Who is the Language Learning Visa intended for?

The Language Learning Visa is for individuals who:

• Want to attend an intensive German language course in Germany.
• Need to improve their German for future studies, vocational training, or employment.
• Are preparing for admission to a university, apprenticeship, or another type of visa (e.g. Study Visa, Work Visa).
• Plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days.

Requirements for the Language Learning Visa

1. Language course
   • Must be an intensive in-person course (at least 18–20 hours per week).
   • Duration: minimum 3 months, usually 6–12 months.
   • The language school in Germany must be officially recognized.
2. Financial means
   • Proof that you can cover your living expenses in Germany.
   • As of 2025: at least €11,208 per year (approx. €934 per month).
   • Usually proven via a blocked account or a formal obligation letter from a sponsor.
3. Health insurance
   • Proof of valid German health insurance for the entire stay.
4. Accommodation
   • Proof of housing in Germany (rental agreement, confirmation from the school, etc.).
5. Proof of return intent
   • Evidence that you plan to return home after completing the course (e.g. enrollment in studies in your home country, employment ties, family connections).

Checklist – Do I have everything?

• Valid passport
  
• Proof of enrollment + payment confirmation for the language course
  
• Proof of financial means (blocked account / obligation letter)
  
• Health insurance coverage
  
• Proof of accommodation
  
• Visa application form + biometric photos
  
• Evidence of return intent (e.g. study or work documents in home country)

What am I allowed to do with the Language Learning Visa?

• Attend language courses: Intensive German courses in Germany.
• Duration: Usually 3–12 months (possible extension, maximum 12 months).
• Work: Generally not allowed. In exceptional cases, part-time work may be possible with permission (e.g. 120 days / 240 half-days), but this is not the purpose of the visa.
• Change of visa type: Can sometimes be converted into a Study Visa or Work Visa if requirements are met.
• Family reunification: Usually not possible under this visa.

Steps to the Language Learning Visa (as of 2025)

Step 1: Check the requirements

• Enrollment in an intensive German language course (min. 18–20 hours/week).
• Proof of sufficient funds (€934/month).
• Health insurance.
• Accommodation confirmation.

Step 2: Book an appointment at the German embassy/consulate in your country

• Make an appointment well in advance (waiting times can be long).
• Check the embassy’s website for country-specific requirements.

Step 3: Submit your visa application
Prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Enrollment confirmation + payment proof for the course
• Proof of financial means (blocked account / sponsor letter)
• Health insurance certificate
• Proof of accommodation
• National visa application form (D visa)
• Biometric passport photos
• Documents proving return intent

Note: Processing times vary (usually 6–12 weeks).

For whom is the Blue Card EU Visa intended?

The Blue Card EU Visa is aimed at:

• University graduates with a German or comparable foreign degree.
• Professionals with an equivalent qualification (e.g. master craftsperson diplomas or certain technical college degrees).
• IT specialists with relevant professional experience, even without a formal university degree.
• Recent graduates whose degree was obtained within the last three years.

Requirements for the EU Blue Card

1. Qualification:
   • University degree (German or equivalent foreign degree)
   • Or: at least a three-year tertiary degree at ISCED level 6 / EQF level 6 (e.g. master craftsman, educator)
   • Or: IT specialists with 3 years of work experience at academic level (within the last 7 years)
2. Specific job offer in Germany:
   • Duration: at least 6 months
   • Relevant to the qualification
   • For regulated professions (e.g. medicine): professional license must be available or promised
3. Minimum salary (as of 2025):
   • General: €48,300 gross per year
   • In shortage occupations or for recent graduates: at least €43,759.80
   • IT specialists without a degree: also at least €43,759.80, plus 3 years of professional experience required
4. Approval by the Federal Employment Agency (BA):
   • Required if the salary is below the general threshold or in the case of recent graduates / IT specialists

Checklist – Do I have everything?

• University degree or equivalent qualification (or proof of work experience for IT professionals)
  
• Recognition or comparability of the degree verified in Germany
  
• Specific job offer in Germany
  
• Employment contract for at least 6 months
  
• Minimum salary (depending on profession and status)
  
• Professional practice license, if applicable (for regulated professions)
  
• Approval from the Federal
• Employment Agency (if required)
• Proof of German language skills (for later permanent residence permit)

What am I allowed to do with the EU Blue Card?

