Germany visas – A guide on your visa and permit options.

Germany Visa Options

So you’re looking to move to Germany, or maybe you’re already well on your way and have it all planned. Either way it is still incredibly important to understand your options when it comes to Visas and Permits. After all, you certainly want to avoid any mishaps when it comes to the legal stuff.

Moving from the UK?

Since Brexit, UK nationals no longer have automatic freedom of movement within the EU. You’ll most definitely need a Visa if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. And if you’re making a big move, it’s more than likely going to be longer than 90 days.

Let’s break it down for those who are from the UK:

🛂 Visa Type	💼 Who It’s For	📄 Requirements	⏳ Validity
Job Seeker Visa	Professionals seeking work in Germany	University degree, relevant experience, proof of funds to support yourself	6 months (extendable)
Skilled Worker Visa	People with a job offer from a German employer	Job offer, vocational training or university degree, recognition of qualifications, health insurance	Up to 4 years
Freelance/Self-Employed	Freelancers, artists, digital nomads	Viable business plan, financial proof, client contracts (if freelance), health insurance	1–3 years (renewable)
Family Reunification	Partners or children of residents in Germany	Proof of relationship (marriage/birth cert), sponsor’s residence permit and income, basic German language knowledge	Depends on sponsor’s visa
EU Blue Card	Highly skilled workers with higher earnings	Job-offer with salary above threshold (€45,300+ in 2024), degree, health insurance	Up to 4 years

For even more details on this – check out the Federal Foreign Office page

If you’re moving from another EU country such as France or Spain – you’re an EU or EEA citizen, you don’t need a visa to move to Germany!

There’s only a couple of things that you’ll need to do…

Register your address at a local registration office (Anmeldung)
Get health insurance and possibly open a German bank account

Estimated Visa Processing Times for Germany

The time it takes to process your German visa can vary depending on your location, the type of visa you’re applying for, and how complete your application is. It doesn’t matter what your situation is, here at EuromoveDirect we believe that it is highly important for you to be as clued up as possible when it comes to the paperwork so that your relocation can be as smooth as possible.

Estimated processing times:

Job Seeker Visa
4–10 weeks
Skilled Worker Visa
4–12 weeks
EU Blue Card
6–10 weeks
Freelance Visa
8–16 weeks (can be longer in Berlin or Hamburg)
Self-Employment Visa
8–16 weeks
Family Reunification
6–12 weeks (can vary based on embassy & sponsor status)
Student Visa
6–10 weeks
Researcher/Scientist Visa
4–8 weeks (often faster if hosted by a public institution)

Here’s an expert tip for you

It’s always smart to apply as early as possible. Appointment availability at German consulates can sometimes be limited, especially during peak moving seasons – which are during the Summer and Autumn months.

Are you at your early planning stages of your Germany move? We recommend that you check out our full guide on Removals to Germany — it’s a great first step for anyone still weighing up their big move to Germany!

⚠️ Common Visa Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Whilst applying for a German Visa isn’t rocket science, it is more common than you think to make a mistake in the application process. There are a few easy to miss pitfalls which can delay your plans. We have compiled a list of things to look out for so that you can be prepared and stay ahead of any potential hiccups.

❌ Mistake	✅ How to Avoid It

Submitting incomplete documents

Use the official embassy checklist and double-check with recent updates on the consulate’s website. Missing even one item (like passport copies or insurance confirmation) can cause delays.

Not having recognised qualifications

For job-related visas, your degree or training must be recognised in Germany. Use the Anabin database or get a certificate from ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) before applying.

No blocked account or proof of funds

For student, job seeker, or freelance visas, you need to prove financial self-sufficiency. Open a Sperrkonto (blocked bank account) with the required amount in advance.

Freelance/self-employed plan not specific enough

Germany takes self-employment seriously. Submit a realistic business plan, client letters, and proof of demand for your services — especially in cities like Berlin or Munich.

Applying too late

Some embassies have 1–2 month wait times for appointments. Start 3–4 months in advance of your planned move. You can book appointments even before all paperwork is ready.

Incorrect health insurance

Travel insurance doesn’t count. You need a proper German health insurance policy that meets visa requirements — either private or public. Double-check the embassy’s list of accepted providers.

Overstaying a 90-day visit

If you’re entering on a tourist visa and applying for a residence permit inside Germany, you must apply before the 90-day mark. Overstaying can risk denial or bans.

Poor German skills for family reunification

A1-level German is often required for spouses — unless they’re joining an EU Blue Card holder or under certain exemptions. Get started on a basic language certificate early.

Required Documents for your Germany Visa.

Every visa type comes with its own paperwork requirements, but most applications share a common set of core documents. Here’s a general checklist to guide you — always cross-reference with the official requirements for your specific visa type and consulate.

Core Documents (Most Visas)

Valid Passport (at least 6 months remaining, with 2 blank pages)
Completed Visa Application Form
Passport-Sized Photos (Biometric, recent – usually two copies)
Proof of Health Insurance (must meet German standards)
Proof of Financial Means
- Bank statements
- Blocked account confirmation (for students/job seekers)
- Employment contract or freelance client letters
Cover Letter or Motivation Letter
- Why you want to move to Germany
- What you plan to do (work, study, freelance, etc.)
Proof of Accommodation in Germany
- Rental agreement or temporary booking
Clean Criminal Record Certificate (sometimes required depending on visa type)

For Work or Blue Card Visas

Signed Job Contract or Offer Letter
Recognition of Qualifications (via Anabin or ZAB)
CV / Resume
Proof of Salary Above Threshold (for Blue Card holders)

For Freelance/Self-Employed Visas

Business Plan (detailed and realistic)
Portfolio / Client Letters (proof of existing contracts)
Revenue Forecast or Financial Plan
Proof of Demand for Your Work in Germany

For Family Reunification Visas

Marriage or Birth Certificates
Proof of Sponsor’s Legal Residence in Germany
Proof of Income & Accommodation from Sponsor
A1-Level German Certificate (for spouses, unless exempt)

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