Your complete guide to entering and staying in Germany legally.
You cannot come to Germany just to chill — you must provide a reason for your stay. The type of visa you receive depends entirely on why you want to be in Germany.
You apply for a job from your home country. Once you get approved and sign the working agreement, you are qualified for a visa.
If you have a university degree and a job offer that pays you above the salary threshold, you qualify for an accelerated EU Blue Card.
€50,700
per year (regular jobs)
€45,934.20
per year (medical, IT, engineering)
Note: These are 2025 thresholds and are updated annually by the German government.
Everyone with an EU passport has freedom of movement and the right to live and work within the European Union — no visa required.
Germany lets you enter the country and gives you up to one year to find a job on the ground.
A popular route — university in Germany is very affordable (often free or low-cost) depending on your citizenship and the federal state.
€11,904
minimum in a German blocked bank account as proof of funds (2025 rate)
If you are marrying or have a parent working in Germany, you can join them through the family reunification visa (Familienzusammenführung). This usually requires a basic German level of A1.
No matter which visa you pick, the following documents are essential:
Schedule a visa appointment at the closest German embassy or consulate to you. Demand is very high, so book as early as possible — waiting times can be months long.
You present all required documents, give your fingerprints (biometrics), and answer a few questions about yourself and why you want to go to Germany.
You leave your passport with the embassy. The process typically takes 2 to 8 weeks. If you are eligible, your visa will be printed inside your passport and mailed back to your address.
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