• Work: In the profession for which the card was issued, for the duration of the employment contract plus three months (maximum 4 years, extendable).
• Change jobs: Allowed, but if changing within the first year, the immigration authority must be informed.Apply for permanent residency:
  • After 27 months (with German level A1)
  • Already after 21 months if German language skills at level B1 are proven Book a course with us today!

• Family reunification: Spouses and children may join under simplified conditions.
• IT specialists without a university degree: Also eligible if sufficient work experience and salary requirements are met.

Steps to the EU Blue Card (as of 2025)

Step 1: Check the requirements

Before submitting the application, you should ensure that you meet the basic requirements:

• University degree (German or recognized from abroad)
  ▫ Alternatively: equivalent vocational qualification (e.g. Masters) or IT work experience (3 years)
• Concrete job offer in Germany (at least 6 months)
• Minimum annual salary:
  • €48,300 (standard)
  • €43,759.80 (for shortage occupations or recent graduates with a university degree not older than 3 years)
  • Special case: IT specialists without a formal qualification + at least three years of work experience at university level + concrete job offer as an IT specialist in Germany or valid employment contract (minimum employment duration of six months): Annual gross salary of at least €43,759.80
• For regulated professions: License to practice the profession
• Proof of recognition of your degree (e.g. via anabin)

Step 2: Request an appointment at the German embassy in your country of residence

• Schedule an appointment for your visa application well in advance.
• Check the embassy's website for information about:
  • Waiting time
  • Country-specific requirements
  • Required documents
• Find out whether your employer can use the fast-track procedure for skilled workers to speed up the entry process.

Step 3: Apply for the visa in your country of residence

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Employment contract
• Proof of university degree or vocational qualification
• Recognition notice (if required)
  
• Visa application form
• If applicable, proof of professional experience (for IT specialists)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of financial means (e.g. salary statement)

Note:
▪ If your salary is below €48,300, approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is required.
▪ Processing times vary significantly depending on the foreign mission and the complexity of the case. Please check the website of your relevant embassy for details.

Steps 4: Entry into Germany

• Receive your visa and enter Germany.
• Book your flight and take German health insurance.

Important: The EU Blue Card must be applied for in Germany before your visa expires.

Whom is the visa for?

The Opportunity Card is for qualified individuals from non-EU/EEA countries or Switzerland who:

• want to search for a job in Germany,
• have completed a professional or academic qualification,
• do not yet have a recognized German qualification or whose foreign qualification is not yet fully recognized.

The aim is to facilitate access to the German labor market.

Requirements for the Opportunity Card

Two access routes:

Option 1 – Recognized Qualification (no points system):

• You have a fully recognized foreign qualification,
  or
• You completed a university or vocational qualification in Germany.

Option 2 – Points System (minimum 6 points required):

• You have a state-recognized qualification from abroad (minimum 2 years duration)
• You have language skills:
  • German A1 or
  • English B2 Book a course with us today!

• You can support yourself financially
  (e.g., with a restricted account: at least €1,091 net/month in 2025)

Checklist – What do I need?

• Valid passport
  
• Professional or academic qualification + proof
  
• Language certificates (German or English) - Do you need a German language certificate? Book your telc exam with us today!
  
• Proof of work experience (if relevant)
  
• Proof of partial recognition (for Option 2)
  
• Proof of financial means (e.g., blocked account, declaration of commitment)
  
• Calculation of your points (at least 6 if Option 2)
  
• Proof for each criterion you are claiming points for

What can I do with the Opportunity Card?

