The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) predicts a 10% year-over-year increase in foreign enrolment in German higher education, reaching 405,000 in the 2024/25 winter semester, marking the largest annual growth in the past decade.

There are several steps required in applying for a worker visa or a study visa in Germany. To make it easier for you, here is an overview of the whole process.

Step 1: Check the requirements

Before applying for a visa, you must check whether you meet the basic requirements for the granting of a residence title.

As part of the visa process, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. This can be done in several ways: Depending on the purpose of your entry, you can use either your future salary, a declaration of commitment or a blocked bank account with a minimum amount of funds as proof.

Further, you must prove that there is no doubt about your identity and nationality. This is usually done by presenting a valid passport when applying for a visa. As a third-country national, you can only enter Germany with a valid and recognised passport or document instead of a passport.

In addition to the mandatory requirements for obtaining a residence title, you will also need to find out about the specific requirements that apply to your particular purpose of entry and residence – for example, whether you intend to work, study or undertake vocational training in Germany.

Step 2: Appointment at German embassy or consulate

If you meet all the requirements for a visa, you will need to collect the necessary documents for your visa application. The list of required documents can usually be found on the website of the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Around the same time, you should also make an appointment to submit your visa application.

If you have already found an employer who wants you to come to Germany, its a good news for you. Your future employer may be able to speed up the process from Germany. Tell them about the fast-track procedure for skilled workers before you make an appointment at the embassy or consulate.

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

Submit your visa application to your local German embassy in your country of residence. Please make sure that you are applying for a visa that corresponds to the purpose of your stay in Germany. For example, if your stay in Germany is for work purposes, you are required to obtain a work visa. Only then will you be able to obtain a residence permit in Germany based on your visa.

To apply for a visa, you must select the visa application form that corresponds to the purpose of your stay.

An entry visa fee of €75 is charged for all types of visas issued for long-term stays in Germany. You can usually pay the non-refundable fee in your local currency at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Step 4: Enter Germany

Once your visa has been issued, you can now start preparing to come to Germany. Given that you are planning to stay in Germany long-term, it is advisable to bring all your documents with you, such as your birth certificate, school-leaving certificate, qualifications, and, if it applies to you, driving licence and marriage certificate. You will need health insurance coverage from the first day you arrive in Germany. Proof of insurance will be required at the latest when you collect your visa from the German embassy.

Step 5: Apply for a residence title in Germany

After you enter Germany on a visa, it is usually valid for up to 12 months. Within this period, you must apply for a residence permit to stay in Germany on a long-term basis. You need to find out what documents you need to apply for a residence permit. Then make an appointment to obtain the residence permit that corresponds to your visa.