🇩🇪 Germany

National Visa

Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

Hard 45 min VisaImmigrationWorkStudy

/ What is this form?

The German National Visa (Type D) is a long-stay visa that allows non-EU citizens to remain in Germany for more than 90 days. It is the essential first step for anyone planning to work, study, do vocational training, or join a family member in Germany. Without it, non-EU nationals cannot legally stay or begin work or study activities.

The application must be submitted at the German embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel. Processing times vary by embassy and visa type, but typically range from 4 to 12 weeks. Once in Germany, most Type D visa holders will need to convert their visa into a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the local Ausländerbehörde.

The visa category you apply for — employment, student, language course, family reunification, job-seeker — determines which documents you need and how your application is assessed. It is critical to apply for the correct category from the start, as switching categories inside Germany is complicated.

/ Who needs this form?

Non-EU/EEA nationals who want to work in Germany for more than 90 days
International students admitted to a German university or preparatory college (Studienkolleg)
People joining a spouse, parent, or registered partner already living in Germany
Non-EU job seekers with a recognized university degree (Jobseekers Visa)
Freelancers and self-employed professionals wanting to work in Germany
Participants in vocational training (Ausbildung) programs in Germany

/ What you need before you start

Valid passport (must not expire within 6 months of your intended return date)

Biometric passport photo (35x45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months)

Completed and signed visa application form

Proof of purpose: job contract, university admission letter, or family documents

Proof of financial means: Sperrkonto for students (min. €11,208/year), pay slips, or scholarship letter

Travel health insurance covering Germany (at least €30,000 coverage)

Proof of accommodation in Germany (rental contract or host confirmation)

Academic or professional certificates relevant to your visa type

For work visas: employer's Zustimmung (Federal Employment Agency approval)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Personal Details

Provide your full legal name (as in passport), date and place of birth, nationality, and current address.

2 Passport Information

Enter your passport number, issue date, expiry date, and issuing authority. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

3 Travel Purpose

Select your visa purpose: employment, study, family reunification, or other. Each purpose requires different supporting documents.

4 Stay Details

Specify your intended entry date, duration of stay, and planned address in Germany.

5 Financial Means

Declare how you will finance your stay — through employment, scholarship, savings, or family support.

6 Supporting Documents

Gather required documents: job offer / university admission letter, blocked account proof (Sperrkonto) for students, health insurance, and biometric photo.

7 Submit at Embassy

Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Attend in person with all original documents.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Surname / Given names	Exactly as they appear in your passport — including all middle names.	Entering a shortened version of your name instead of the full legal name.
Date and place of birth	Date in DD.MM.YYYY format. Place of birth as written in your passport.	Using MM/DD/YYYY format instead of the European DD.MM.YYYY format.
Passport number	The number found on the data page of your passport, usually alphanumeric.	Confusing the document number with the personal ID number.
Purpose of travel	Select the most accurate category: employment, study, language course, family reunification, etc.	Choosing 'tourism' when you intend to work or study — this leads to immediate rejection.
Address in Germany	Your confirmed first address in Germany (rental contract, student dorm, or host address).	Leaving this blank or using a hotel address without a confirmed longer-term arrangement.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Applying for the wrong visa type — e.g. applying for a tourist visa when intending to work.

Submitting an application without a biometric photo taken within the last 6 months.

Not having health insurance that covers the full duration of the intended stay.

Passport expiring less than 6 months after the intended return date.

Missing the BA approval (Zustimmung) for skilled worker visas — this must be arranged by your employer.

Not booking an embassy appointment early enough — embassies in some countries have waiting times of months.

For students: not having the Sperrkonto funded before the appointment.

/ Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a German National Visa?

Processing times vary by embassy and visa category. Generally 4–12 weeks. Some high-demand embassies take longer. Always apply as early as possible.

What is the difference between a Type C and Type D visa?

A Type C (Schengen) visa allows stays of up to 90 days in the Schengen Area for tourism or short business trips. A Type D (National) visa is for stays exceeding 90 days in Germany for work, study, or family reasons.

Can I work in Germany while my visa application is being processed?

No. You cannot work in Germany while your initial visa application is pending. You must wait until the visa is issued and you have entered Germany legally.

What is a Sperrkonto?

A Sperrkonto is a blocked bank account required for student visas. It must contain at least €11,208 per year (as of 2024) and releases monthly instalments to prove you can support yourself without working.

Do I need to convert my visa to a residence permit after arriving?

Yes, in most cases. A Type D visa is a temporary document. Once in Germany, you must register your address (Anmeldung) and then apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the local Ausländerbehörde before your visa expires.