With the Opportunity Card, you can:

• Live in Germany for up to 1 year to actively search for a qualified job
  
• Take part-time jobs of up to 20 hours/week
  
• Do trial work for up to 2 weeks per employer if it's a qualified job, vocational training, or a qualification measure
  
• If your job search is successful:
  • Apply for a residence permit for employment, self-employment, training, or recognition
  • Extend the Opportunity Card for up to 2 more years (follow-up card) if no other residence permit applies

Steps to the Opportunity Card (as of 2025)

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Check whether you meet the requirements for the Opportunity Card:

Possible qualifications:

1. German qualification or
2. Fully recognized foreign qualification, or
3. Foreign qualification that is:
   
   • State-recognized,
     
   • At least 2 years in duration,
     
   • Recognized by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), or
4. AHK certificate category A, checked by the BIBB (Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training)

Other requirements:

• At least 6 points in the points system (in case of options 2 or 3)
• Language skills:
  • German at least A1 or
  • English at least B2

Do you need a German language certificate? 

Book your telc exam with us today!

Proof of financial means:

• E.g., blocked account with at least €1,091/month (2025), or
• Declaration of commitment

Step 2: Schedule an appointment at the German Embassy in your country

• Book your appointment early at the German embassy or consulate
• Check waiting time and any additional documents that may be needed (check the embassy website)

Step 3: Apply for the visa in your home country

Required documents:

• Passport
• Proof of qualification (+ recognition certificate, if applicable)
• Language certificates
• Proof of points criteria (if using Option 2 or 3)
• Proof of financial means (restricted account or declaration of commitment)
• Visa application form

Tip: Check the required health insurance for the visa.

Step 4: Enter Germany

• The Opportunity Card is issued as a visa
• Book your flight ticket
• Take German health insurance after entering the country

Important: The Opportunity Card is time-limited – you must later apply for a resident permit later or extend it.

Step 5: Apply for a residence permit in Germany
After arriving in Germany:

1. Register your address (at the registration office)
2. Book an appointment at the immigration authority
3. Collect required documents
4. After successfully finding a job:
   • Apply for a residence permit for employment, or
   • Extend your Opportunity Card (e.g., follow-up card for 2 years)

Whom is this visa for?

This visa is intended for foreign skilled workers who:

• have completed a qualified vocational training or university degree outside of Germany,
• want to work in Germany in an occupation that requires such a qualification,
• are not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland.

Requirements for the work visa

1. Recognition of Qualification:
   • You have a recognized vocational qualification or an equivalent university degree.
   • For regulated professions (e.g. nursing, medicine): a professional practice permit is required.
2. Job offer in Germany:
   • You have a concrete job offer in an occupation corresponding to your qualification.
   • It must be a qualified position (not unskilled labor).
3. Age limit and salary requirement (for those over 45 years):
   • If you are over 45 and entering Germany for work for the first time, you must either:
   • provide proof of a gross annual salary of at least €53,130 (as of 2025), or
   • provide proof of adequate retirement provision.
4. Approval by the Federal Employment Agency (BA):
   • The BA must approve your employment (including a check for fair working conditions).

Checklist – What you need?

• Valid passport
  
• Recognition notice of your qualification
  
• Employment contract or binding job offer
  
• Professional practice permit (for regulated professions)
  
• Proof of salary or pension provision (if over 45)
  
• Proof of health insurance
  
• Proof of financial means (e.g. salary statements)
  
• Visa application form
  
• Approval from the Federal
• Employment Agency (usually obtained during the process)

What are you allowed to do with this visa?

• You may work in Germany – in an occupation that matches your qualifications.
• The visa is issued for up to 4 years (or for the duration of your employment contract + 3 months).
• You may bring your family to Germany (family reunification is possible).
• After 3 years, you may apply for a settlement permit (permanent residence).

Steps to obtain the Skilled Worker Visa (as of 2025)

Step 1: Check requirements & get qualification recognized

• Have your foreign qualification officially recognized in Germany.
• If necessary, apply for a professional practice permit.
• Clarify if your job offer meets all the necessary criteria.

Step 2: Book an appointment at the German embassy in your country of residence

• Make an appointment with the relevant German foreign mission.
• Check for waiting times, required documents, and forms.

Step 3: Apply for the visa

• Submit all required documents (see checklist above).
• Approval from the Federal Employment Agency will be obtained during the process (except in certain exceptional cases).
  
• A valid health insurance policy is required for visa issuance.

Step 4: Enter Germany

• Once you receive your visa, book your travel to Germany.
• After arrival: obtain German health insurance.

