Germany Long Stay Visas
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Germany Long Stay Visas – Eligibility and How to Apply

If you are planning a trip to Germany, you may be wondering about the requirements for a long stay visa. In general, you need a Germany long stay visa (D visas) if you plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study. Or if you want to stay in Germany permanently. Moreover, you need to apply for a residence permit after entering Germany, as a long stay visa holder.

In this article, we have discussed what is required and outline the steps you need to take to apply for a long stay visa in Germany. Keep in mind that your nationality and the length of your stay will affect your eligibility.

What is Germany Long Stay Visa?

A Germany Long Stay Visa is an excellent opportunity for people who want to stay in Germany permanently. The visa allows you to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study. That is, Germany long stay visa is perfect for you if you want to stay for a long time. With the visa, you can easily extend your stay if you wish. The application process is relatively easy, just the same as applying for other German visas.

However, you will be required to get a residence permit if you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days, or 3 months. We recommend you get your permit early enough after arriving in Germany.

Generally, the long stay visa is issued to people for different  purposes and are of different types. The following Germany long stay visas are issued:

Who Needs the Germany long stay Visa?

Your nationality goes a long way to determine if you will need a Germany long stay visa or not. Basically, if you hold a third-world country passport, you will need a visa. If you were previously rejected from entering Germany or any Schengen country, you will also need to obtain the long stay visa.

However, EU citizens, Icelanders, Norwegians, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Do not need a visa to enter Germany for any reason, due to the Schengen Agreement made in 1985 among European Union member states.

Moreover, some country citizens apart from the Schengen nationals are exempted. That is, they can apply for their residence permit after entering Germany. The countries include:

  • EEA/EU member states the United States of America
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • Republic of Korea

Nevertheless, not all nationals can enjoy this visa-free entry into Germany. Other third-world country nationals who wants to move to Germany for long stay, must have their visa before they enter Germany.



Requirements to Apply for Long Stay Visas in Germany

It is mandatory that you fulfill basic requirements before you apply for the Visa. Most often than not, you will need to hand in the documents by yourself.

Please provide the documents below for Germany long stay visa application:

  • Complete the Germany National Visa application form. Take care to fill in accurate information that is the same with information you provided in other documents. Print two original copies of the form and sign at the end of each form. It is recommended you write with capital letters.
  • Submit two passport photographs. Must be recent passports not older than two months.
  • You must have Valid National Passport, not older than 10 years. It must be within the validity period. Also, your passport should have one blank page so you can affix visa sticker on it.
  • Provide proof of Health Insurance: This document confirms that healthcare I covered insurance. This should cover a minimum of €30,000 in case of any illness or emergency. Moreover, the insurance must cover the whole Schengen.
  •  Must have your flight Itinerary including, rail tickets, flight reservation or any other form of transportation you intend to use.
  • Provide Proof of accommodation for your stay in Germany. To include: your hotel booking details or letter of invitation from a host. If you’re staying with a friend/family, provide a copy of their ID and Passport. As well as proof that they can finance your stay.
  • Provide Proof of civil status; Such as marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, among others).
  • Have proof of financial status. You must provide proof to show that you have 853€ per month to the German embassy.

How To Apply For Germany Long Stay Visa

The application process for the visa is similar to every other German visa application. Apply at the German Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Follow this step by step instructions:

Step 1: Find out if you need a Germany Long Stay or not

The first step to start your Journey to move to Germany permanently, is to determine whether you will need the Germany long stay visa. If you will need the it, the guide below will walk you through it. However, If you’re not sure, check the Schengen visa-exempt countries to know if your country is exempted from the Germany long stay visa.

Step 2: Get the required documents

After you have confirmed that you will need a Germany long stay visa. The next thing is to assemble your documents. Make sure you have all the documents listed earlier at hand to apply for your visa. On your appointment day, don’t forget to carry all your documents.

Step 3: Get An Appointment

After gathering your documents, its time to book an appointment. It is mandatory that you book an appointment before you go to the embassy. If it is your first time, make enquiries with the German embassy in your country to know where you can submit your application. Generally, you can apply at a;

  • German embassy.
  • German consulate or
  • Visa Application Center.

Step 4: Head to Application Center and Submit your Visa application form

On the appointment day, make sure you arrive at the embassy on time. If you arrive late, the embassy may not process your visa request after 10 minutes past the stated time. On arrival, your appointment letter will be verified and you will be issued a token.

The next thing is to submit your application. Often, It takes 10 minutes to complete the submission process. Once you’re done, your documents and visa application form will be checked and verified. Make sure you arrange the documents in the order stated on the checklist. Also sign and complete your application information for the Germany long stay visa application. Once the application is complete, your passport, application form, and documents will be held temporarily by the embassy. No need to worry, your visa will be returned.

Step 5: Entering of Application Information

After your documents are verified, the information will be entered into the online system of the consulate. Usually, the process takes about 10-15 minutes after you will be receive the printed copy. Once this is done, you should pay for your visa and collect the receipt. Keep it safe, you will need it to collect your processed application.



Step 6: Biometric Capturing

Last but not the least is your biometric capturing. Here, your 10-digit thumbs will be scanned. Note that, it may take up to eight minutes for each person. Once you’re done with the biometric capturing, Congratulations! Your visa application is completed. Keep your receipt intact so you can collect your passport when it is ready.

Germany Long Stay Visa Processing Time

Basically, Germany long stay visa takes 4 to 5 weeks to be processed. It will take the embassy two to ten working days to decide whether to grant the application or not. We recommend that you submit your application on time to avoid delay during peak travel season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a long stay German visa?

The length of time given for a Germany long stay visa depends on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit. For instance, a language course visa in Germany which will last more than three months can be issued for a maximum of one year. Although you can apply for residence permit and extend your stay.

What is Type D visa in Germany?

A type D visa is a type of visa that allows you to travel to Germany and apply for a residence permit with the local immigration office, or pursue an economic activity during the validity period of the visa. It is basically for people who wants to work in Germany.

How can I stay in Germany forever?

You can stay forever in Germany if you have a Permanent (Settlement) Residence Permit. To achieve this, you first need to apply for naturalization(That is, becoming a German Citizen), which is only possible after 8 years as a permanent resident.

Conclusion

In summary, it is very easy to get a Germany long stay visa if you follow the steps we have provided. Whether you want to get a long stay visa for work, study, or even family reunion. You have seen the various documents you need, and how you can apply for the Germany long stay visa. So, tidy up and take the first step to move to Germany.

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