Germany is not just a country; it is a land full of opportunities. Whether you are an ambitious professional, a diligent student, or an applicant seeking family reunification, the German Long-Stay Visa in 2025 can help you embark on a brand-new future.
The Six Main Categories of German Long-Stay Visas
The German Long-Stay Visa is intended for applicants planning to stay for more than 90 days and primarily includes the following six types:
- Employment & Skilled Work Visa
This visa is intended for individuals who have already secured a work contract or who qualify under the German Skilled Immigration Act.
- Study & Research Visa
This visa applies to students and scholars pursuing degrees at German universities or conducting research at German research institutions.
- Chancenkarte – Job Seeker Visa ✨New Policy in 2025✨
The newly introduced "Chancenkarte" (Opportunity Card), based on a points system, allows job seekers to enter Germany to find work with a maximum stay of one year. They can work part-time, gain local experience in Germany, and increase their employment opportunities.
- Family Reunification Visa
This visa is for German citizens or EU citizens residing in Germany who wish to apply for family reunification.
- Business & Freelancing Visa
This visa is suitable for entrepreneurs or investors who plan to start a business or work as freelancers in Germany.
- Training & Internships Visa
This visa applies to applicants planning to participate in vocational training or internships in Germany.
Updates to Germany's Long-Stay Visa Policies in 2025
- Chancenkarte – Brand-New Points-Based Job Seeker Visa
- This allows job seekers without a work contract to enter Germany with a maximum stay of one year.
- Applicants are scored based on factors such as education, work experience, and German language proficiency, and those who meet the minimum score can apply.
- They can legally work part-time to enhance their employment competitiveness.
- EU Blue Card Policy Optimization
- The salary threshold has been lowered to make more talents eligible for application.
- Expanding the List of Shortage Occupations (Including fieldssuch as Information Technology, Healthcare, and Engineering).
- Full Digitization of Visa Applications
- Applications can be submitted online through the German Consular Services Portal.
- Reduces waiting times for appointments and accelerates the visa approval process.
- New Policy for Foreign Degree Recognition
Applicants can now complete their degree recognition after entering Germany, eliminating the need to wait for recognition to be completed in their home country.
German Long-Stay Visa in 2025: Can You Work?
Whether you can work legally depends on your visa type:
- Employment Visa: Applicants with a work contract can work directly.
- EU Blue Card: Highly skilled talents can freely seek employment in Germany and enjoy more relaxed working conditions.
- Chancenkarte: Part-time work is allowed during the job seeking period, but a formal work visa must be applied after securing a full-time job.
- Student Visa: Allows a maximum of 20 hours of work per week.
- Freelancer Visa: Allows individuals to pursue freelance work or run their own business in Germany.
❌ Job Seeker Visa: Work is not permitted during the validity of this visa; upon finding employment, it must be converted to an Employment Visa.
Requirements for Applying for a German Long-Stay Visa in 2025
Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
- A valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 6 months after the intended period of stay).
- Meet the specific requirements for the visa category (such as a work contract, university admission letter, business plan, etc.).
- Health insurance coverage (with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses).
- Sufficient financial means (proof of bank deposits, work contract, or financial sponsorship letter is required).
- Proof of accommodation in Germany (lease contract or accommodation arrangement).
- No history of immigration violations in Schengen Area countries.
Application Process for a German Long-Stay Visa in 2025
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Visa Type
Visit the German Consular Services Portal and choose the visa that suits your situation.
Step 2: Prepare the Application Materials
Completely fill out the visa application form.
Provide a valid passport and copies of previous visas.
Submit recent biometric passport photos.
Purpose-related documents (work contract, university admission letter, business plan, etc.).
Proof of financial means (bank deposit, sponsorship letter, etc.).
Proof of Health Insurance
Proof of accommodation in Germany.
Academic qualifications and professional certifications (translated into German or English).
Step 3: Schedule a Visa Interview
Make an appointment for an interview at the German Embassy/Consulate.
Step 4: Visa Interview
Submit biometric data and answer questions from the visa officer regarding the purpose of your application.
Step 5: Await Visa Approval
This usually takes 6-12 weeks. If approved, you can collect your visa and travel to Germany.
Visa Fees & Financial Requirements for a German Long-Stay Visa in 2025
- Visa Fees
Standard Long-Stay Visa: €75
EU Blue Card Visa: €110
Job Seeker Visa (Chancenkarte): €75
Student Visa: €75
Family Reunification Visa: €75
- Bank Deposit Requirements
Job Seeker Visa: €1,200 per month (total of €14,400 for 12 months).
Student Visa: €11,208 per year (requires a blocked account in Germany).
Work Visa: Evidence of stable income through a work contract
Freelancer Visa: Proof of sufficient savings or contracted clients
Advantages of a German Long-Stay Visa in 2025
- Digital application process for increased efficiency
- Availability of Job Seeker Visa (Chancenkarte) for enhanced employment opportunities
- Lowered threshold for the EU Blue Card to attract more highly skilled talents
- More flexible recognition of foreign academic qualifications, which can be completed after entry into Germany
If you plan to study, work, start a business, or settle in Germany, now is the best time!