Step 5: Apply for residence permit in Germany

• Register your residence with the local registration office (Residents' Registration Office).
• Book an appointment with the local immigration office (Immigration Office).
• Submit your application for a residence permit for employment.
  

Important: The application must be submitted before your entry visa expires.

Whom is this visa for?

This visa is intended for experienced professionals from non-EU countries who:

• want to work in a non-regulated profession in Germany,
• have completed state-recognized vocational training or a university degree abroad,
• have at least 2 years of qualified professional experience within the last 5 years.

Regulated professions (e.g., doctors, nurses, teachers) are excluded – the Federal Employment Agency (BA) provides a list.

Visa Requirements

1. Qualification
   You have a vocational or university degree that is state-recognized in your home country. The training must have lasted at least two years.
2. Recognition Proof
   Recognition of the qualification in Germany is not required. Instead, one of the following is sufficient:
   • a positive assessment from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB),
   • an entry in the anabin database, or
   • an AHK certificate in category A that meets the requirements of the Vocational Training Act.
3. Professional Experience
   You can provide proof of at least two years of qualified work experience within the last five years. This experience must be relevant to the job you intend to take in Germany.
4. Job Offer
   You have a concrete job offer in a non-regulated profession in Germany.
   Additionally, your employer must provide a completed “Declaration of Employment Relationship.”
5. Minimum Salary
   The job must guarantee a gross annual salary of at least €43,470 (2025).
   For applicants aged 45 or older: at least €53,130 gross or proof of an adequate pension provision is required.
6. Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA)
   The BA must approve the employment. It checks whether working conditions are comparable to those for domestic employees. This approval is obtained during the visa process by the German embassy.
7. Special Rule for IT Professionals
   For professionals in information and communication technology, no formal degree is required.
   Instead, several years of relevant work experience is sufficient.

Checklist – What You Need

• Valid passport
  
• Proof of qualification (or IT exemption)
  
• Proof of work experience (e.g., reference letters)
  
• Employment contract + declaration of employment relationship
  
• Proof of salary or collective agreement
  
• Proof of retirement provision (if over 45)
  
• Health insurance (for visa application)
  
• Visa application form

What can you do with this visa?

• You can work in your non-regulated profession in Germany
• The residence permit is valid for the duration of the job contract + 3 months, up to a maximum of 4 years
• Extension and family reunification are possible
• IT professionals: work experience counts; no degree required

Steps to Get a Visa for Experienced Professionals (As of 2025)

Step 1: Check requirements

• Qualification + relevant work experience + suitable job offer in Germany
• Check ZAB statement or anabin entry (exception: IT sector)

Step 2: Schedule an appointment at the German embassy

• Book an appointment early
• Prepare documents as per the checklist

Step 3: Apply for the visa

• Submit the visa application and required documents
• The German embassy will obtain approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA)

Step 4: Enter Germany

• Plan your travel
• Obtain valid German health insurance

Step 5: Apply for residence permit in Germany

• Register your address at the local registration office
• Schedule an appointment with the immigration authority
• Apply for the residence permit for qualified employment

Whom is this visa for?

This visa is intended for individuals with a foreign vocational or academic qualification who:

• wish to work in Germany while having their qualification officially recognized,
• have not yet received full recognition of their qualification,
• have entered into a recognition partnership with an employer.

The goal is to carry out the recognition procedure in Germany while already engaged in qualified employment.

Requirements for the Visa

1. Qualification
   You must have a state-recognized vocational or academic qualification from abroad.
   • For vocational qualifications: at least 2 years of full-time training
   • Proof required via:
     ▫ A positive assessment by ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education), or
     ▫ A digital certificate evaluation (for academic degrees), or
     ▫ An entry in the anabin database (for academic degrees)
2. Specific Job Offer
   You must have a binding job offer in Germany – usually for a qualified position.
   • In regulated professions, auxiliary tasks may be performed initially until the professional license is granted.
3. Recognition Partnership Agreement
   A written agreement with your employer must confirm that you will be supported in completing the recognition procedure as part of your employment. This agreement may be included in the employment contract.
4. Language Skills
   German language proficiency of at least level A2 (CEFR).
   • Note: Higher levels may be required for certain training measures or professions. Book a course with us today!
5. Qualified Employer
   The employer must demonstrably be qualified (e.g. experience in training or upskilling). This is assessed by the authorities during the visa process.
6. Approval by the Federal Employment Agency (BA)
   The BA must approve your employment. It checks whether:
   1. the working conditions are comparable to those of local employees,
   2. all formal requirements are met.

