National Visa Germany (Long Stay)

To obtain a National Visa for Germany, US citizens must meet the strict eligibility criteria set out by the German authorities. Typically, this includes possessing a US passport, clearly stating the purpose of their stay and demonstrating financial stability to support themselves in Germany.

Other eligibility requirements typically include:

• Securing a job offer in Germany with a valid work permit
• Owning a business in Germany
• Being a family member (spouse, registered partner, or child) of a German citizen or permanent resident eligible for a family reunification visa
• Gaining acceptance into a university or educational institution in Germany
• Seeking medical treatment in Germany and providing supporting documentation from a medical professional
• Demonstrating sufficient income or savings to cover living expenses in Germany

In addition, all applicants must have valid health insurance coverage and provide proof of their accommodation in Germany, such as a rental agreement. They will also need to have a clean criminal record and show proficiency in the German language.

Due to the complexity of Germany’s immigration rules, we recommend you consult with our expert attorneys at Total Law. Call our office today on +1 844 290 6312 or message us online.

The documentation needed for the German National Visas will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

The required documents for all visa types include:

• Completed National Visa application form (by visa type)
• Valid passport with at least two blank pages and issued within the past 10 years
• Two recent passport-size photos meeting German specifications
• Proof of health insurance with adequate coverage for Germany
• Proof of secure accommodation in Germany, such as a tenancy agreement.
• Proof of financial means to support yourself and family members, such as bank statements, employment contracts, or sponsorship documents.

Additional documents required by each visa category:

Work Visa:

• Official letter of employment from a German employer
• Proof of professional qualifications (e.g., diplomas, certificates)

Family Reunion Visa:

• Proof of relationship to the German citizen/permanent resident (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)

Study Visa:

• Acceptance letter from a recognized German university or educational institution

Research Visa:

• Research proposal or invitation from a German institution
• Proof of funding for research project (if applicable)
• Proof of academic qualifications (e.g., diplomas, publications)

It is crucial that you provide accurate and complete details in your visa application. Any discrepancies or missing information may lead to processing delays or even visa refusal.

German Long Stay Visas for work, allow US citizens to live and work in Germany beyond the initial 90-day limit, such as the German Blue Card, specifically granted to highly skilled individuals with qualifying job offers exceeding €48,300 per year.

Additional Work Visa Types include:

• Skilled Worker Visa: For professionals with relevant experience and job offers.
• General Employment Visa: Covers various skilled and unskilled positions.
• Freelancer Visa: Allows self-employed US citizens to establish a freelance business in Germany.
• Start-up Visa: Targets entrepreneurs who want to launch or invest in a new business venture in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a work visa in Germany, applicants must have a job offer from a German employer and have the qualifications and experience related to the position.

They may also need to demonstrate proficiency in the German language, and have the financial means to support themselves during the initial stages of their time in Germany.

The Long Stay Visa for Research enables US citizens to enter Germany for the purpose of conducting research for longer than 90 days. It caters to academics, researchers, and scientists seeking to collaborate with German institutions or on independent research projects.

It provides US applicants with long-term residency in Germany and work authorization for research purposes. Giving them the opportunity to work on research projects, collaborate with leading experts, and access Germany’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the German Research Visa, US applicants will need to have an invitation from a German university, research institute, or company conducting research activities.

Additionally, they must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses while in Germany and a valid health insurance certificate.

Applicants are also expected to have the necessary qualifications and expertise relevant to their research field. German language proficiency may also be required.

The Long Stay German Visa for study, allows US applicants to enter Germany for more than 90 days for the purpose of studying at a German university.

It offers several benefits for US students, including legally being able to reside in Germany for the duration of their studies. It also allows them to work part-time while in Germany.

The main types of Long Stay Visas for Study include:

• Student Visa: For full-time degree programs lasting longer than three months.
• Language Course Visa: For intensive language courses exceeding six months.
• Preparatory Course Visa: For preparatory programs leading to university.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a German Visa for study, applicants must have received an acceptance letter from a German university. They must also demonstrate they have the financial means to support themselves during their time in Germany.

Such as, a scholarship, grants, personal savings, or support from their family. Applicants are also required to have a valid health insurance document. Depending on the program, proficiency in German language may also be required.

The Long Stay Visa for Family Reunion allows US applicants to enter Germany for the purpose of joining close family members who are already residing in the country. The family members must have a valid residence permit or are German citizens.

This visa enables spouses, and other dependent family members to live together in Germany for the duration of the visa. It offers benefits including the opportunity for family members to access the German healthcare and social security system.

Successful applicants can also work or pursue further education in Germany. Family reunion visas may lead to a permanent residence permit in Germany, if all requirements are met.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Family Reunion Visa, US applicants must prove their relationship with the sponsor or family member who are already residing in Germany.

They must also show sufficient income or savings to support themselves and family members in Germany. This may include bank statements, employment contracts, or financial guarantees from the sponsoring family member.

In addition, they may need to provide evidence of housing arrangements in Germany, such as a rental agreement or property ownership documents.

They may also need to:

• Obtain health insurance coverage valid for the entire stay.
• Submit a US passport, birth certificates and marriage certificates.
• German language proficiency may be required.

To apply for a National Visa for Germany, you must follow a structured submission process. Generally, it involves preparing your documents, booking an appointment at the application center, and attending in person to submit your application.

Here’s an overview of applying for a German National Visa (Type D) for various purposes, including work, family reunion, study, and research:

Step 1: Determine your visa category:

Identify the specific visa type you need to apply for based on your reason for staying in Germany (work, family reunion, study, research).

Step 2: Gather the required documents:

The next step is to prepare all necessary documents as per your visa category. This typically includes:

• Completed National Visa application form.
• Valid US passport issued within the past 10 years, with two blank pages
• Two passport photos taken within the last three months
• Proof of financial means to support yourself
• An official letter of employment from a German employer
• Proof of adequate health insurance coverage
• Depending on the visa, additional documents like an official letter of employment from a German employer, or evidence of doctoral or university degree.

Step 3: Schedule an appointment:

After gathering your documents and completing the application form, you will need to book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in the US.

During your appointment, you will submit your application, pay the €75 visa fee. Ensure you are prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and plans in Germany.

Step 4: Visa processing:

The processing time for German National Visa applications varies depending on the current workload at the German consulate or embassy. Generally, it can take between 4-8 weeks or longer before a decision is made on an individual’s visa application.

When applying for a National Visa to enter Germany, you will encounter different types of fees, including the application fee which is approximately €75.

Generally, payments can be made via a bank transfer or directly to the authorities in the US. They may accept credit card payments, but it’s advisable to check beforehand.

Refund Policies

In specific situations, such as an overpayment or withdrawal of the visa or residence permit before processing begins, applicants may be eligible for a refund.

However, it’s essential to carefully review the refund policy provided by the respective consulate or embassy in the US to understand the conditions under which refunds are granted.

Additional Expenses

Apart from the standard visa application fees, there might be additional charges associated with certain services or requirements during the application process.

For instance, applicants might incur expenses related to:

• Document translations: €30-€100+ per document.
• Notarization services: €10-€50 per document.
• Medical examinations: Estimated €100-€200.
• Travel insurance: Varies but, typically starting around €50 per month.
• Postage/courier services: €10-€50+.