Germany visa guide: all visa and residence types

Holidaymakers whose main destination is Germany apply for a Schengen type C visa valid for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

To stay with relatives or friends in Germany for up to 90 days you apply for a Schengen visa in the visit category.

Patients travelling to Germany for planned treatment apply for a Schengen visa in the medical category, showing the clinic's confirmation, the expected cost and how it will be paid.

Exhibitors and visitors at German trade fairs, and artists, athletes or participants in cultural and sports events of up to 90 days, apply for a Schengen visa with the organiser's confirmation.

Meetings, negotiations, trade-fair visits and similar short business activities in Germany require a Schengen visa in the business category.

Founders and freelancers can get a residence permit under § 21 of the Residence Act if the business serves an economic interest or regional need, is expected to have positive effects on the economy and is properly funded.

International students admitted to a German university or a recognised preparatory course apply for a national visa under § 16b of the Residence Act.

A German course lasting more than 90 days that does not prepare you for university admission is covered by § 16f of the Residence Act.

Researchers with a hosting agreement or contract from a research institution approved by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees receive a residence permit under § 18d.

Graduates of the last two years and current university students can complete an internship in Germany under § 16e of the Residence Act for up to six months.

Young people aged 18 to 26 with basic German can live with a host family in Germany for six to twelve months, helping with childcare in exchange for board, lodging and at least EUR 280 pocket money a month.

Professionals whose qualification is state-recognised in their home country but not formally recognised in Germany can work in a non-regulated occupation if they have at least two years of relevant experience and earn at least EUR 45,630 a year in 2026, or work for an employer bound by a collective agreement.

Skilled workers with a German-recognised vocational qualification (§ 18a) or university degree (§ 18b) and a job offer may work in Germany in any qualified job.

University graduates with a qualified job offer paying at least EUR 50,700 gross a year in 2026, or EUR 45,934.20 in shortage occupations and for graduates of the last three years, can obtain the EU Blue Card.

The Opportunity Card lets qualified people look for work in Germany for up to one year without a job offer.

Managers, specialists and trainees employed by a company outside the EU can be transferred to a German branch of the same group for more than 90 days with an ICT Card.

Young people from Germany’s partner countries can spend up to 12 months in Germany and take holiday jobs to fund the trip.

Spouses and minor children of foreigners living in Germany with a residence permit can join them on a national family reunification visa.

The foreign spouse of a German citizen living in Germany receives a residence permit if both are at least 18 and the spouse can communicate in simple German (A1), with the same hardship and disability exemptions as for other families.

The settlement permit is Germany's unlimited residence title.