Checklist – What You Need

• Valid passport
  
• Proof of qualification (ZAB assessment or anabin proof)
  
• Employment contract / Job offer
  
• Agreement on recognition partnership
• Proof of language proficiency (at least A2) - Do you need a German language certificate? Book a telc exam with us today!
• Proof of health insurance
  
• Visa application form “Declaration on Employment” (from the employer, for BA approval)

What can you do with this visa?

• You can work in your profession while your qualification is being recognized.
• You may take on an additional part-time job of up to 20 hours per week.
• The residence permit is initially valid for up to 12 months – it can be extended annually for up to 3 years.

Steps to Apply for a Visa for Recognition Partnership (As of 2025)

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Qualification + Job Offer + Language Skills + Partnership Agreement

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with the German Embassy

• Book your appointment early and prepare your documents

Step 3: Apply for the Visa

• Submit your application with all required documents
• The Federal Employment
• Agency's approval is obtained automatically during the process

Step 4: Enter Germany

• Travel once you receive the visa and take German health insurance

Step 5: Apply for Residence Permit in Germany

• Register your address at the local registration office (Residents' Registration Office)
• Schedule an appointment with the immigration office
• Apply for a residence permit under § 16d (3) of the Residence Act (if not already covered by the visa)

Whom is the visa for?
This visa is intended for international students who:

• wish to pursue a full-time university degree or preparatory studies (e.g., language course, preparatory college) in Germany,
• have been admitted to a state-recognized university in Germany,
• can finance their living expenses independently.

The visa also applies to:

• Doctoral studies
• Preparatory colleges (Foundation Course)
• Intensive language courses in preparation for university studies

Requirements for the visa

1. University Admission
   You are admitted to a state-recognized university in Germany (for studies or a preparatory measure).
2. Proof of Financial Means
   You must be able to cover your living expenses for the entire study period:
   
   • Blocked account with at least €11,904 per year (2025)
   • Scholarship
   • Declaration of commitment under §§ 66–68 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)

1. Language Skills
   • Many programs require German at B2 level (CEFR)
   • Proof must be presented to the embassy or consulate
   • English-language programs may require different proof (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)

Checklist – what you need

• Valid passport
  
• University admission letter
  
• Proof of financial means (blocked account / scholarship / declaration of commitment)
  
• Language certificate (German or English, depending on the program) - Do you need a German language certificate? Book a telc exam with us today! 
• Proof of health insurance
  
• Visa application form

What are you allowed to do with the student visa?

• Initial stay is up to 2 years (extendable up to a maximum of 4 years)
• You may:
  • Work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or
  • Work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period
  • Take on unlimited student-related jobs (e.g., tutor, student assistant)
• Participation in language courses, preparatory colleges, and doctoral studies is allowed

Options after graduation

1. Residence for job search (§ 20 (1) no. 1 AufenthG):
   • Up to 18 months
   • Any kind of employment allowed during this period
2. Residence for employment:
   • Residence permit for skilled workers, or
   • EU Blue Card, if eligibility criteria are met
3. Permanent residence permit (§ 18c (1) sentence 2 AufenthG):
   • Possible after only 2 years of employment in Germany, if studies were completed in Germany

Mobility within the EU for international students

• If you already have a student visa from another EU country:
  • No German visa is needed if your stay in Germany is less than 360 days
    
  • Your university must inform the BAMF and the relevant authority in the other EU country about your stay

Steps to obtain a student visa (As of 2025)

Step 1: Check requirements

• Admission, financial means, language skills

Step 2: Schedule an appointment with the German embassy/consulate

• Book online in advance and prepare documents according to the checklist

Step 3: Apply for the visa

• Submit documents
• If successful: receive your student visa

Step 4: Enter Germany

• Travel after receiving your visa
• Obtain valid health insurance (if not already done)

Step 5: Apply for residence permit in Germany

• Register at the residents’ registration office (Residents' Registration Office)
  
• Apply for a residence permit for studies at the immigration office (§ 16b AufenthG)

Whom is this visa for?
This visa is intended for individuals who:

• wish to study in Germany,
• but have not yet received admission to a German university,
• and want to search for a university placement on-site in Germany.

