National visa; application and extension
Brief description
Foreign nationals who require a visa need a national visa to enter the country for longer-term stays (over 90 days) or stays that lead to gainful employment.
Description
The entry of non-EU citizens into Germany generally requires a visa issued by the German diplomatic mission (embassy, consulate) in the country of origin.
For a stay of more than 90 days, e.g. in the context of family reunification, or for the purpose of gainful employment, visas are issued as so-called "national" visas. The requirements for the issue of a national visa are based on the regulations applicable to the issue of a residence permit, an EU Blue Card, an ICT card, a settlement permit and an EU permanent residence permit and therefore differ depending on the purpose of the stay (see "Related topics").
After entry, the national visa may have to be replaced by another residence permit to be applied for at the competent immigration authority. The application must be made within the period of validity of the visa.
Visas for short stays (e.g. tourist or visiting stays, business trips) of up to 90 days per 180-day period are to be distinguished from national visas. These are generally issued as so-called "Schengen visas" (see "Related topics" - "Schengen visa; issue and extension").
Exemptions from the visa requirement apply to nationals of
- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the USA,
- Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the
- Republic of Korea,
who may always enter the country without a visa, regardless of the duration and purpose of their stay.
This also applies to nationals of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino, provided they do not wish to pursue gainful employment.
For tourist stays (up to 90 days per 180-day period), visa exemption also applies to nationals of many countries. Gainful employment is not permitted during the visa-free stay. An immediate extension of the visit is generally not possible without further ado.
Further information on visa requirements, visa exemption and the procedure as well as the Schengen states can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (see "Related links"). Basic information on the requirements for the visa procedure can also be obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office.
Special information for - District of Bad Tölz WolfratshausenUnder Forms you will find the application for the issue or extension of a residence permit.
Prerequisites
The requirements for the issue of a national visa are based on the regulations applicable to the issue of a residence permit, an EU Blue Card, an ICT card, a settlement permit and an EU permanent residence permit and therefore differ depending on the purpose of residence (see "Related topics").
Deadlines
The visa application must be submitted to the relevant diplomatic mission in good time before the intended entry.
Required documents
The documents to be submitted may vary considerably.
Please enquire at your local diplomatic mission abroad. As a rule, however, the following documents are required:
Valid passport
Proof of secure means of subsistence, declaration of commitment if applicable
Proof of sufficient living space
Proof of health insurance cover
Proof of the purpose of your stay, e.g. employer's certificate or employment contract, marriage certificate
Other documents if applicableForms
- Application for the issue or extension of a residence permit
Please complete the application form in block letters or using a typewriter or computer in German. Please check or complete as appropriate. Please do not fill in blank fields.
- Visa application forms in PDF format - Application forms for a long-term stay (national visa, category D)
- Application for the issue or extension of a residence permit
Costs
- Issue: 75 EUR
- Extension: 25 EUR
- Extension of a Schengen visa in Germany beyond 90 days as a national visa: EUR 60
Legal basis
Legal remedy
Administrative court action (competent administrative court Berlin)Remonstration at the respective diplomatic mission abroad
Further links
- List of countries requiring or exempting visas for entry into the Federal Republic of Germany
- Visa requirements
Information from the Federal Foreign Office
Related services
- Residence permit; application for employment under the Western Balkans regulation
- Residence permit; application for the purpose of studying
- Residence cards and certificate of permanent residence for persons entitled to freedom of movement; application
- EU permanent residence; applying for a permit
- Residence permit; general information
- EU Blue Card; Application
- Settlement permit; application
- Declaration of commitment; submission
- Residence permit; application for gainful employment in Germany
- Residence permit; application for family reunification with foreigners
- Residence permit; application for in-company training and further training and school-based vocational training