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Long-stay visa
Germany is a popular destination for immigrants - be it to take up a job in the Federal Republic, to want to live with one's family or to study here. If you come from a foreign country that requires a visa and want to stay in Germany for a longer period of time, you first need a national visa to enter the country. How to apply for one, what you need for the application and what you can do if your application for a national visa has been rejected is explained below.
The most important facts in a nutshell:
- For a longer-term stay in Germany, you need a national visa to enter the country.
- A national visa can be issued for various purposes (work, family reunification, study, etc.).
- As a rule, you will have to apply for another residence title after entering the country.
- If your visa is refused, you can appeal or file a lawsuit against it
Entering Germany for a longer-term stay
If you are travelling to Germany from a foreign country requiring a visa for a longer-term stay, you will first need a national visa (DVisa) for entry.
You can apply for such a visa for the purpose of family reunification, taking up employment, joining your family or studying in Germany. You can apply for a visa at a German mission abroad (embassy, consulate).
What does a national visa cover?
The national visa entitles the holder to stay in the Federal Republic of Germany within its period of validity.
In addition, a national visa also entitles you to stay in the entire Schengen area for up to 90 days. The period of validity of your national visa may vary depending on the purpose of your trip: As a rule, the national visa is issued for a period of 90 days.
In special cases, it can even be issued for up to 12 months. Usually, however, the planned length of stay exceeds the period stated in the visa - for example, if you want to work permanently in Germany. In this case, you must apply for a residence title after entering Germany with the national visa.
Only if the duration of your stay does not exceed the valid period of the visa do you not need to apply for a residence title after your entry. The following residence titles can be applied for:
- Residence permit (temporary residence title for various purposes)
- EU Blue Card (temporary residence title for academic specialists
- ICT card (temporary residence title for the transfer of skilled workers within a company)
- Settlement permit and permanent residence permit (unlimited residence title)
How do I apply for a national visa?
You must apply for a national visa at a German mission abroad (embassy, consulate). You must make an appointment there in person to submit the application and the necessary documents.
These documents include:
- Passport - Completed application form
- Biometric passport photos
- Other documents, depending on the purpose of your stay.
Other documents, depending on the purpose of your stay, include, for example, proof of your professional qualifications if you are entering Germany to take up gainful employment. As a rule, you will also have to prove how you will support yourself, that you have health insurance and where you will live during your stay. On the website of the Federal Foreign Office or the respective responsible embassies you will find a list of the documents required for your purpose of stay.
How long does it take to process my application?
The processing time for visa applications varies greatly depending on the workload of the missions abroad and the extent of the examination. It can take several months before you receive a decision. Therefore, make sure you submit your application as early as possible!
What costs will I incur?
There is a fee of €75.00 for the application for a national visa. For minors, the fee is €37.50. However, if the visa is refused, you will not get the fee back.
My application for a visa has been rejected - what can I do?
If you are not granted a visa after your application has been examined, you will receive a written notification of this. However, this letter does not have to state the reasons for the refusal. Often, those affected receive a letter without any reasons or with only a formulaic explanation.
Nevertheless, in many cases a competent lawyer can determine the background of the rejection. The reasons for the refusal can be very diverse, as the requirements for the granting of a national visa also vary greatly depending on the purpose of stay.
Your lawyer can assess whether it makes sense in your case to take action against the refusal.
This can be done in two ways: On the one hand, through a remonstration, i.e. the submission of counter-appeals to the respective diplomatic mission or consular post abroad with the aim of having them reconsider your application and then grant the visa. Secondly, if the remonstration is unsuccessful, you can file a complaint with the administrative court.
Short & sweet
If you are entering the Federal Republic of Germany for a longer stay, you will need a national visa. You can apply for this at a German mission abroad. With a national visa you can usually stay in Germany for up to 90 days and in exceptional cases for up to twelve months. The visa serves various purposes of stay - whether it is to take up employment, to reunite with your family or to study. If you want to stay in Germany longer than your national visa allows, you must apply for a residence title after entering the country with the visa. If your application for a national visa was rejected, you should have this decision reviewed by an expert lawyer.