The goal is to allow applicants to directly apply for study programs or preparatory courses (e.g., language courses, Foundation Course) while in Germany.

Requirements for the Visa

1. University-qualifying school diploma
   You must have a school-leaving certificate that qualifies you to study or attend a Foundation Course in Germany.
2. Language proficiency proof
   You meet the language requirements for your intended course of study (e.g., German B2 or English, depending on the university).
   ➤ Proof must be submitted as per the requirements of the German embassy or consulate.

Do you need a German language certificate? Book a telc exam with us today!

1. Proof of financial means
   You must be able to fully support yourself financially, for example via:
   • Restricted account with at least €1,091 per month (as of 2025), i.e. approx. €9,819 for 9 months
   • Declaration of commitment (Declaration of Commitment) under §§ 66–68 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG)

Checklist – What you need

• Valid passport
  
• Proof of school-leaving certificate
  
• Language certificate (e.g., B2 certificate) - Do you need a German language certificate? Book your telc exam with us today!
• Proof of financial means (restricted account or declaration of commitment)
  
• Proof of previous applications (if available)
  
• Proof of health insurance
• Visa application form

What are you allowed to do with this visa?

• Stay up to 9 months in Germany to:
  • apply for university programs or preparatory courses
    
  • attend a language course or Foundation Course
• Employment permitted:
  • up to 20 hours per week
  • trial employment for a total of up to 2 weeks
    

Important:
This residence permit is not extendable for the same purpose.
After successful admission to a university, you must apply for a new residence permit for studies under § 16b of the German Residence Act (AufenthG).

Steps to Apply for the University Application Visa (As of 2025)

Step 1: Check requirements

• Certificate, language skills, financial means

Step 2: Schedule an appointment at the German diplomatic mission

• Book early, prepare documents according to the checklist

Step 3: Apply for the visa

• Submit all required documents to the embassy/consulate

Step 4: Enter Germany

• Plan your travel after receiving the visa
• Take German health insurance

Step 5: Apply for a residence permit in Germany

• Register at the local registration office (Residents' Registration Office)
• Apply for the residence permit for university studies at the local immigration office (Immigration Office)

Whom is this visa for?

This visa is intended for foreign entrepreneurs and freelancers from non-EU countries who wish to:

• Start their own business in Germany (commercial activity), or
• Pursue a freelance profession (e.g., artist, doctor, IT consultant)

The goal is to enable economically viable self-employment in Germany.

Requirements for the Self-Employment Visa

1. For Entrepreneurs (§ 21 Para. 1 Residence Act - AufenthG)
   You are planning to start a business and must meet the following conditions:
2. Economic Interest / Regional Need
   Your business idea fulfills an economic interest or regional need (e.g., shortage of skilled labor, market gaps).
3. Positive Economic Impact
   Your business activity must be expected to have a positive effect on the German economy (e.g., job creation, innovation promotion).
4. Secured Financing
   You must be able to finance your project through equity capital or a loan commitment.
5. Pension Plan (if over 45 years old)
   If you are over 45, you need to provide proof of adequate retirement provision.
6. For Freelancers (§ 21 Para. 5 Residence Act - AufenthG)
   You wish to pursue a freelance profession recognized in Germany (e.g., architect, engineer, artist, translator).
7. Project Financing
   You must prove your financial independence – e.g., through savings, contracts, or planned income.
8. Professional License
   If your profession requires a license in Germany, you must submit proof of permission to practice.
9. Pension Plan (if over 45 years old)
   Same applies here: if over 45, proof of sufficient retirement provision is required.

Checklist – What you need

• Valid passport
  
• Business plan
  
• Proof of financing (equity or loan commitment)
  
• Market analysis / profitability forecast
  
• Professional license (for regulated freelance professions)
  
• Proof of pension plan (if over 45)
  
• Evidence of potential clients, contracts, or commissions (especially for freelancers)
  
• Health insurance
  
• Visa application form

What are you allowed to do with this visa?

