Germany Long-Term Visa Process in 2025: Work, Study, or Join Family

If you want to move to Germany for more than 90 days in 2025—for a job, studies, or to reunite with family—you’ll need a Germany Long-Term Visa (National Visa or Type D Visa). This visa allows you to enter Germany and apply for a residence permit to stay longer.

Here’s everything you need to know about the purpose, eligibility, work rights, application process, and timeline—explained in simple terms.

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What Is the Germany Long-Term Visa?

Excerpt: The Germany Long-Term (National) Visa is required for non-EU nationals who plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work, study, training, family reunion, or other purposes.

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Who Needs It?

Excerpt: Citizens from most countries outside the EU need this visa before entering Germany. However, citizens from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and Switzerland can enter visa-free and apply for a residence permit after arriving.

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What Can You Do on a Long-Term Visa?

Excerpt: The visa covers multiple purposes, including:

• Studying or taking a language course

• Working or doing vocational training

• Family reunification with spouse, child, or parents

• Job seeking (via Chancenkarte / Opportunity Card)

• Research or academic exchange

• Au Pair and voluntary services

• Working holiday programs

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Am I Eligible for the Germany National Visa?

Excerpt: You can apply if you:

• Plan to stay longer than 90 days

• Have a valid passport (issued in the last 10 years)

• Can show legal residence in your current country

• Meet the specific criteria for your visa type (e.g., job offer, admission letter)

• Are ready to provide biometrics (fingerprints, photo)

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Can You Work on a Germany Long-Term Visa?

Excerpt: Yes—if your visa is for work or study-to-work purposes. Categories like work, vocational training, or job seeker visas allow employment. If you study in Germany, you can later switch to a work permit.

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How Long Does Processing Take in 2025?

Excerpt: Most applications take 4 to 12 weeks, but delays are possible based on your case, visa type, and document verification. You won’t get status updates during this period, so submit everything carefully.

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Germany Long-Term Visa Application Process (2025)

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type

Decide whether you’re applying for work, study, family reunion, or another purpose.

Step 2: Select the Application Channel

• VisaMetric: For work, study, and some family reunion cases

• Embassy: For language course, Au Pair, Chancenkarte

• Consular Portal: Online submission for selected categories

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

You’ll typically need:

• Completed VIDEX National Visa form

• Passport and biometric photos

• Proof of purpose (e.g., job contract, admission letter)

• Legal residence permit (if applying from a third country)

• Visa fee: €75 (+ service charge if using VisaMetric)

Important: All documents must be authentic. Fakes = automatic rejection.

Step 4: Book an Appointment

Schedule an appointment with the German embassy or VisaMetric. You’ll provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) during this step.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

You’ll receive either your passport with a visa sticker or a rejection letter. Processing times vary by category.

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What Happens After You Arrive in Germany?

Excerpt: Your visa lets you enter Germany legally. Once there, you must:

• Register your local residence (Anmeldung)

• Apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde)

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Visa Validity & Schengen Travel Rights

Excerpt: The visa:

• Shows your name, photo, and passport number

• Lists your entry dates and allowed stay duration

• Lets you visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period

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Quick Summary Table

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Final Tips

• Prepare early and gather all required documents before applying

• Choose the correct visa category to avoid delays

• After arrival, act quickly to register and apply for your residence permit

• Visit official sites for accurate, up-to-date information

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References:

• Germany Embassy in Ireland – Visa Info

• Germany.info – Residence Visa Guide

• Make it in Germany – Visa Types