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German visa types and application fees.
Enter the country with the correct Visa and purpose of stay.
Work
Study
Family
Short stay
Work
Job seeker visa
— 75€
Allows non-EU skilled professionals to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to search for employment matching their qualifications. Applicants need recognized qualifications, proof of financial means (€13,092 per year), and valid health insurance. Once a job is secured, the Visa can be converted to a work permit from within Germany.
Self employed visa
— 75€
Allows non-EU entrepreneurs to establish a business or work as a freelancer for up to three years initially. Applicants must demonstrate economic interest or regional demand for their business, show it will positively impact the German economy, and prove they can financially support their concept (business plan). If over 45 years old, adequate pension provisions must be shown. Once approved, the Visa can be extended and may lead to permanent settlement if the business succeeds.
Freelancer visa
— 75€
Allows non-EU professionals to work independently for up to three years initially Germany. Applicants must provide at least two letters of intent from prospective clients, demonstrate sufficient financial means (around €12,000 per year), hold valid health insurance, and show relevant professional qualifications. If over 45, adequate pension provisions must be shown. Once approved, it can be extended and may lead to permanent settlement.
Visa for IT professionals
— 75€
Allows non-EU professionals with at least three years of IT experience (within the last seven years) to work without a formal degree. Applicants need a job offer with a minimum gross annual salary of €52,560, proof of relevant theoretical knowledge through training or exams, and B1-level German. The residence permit is initially valid for four years and can be extended.
Blue Card
— 100€
Allows highly qualified non-EU professionals with a university degree to work in Germany for up to four years. Applicants need a recognized degree, a job offer with a minimum gross annual salary of €48,300 (or €43,759.80 for shortage occupations or recent graduates within three years. IT specialists with three years of experience but no degree can also qualify at the lower salary threshold. The Blue Card provides a fast track to permanent residence and can be extended.
Opportunity card
— 75€
Allows non-EU skilled professionals to enter Germany for up to 12 months to search for employment without a job offer. Applicants need at least two years of vocational training or a university degree, basic German (A1) or English (B2), and must score at least 6 points based on qualifications, experience, language skills, age, and ties to Germany. Financial proof (€13,092 per year) is required, typically via a blocked account. Holders can work part-time up to 20 hours per week or take unlimited two-week trial jobs while searching.
Professional Internship visa
— 75€
Allows non-EU students or recent graduates to complete an internship in Germany for up to six months. Applicants need an internship agreement with a German entity, current university enrollment or a degree obtained within the last two years, and the internship must align with their studies. Financial proof of €959 per month is required, along with valid health insurance coverage. During the internship period, holders cannot take other employment in Germany.
Working Holiday Visa
— 75€
Allows young adults aged 18-30 (or 35 for select nationalities) from partner countries to live, work, and travel in Germany for up to 12 months. Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds (around €3,000), hold valid health insurance, have a clean criminal record, and possess a return ticket or funds to purchase one. The Visa is non-renewable and typically available once per lifetime, allowing holders to work short-term jobs while exploring Germany and the Schengen Zone.
Au pair Visa
— 75€
Allows non-EU individuals aged 18-26 to live with a German host family for 6-12 months, providing childcare and light housework in exchange for cultural immersion. Applicants must have basic German language skills (A1 level), childcare experience, and a signed contract with a host family. Au pairs receive €280 monthly pocket money, free accommodation and meals, health insurance, and time to attend language courses. The Visa cannot be extended beyond 12 months.
Study
Student visa
— 75€
Allows non-EU students to study in Germany for the duration of their academic program, typically with an initial residence permit valid for one year that can be extended. Applicants must have a university admission letter, proof of financial means through a blocked account of €11,904, and valid health insurance. Students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. After completing studies, graduates can apply for an 18-month job-seeking Visa.
Vocational Training Visa
— 75€
Allows non-EU citizens to enter Germany and complete a dual vocational training program combining classroom education with on-the-job experience, typically lasting two to three years. Applicants need a confirmed training contract, German language skills at B1 level, and proof of financial means (€1,091 per month for school-based training, or equivalent training salary for company-based programs). After completing training, holders can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to find qualified employment.
Research Visa
— 75€
Allows non-EU scientists and researchers with a PhD or equivalent qualification to conduct research at a German institution for up to four years. Applicants need a valid hosting agreement or work contract with a recognized German research institution, proof of financial support covering living costs (€1,027 per month), and valid health insurance. The institution must cover financial support up to six months after the research ends, unless publicly funded. The Visa provides mobility within the EU for research purposes.
Academic Internship visa
— 75€
The Germany Academic Internship Visa allows non-EU students currently enrolled at a university abroad or who graduated within the past two years to complete an internship related to their field of study for up to six months. Applicants need proof of an internship agreement with a German facility that commits in writing to cover living costs and travel expenses to the home country for up to six months after the internship ends. Holders can not take other employment during the internship period.
German language course Visa
— 75€
Allows non-EU individuals to attend an intensive German language course lasting 3-12 months. Applicants need enrollment in a course with at least 18 hours of instruction per week, proof of financial means (€13,092 per year via blocked account), and valid health insurance. Holders can work up to 20 hours per week. This Visa cannot be extended beyond 12 months or converted to another Visa type.
Family
Family reunification Visa
— 75€ adults - 37.50€ minors
The Germany Family Reunification Visa allows non-EU spouses, children under 18, and certain dependent relatives to join family members who are German citizens or legal residents. Applicants need proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates), valid health insurance, and the sponsor must show stable income (at least €1,200/month for two people, plus €300 per additional dependent). Spouses need basic German language skills (A1 level) with some exemptions. Family members can work in Germany without restrictions.
Short stay
Schengen visa (type C)
— 90€ adults - 45€ minors
Allows non-EU travelers to visit Germany and the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Applicants need a valid passport, travel health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, proof of accommodation, round-trip flight tickets, and proof of financial means (€50/€100 per day). This type of Visa can be theoretically converted to a permanent Visa, but it’s not recommended if you want to stay because the rate of rejection is very high.
Visa Rejection reasons
— Risk factors
German immigration authorities evaluate applications based on strict criteria. These are potential rejection reasons:
Financial Requirements
- Insufficient proof of financial means.
- Sponsor’s insufficient income. (for family reunification)
Documentation Issues
- Incomplete or fraudulent documentation.
- Invalid or insufficient passport.
- Missing invitation or sponsorship documents.
Purpose of Stay
- Unclear or insufficient purpose.
- Original purpose no longer exists.
- No proof of serious job search efforts. (job seeker Visa)
- Employment contract doesn’t meet requirements. (salary, qualifications, company credibility)
- Job position doesn’t match applicant’s qualifications.
Residence & Integration
- No proof of secured home.
- Inadequate living space for family.
- Failure to meet German language requirements.
Legal & Compliance
- Criminal record.
- Previous Visa violations.
- Applying after current permit has expired.
- Doubts about intention to leave before Visa expiry.
- Failure to attend appointment or provide biometrics.
Student-Specific
- Insufficient academic progress.
- Lack of financial proof.
- Failure to demonstrate continued enrollment.
- Degree not recognized in Germany.
- Age restrictions or insufficient educational qualifications.
Self-Employment/Freelance
- No viable business plan (get help with your financial plan).
- Insufficient client contracts.
- Failure to prove economic need or self-sustainability.
Health Insurance
- Lack of adequate health insurance coverage.
Authority Discretion
- Failure to meet any specific requirement set by the reviewing officer.
- Concerns about authenticity of intent or documentation.
- Changes in immigration policy or procedural requirements during processing.
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