• You may:
  • Start a business in Germany
    
  • Work as a freelancer
• Residence permit is initially issued for up to 3 years
• Extension possible if:
  • The business is economically viable
    
  • You can support yourself (and your family, if applicable)

What happens afterwards? - Permanent residence permit possible

• After 3 years of successful self-employment, you may apply for permanent residency if:
  • You have been economically successful
  • You can permanently secure your own livelihood and that of your family

Steps to apply for a Self-Employment Visa (As of 2025)

Step 1: Check requirements

• Commercial or freelance activity?
• Financing secured? Professional license? Pension plan?

Step 2: Book an appointment at the German embassy

• Schedule early and prepare all required documents

Step 3: Apply for the visa

• Submit your application along with the business plan and all supporting documents to the German embassy or consulate

Step 4: Enter Germany

• Once approved, plan your travel and register your address in Germany
• Take German health insurance

Step 5: Apply for a residence permit

• Submit your application to the local immigration office
• Receive your residence permit according to § 21 Residence Act

Whom is this visa for?

This visa is intended for international researchers and doctoral candidates who:

• want to take up a research position or doctoral post at a recognized research institution in Germany,
• hold a doctorate or a university degree that qualifies them for doctoral programs.

Requirements for the research visa

• Research institution & contract
  You must have signed either:
• an employment contract or
• a hosting agreement with a recognized research institution in Germany.
  
• Declaration of cost coverage
  The institution must commit to covering your living and (if needed) return travel expenses for up to 6 months after the end of your research.
  ▫ This requirement does not apply if your research is mainly publicly funded.
• Qualification as a researcher
  You must hold:
• a doctoral degree or
• a university degree that qualifies for doctoral programs (in line with Article 3 of EU Directive 2016/801).
  

Checklist – What you need

• Valid passport
  
• Employment contract or hosting agreement with a research institution
  
• Proof of academic qualification (e.g.
• Master’s, PhD)
  
• Declaration of obligation by the institution (if not publicly funded)
  
• Health insurance
  
• Visa application form

What can you do with this visa?

• Conduct research and teach at the specified institution
• Residence permit is typically granted for at least 1 year
• Extensions possible as long as your research continues
• You may teach in addition to your research
• Permanent residence permit possible after 4 years (if other conditions are met)

What happens after your research activity ends?

• You may apply for a residence permit for job-seeking (§ 20 para. 1 no. 2 Residence Act)
  ➤ Valid for up to 18 months to find qualified employment
  ➤ You may work in any field during this time

Special rules for doctoral candidates

• If you have a work contract for your PhD research → § 18d Residence Act
• If you are enrolled in a full-time doctoral study program → § 16b Residence Act

EU Mobility for Researchers

1. Short-term mobility (up to 180 days in 360 days)
   • No visa/residence permit required
   • German research institution must notify the BAMF 
   • Requirement: valid residence permit for research from another EU country
2. Mobile researchers (§ 18f Residence Act)
   • For stays over 180 days and up to 1 year
   • Requirements:
   • Valid residence permit for research from another EU country
   • Passport copy
   • Hosting agreement with
   • German institution
   • Application must be submitted at least 30 days before the start of the stay to BAMF or the
   • Foreigners’ Authority

Alternative: EU Blue Card

If you are a researcher with a university degree and a job offer, but do not qualify under § 18d, the EU Blue Card may be an option.

Steps to obtain the Research Visa (as of 2025)

Step 1: Check requirements

• Do you have a valid contract, academic qualifications, and (if required) a declaration of cost coverage?

Step 2: Book an appointment at the German mission abroad

• Schedule early and prepare documents according to the checklist

Step 3: Apply for the visa

• Submit your application and all documents

Step 4: Enter Germany

• After receiving the visa, travel to Germany and (if not yet done) arrange insurance

Step 5: Apply for a residence permit

• Register at the local registration office (Residents' Registration Office)
• Apply for the residence permit at the Foreigners’ Authority (§ 18d Residence Act)

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