While international professionals from certain countries can enter without a visa, others must apply for a visa before entering Germany. This article provides an overview of visa requirements by country of origin, presents the most important changes through the reformed immigration law, and shows why choosing the right visa is crucial for successful entry.

Visa requirements: Who needs a visa?

Countries without visa requirements:

Nationals of the following countries can enter Germany without a visa:

EU member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Cyprus

Other European countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Non-European countries: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Kiribati, Colombia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, United States of America

Nationals of the above-mentioned countries can enter without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days total and apply for a residence permit on-site. For nationals of all other countries, visa requirements apply when entering Germany.

New perspectives through the reformed immigration law

Germany has fundamentally modernized its immigration law in recent years. The original Skilled Immigration Act came into force in 2020. A comprehensive reform followed in 2023, with full implementation in March 2024.

Objective of the reform: To significantly facilitate access to the German labor market for qualified professionals from abroad. The application process was simplified, bureaucratic hurdles reduced, and legal requirements adjusted.

Background of the reform: Germany needs approximately 400,000 additional skilled workers annually to counteract demographic change and the growing number of requirements. Personnel are particularly lacking in healthcare, technology, and the service sector.

The most important improvements through the reform

• No more priority review: Previously, before hiring a foreign professional, it had to be verified whether a comparably qualified person from Germany was available for the position. This review is now eliminated.
• More professional flexibility: Qualified professionals can now work not only in their learned profession but also in related or non-regulated professions – provided their qualification is recognized or partially recognized.
• Quicker path to permanent residency: Qualified professionals can now apply for the so-called settlement permit after four years instead of five years.

Advantages for healthcare professionals

The visa for recognition (§16d) now allows a stay of up to two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. During this time, up to 20 hours per week of work outside the healthcare sector is permitted – an important means of financial support during the recognition phase.

The EU Blue Card, which facilitates residence for particularly qualified professionals, was also reformed. The income. The income threshold was significantly lowered, making this residence permit more attractive.

As a new immigration program, the Opportunity Card was introduced, through which professionals can come to Germany even without already having an employment contract.

Overview of relevant visa types

Finding the right visa and submitting the application correctly is crucial for successful entry into Germany. Depending on the purpose of stay, different visa types are available. The visa purpose must match the planned stay exactly. Those who apply for a visa with the wrong purpose risk rejection and must start the entire application process from scratch.

The following visa types are available for entry into Germany:

Schengen visa (Category C)

The Schengen visa is suitable for tourist purposes and short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. An extension is not possible and employment is not permitted with this visa.

Visa for studies and student applicant visa

This visa is aimed at people who want to complete university studies in Germany or fist search for a study place. It allows residence for the duration of studies and permits employment to a limited extent.

Language course visa according to §16f

The language course visa enables attendance of an intensive German course for up to one year with the possibility of extension. Prerequisites include an enrollment in a German course with at least 18 hours per week.

Visa for recognition of foreign professional qualifications according to §16d

The recognition visa is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who are seeking professional recognition in Germany. A prerequisite is a decision from a German recognition authority. The duration of stay is up to two years with the possibility of extension.

Visa for employment

This visa is aimed at professionals with recognized professional qualifications and a concrete employment contract. It authorizes immediate commencement of employment in the learned profession and sets the basis for long-term professional integration.

Opportunity Card

The Opportunity Card enables entry for job search without a concrete job offer. A points system determines eligibility based on qualifications, language skills, professional experience, and age. A minimum of six points is required. The Opportunity Card is valid for up to one year.

Visa for family reunification

The visa for family reunification enables family members of persons living in Germany to enter and reside together. Prerequisites include sufficient living space and secured livelihood of the person living in Germany, among others.

Support in choosing the right visa

Finding the right visa can be challenging. Our overview table outlines the main visa options available for international professionals. It provides a quick overview of each visa’s purpose, duration, and requirements, making it easier to decide which visa suits your situation best.

The path to the right visa

Choosing the right visa is crucial for a successful start in Germany. The topic area “the German Visa” serves as a step-by-step guide through the entire process – from selecting the right visa type through the application process to successfully obtaining the visa. Detailed information on individual visa types, practical tips for preparation, and important details on required documents such as proof of financing and health insurance are compiled here.

Community channels on the topic of visa

To ask questions about individual cases and different requirements of embassies in the home country, the Freiburger Bund offers community channels around the topic of visa. Simply select the respective region and exchange experiences.
To the community channels by region:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe & Australia
• North- und South America