that German authorities take seriously. 

Your visa application will be rejected or delayed if your insurance isn’t recognized.

There are two main types of insurance:

• Public health insurance: ideal for employees and some students
• Private health insurance: a better fit for freelancers, students from outside the EU, and high earners.

Public and full private health insurance policies can be difficult to secure without a job. In these cases, expat health insurance is a helpful alternative option to support your visa application.

Feather offers expat-friendly plans for both public and private health insurance, entirely online, with English-speaking support. You’ll receive an official confirmation letter instantly — accepted by German embassies and immigration offices. It couldn’t be easier.

What to do after getting your German visa

Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Germany and begin your new life. But there are still a few key tasks for you to complete.

You must register your address with the local Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in—this process is known as Anmeldung. To do this, you’ll need your rental contract and a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation form from your landlord). 

After registering, you can open a German bank account, get a tax ID, and begin settling in. You may also need to convert your short-term visa into a residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ office), especially for long-term stays.

Germany’s visa system can seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the categories and requirements, the process becomes much more manageable. By choosing the correct visa, preparing your documents carefully, and securing the right health insurance, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful and stress-free move in no time.